Home > Articles

Methodologies in IT: Comprehension, Selection, and Implementation

This article discusses the use of methodologies in developing software and managing application projects. Using specific methodologies can considerably enhance your ways of developing applications, whether on a mainframe or the web.
Like this article? We recommend

Like this article? We recommend

Despite a long history of software development, the tools and techniques we've all been using have been only partially successful. Projects still experience significant problems: poor software quality, large work backlogs, missed deadlines and budget overruns, inadequate project management, inaccurate estimating methods, and an unacceptable level of canceled projects.

Many IT managers have all but surrendered, but IT organizations should instead start evaluating maturing methodologies and related tools; good planning simply makes projects of any kind more productive. Development organizations should embrace and implement integrated methodologies now widely available, but little used or even understood.

Methodologies have been among the most discussed and least implemented of all approaches to improving software quality and productivity in the global IT industry. The concept is so simple as to hardly require explanation: Construct new systems and functions from the same building blocks used to build systems and functions already tested and proven in actual use. Use repeatable processes wherever possible while at the same time improving where possible.

What Is a Methodology?

A methodology is a repeatable process with project-specific methods, best practices, rules, guidelines, templates, checklists, and other features for building quality systems that are manageable and deliver value to the organization. The methodology can be used and reused any number of times.

The key phrase here is repeatable process—doing projects the same way each time. To think of this another way, a methodology is a roadmap to get you where you want to go.

Methodologies are not just for IT, of course; these tools have been used successfully by other professions such as the following:

  • Engineering: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and construction
  • Medicine: nursing, pathology, pharmacology, gerontology
  • General research: Data collection, statistical analysis
  • Aeronautics: developing space systems, navigation, flight telemetry
  • Military science: ordinance, logistics, surveillance
  • Law: legal education
  • Manufacturing: factory systems
  • Teaching: learning approaches

In the 1970s, the "structured methodology" became very popular. Although there were variations on the theme (different versions of the structured techniques included the popular Gane–Sarson and Yourdon methods), for the most part, the structured methodology provided a means to develop usable systems in an era of batch computing. In those days, online systems with even the dumbest of terminals were a radical concept, and GUIs were as unthinkable as the fall of the Berlin Wall. Other methodologies developed and used successfully in that era included Andersen Consulting's METHOD/1; SUMMIT, from what was then PricewaterhouseCoopers; the Jackson Structured Programming methodology, and so on.

Critics unkindly said that these tools were "short on methods—long on ologies." That statement may have had some basis in reality then, but methodologies have matured and are becoming more widely accepted as we've all realized that we need effective tools that can help us to be more productive.

Using a standard approach in application development can provide significant productivity gains. Methodologies can be combined with any type of technology: standard application-development tools; databases; languages such as C, C++, or even COBOL; web services, Java, J2EE; autonomic software, grids, and utility computing.

The methodology is integrated with project-management software tools and process-management techniques to provide a valuable all-around delivery vehicle. It delivers value and productivity to organizations by describing a repeatable set of processes and procedures for building systems.

Good methodologies provide the following benefits:

  • Management can protect its investment by ensuring that project supports are well-defined and likely to succeed. Methodologies frequently have a deliverable in the form of a business case that defines the economics, benefits, costs, resources needed, and so on, ensuring that the project is oriented toward the company's business needs. The business case is updated throughout the project lifecycle to reflect changes that affect both one-time and ongoing costs and benefits of the new system.
  • Management and users know in advance what they can expect from each project. As each unit of work is completed, certain standard deliverables and work tasks are developed that explain the work accomplished and the decisions reached. Each work task provides input for the following unit of work and for helping management to ensure that all work has been properly completed. Predefined signoff points—milestones—allow management and users to give their approval and to ensure that the project goals are met.
  • A good methodology ensures that quality standard are met; expectations exceed those of custom development routes. Quality requirements and verification are integral parts of any project. The methodology's checklists and templates define how well the system operates and meets the original project requirements. Focusing on the system's usability, maintainability, flexibility, and reliability enables the development team to design quality attributes into the system.
  • Quality assurance reviews or audits give management an independent assessment of the quality of work done. These reviews ensure that the prescribed development process is being followed; that risks are identified, communicated, and managed; and that the project works to meet its scope and objectives.
  • Surprises such as cost overruns, scope changes, late implementation, and other risks can be minimized. Programs include specific start and completion dates for the work performed during a project. They provide guidelines for conducting a project and make it easy to track progress and highlight potential delays or overruns in advance so that corrective action can be taken.
  • The status of all projects is readily accessible. Good methodologies have project management software embedded or integrated into the product. This approach allows team members to prepare time reports that include estimated time to complete each assigned activity. Using these time reports and the projects work program or plan, the project manager can accurately assess the status of the project. The project manager's assessments are documented in regular weekly or biweekly progress reports to senior management.
  • Organizations get significant increases in the productivity of application development. Communication is improved because the methodology sets standards that everyone can follow, as well as clear and agreed-upon expectations. The plan specifies to developers a framework of what tasks are to performed, when to perform them and the sequence required, how to perform them, and how to manage the process.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020