Information Systems: Development Methodology and Evolution

This new and informative book explores the main information system development methodologies that have evolved over recent decades, due to a variety of factors such as changing business requirements, technology and limitations in existing methodologies.

Structured, rapid application design and agile development methodologies are all explored in detail, identifying relationships as well as highlighting strengths and potential weaknesses between the different methodologies. A detailed investigation is made into a form of agile methodology called extreme programming and its development phases. Through analysis and reflection of these phases and other discussed methodologies, the author aims to develop an understanding of how extreme programming has been developed to address the potential failings of the other methodologies. Whilst also highlighting that although extreme programming has a number of strengths over other methodologies it also has its own limitations and therefore cannot be described as a “final solution” to information system analysis, design and development evolution.

Having achieved a 1st class honour's degree in computer science and a postgraduate degree in information systems, Matthew Beard has provided technical support in designing and developing concept collaborative e-commerce systems and has for the last two years been providing technical support to a number of academic institutions.