JAD -- Joint Application Development

This methodology was developed by IBM in 1977 and first came to use in the early 1980s. The focus of this technique is around an

intensive structured workshop where participating end users are assisted by information system personnel and guided by an

experienced and impartial facilitator who is not a participant of the project team. The facilitator has previously interviewed managers

and users to define the scope and objectives of the project and determine who must participate in the JAD workshop. The strength

of the JAD technique is in the integration of behavioral and group dynamics techniques within the structure of the methodology.

The success of a JAD workshop relies primarily on the skills of the session leader in managing processes, applying structured

techniques to facilitate the group’s deriving requirements, and handling the group’s dynamics. It has been observed that a JAD

technique lives up to expectations only if the participants are the right people and that they are committed to their part and

responsibilities in the process. The participants must come from the executives, project managers, users, systems experts, external

technical personnel, a JAD facilitator and a JAD documentation specialist.