Assignment Overview
The Case for this final Module involves what are generically known as "Agile methodologies" for software development. If you are new to this whole area, a good place to start is with the following brief articles and discussion of Agile Software Development.
For the Case, you should consult the following short readings.
VersionOne. (2011). Agile Methodologies. Agile Made Easy.
Mountain Goat Software Blog (2015).
CollabNet. (2011). Scrum methodology.
Scrum Alliance. (2011). Scrum is an innovative approach to getting work done.
Ambler, S.A. (2007). Answering the "where is the proof that agile methods work" question. AgileModeling.
Wells, D. (2009). Extreme programming: A gentle introduction.
The dialogue about the relative value of extreme programming vs. the more traditional approaches continues to be lively and largely civil. These issues make up a page in the PPT wiki.
TheCaseAgainstExtremeProgramming. Please scan the variety of opinions expressed here, and evaluate the various arguments made in light of what you've learned about extreme programming.
Case Assignment
Consult the assigned material, supplemented if you wish with material from the optional readings and perhaps the supplementary background as well, and even other outside reading you might find by yourself to be useful. Then write a short paper stating your position on the question:
"What are the criteria of effectiveness used to support the claim that 'agile software development methodologies' are a superior design method? Why are Scrum and XP rapidly emerging frameworks as methodoly techniques?"
Your paper should be short (5-6 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner.
You are expected to:
Begin this paper by stating your position on this question clearly and concisely
Citing appropriate sources, present the reasons why you take this position. Be sure to make the most effective case you can.
Then present the best evidence you can, again citing appropriate sources, against your position -- that is, establish what counterarguments can be made to your original position.
Finally, review your original position in light of the counterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut your original statement.
By the end of your paper, you should be able to unequivocally re-affirm your original position.
Assignment Expectations
Length: Follow the number of pages required in the assignment excluding cover page and references. Each page should have about 300 words.
Your assignment will be evaluated based on the Rubric.
You will be particularly assessed on:
Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
Your informed commentary and analysis -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the TUI Course Guidelines and or the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide (see optional readings for Module 1) for the proper formats.General Case and SLP Paper Writing Guidelines