Evolving a software development methodology for commercial ICTD projects

This article discusses the evolution of a “DistRibuted Agile Methodology Addressing Technical Ictd in Commercial Settings” (DRAMATICS) that was developed in a global software corporation to support ICTD projects from initial team setup through ICT system design, development, and prototyping, to scaling up and transitioning, to sustainable commercial models. We developed the methodology using an iterative Action Research approach in a series of commercial ICTD projects over a period of more than six years. Our learning is reflected in distinctive methodology features that support the development of contextually adapted ICT systems, collaboration with local partners, involvement of end users in design, and the transition from research prototypes to scalable, long-term solutions. We offer DRAMATICS as an approach that others can appropriate and adapt to their particular project contexts. We report on the methodology evolution and provide evidence of its effectiveness in the projects where it has been used

The Cold War

Our hole was a good hole as holes go. It wasn\u27t always that way..

Monitoring software development through dynamic variables

Research conducted by the Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) on the use of dynamic variables as a tool to monitor software development is described. Project independent measures which may be used in a management tool for monitoring software development are identified. Several FORTRAN projects with similar profiles are examined. The staff was experienced in developing these types of projects. The projects developed serve similar functions. Because these projects are similar some underlying relationships exist that are invariant between projects. These relationships, once well defined, may be used to compare the development of different projects to determine whether they are evolving the same way previous projects in this environment evolved

The Turtle and the Human Race

THE TURTLE crawled out of the Solo River and up the slippery bank. The middle Pleistocene sun beat down on his shell and warmed his viscera. His eyelids were about to close when he noticed an animal drop from a tree and lumber towards him..

Work and Older Persons in Rural Iowa

Once a state abundant with children and youth, Iowa is now tied with Florida as having the largest population segment in the 65 and older category. Why has the change occurred? Where do these people live? Are they still active in work? This article, the first in a series on Iowa\u27s changing population, explores these questions