Principles

Question 1

What are the 8 DSDM Principles?

Answer 1

1. Focus on the business need
2. Deliver on time
3. Collaborate
4. Never compromise quality
5. Build incrementally on form foundations
6. Develop iteratively
7. Communicate continuously and clearly
8. Demonstrate control

Question 2

Define the principle focus on the business need.

Answer 2

Every decision taken during a project should be viewed in the light of the overriding project goal - to deliver what the business needs.

Question 3

Define the principle deliver on time.

Answer 3

Delivering a solution on time is quite often the most important success factor for a project.

Late delivery can undermine the rationale for the project.

On time delivery of intermediate products is the best way to demonstrate control over the evolution of the solution.

Question 4

Define the principle collaborate.

Answer 4

Teams that work in a spirit of active cooperation and commitment will alway outperform groups of individuals working groups only in loose connection.

Collaboration encourages increased understanding, greater speed and shared ownership.

Question 5

Define the principle never compromise quality.

Answer 5

The level of quality should be agreed at the start. All work should be aimed at achieving that level of quality. A solution has to be ‘good enough’.

Question 6

Define the principle build incrementally from firm foundations.

Answer 6

First understand the scope of the business problem to be solved and the proposed solution but not in great detail.

Once firm foundations have been developed, the solution is delivered incrementally.

Incremental delivery encourages stakeholder confidence, offering a source of feedback and may lead to the early realisation of business benefits.

Question 7

Define the principle develop iteratively.

Answer 7

Recognises that projects operate within a changing world.

Embracing change as part of the evolutionary process allows the team to converge on an accurate business solution.

Question 8

Define the principle communicate continuously and clearly.

Answer 8

DSDM Practices are specially designed to improve the effectiveness of communications.

Question 9

Define the principle of demonstrate control.

Answer 9

It is essential to be in control of a project and the solutions being created at all times and be able to demonstrate that this is the case.

It is vital to ensure the transparency of all work being performed by the team.