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The Impact of Agile Methodology (DSDM) on Software Project Management

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Circulation in Computer Science
International Conference on Engineering, Computing & Information Technology (ICECIT 2017), pp:1-6
The Impact of Agile Methodology (DSDM) on
Software Project Management
Aiman Khan Nazir
Department of Computer
Engineering
NUST, College of E&ME
Islamabad, Pakistan
ABSTRACT
Software project management leads to success and failure of
software project. Software project management include
planning, managing and controlling different knowledge areas
such as scope, time, cost, quality, risk, human resource,
stakeholders, and procurement management. The key issue of
software project management is to manage scope, time and
cost for a project. Requirement of user changes throughout
life of project, and those effect time and cost of project and
other knowledge areas as well.
Agile methodology is framework for software development
with reduced risk. Agile is iterative software development
methodology that focuses on frequent and faster delivery, and
entertain customer changes. There is positive impact on
development cost, time and productivity by switching from
traditional waterfall model to agile model .
This paper examines that how agile methodology affect
different aspect of software project management. Our
literature review proposes that agile methodology helps in
software project management that leads to the success of
software.
Keywords
Agile methodology, Cost, DSDM, Knowledge area, Software
Project management, Scope and quality, Time
1. INTRODUCTION
Software project management includes the knowledge,
techniques, and tools needed to manage the software products
development. [3] It encompasses 10 knowledge areas. 4 are
core knowledge areas such as project scope management,
project time management, project cost management and
project quality management, 5 are supporting knowledge
areas through which project objectives are achieved, such as
human resources, communication, risk, and procurement
management, stakeholder management group. Project
integration management affects all of knowledge areas. There
are 5 process group involved in project management. Each
knowledge area has some activities in process Good project
management lead to success of software.
As customer requirement are changes with the time being.
Classical waterfall model doesn’t accommodate changes and
freeze requirement. To cope with the requirement changes
many new models are proposed, one is agile methodology
which is mostly used in organization. Agile methodology is
software development methodology that focus on iterative
development, entertain changes and reduce risk. Dynamic
software development model (DSDM) is agile framework that
focuses on frequent delivery and user involvement.
Copyright © 2018 Nazir et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
original author and source are credited.
Conference Article
Iqra Zafar Muhammad Abbas
Department of Computer Department of Computer
Engineering Engineering
NUST, College of E&ME NUST, College of E&ME
Islamabad, Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan
The challenge of project management is to increase customer
satisfaction and make software successful. In DSDM changes
are never push aside, but scope, time, cost, quality is not
compromised. DSDM may have positive or negative impact
on project management. In this paper, we conducted a survey
to find that how DSDM affect software project management.
In survey, several questions are asked related to regarding
impact of DSDM on each knowledge area of project
management.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Agile development has been gaining interest of many
organization in past few decades and widely used in software
engineering. Due to the lightweight practices of agile, it is the
focused approach in many industries. [6] Nowadays,
requirements are going toward volatile behavior. Agile
processes aim to handle and effectively managed those
requirements iteratively. [4] All agile methodologies are
working in different ways but follow the principles and values
i-e customer’s satisfaction, iterative development defined in
the Agile Manifesto. [5]
2.1 Characteristics of Agile Software
Development
 Modular development
 Repeatable by short period
 Incremental process
 Manage changing requirement
 Adaptive in risk situation and reduce its impact on
project
2.2 Agile Methods
Many of the practices that are introduced and promoted by
agile development. Agile methodologies combine various
customer, management, software engineering practices and
principles together in an effective way that helps software
development teams and guide them in such a way that the
process of rapidly planning, development, testing and
deployment become efficient. Both Old and innovative ideas
are encompassing by each agile methodology.
Based on the literature review after 2000, various
methodologies in agile categories have been introduced. There
are following agile methodologies that commonly used for
software project development. [1]
 The Extreme Programming (XP) Approach
 The Scrum Approach
 Crystal
 Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
Circulation in Computer Science
International Conference on Engineering, Computing & Information Technology (ICECIT 2017), pp:1-6
www.ccsarchive.org

 Lean Development
 Feature-Driven Development (FDD)
These above mentioned agile methodologies have a clear
relationship with software project management. Literature
shows the impact of agile methodologies on different
knowledge areas of SPM. Different knowledge areas of
Software project management are scope, time, cost, quality,
human resources, communication, risk, integration and
stakeholder’s management. Review shows that there may be
both positive or negative impact of agile on these knowledge
areas.
The impact of agile methodologies on scope. For those
projects having high levels of change, Agile methodologies
tend to be a better solution. Scope creep is a serious issue. The
reality is that business requirements become volatile with the
passage of time and as a result scope of work changes in
response. No one can do nothing to stop the changing
requirements, and changing scope. [2] Due to use of agile
methodologies, there is big change in project scope
management and how effectively these methodologies can
handle changes during software development. Same for cost
and other knowledge areas of software project management.
Communication Formal Informal
Development Waterfall Evolutionary model
Model
3. DYNAMIC SOFTWARE
DEVELOPMENT METHOD
It is an agile software development methodology. It is
iterative and incremental approach that focuses on rapid
delivery and involve user throughout project. By using DSDM
we can develop system dynamically. For both object, oriented
approach and functional design approach it can be used. It is
best suited for system where requirement or not fixed in
advance. We can go back to previous phase of software
development life cycle in DSDM. [9] As the work is not
iteratively and incrementally so it may possible that some
people work on requirement analysis, while some working on
development of another at the same time.
Primarily focus on:

2.3 Comparison between traditional  Agile user involvement

 Empowered team for decision process
development and agile development:
 Focus on recurrent project delivery
[7]
 Iterative development
 Entertain changes
Traditional Agile
Development development Moreover, there is cooperation of user and developer while
project development. Any changes done during development
of project are correctable. Testing is conducted throughout
Fundamental Systems are fully High-quality adaptive project development.
assumption specifiable, software is developed
predictable and by small teams using It consists of 7 phases: [8]
development on the principles of  Pre-Project
prescribed continuous design
planning. improvement based  Feasibility Study
on volatile user  Business Study
requirements.  Functional Model Iteration
 Design & Build Iteration
Management Common and Leadership and  Implementation
style Restricted collaboration  Post-Project
Following Fig. 1 shows the Dynamic Software Development
Knowledge Explicit Tacit Model (DSDM) development process. [10]
management

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Circulation in Computer Science
International Conference on Engineering, Computing & Information Technology (ICECIT 2017), pp:1-6
www.ccsarchive.org

Fig. 1 DSDM Process Model

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
We carried out a literature review of work done about impact
of agile methodology DSDM on software project
management. A brainstorming session was held for research
team to discuss the possible reasons that can affect project
management. In brainstorming session participants discussed
issues could be found in context of Pakistan’s software
houses. A questionnaire was developed based on knowledge
of literature review and brainstorming session.
We investigated issues of impact of agile on software project
management based on following dimensions:
• Agile methodology (DSDM)
• Software Project management
Questionnaire was developed based on above points with
multiple choice and open-ended questions. Questionnaire was
created on google form and was circulated in various software
companies of Pakistan. Fig. 2 shows the steps we used in
research methodology.

Fig. 2 Proposed Methodology

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International Conference on Engineering, Computing & Information Technology (ICECIT 2017), pp:1-6
www.ccsarchive.org
5. IMPACT OF DSDM ON DIFFERENT
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
5.1 Industry Survey:
We explored the impact of Agile methodologies on Software
project management from different software industry through
an online survey in order to increase response rates. We
distributed an online questionnaire to people working in
software industry. We got response from 20 software
companies. Most of them are using Dynamic Software
Development Methodology (DSDM), and other participant
organization are using Scrum and Extreme programming
approach. Mostly People that participated in survey are
software engineers involved in software projects. We also got
response from managers of different organization. They all
gave us the reason to answer the main research questions.
5.1.1 Project Scope Management
Project scope management is the most important and most
difficult area of software project management. Business
requirements are volatile and changes during development
phase of project. Organization cannot say no to customers for
changes. It results scope creep. We cannot handle scope creep
easily. Through survey, we found the scope managing criteria
of many organization. DSDM equally suitable for small as
well as large software projects that have complex scope
statement. Many industries that are using DSDM gave us the
impact of this agile approach in positive way that said that If
any change request come during any DSDM phase, first of all
scope management team check the importance of requested
change and then discuss it with development team.
Development team analyze the importance and urgency of
change. If that particular change is not urgent and enough
important then current scope of the project will not disturb but
if the change has some importance, then it will be accepted by
team and also accepted by change control board (CCB) in
order to deliver business value to customer.
5.1.2 Project Cost and Time Management
Project cost has a poor track record in IT projects. It is
difficult to handle the project that faces over-budget problem.
Based on survey, DSDM handle over-budget issues
effectively. In DSDM, first of all customers and organization
agreed upon time and cost of project then adjust the scope
according the agreed budget. DSDM approach makes the
agile cost effective. Project deliver on time and within budget
make the organization management process smooth.
5.1.3 Project Quality Management
Project quality is the “things like applying proper project
management practices to cost, time, resources,
communication etc. It covers managing changes within the
project”. [3]
Agile methodologies are much concerned about project
quality. Organizations, using agile DSDM or any other
approach, have a major concern on “Fitness for use” rather
than “conformance to requirements”. Organization set the
level of quality at initial stage and then work according to that
quality standards in order to achieve quality product.
Survey shows that agile has set its priority high on customer
satisfaction and focus on business needs and deliver the
project on agreed schedule and budget that accounts for the
success of company.
5.1.4 Project Human Resource Management
The main focus of DSDM and other approaches of agile is to
work with team collaboration. It focuses on individual that
each and every team member is willing to work and has a
strong experiences of team work. In many organization using
agile basically aim that each and every member of the team is
expected to work collaboratively using his or her knowledge
and experience to develop a project output that best meets
customer’s business values. Effective communication is a key
to success for any agile firm.
5.1.5 Project Risk Management
Project risk management is the art and science of identifying,
analyzing, and responding to risk throughout the life of a
project and in the best interests of meeting project objectives.
[3] By focusing on all above-mentioned knowledge areas,
there is less chances of risk that any agile project faces. Time,
cost, quality and scope are major concerned areas and under
greater risk. Effectively managed these areas by controlling
scope based on the agreed time and budget give a quality
product that reduces risk in any phase of agile project.
6. CONCLUSION
This survey found the impact of agile DSDM approach on
different knowledge areas that are scope, time, cost, quality,
Human resource and risk and we found the overall positive
impact of DSDM on Software projects if approach followed
by organization effectively. DSDM is different from
traditional approaches in order to achieve business goals. we
found that DSDM is more project-oriented. This agile
methodology encourages iterative development that is the
main focus of agile approach. DSDM needs an early
foundation of project at an early stage so it helps organization
and customers to be focused on their business needs.
7. FUTURE WORK
Our results did not produce any surprising points, but with
time and a greater response rate from different organizations
that are using agile methods, more substantial results may be
found. In the future, we will work on the left knowledge areas
that are procurement, communication, integration and
stakeholder’s management and much more data for already
covered areas may be collected to generate more extensive
analyze.
8. REFERENCES
[1] Agile 101 - VersionOne
https://www.versionone.com/agile-101/
[2] Managing Scope Creep in Agile Projects
http://agilepm.com/managing-scope-creep-in-agile-
projects
[3] Schwalbe, Kathy. Information technology project
management. Cengage Learning, 2015.
[4] Salah, Dina, Richard F. Paige, and Paul Cairns. "A
systematic literature review for agile development
processes and user centred design integration."
Proceedings of the 18th international conference on
evaluation and assessment in software engineering.
ACM, 2014.
[5] K. Beck. Manifesto for Agile Software Development,
2000.
[6] Nerur, Sridhar, RadhaKanta Mahapatra, and George
Mangalaraj. "Challenges of migrating to agile
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Circulation in Computer Science
International Conference on Engineering, Computing & Information Technology (ICECIT 2017), pp:1-6
www.ccsarchive.org

methodologies." Communications of the ACM 48.5
(2005): 72-78.
[7] Dybå, Tore, and Torgeir Dingsøyr. "Empirical studies of
agile software development: A systematic review."
Information and software technology 50.9 (2008): 833-
859.
[8] Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) -
SolutionsIQ http://www.solutionsiq.com/agile-
glossary/dynamic-systems-development-method-dsdm/
[9] Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM)
http://www.freetutes.com/systemanalysis/sa2-dynamic-
system-development-method.html
[10] Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
http://dsdmofagilemethodology.wikidot.com/
[11] Greer, Des, and Yann Hamon. "Agile software
development." Software: Practice and Experience 41.9
(2011): 943-944.
[12] Martin, Robert Cecil. Agile software development:
principles, patterns, and practices. Prentice Hall PTR,
2003.
[13] Beck, Kent, et al. "Manifesto for agile software
development." (2001).
[14] Cockburn, Alistair, and Jim Highsmith. "Agile software
development, the people factor." Computer 34.11 (2001):
131-133.
[15] Highsmith, Jim, and Alistair Cockburn. "Agile software
development: The business of innovation." Computer
34.9 (2001): 120-127.
[16] Schwaber, Ken, and Mike Beedle. Agile software
development with Scrum. Vol. 1. Upper Saddle River:
Prentice Hall, 2002.
[17] DeMarco, Tom, and Barry Boehm. "The agile methods
fray." Computer 35.6 (2002): 90-92.
[18] Coram, Michael, and Shawn Bohner. "The impact of
agile methods on software project management."
Engineering of Computer-Based Systems, 2005.
ECBS'05. 12th IEEE International Conference and
Workshops on the. IEEE, 2005.
[19] Paige, Richard F., et al. "High-integrity agile processes
for the development of safety critical software."
International Journal of Critical Computer-Based
Systems 2.2 (2011): 181-216.
[20] Wysocki, Robert K. Effective project management:
traditional, agile, extreme. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
[21] Choosing DSDM as your Agile Approach
https://www.agilebusiness.org/content/choosing-dsdm-
your-agile-approach-0

9. APPENDIX
Usage of SW project Management
9.1 Results
Impact of Agile Methodology (DSDM) on Software 13.4
Project Management

1- Usage of agile methodology (Dynamic Software 86.7

Development Methodology-DSDM) for software
development.

Usage of DSDM Yes Somehow

3- Management of project scope through DSDM

33.3

Management of Scope
66.7
27.3
Yes No

9.1 63.6
2- Follow proper software project management for
projects. Scope in managed based on agreed time and cost
of project
Scope is defined based on Time

Other

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 Circulation in Computer Science
International Conference on Engineering, Computing & Information Technology (ICECIT 2017), pp:1-6
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4- Effect of DSDM on project cost. (12 Responses) planned schedule and create positive
effect on project. (4)
 By using DSDM, cost of the project
reduces. So, its impact is positive (4) 7- Effect of DSDM on project quality. (12 Responses)
 In our case it takes long time if we follow Effect on Quality
proper agile methodology. So, we use 1
whenever needed. Its affect based on
described reason. (2) 9

 By using DSDM, cost of the project

reduces. So, its impact is positive (4)
 In our case it takes long time if we follow
proper agile methodology DSDM. 90
Somehow positive. (2)
High Medium low
5- Management of project if it goes towards over
budget. (12 Responses)
8- Management of human resource using DSDM. (12
Responses)
Budget Issue
 Agile companies practice leadership-
10 collaboration rather than command-
control management. (6)
 Through effective meeting and
90 communication. Collaborative team work
is the key to manage all HR. (6)
9- Management of risk in projects using DSDM. (12
• Due to DSDM, cost will always under budget Responses)

Not Managed easily  Through proper management of other

6- Effect of DSDM on project schedule. (12
Responses)
 First of all, we set the schedule and then
start work according to planned schedule
and create positive effect on project. (5)
 Sometime positive and sometime negative
effect of DSDM on project schedule. (3)
 It is the beauty of DSDM to first set the
schedule and then start work according to
knowledge areas, risk becomes low. (7)
 We develop contingency plan for risk
management. (4)
10- Effect on project success using agile methodology.
(12 Responses)
 Always got Success (4)
 Increase chances of success (4)
 Project deliver on time, achieve best
quality and business values achieved (4)

CCS | 2018 | ISSN 2456-3692 6

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