program selection system

Most Systems Analysis and Design textbooks and courses are based on traditional (and heavy) methods, tools and processes. I encourage students to apply basic concepts to solve a business problem of their choice and customize the tools they have learned to fit their unique project. For example, all students start their modelling processes by applying the basic concepts of events and entities. Those choosing to leverage traditional tools will then create a set of data flow diagrams based on their events table, including a context diagram, DFD fragments and detailed diagrams, entity relationship diagrams, etc. Those choosing to apply an object oriented approach will take their events table and create a set of use cases, use case diagrams, class diagrams and create additional models of object behavior and sequence diagrams, state chart diagrams, interaction diagrams and other OO models.

I also introduce Agile Practices to enrich the classroom and learning experience by:

1. Starting each class with a daily standup
2. Ending each class with a retrospective
3. Share the value of stories through class games, exercises and application to individual student projects
4. Empowering students with Open Space and Lightning Talk opportunities and facilitative techniques
5. Utlizing project iteration opens and closes (as part of class presentations)

I use Mary and Tom Poppendieck’s “Lean Software Development” book to add some powerful, lighterweight tools to the student’s toolkits. As students complete the “Try This” exercises at the end of each chapter, they relate the core concepts to their projects as well as to their academic, organizational and personal lives, which never fails to spark some original and creative exchanges and learnings, as we review the core concepts around:

1. Eliminating waste
2. Amplify learning
3. Deciding as late as possible
4. Delivering as fast as possible
5. Empowering the team
6. Building integrity in
7. Seeing the whole

Agile practices are enriching the classroom experience and student’s creative thinking and mastery of the tools they’ve been learning throughout their academic experiences with impressive results. Students are learned more creative thinking and a deeper understanding of what they have learned. The are also realizing success and enhanced business value through iterations and early delivery; and incorporating feedback into their learning loops to exceed their original project expectations early in the semester. The result is refreshing and energizing: students can’t wait for the next session.