3.2-3 - Alternative to Waterfall

Question 1

Agile Methods

Answer 1

• Flexible
• Allows for rapid changes along the cycle

A. Extreme Programming
B. Scrum

Question 2

Iterative Methods

Answer 2

• Working to complete each piece
• Improving design or expanding capabilities

A. Rational Unified Progress
B. Dynamic Systems

Question 3

Prototyping

Answer 3

ITERATIVE:
Users work alongside developers and “try-out” each part and give feedback
More commitment from users

WORKS BEST: when it is difficult to identify needs of the system

Advantages:
Users know what the system looks like & how it functions because it’s tested regularly

Disadvantages:
Weak internal controls
Lack of data integrity safeguards

Question 4

Rapid Application Development

Answer 4

Rapid prototyping with little pre-planning (reduce costs)

Pareto Rule: 80% of system functionality is completed in 20% of the time

An agreed-on minimum set of requirements is the benchmark for completion instead of all the requirements

Uses: database queries, report writers, data manipulation, web development

Velocity & Turnover

Plan & Design as you go

Schedule cannot be changed - scope & costs may be sacrificed to keep project moving

WORKS BEST: specialized systems where performance is not crucial (less integrated)

Foundation for all modern systems development like Agile, Extreme Programming, Scrum

Question 5

End-User Development

Answer 5

Implemented by the user (because they know their needs)

Reduces need for systems specialists

Disadvantages: security, less technical expertise, duplication, incompatible with other systems, rarely supported by IT (hard to fix), difficult to upgrade & maintain

Question 6

Outsourcing

Answer 6

Advantages:
Cost savings

Disadvantages:
Difficult to communicate needs, time differences, language barriers