A comprehensive teaching resource for agile project management
The Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is an agile project delivery framework, primarily used as a software development method. DSDM is an iterative and incremental approach that embraces the principles of agile development, including continuous user/customer involvement.
Originally developed in 1994, DSDM has evolved to become a mature approach that provides a comprehensive foundation for planning, managing, executing, and scaling agile process and iterative software development projects.
DSDM is a proven framework for agile project delivery that:
DSDM is based on nine key principles that form the foundation of the method:
Every decision taken during a project should be viewed in the light of the overriding project goal - to deliver what the business needs to be delivered, when it needs to be delivered.
Delivering a solution on time is a very desirable outcome for a project and late delivery can often undermine the very rationale for a project.
Teams that work in a spirit of active cooperation and commitment will outperform those that do not. DSDM creates the environment where this can happen.
The right level of quality for the deliverable to be fit for purpose should be agreed at the outset and adhered to throughout.
DSDM advocates an approach whereby a firm foundation is created in terms of both business understanding and technical feasibility.
Iterative development allows products to be improved incrementally, enabling feedback and learning from earlier iterations to influence later ones.
Poor communication is often cited as the biggest single cause of project failure. DSDM creates an environment of rich communication.
Projects must be executed in a disciplined manner with regular progress checks against the plan and continuous monitoring of risks.
DSDM is a framework that must be configured and tuned to suit the specific context of the project.
The DSDM process consists of seven phases grouped into three main stages:
This phase ensures that only the right projects are started and that they are set up correctly.
This phase ensures the delivered solution continues to meet the business need and identifies opportunities for further enhancement.
DSDM defines several key roles that form the project team:
The ultimate decision-maker who champions the project at the highest level within the business.
Provides the high-level business view of what the project needs to achieve.
Represents the business community and is empowered to make decisions on their behalf.
Provides more detailed business knowledge to supplement the Business Ambassador.
Ensures the system is technically coherent and adheres to architectural standards.
Facilitates the team's progress towards its goals and removes obstacles.
Creates the solution by developing and testing the deliverables.
Ensures the solution meets the agreed quality standards.
Ensures workshops are properly planned and effectively run.
DSDM employs several key techniques to support its principles:
A fixed period of time (typically 2-4 weeks) in which a planned activity must be completed.
A technique for prioritizing requirements:
Creating visual representations of the system to aid understanding and communication.
Creating early versions of the solution to gather feedback and validate requirements.
Structured collaborative sessions that bring stakeholders together to achieve specific objectives.
Developing the solution in small increments, with each iteration delivering a working product.
1. Which of the following is NOT one of DSDM's nine principles?
2. What does the 'M' stand for in MoSCoW prioritization?
3. Which DSDM role is responsible for ensuring the system is technically coherent?
4. What is the typical duration of a DSDM timebox?
5. Which phase of DSDM establishes firm foundations by understanding the business and technical context?