A review of information systems development methodology (ISDM) selection techniques

The arena of systems development has seen an explosion in the number of available Information systems development methodologies (ISDMs). There is no independent database that describes these ISDMs and indeed it is not even clear exactly how many of these methodologies are in existence. Different types of development situation need different methodologies, thus Information Systems (IS) practitioners are faced with a selection problem. This is clearly a management issue. The literature reports a number of methodology selection techniques. This paper reviews a cross-section of these. The authors of the paper argue that on the whole, these techniques do not adequately address the entire selection issue. From our ongoing research it is suggested that there are two facets to the problem, namely process model selection and tool selection. The techniques reviewed either attempt a blanket solution for both facets or a solution for one whilst ignoring the other. It is observed that the activity of methodology selection fits into a greater whole; a whole that continually monitors an organisation's approach to systems development, highlighting weakness and implementing improvements in an environment of evolutionary pressures similar to those confronting the organisation. The authors coin the term methodology management to refer to that activity within an organisation which is concerned with the structure and coordination of the organisation's approach to systems development. Our ongoing research is concerned with the identification and development of effective methodology management procedures.