Research and write a one- to two-page research paper using at least three separate library sources on one of the following topics: a. Joint application design b. Prototyping as a discovery mechanism c. Computer support for collaborative work (CSCW) d. Workflow systems e. Structured walkthrough
a. Joint Application Design(JAD) Joint Application Development in short JAD is the process which is used to design and develop computer based system/solutions. It collects requirements side by side as per business needs while developing new information systems for a company that means JAD involves the client or end-users in designing and development process. It also comprises of approaches for improving the quality of specification and user participation through a successive collaborative workshops called JAD sessions. Since client is involved throughout the development process it leads to faster development times and greater client satisfaction. Chuck Morris of IBM conceived JAD in 1977 as a method for gathering the requirements for geographically distributed systems. In 1980, IBM Canada adopted and refined the approach. In 1984, IBM formalized JAD by publishing the JAD Overview pamphlet. By the late 1980s, many companies were implementing facilitated JAD workshops for analysis and design.Because JAD has evolved over the years to include such elements as prototyping, CASE, and I?CASE, some people consider it a complete development methodology and have begun to call it "joint application development." Unfortunately, the only portions of a generic development methodology for JAD that were formalized were the definition, analysis, and design portions. The rest of the development was conducted in the "spirit" of JAD, but without the rigor of a defined process. JAD is used as a technique for developing business system requirements and is typically used in the early stages of a systems development project.The purpose of JAD is to bring together MIS and end users in a structured workshop setting; to extract consensus based system requirements.This is accomplished by using a trained JAD facilitators and customized, planned agendas to assist the participant in arriving at complete, high quality requirements.Experience has shown that the JAD process substantially reduces development time, costs and errors. Participants in JAD : There are many key stakeholders involved in JAD Process. These are: 1)Execution Process : This process is from customer’s side which includes Project Manager, CIO, CEO or CISO who has the power to make decisions regarding the project. 2) Facilitator : This individual is responsible for creating, managing and executing the JAD activities, minimize disagreements, encourage end-user involvement, maintaining focus and unbiased approach. 3) IT Representatives : This individual for giving technical advice and to help the team to develop technical models and to build he prototype of end result. They must approach and support the customers in turning their visualizations into models as per the requirements, develop an understanding of the end-user business goals, represent in IT functions, render end solutions which are affordable in nature etc. 4) End-User : This concerned person is usually the main focus of JAD. They offer proper business knowledge and strategy, illustrate all key user groups who are affected by development and represent multiple levels within organization. 5) Scribe : This person is responsible for documenting JAD process and JAD sessions precisely and effectively. They generally serve as partner to facilitator in each JAD sessions and provide reference for the review. 6) Observer : The observer will observe each JAD session and will gather knowledge for end-user needs and of JAD session decisions, interact with JAD participants outside JAD sessions only. Generic JAD Life Cycle a) Planning/Definition Planning and Definition can be combined if the scope of the project is small. The deliverables from the Definition stage can be completed by conducting a JAD session with high?level managers. It is possible to have a Finalization phase after Planning and Definition that sells the business and leads to the Planning stage of the actual project. The starting point for any JAD process is the designation of an executive sponsor. During the Planning phase, the facilitator should be working closely with this sponsor to provide an orientation to the JAD process and JAD environment. The executive sponsor's full commitment to the project is critical to its success. After an executive sponsor is identified, the next task is to establish the need for the system by asking the following questions: ·What are the expected benefits? ·What opportunities does it address? ·What problems would it resolve? ·What are the risks? ·How does it fit in with the strategic direction of the organization? b)Preparation To complete the Preparation stage, you must perform the following tasks: ·Schedule design sessions. ·Conduct orientation and training for design session participants. ·Prepare the materials, room, and software aids. ·Customize the design session agenda. ·Conduct the kickoff meeting. After the scope is set, the design sessions are scheduled and the participating team members are informed. In most cases, a particular technique or methodology will be followed in the JAD sessions. To ensure participation, the customer must be educated in the terminology that will be used and the deliverables that will be created in the JAD sessions. Other preparation tasks include preparing the room with the proper equipment (PC, workstation, overhead projector, flip charts, markers, white boards, and so forth), obtaining any software aids, and preparing the reference materials and definition documentation that will be referenced throughout the design sessions. An agenda is also prepared so that the objectives for each design session are clearly stated and the participants can stay focused on the work to be done. The final Preparation step is the kickoff meeting, at which the executive sponsor addresses the team members and shows support for the JAD effort. This meeting is a key component of JAD. In organizations using JAD for the first time, the meeting will minimize resistance within the customer's organization and kindle a spirit of teamwork. A high?level explanation of the JAD process is given, preferably by the executive sponsor. If the sponsor is uncomfortable doing this, the facilitator can present the orientation. The goals of the project are stated and everyone is made to feel a part of the process. Initial concerns are expressed, and the executive sponsor works to ease any fears. The executive sponsor also gives a personal statement of support for the facilitator. A successful orientation is key to starting off the JAD process on a good footing. Everyone should leave with a sense of pride in what is going to happen and with confidence that they will be performing a highly valued service for the company. c)Design Sessions To complete the Design Session component of JAD, you must perform the following tasks: ·Review the project scope, objectives, and definition document. ·Identify data, process, and system requirements. ·Identify system interfaces. ·Develop a prototype. ·Document decisions, issues, assumptions, and definitions of terms. ·Assign someone to resolve all issues. The session objectives determine which techniques are used in the design session and what deliverables are created. A good starting point, however, is to review the definition document that was prepared during the definition phase. This document outlines the project's scope, expected benefits, and high?level requirements. The facilitator should frequently review the session goals and objectives, and report on how the session's progress relates to the overall project. The facilitator should also designate a person who will be responsible for resolving each issue or concern documented during the session. A resolution date must also be assigned. Subsequent design sessions can then begin with a discussion of any issues that have been resolved.(1,3) d) Finalization To complete the Finalization component, you must perform the following tasks: ·Complete the design documents. ·Sign off on the design documents. ·Make a presentation to the executive sponsor. ·Demonstrate the prototype. ·Obtain the executive sponsor's approval to proceed. ·Evaluate the JAD process. The first goal of the Finalization component is to obtain closure on the deliverables by reaching a team consensus that all necessary elements have been incorporated to fit the project's scope. The second goal is to produce a high?quality presentation that includes a prototype demonstration (if appropriate). The third goal is to prepare a document that includes all of the deliverables that will be referenced in the future development effort. The presentation and prototype demonstration should be given to the executive sponsor, as well as to other leaders. The goal is to get approval to proceed to the next stage of development. The team members, executive sponsor, and facilitator should also take some time to evaluate the effectiveness of the JAD process and to discuss ways to improve that process for future use. |
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