Comparing The Dsdm And Rup Devices Information Technology Essay

This report comprises the comparison between two modern systems development methodologies; Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM) and Rational Unified Process (RUP). In the beginning of this report, strengths and weaknesses have been provided for both methodologies plus the challenges related to the implementation. It also encompasses the evaluation framework based on the comparison and justification of method for Complete Solutions.

This report also contains characteristics of DSDM and RUP methodologies that are widely used in Agile Software Development and the challenges associated with implementing agile processes in the software industry. This anecdotal evidence has been increased regarding the effectiveness of agile methodologies in certain environments but there have not been much collection and analysis of empirical evidence for agile projects. According to this report after performing comparison, it has been found that DSDM agile methodologies can provide good benefits for small scaled and medium scaled project development whereas RUP seems dominant for software and systems delivery with implementation.

Modern societies have been using computer software for more than five decades. Software development used to be a problematic activity for the software developers. Development used to be carried out without any plan and the design of the system was determined from many short term decisions. Small systems used to get away from problems but as systems grew bigger, it became more difficult to add new features in undergoing development and problems were harder to fix. Same procedures for system development were carried out for many years until an alternative was introduced: Methodology. “Methodologies impose a disciplined process upon software development with the aim of making software development more predictable and more efficient” (Avison & Fitzgerald, 2006).

DSDM and RUP contain agile concepts such as iterative and incremental development, time boxing, prioritization and active user involvement. According to Avison & Fitzgerald (2006), DSDM is a part of Rapid Development Methodology (RAD) whereas RUP is part of Obeject Oriented Methodology. DSDM and RUP have been successful by using them in iterative development life cycles. Both methodologies have become the most important challenger in the field of agile development. This report has revealed the comparison between both processes from a DSDM point of view. It has examined the strengths and weaknesses of the processes (DSDM & RUP) plus the differences and the similarities. Both processes can be combined in a system development approach which could result in better product.

DSDM and RUP – Comparison

RUP Definition: Jacobsen et al (1994) define “RUP is an iterative approach for object oriented systems, and it strongly embraces use cases for modelling requirements and building the foundation for a system”. In 2002 RUP was acquired by IBM. According to IBM (2011) “RUP is a comprehensive process framework that provides industry-tested practices for software and systems delivery and implementation and for effective project mangement”.

DSDM Definition: According to DSDM Atern (2011), DSDM is “the processes by which solutions are developed must be agile and deliver what the business needs when it needs it”. DSDM offer agility and flexibility by using useful processes in project development with the combination of solution developer’s knowledge and with the usage of advanced supportive tools and techniques. System delivery can be achieved by presenting many prototypes and final product can be delivered on different timescales.

Dynamic System Development Method and Rational Unified Process are the part of Agile Methodology for the project development. They both follow the common rules and procedures by utilizing iterative and incremental development. This common usability and functionality of DSDM and RUP can be seen through their similarities in system development.

Similarities:

DSDM and RUP

Principles

The success of DSDM Atern is based on its 8 principles for the system development which are also carried by RUP in development.

Lifecycle

As DSDM and RUP processes are part of Agile Methodology hence both use iterative and incremental lifecycle for software development.

Process Model

RUP’s framework which defines the complete solution model for any small level project can be adopted by DSDM framework which consists of set of rules for developing a system.

Terminology

As both processes support and use various tools and techniques but still they share many common terminologies, e.g. Configuration Management, Dependency Management etc.

Roles

RUP favours the support and importance of roles and responsibilities related to system developers along with other business users where as DSDM concentrates on business owners, business visionaries and business users. Both processes realise and utilize the actor’s involvement in system development.

Techniques

DSDM and RUP, both use various advance techniques and tools in software development and in project development. There is large number of tools supported by both approaches which can be seen in comparison table.

Guidelines

Both processes include guidelines on different aspects of the project lifecycle. RUP includes very complete guidelines on UML modelling, Requirements management, Development, Testing and Configuration management. DSDM includes support for facilitated workshops and timeboxing.

Templates

RUP includes a number of general and tool specific templates. DSDM deliberately avoids templates to encourage wider usage.

Examples

Both processes provide project examples, DSDM providing these examples in

the form of white papers, where RUP includes them in the on-line process.

Tools

RUP provides comprehensive documentation on how the Rational Tool set integrates with the process. This provides the practitioner with context sensitive help within the particular Rational tool. DSDM provides guidance on tools to assist people in choosing their own tool set.