How much do I have to spend before I start getting tangible benefits?

That's a tough question and needs detailed analysis of your current organisation structure and culture. Some companies already adopt many techniques that are suitable for DSDM. Other companies will find that using DSDM is a major change at both project level and culturally and this may require a heavier investment.

My project can't satisfy all 9 principles, can we still use DSDM?

Yes, however there will be associated risks which need to be clearly understood and accounted for. There is no fixed number of principles which must be met for a project to be DSDM and the number will vary from project to project and organisation to organisation. The Suitability/Risk List is an ideal tool for assessing to what extent the principles are met and for determining where the risks lie. Remember, you can use all of DSDM some of the time and some of DSDM all of the time.

Which principles are the most important?

You are likely to get as many answers to this as times you ask the question. The answer will depend on the organisation culture, the Project Team, the project itself and there is no right or wrong answer. Generally a Project Manager may consider the following as being the most important:

• Active User Involvement
• Empowerment
• Frequent Delivery
• Collaborative and cooperative approach

What are the key techniques I should make sure I use in a DSDM project?

Again you will get different answers from different people but these will go a long way towards helping you better manage any project:

• MoSCoW Prioritisation
• Timeboxing
• User Involvement
• Facilitation

Why doesn't the DSDM online manual go into more detail?

DSDM is not a prescriptive approach and has no intentions of being one. If you look to the online manual to answer all your questions then you will likely be disappointed. It is a framework based around common sense and industry best practice. How it is implemented will vary from one organisation and project to another. It has a proven track record of being flexible enough to adapt to the requirements of various organisations to meet their specific needs. Don't forget, the online manual is only a part of DSDM, surrounded and supported by an active user community and a large and increasing library of support resources.

Will it suit the culture of my organisation?

DSDM is more than just a tool and many implementation issues need to be considered. Organisations vary in how easily it is to accept or build into working practices. An organisation which is used to delegating responsibility and dealing in a proactive way to issues and which already works very closely with its users on projects will often find it is similar in many ways to what is done currently, but that it brings some rigour, common terminology and useful tools to projects. At the other end of the spectrum, very hierarchical organisations with a tight focus on delivering to a detailed contract, will need to be more careful about introduction, finding suitable projects and staff initially and rolling it out in more of a phased approach.

• Does the organisation understand and accept the DSDM philosophy?
• Is there a culture of empowerment in the organisation?
• Is the organisation hierarchical?
• Does the organisation have an open culture?
• Can the users cope with 80% solutions?
  

Why can't I just carry on with any waterfall method?

You can! DSDM will not be suitable for all projects. The waterfall method was developed in the 1970's well before modern tools and frameworks were even thought about e.g. OO, CBD, data warehousing, Internet C/S etc. So its no surprise it often fails. Note that most modern organisations offer more than one approach i.e. a waterfall containing DSDM techniques e.g. facilitated workshops and a DSDM approach.

Isn't DSDM just a new approach to prototyping?

Prototyping is just one of the many techniques used in DSDM. DSDM offers clear guidelines for ensuring prototyping is managed and focused on specified objectives, avoiding a run-away prototyping situation. DSDM also uses a number of other techniques such as prioritisation, timeboxing, facilitated workshops and provides a holistic (soup to nuts) approach.

What will my project teams need to do before they can start using DSDM?

Typically it will require awareness and briefing sessions, skilled facilitation resource, help with team selection, help with project selection, enhancement of Application development standards, general DSDM project set up & planning and team mentoring

Should the users on my DSDM project be trained?

There are many benefits to be gained from training users prior to their involvement with DSDM projects. The main user, the Ambassador User, would benefit greatly from attending the 3 day Practitioner course together with the developers. Apart from being a useful team building exercise, this non technical course focuses on the techniques used and allows delegates to practice and improve their skills, building confidence right from the start of the project. Users who are less involved, Advisor Users, Executive Sponsors and Visionaries, would all benefit from attending a 1 day Awareness, which gives a good overview and provides an opportunity to ensure a clear understanding of DSDM, what it is and what will be expected of those involved, and why.

So can we change all our projects to be done using DSDM?

No, it is highly likely that even the most committed organisation will find that not all projects are suitable for the full DSDM approach. However there are elements of DSDM that are suitable for almost all projects. Or, as DSDM Users say :- You can use ALL of DSDM some of the time, and SOME of DSDM all of the time.

Does DSDM fit with PRINCE2?

Yes, as PRINCE2 is a product based approach, it fits well with DSDM which also focuses on frequent delivery of products? Read the Using DSDM and PRINCE2 White Paper to learn more.

We are a company which bids for work? Can DSDM be used for this type of work?

Yes, DSDM has been used successfully in response to ITTs, and is possible for either Time and Materials or Fixed Price contracts. However, it is important that both the Customer and the Supplier have a clear understanding of how DSDM works. Attendance at a DSDM Awareness seminar helps remove any misunderstandings.

Isn't DSDM just another fad like TQM and BPR?

The Framework has been evolving since 1994. DSDM projects exist worldwide. Many blue chip organisations use it as their framework of choice e.g. British Airways. The reason why DSDM is here to stay is that it is based very firmly on common sense and industry best practice. Unlike many fads, it has been tried and tested and it works. If you don't believe us, talk to some of the companies who are licensed users of DSDM and hear about their experiences. Many of these companies have now made DSDM their preferred approach.