Appendix C - The Principles of the Dynamic Systems Development Method

Summary

We have no plans, therefore nothing can go wrong.

Spike Milligan

Introduction

This appendix reviews the essential principles and practices of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) and focuses in more detail on the quality aspects of the method.

Specifically, this appendix reviews and discusses

• the Quality Aspects of DSDM,

• the Fundamental Principles and Assumptions of DSDM,

• the DSDM Phases and Stages,

• DSDM Roles and Responsibilities, and

• DSDM Techniques.

The Quality Aspects of DSDM

One of DSDM's fundamental principles is that testing is integrated throughout the life cycle. Testing is considered to be an integral activity within DSDM, must begin as early in the project as possible, and must continue throughout the project life cycle. Testing is a mandatory part of each increment and is conducted to ensure that the software meets its business needs and is robust and reliable.

“Fitness for business purpose” is another important DSDM fundamental principle and informs one of the key acceptance criteria for the software: delivering a system that addresses the current business needs. In practice, this means that it is better to deliver software that supports critical business functionality than to deliver a more complete, more polished, or more perfect system.

Co-location of users and developers ensures that users are able to continuously evaluate the quality of the software being developed and to provide the developers with essential feedback on the suitability of the software.