case 4 ITM 530

   
AGILE METHODOLOGIES: SCRUM AND EXTREME PROGRAMMING
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. Retrieved from http://www.versionone.com/Agile101/Methodologies.asp
Mountain Goat Software Blog (2015). http://www.mountaingoatsoftware.com/blog/differences-between-scrum-and-extreme-programming
CollabNet. (2011). Scrum methodology. Retrieved from http://scrummethodology.com/
Scrum Alliance. (2011). Scrum is an innovative approach to getting work done. Retrieved from http://student.labranet.jamk.fi/~salesa/mat/WhatIsScrum.pdf
Ambler, S.A. (2007). Answering the “where is the proof that agile methods work” question. AgileModeling. Retrieved from http://www.agilemodeling.com/essays/proof.htm
Wells, D. (2009). Extreme programming: A gentle introduction. Retrieved from http://www.extremeprogramming.org/
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: http://c2.com/cgi/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.