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Introduction

The Traditional Waterfall Approach

Agile Methodologies

Conclusion- Choosing the Right Approach for the Task

Bibliography

A Web Paper by Douglas A. Hughey

Written for IS 6840, taught by Dr. Vicki Sauter.

Introduction

Figure 1:


(Louis, 2007)

Systems Analysis and Design can be a complex process, involving a wide variety of resources and planning.  Depending on the project, it can take years from the initial determination to begin the project to final roll-out and maintenance.  During this time, a lot of factors can change, including the customer’s business needs, and the marketplace.  In an effort to help compartmentalize and overcome the challenges, a standardized Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) has been devised for use by Systems Analysts.  However, there is no one standard approach to making use of the SDLC to successfully bring a project from the initial planning stages to the final execution and maintenance stages.  In fact, a variety of methodologies exist when it comes to approaching the best way to analyze and design a system.

In this paper, I will be defining and discussing some of the most popular Systems Analysis and Design methodologies.   Furthermore, I will draw comparisons between the traditional Waterfall approach, and the newer agile methodologies.  As there are a variety of agile methodologies currently in use, I will limit my discussion to Extreme Programming, Scrum, and Test-Driven Development.  I will also provide evidence-based conclusions as to which methods are most useful in different situations.