Dynamic Systems Development Method Research Articles

The diffusion of information systems development methods

This paper describes an investigation into the diffusion of information systems development methods (ISDMs). Such methods have a critical strategic impact on organizational performance in that they are the means for constructing, adapting and renewing the IS infrastructure in line with organizational strategy. We portray method diffusion as an instance of technological diffusion. Technological diffusion is normally portrayed within the IS industry as an overtly rational process. In this paper we postulate that the external diffusion process of ISDMs has many features in common with broader social movements. We maintain that the diffusion of ISDMs is a key example of knowledge-based diffusion and use the case of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), a public domain standard method for Rapid Application Development (RAD), to refine a model of knowledge-based diffusion. Such a framework is important for understanding how such methods shape the community of practice in the IS development domain. Specifically how organizations adapt, deploy and use such knowledge. In further work we intend to verify aspects of this knowledge-based perspective in longitudinal and further case-study work.

IEC 61131 and DSDM in real-time process control applications

Wessex Water is one of the smallest of the privatised UK water companies, covering an area of 10000 km2 and serving 2.4 million customers. This article outlines the way in which IEC 61131 and the dynamic systems development method have been adopted for use in developing real-time control systems for complex water treatment plants. Some conclusions are drawn regarding the benefits of this approach, which might be of interest to other practitioners and researchers.

'It's lots of bits of paper and ticks and post-it notes and things . . .': a case study of a rapid application development project

This paper reports an in-depth case study of a rapid application devel- opment (RAD) project. RAD is a recent information systems development method noted for its high levels of user involvement and use of iterative prototyping. The paper develops a model of the core features of RAD gleaned from literature such as that published on the dynamic systems development method (DSDM). We report an ethnographic study of a RAD project and use this case material to con- trast the theory with the practice of RAD. We conclude the paper with a consid- eration of a number of possible revisions to the prescriptions of RAD and also discuss the role of RAD within the broader context of IS development.

Investigating principles of stakeholder evaluation in a modern IS development approach

This paper investigates how stakeholder evaluation strategies may be embraced into a modern IS development approach – the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM). DSDM is currently the de facto standard for rapid application development (RAD) in the UK. Theoretically, the participative and iterative nature of DSDM can facilitate effective IS evaluation strategies of an interpretive and informal nature. Using both the object system class framework [Hirschheim96], and the informal findings of a recent survey of DSDM-affiliated UK organisations, the authors produce results encouraging to those proponents of a more holistic approach to IS evaluation. The disparate nature of DSDM in practice also serves as a warning that the success of such evaluation strategies may depend heavily on how the organisation embraces specific IS development strategies.

Rapid application development (RAD): an empirical review

Rapid application development (RAD) is an approach to information systems (IS) development which is much discussed in the practitioner literature. However, there is comparatively little research data on this topic. This paper forms a report of the results of a multi-disciplinary research project which has been studying this development approach for the last three years. The paper discusses seven case studies of RAD projects and compares each to issues relating to a number of RAD principles as represented in methodologies such as the recent open standard known as dynamic systems development method. We conclude with a discussion of a number of important questions relating to further research on RAD.

A new RAD‐based approach to commercial information systems development: the dynamic system development method

The dynamic system development method (DSDM) is a holistic approach to system development in a rapid application development (RAD) environment. It provides an overall framework, based on wide experience, for particular types of commercial information system development projects. The method is currently undergoing trials in a number of user organizations. The formation of the consortium and the successful launch of the method shows how user organizations and IT professionals can take a proactive stance in the advancement of system development practice.

Rapid integration and testing of business solutions

Rapid application development (RAD) methodology is increasingly being used by software development units across BT as a means of delivering maximum functionality in the shortest time thereby allowing the company to respond quickly to new business opportunities. DSDM (Dynamic Systems Development Method) has emerged as the UK and international standard for RAD and is currently being used by a number of development units within BT. For a number of reasons, some of the fundamental tenets of DSDM are proving difficult to use for small to medium size multimedia and business solution projects. This paper looks at how the Advanced Service Management Unit of BT's Systems Integration Department has responded to this situation and formulated a hybrid approach to testing known as ‘SI-Rapid’.

Developing a RAD standard

The UK's Dynamic Systems Development Method Consortium has identified the special characteristics of RAD (rapid application development) projects and published a first version of a development standard. The three critical success factors are: easy access to end users, a stable and skilled development team, and a commercial application.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>