Joint Application Development (JAD)

Joint Application Development (JAD)

What is Joint application Development ?

How does JAD work ?

• JAD (Joint Application Development) is a methodology that involves the client or end user in the design and development of an application, through a succession of collaborative workshops called JAD sessions

5 steps :

-Step 1: Planning Ahead .

-Step 2 : Assembling the Right Team .

-Step 3: Ensuring Everyone is Committed to the Project .

-Step 4: Staying on Course JAD sessions .

-Step 5: Following Through .

Step 1: Planning Ahead

• The JAD approach, in comparison with the more traditional practice, is thought to lead to faster development times and greater client satisfaction, because the client is involved throughout the development process. In comparison, in the traditional approach to systems development, the developer investigates the system requirements and develops an application, with client input consisting of a series of interviews.

Step 2 : Assembling the Right Team

It is vitally important develop a list of team members and clearly define their roles and responsibilities .

- Executive Sponsor

- Session Leader

- User/Participants

- IT Representatives

Planning begins long before the JAD sessions start. The IT team, represented by the project leader, meets with the executive sponsor (from the business side) to establish .

Management’s support for the project The need for improved processes or the new system Clear, understandable, measurable, and attainable goals The scope and limitations of the project The expected milestones, deliverables, and timelines Planning continues during the course of the actual JAD sessions.

Prior to each meeting, an agenda should be developed, agreed upon, and distributed to the participants. Minutes or proceedings from previous sessions should also be distributed to participants for review.

Step 3: Ensuring Everyone is Committed to the Project

Step 5: Following Through

Step 4: Staying on Course JAD sessions

JAD sessions typically start off with a kick-off meeting at which the executive sponsor is present. At the kick-off meeting, the executive sponsor expresses confidence in the IT team and the project and reiterates to the users the importance of their roles, active contributions, and sustained commitment to the project. Each team member must understand what he or she is expected to do and must be ready to commit to attending and actively participating in all of the required JAD sessions.

At the conclusion of the JAD sessions, the IT team will produce the design document within the timeframe agreed upon during the planning stage. The team will present the solution to the executive sponsor and may demonstrate a prototype. It is also during this stage that the team obtains the executive sponsor’s approval to proceed. However, the process does not end with the executive sponsor’s approval. The entire project team should gather together to evaluate the JAD process.

typically start off with a kick-off meeting at which the executive sponsor is present. At the kick-off meeting, the executive sponsor expresses confidence in the IT team and the project and reiterates to the users the importance of their roles, active contributions, and sustained commitment to the project. Each team member must understand what he or she is expected to do and must be ready to commit to attending and actively participating in all of the required JAD sessions.