British Computer Society
(Aberdeen Branch)
The Society of Information Systems Engineering
AGILE AND PLAN-DRIVEN METHODS:
DIFFERENCES, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Eddie Gray, Glasgow Caledonian University The majority of software development projects, in particular the larger more complex ones, end in failure. There has been much discussion over the best approach to adopt in order to address this issue. Proponents of both Agile and Plan-Driven methods have put forward arguments supporting their particular preference. Agile software development methods such as Extreme Programming (XP), Scrum, Crystal, DSDM and Feature Driven Development (FDD) promise increased customer satisfaction, lower defect rates, faster development times, and a solution to rapidly changing requirements. Plan-driven approaches such as Waterfall, incremental, spiral, Rational Unified Process (RUP), Cleanroom, the Personal Software Process (PSP), or methods based on the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), promise predictability, stability, and high assurance. Practitioners are generally less familiar with Agile methods and generally more familiar with Plan-driven approaches. The aim of this talk is to give an understanding of the differences, strengths and weaknesses between Agile and Plan-Driven methods. BIOGRAPHY
The speaker Eddie Gray is Assistant Head of Department in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom. Eddie is a national and international consultant and lecturer in software engineering. Since 1981, he has given seminars on software engineering to a worldwide audience of engineers and managers in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. His research interests are in software engineering, particularly software development methodologies, and software quality. Eddie Gray received a BA with honours in economics and an MSc in computer science from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. He is a corporate member of the British Computer Society (BCS) and a member of its Panel on Accreditation and Exemptions. In addition to over 27 years' experience in teaching and research, Eddie has over 7 years' experience as a systems analyst developing management information systems and production control systems in the steel industry and in local government. He is also the author of several books and over 30 papers on systems analysis and software engineering, an invited speaker at international information systems conferences and workshops and a course tutor in software engineering, project management and database systems for the Open University, United Kingdom.
Tuesday 17th October, 12 for 12.30pm
at the Sportsmans' Club, 11 Queens Road, Aberdeen A buffet lunch will be provided All welcome - admission free to BCS members and £5 for non-members. Numbers will be limited, so reserve a place with Jon Tyler. Email jet@comp.rgu.ac.uk or tel: 01224 262709.