Philosophy, Principles & Preparation

How many principles underpin the DSDM Agile Project Framework?

• A Six
• B Eight ✓
• C Twelve
• D Five

Answer: DSDM is built on eight principles that must all be applied; compromising any one undermines the framework's integrity.

What is the central philosophy of DSDM, summarised in a single statement?

• A That best business value emerges when projects are aligned to clear business goals, deliver frequently and involve collaboration of motivated and empowered people ✓
• B That fixed scope must always be protected at the expense of time and cost
• C That the project manager alone should make all solution decisions
• D That documentation is more valuable than working software

Answer: The DSDM philosophy states that best business value emerges when projects align to clear business goals, deliver frequently and are driven by collaboration between motivated, empowered people.

Which DSDM principle is most directly concerned with delivering an acceptable solution within agreed time and cost rather than a perfect one?

• A Never compromise quality
• B Develop iteratively
• C Build incrementally from firm foundations
• D Deliver on time ✓

Answer: The 'Deliver on time' principle stresses meeting deadlines through timeboxing and MoSCoW, accepting that not every requirement will be delivered but the agreed time and cost are protected.

In DSDM, which two project variables are normally fixed, in contrast to traditional approaches?

• A Scope and quality
• B Time and cost ✓
• C Cost and features
• D Quality and resources

Answer: DSDM fixes time and cost (and quality), then flexes the features/scope using MoSCoW prioritisation, reversing the traditional model where scope is fixed.

Which DSDM principle emphasises that the solution must be built from a sound understanding of the business problem before significant development begins?

• A Communicate continuously and clearly
• B Demonstrate control
• C Focus on the business need
• D Build incrementally from firm foundations ✓

Answer: 'Build incrementally from firm foundations' requires enough early analysis to establish a firm basis, avoiding both excessive up-front design and building on shaky ground.

The DSDM principle 'Never compromise quality' means that quality is agreed how?

• A Quality is determined solely by the Solution Tester during deployment
• B Quality is decided informally at the end of the project
• C The level of quality is agreed at the start, and the solution must be good enough to meet that agreed level ✓
• D Quality is always set to the highest possible standard regardless of cost

Answer: Under 'Never compromise quality', the acceptable level of quality is set at the outset so the solution can be tested against that agreed standard throughout development.