Explain Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) ?

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is a software development methodology originally based upon RAD (Rapid Application Development) methodology. 

DSDM is an iterative and incremental approach that emphasizes continuous user involvement. Its goal is to deliver software systems on time and on budget while adjusting for changing requirements along the development process.

DSDM focuses on Information Systems projects that are characterized by tight schedules and budgets. 

DSDM addresses the most common failures of information systems projects, including exceeding budgets, missing deadlines, and lack of user involvement and top-management commitment.

DSDM Project Life-cycle

Phase 1 - The Pre-Project

In the pre-project phase candidate projects are identified, project funding is realised and project commitment is ensured. Handling these issues at an early stage avoids problems at later stages of the project.

Phase 2 - The Project life-cycle

The process overview in the figure below shows the project life-cycle of this phase of DSDM.

It depicts the 5 stages a project will have to go through to create an IS. The first two stages, the Feasibility Study and Business Study are sequential phases that complement to each other. After these phases have been concluded, the system is developed iteratively and incrementally in the Functional Model Iteration, Design & Build Iteration and Implementation stages.

The iterative and incremental nature of DSDM will be addressed further in a later section.

Phase 3 - Post-project

The post-project phase ensures the system operating effectively and efficiently. This is realised by maintenance, enhancements and fixes according to DSDM principles. The maintenance can be viewed as continuing development based on the iterative and incremental nature of DSDM.

Instead of finishing the project in one cycle usually the project can return to the previous phases or stages so that the previous step and the deliverable products can be refined.