Software Development Methodologies

2nd December- 4th December 2013

Software Development Methodologies

A software development methodology are concerned with the process of creating software- not so much the technical side but the organizational aspects. 

Types of development Methodologies

According to the different types of project the development methodologies varies. when it comes to choosing the correct development methodologies for different types of projects is very important. Choosing the wrong development methodologies can lead to huge losses in time and money. Below shows some of the main Development methodologies which are used in projects,

Rational Unified Process(RUP)

The diagram below shows the phases of RUP in a detail format

Source: wittmannclan.com, (2013)

Advantages of RUP

Source: wittmannclan.com, (2013)

1. This is a complete methodology in itself with an emphasis on accurate documentation.
2. It is Proactively able to resolve the project risks associated with the client's evolving requirements required carefully change request management.
3. Less time is required for integration as the process of integration goes on throughout the software development life cycle.
4. There is online training and tutorial available for this process.

Disadvantages of RUP software development

Source: wittmannclan.com, (2013)

1. The team members need to be expert in their field to develop a software under this methodology
2. The development process is too complex and disorganized.

Agile

According to Agilemethodology, (2008)The agile movement proposes alternatives to traditional project management. Agile approaches are typically used in software development to help businesses respond to unpredictability. 

Source: wittmannclan.com, (2013)

Advantages of Agile

• Agile is adaptive which is able to respond to the changing requirements
• The team does not have to invest time and effort and finally find that by the time they delivered the product, the requirement of the customer has changed
• Face to face communication and continuous inputs from customer representative leaves no space for guesswork.

Disadvantages of Agile

• Software deliverable, especially the large ones, it is difficult to assess the effort required at the beginning of the software development life cycle.
• There is lack of emphasis on necessary designing and documentation.

SSADM

Structured system analysis & Desgin methods is widely used in computer based application development. Below shows the objectives of SSADM.

• Improve project management & control
• make more effective use of experienced and inexperienced development staff
• Develop better quality systems

SSADM steps and stages

• Feasibility
• Investigation of the current environment
• business system options
• Definition of requirements
• technical system options
• Logical design
• Physical design

For each stage there are series of stages which need to be followed procedures need to be completed.

References

 Agilemethodology.org. 2008. Agile Methodology, Development Methodologies | What Is Agile Methodology?. [online] Available at: http://agilemethodology.org/ [Accessed: 4 Dec 2013].

My-project-management-expert.com. 2013. The Advantages and Disadvantages of RUP Software Development, RUP Development, RUP Best Practices from www.My-Project-Management-Expert.com. [online] Available at: http://www.my-project-management-expert.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-rup-software-development.html [Accessed: 4 Dec 2013].