4 Phases of Rapid Application Development Methodology

Times are changing with the improvements brought about through the technology of things. In times past, the focus when it comes to effective project management is solely based on agility displayed during the process. A 2017 study by PwC concluded with the findings that agile projects are 28% more successful than traditional projects. The realization of that has brought to the fore, the concept of Rapid Application Development (RAD) strategy which is very popular in software development.

The speed of execution of RAD is the major reason why focus is being shifted to it because of its usefulness in operations that are fast based. This is achieved by minimizing the time spent on the planning stage and maximizing that of the prototype stage. Through this template, project managers get the job executed on time and the interface between the stakeholders is on the fast lane which enables them to act fast and incorporate the changes that come up. In the end, we have greater efficiency, effective communication of results and the attendant fast development that follows it. We shall answer the question: what is rapid application development? The approach shall be taking a look into all the four stages that are involved in the concept.

1. The Requirement Planning

This is the foundation laying of the processes and the stage where expectations are brought to the table and discussed. It is a very important stage because the plans of actions will be laid at this stage. It involves a meeting of the following stakeholders:

• Developers
• Clients (software users)
• Team members

They will meet to discuss the goals and expectations of the project as well as issues that need to be addressed. They are to research; define and finalize the expected outcome. Every member will contribute his quota and agreements which will be binding on all will be reached to avoid costly changes along the line. This stage is very important because they are going to build on the blueprint that comes out of here. That is the reason why all the members should individually and collectively agree together.

2. The User Design

After coming out of the required planning with a blueprint, it is time to move into action with the blueprint as a guide. The user design is to be fashioned out at this stage through prototype iterations. This stage is very important to the success of the RAD. The client will collaborate with the developments to ensure that everything is right and in compliance with what they will be in need of in the project design. Every step must be in the right direction, clients will ensure that developers stay tuned on track.

The prototype of the design is produced by the developer for the appraisal of the client. The client on his part will test it and give feedback on observations of the prototype copy of the project. The developers will go on carrying out adjustments to his design until the client is satisfied with the outcome.

3. Rapid Construction

The speed at this stage will be fast. Just like physical construction can excel with Steel Formwork Hire Company Australia there is now a standard in place which must be followed gotten from the user design stage. All the problem areas have been resolved; it is now time for the developer to bring out the real model. The steps that are taken is broken into smaller pieces as follows:

• The preparation stage for rapid construction
• Application and Program development
• The coding processes
• Testing the integration, unit, and system

The entire team of the software developers works together in harmony to ensure that all the loose ends of the design are tied together with the sole objective of ensuring that the final outcome will be a model that meets the expectations of the client. This third stage is very crucial and the client is still expected to come in and give his inputs; this is to ensure that everything works out well. Alterations can be suggested here; in worse scenarios, the whole design might be rejected and the process will have to begin all over again.

4. Cutover

This is the end of the journey. Having passed through the three stages above, this is the stage that will put to actual practice, all the procedures that we have discussed through all the stages earlier discussed. The finished product will go to launch at this juncture. During the launch, the following procedures will take place:

Data conversion- Here there will be a move from the old data to the new one.

Testing- The effectiveness of the new data into the line of operation will be tested to see if things will actually work out.

The changeover to the new system- When it is certain that the new data is seamlessly interwoven into the operation, there will be a changeover to the new system.

The User Training- Now that it is certain that the new system has come into operation; the staffs will be trained so that they will have a clear interface with the new system.

With that final step, the process of the rapid application development would have been effectively incorporated into the system full time. The benefits that come with the new order can now be enjoyed by the company in the area of fast, smooth operational deliveries that will push the brand to the next level.