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?

  1. Fix time and cost, adjust scope via prioritized features delivered in timeboxes.
  2. Fix scope up front and allow budget to grow to meet deadlines.
  3. Avoid timeboxing and plan only through rolling wave estimation.
  4. 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.

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