The Methodology Used in Amex
The Methodology
Methodology Used
American Express follows a standard development methodology called Method/1. This methodology was originally developed by Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) to address the needs of their own consulting practice. After several internal versions, Andersen decided to make their systems development methodology available to clients. American Express Technologies has licensed and adopted Method/1 as its standard methodology for all Technologies software development projects.
This project followed the "Small Project Path" development route this is the most common route for projects within Amex. Fig. 3 Small Project Stage Level View.
Benefits and Disadvantages
Benefits
Well-defined and documented work units with clear deliverables help ensure quality.
Predictability and repeatability in the development process.
Provides a standard "language" across all AET projects. More standard communication within Technologies and with business partners.
Flexible methodology that can be customised according to the needs of each project.
Helps ensure projects are complaint with company and regulatory requirements.
Disadvantages
Not uniformly understood across all of Technologies.
The Method in Use
Activities Undertaken
The Small Project Path of Method/1 was used in this project the following work-units were used:
Project Definition and Planning
Initiate Project and Organise
Review Present Status
Survey Information Needs
Identify Hardware and Software Environment
Develop Conceptual Design
Evaluate Development Alternatives
Finalise Work Plan
Obtain Management Advisory
Analyse
Identify User Requirements
Establish Metrics and Goals
Prototype Business Process
Create Event Model
Create Process Model
Create Data Model
Design
Complete Dialog Design
Define Application Architecture
Design Windows
Design Reports and Documents
Define Message and Process Flow
Methodology Used
American Express follows a standard development methodology called Method/1. This methodology was originally developed by Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) to address the needs of their own consulting practice. After several internal versions, Andersen decided to make their systems development methodology available to clients. American Express Technologies has licensed and adopted Method/1 as its standard methodology for all Technologies software development projects.
This project followed the "Small Project Path" development route this is the most common route for projects within Amex. Fig. 3 Small Project Stage Level View.
Benefits and Disadvantages
Benefits
Well-defined and documented work units with clear deliverables help ensure quality.
Predictability and repeatability in the development process.
Provides a standard "language" across all AET projects. More standard communication within Technologies and with business partners.
Flexible methodology that can be customised according to the needs of each project.
Helps ensure projects are complaint with company and regulatory requirements.
Disadvantages
Not uniformly understood across all of Technologies.
The Method in Use
Activities Undertaken
The Small Project Path of Method/1 was used in this project the following work-units were used:
Project Definition and Planning
Initiate Project and Organise
Review Present Status
Survey Information Needs
Identify Hardware and Software Environment
Develop Conceptual Design
Evaluate Development Alternatives
Finalise Work Plan
Obtain Management Advisory
Analyse
Identify User Requirements
Establish Metrics and Goals
Prototype Business Process
Create Event Model
Create Process Model
Create Data Model
Design
Complete Dialog Design
Define Application Architecture
Design Windows
Design Reports and Documents
Define Message and Process Flow