HKSM
Dynamic Systems Development Method (DsDM)
A framework for delivering projects using agile principles and practices.
Key Points
- Fixes time and cost while flexing scope based on business priority (often using MoSCoW).
- Organizes work into short, structured timeboxes with frequent, incremental deliveries.
- Relies on active user involvement and empowered, collaborative teams.
- Promotes iterative development with continuous testing and validation.
Example
An organization building a customer self-service portal sets a fixed 12-week schedule and budget. The team plans three 4-week timeboxes, engages business representatives daily, and prioritizes features with MoSCoW. Must-have login and account views ship in Timebox 1; Should-have payment options follow in Timebox 2; Could-have personalization is deferred if time runs short, ensuring a usable release on the target date.
PMP Example Question
A product team adopts DSDM to meet a hard launch date and capped budget. Which approach best reflects this framework?
- Fix time and cost, adjust scope via prioritized features delivered in timeboxes.
- Fix scope up front and allow budget to grow to meet deadlines.
- Avoid timeboxing and plan only through rolling wave estimation.
- Deliver a single big-bang release after complete documentation.
Correct Answer: A — Fix time and cost, flex scope using priority within timeboxes
Explanation: DSDM emphasizes fixed time and budget, iterative timeboxes, and scope negotiation through prioritization to ensure timely, incremental delivery.
