Rapid Application Development Case Study

The Rapid Application Development (RAD) approach to software development puts clear emphasis on development and prototyping, and less on planning tasks. In RAD, prototyping acts as an alternative to design specifications. RAD works well when user interface is given a bigger focus rather than non-graphical user interface programs.
RAD refers to a development life cycle designed to make development much faster and produce higher quality systems than traditional life cycle. The key objectives of RAD are high quality, high speed and low cost. At the center of RAD is the people as it calls for active user involvement, collaboration and cooperation between all stakeholders.
RAD changes the game of software development as it raises the quality of
1. Methodology  In RAD, it is important to combine the best available techniques and specify the sequence of tasks that will make the techniques executed more effectively. A well-executed RAD is packed with guidelines and a sequence of actions that are designed to make development techniques more effective. So to speak, the system is refined and perfected through the methodology.

2. People  As in any application development, a successful Rapid Application Development implementation count on the right people with the right skills and competencies. Excellent tools and process cannot guarantee successful RAD alone. At every stage of RAD, people execute critical activities that need to move fast. Among the key characters of RAD are the requirements planning team, user design team, user review board, and project manager.

3. Management  Good management and dedication are essential for faster system development. Every manager running a Rapid Application Development should keep in mind the importance of human motivation, comprehensive training, administration of resources and doing away with red tape and