What is DYNAMIC SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT METHOD and its 8 Principles

Posted on May 11, 2023
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As per the PMBOK 6th edition Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is an agile project delivery framework initially designed to add more rigor to existing iterative methods popular in the 1990s. It was developed as a noncommercial collaboration among industry leaders.

DSDM is known best for its emphasis on constraint-driven delivery. The framework will set cost, quality, and time at the outset, and then use formalized prioritization of scope to meet those constraints

In simple words,

  • Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is a framework that helps teams work together to deliver software projects.
  • It was designed to add more structure to existing iterative methods that were popular in the 1990s.
  • It was developed as a noncommercial collaboration among industry leaders.
  • The idea behind DSDM is that any project must be aligned to clearly defined strategic goals and focus upon early delivery of real benefits to the business 

DSDM is an iterative project management methodology that can be used in any business, in any technical environment for any project. It is designed to help people work effectively together to achieve business goals

  • DSDM is an Agile approach that provides the governance and rigor along with the agility and flexibility organizations demand today
  • It can be used either stand-alone or combined with other recognized methods such as PRINCE2®, MSP and PMI 2.

Here are some examples on when DSDM framework is used:

  • When there is a need for rapid delivery of systems within a controlled and manageable environment
  • When there is a need to reduce time to market while still being responsive to business change
  • When there is a need for a flexible approach that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization

Eight principles guide the use of the DSDM framework:

  1. Focus on the business need.
  2. Deliver on time.
  3. Collaborate.
  4. Never compromise quality.
  5. Build incrementally from firm foundations.
  6. Develop iteratively.
  7. Communicate continuously and clearly.
  8. Demonstrate control (use appropriate techniques).

Here is a brief explanation of each principle:

  1. Focus on business need: This principle emphasizes the importance of understanding the business objectives and aligning the project goals with them.
  2. Deliver on time: This principle stresses the importance of delivering the project on time and within budget.
  3. Collaborate: This principle emphasizes the importance of collaboration between team members and stakeholders.
  4. Never compromise quality: This principle stresses the importance of maintaining high quality standards throughout the project.
  5. Build incrementally from firm foundations: This principle emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation for the project and then building incrementally on top of it.
  6. Develop iteratively: This principle stresses the importance of developing the project iteratively, with regular feedback and review cycles.
  7. Communicate continuously and clearly: This principle emphasizes the importance of continuous and clear communication between team members and stakeholders.
  8. Demonstrate control and flexibility: This principle stresses the importance of balancing control with flexibility throughout the project.

Here are some of the books relating to DSDM

  1. DSDM: Dynamic Systems Development Method: The Method in Practice by Jennifer Stapleton: This book explores the day-to-day realities of implementing DSDM. It provides practical advice on how to implement the framework and how to tailor it to meet the specific needs of your organization.
  2. DSDM: Business Focused Development, Second Edition by Alan Wren: This book provides an introduction to DSDM and explains how it can be used to deliver business-focused software development projects. It covers the principles of DSDM and provides guidance on how to apply them in practice.
  3. Dynamic Systems Development Method, The Standard for Rapid … by DSDM Consortium: This book provides an overview of the DSDM framework and explains how it can be used to deliver rapid software development projects. It covers the principles of DSDM and provides guidance on how to apply them in practice.

In conclusion, DSDM is an Agile project management methodology that can be used in any business, in any technical environment for any project. It is designed to help people work effectively together to achieve business goals. DSDM consists of 8 principles that provide governance and rigor along with the agility and flexibility organizations demand today. These principles are focused on delivering value to the business while ensuring quality and control.