Question

describe how the systems analyst will handle a JAD session. Also, explain how the prototype approach is utilized. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Answer 1

ANS. A Business analyst is the one who interacts with the entire group and gathers the information, analyses it and brings out a document. He plays a very important role in JAD session.

Joint Application Development (JAD) is a process used to collect business requirements while developing new information systems for a company. The JAD process may also include approaches for enhancing user participation, expediting development and improving the quality of specifications. The intention of a JAD session is to pool in subject matter expert’s/Business analyst or IT specialist to bring out solutions.

Originally, JAD was designed to bring system developers and users of varying backgrounds and opinions together in a productive as well as creative environment. The meetings were a way of obtaining quality requirements and specifications. The structured approach provides a good alternative to traditional serial interviews by system analysts. JAD has since expanded to cover broader IT work as well as non-IT work (read about Facilitated Application Specification Techniques – FAST – created by Gary Rush in 1985 to expand JAD applicability.It is common for the JAD participants to make use of a number of tools during the JAD session in order to fully define the new system. Use cases may be created to describe how the users will interact with the new system. Prototypes may be created to more fully understand the user interface or navigation through the system. Process models can be constructed to understand the software that will be developed, while a data model can be used to describe the data that will be captured and maintained. The facilitator and the analysts on the project team should use every tool at their disposal to help the participants clarify and define their needs for the new system.

Advantages

• JAD allows you to resolve difficulties more simply and produce better, error-free software
• The joint collaboration between the company and the clients lowers all risks
• JAD reduces costs and time needed for project development
• Well-defined requirements improve system quality
• Due to the close communication, progress is faster
• JAD encourages the team to push each other to work faster and deliver on time

Disadvantages

• Different opinions within the team make it difficult to align goals and maintain focus.
• Depending on the size of the project, JAD may require a significant time commitment.