TRADITIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES - Software Design for Six-Sigma: A Roadmap for Excellence - page 35

2.3.1.9 Joint Application Development (JAD). JAD 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. Chuck Morris
and Tony Crawford, both of IBM, developed JAD in the late 1970s and began teaching
the approach through workshops in 1980 (JAD, 2008). The results were encouraging,
and JAD became a well-accepted approach in many companies.
The JAD approach, in comparison with the more traditional practice, is thought to
lead to faster development times and to 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 require-
ments and develops an application, with client input consisting of only a series of
interviews. A variation on JAD, Rapid Application Development (RAD) creates an
application more quickly through such strategies as using fewer formal methodologies
and reusing software components.

2.3.1.9.1 Advantages

Faster development times and greater client satisfaction because the client is
involved throughout the development process.
Many companies find that JAD allows key users to participate effectively in
the requirements modeling process. When users (customers) participate in the
systems development process, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership
in the results and support for the new system. This is a DFSS best practice as
well.
When properly used, JAD can result in a more accurate statement of system
requirements, a better understanding of common goals, and a stronger commit-
ment to the success of the new system.

2.3.1.9.2 Disadvantages

Compared with traditional methods, JAD may seem more expensive and can be
cumbersome if the group is too large relative to the size of the project.
A drawback of JAD is that it opens up a lot of scope for interpersonal conflict.

2.3.1.9.3 Suitability. JAD is popular in information technology (IT) applications.
It is a process used in the systems development life cycle (SDLC) to collect business
requirements while developing new information systems for a company.

2.3.1.10 Rapid Application Development (RAD). RAD (2008) is a process
that helps develop products faster and of higher quality through the use of one or
more of the following methods:

Gathering requirements using workshops or focus groups
Prototyping and early reiterative user testing of designs