Systems Anayl and Design Unit 1

The unit 1 project asks us to describe the JAD (Joint Application Development) and RAD (Rapid Application Development) methodologies as well as highlight advantages or disadvantages of both.

The JAD methodology

According to the book systems analysis and design by G.Shelly, “Joint application development (JAD) is a popular fact-finding technique that brings users into the development process as active participants.”

In a JAD methodology , representatives from all aspects of the subject to be worked on from stake holders to end users meet, plan, discuss, agree upon procedures to be used and document everything that will be done. These meetings are on a regular basis called JAD sessions and any changes will be done at this level (planning) and follows the mentality of “do it right the first time”. No product is produced until all plans are finalized and approved. JAD is not product-centered, but more communication-focused. A JAD methodology expects improving the communication processes will result in higher overall product quality.

One clear advantage to a JAD development is a sense of ownership that develops between participants and the end product because of their involvement from beginning to end. There are however several disadvantages to using JAD for development. One is that JAD is more expensive and can be cumbersome if the group is too large relative to the size of the project. Another drawback is that since every possible consideration is done and finalized beforehand, it is not until a prototype is created and user feedback is received that the project members meet again and revise the documented plans so the process can start again.

Another disadvantage is that a scope must be clearly defined and adhered to at the beginning, so in my opinion at least, JAD follow the same rules and framework outlined by the project management body of knowledge. (PMBOK)

The RAD methodology:

According to the book systems analysis and design by G.Shelly,”...