A longitudinal study to formalise a lifecycle methodology for small scale in-house software development

Continuing technological advances have brought in-house software development within the reach of small organisations. This study investigates the issues relating to bespoke software development for this emerging user population. It presents a lifecycle methodology, iteratively tailored to the characteristics of small scale in-house development, as a guide to future development. The study reports the development of the Database Application in Vehicle Ergonomics (DAVE), an information system which was designed to support the specific requirements of a small group of experts. An action research approach was taken through the planning, implementation and evaluation of the project's development methodology. The principles and techniques considered to suit the development scenario were adopted and applied within the framework of a defined lifecycle. The lifecycle directed user centred prototype evolution from a minimal specification to explore and deliver a range of novel applications. Taking a longitudinal approach, the study guided the iterative design of the lifecycle methodology over a series of development and maintenance case studies. The resulting 'modular system' lifecycle successfully managed the limited resources of small scale in-house software development to deliver and support a modular information system that was both usable and used. [Continues.]