Tips to Compare Software Development Methodologies

Tips to Compare Software Development MethodologiesTips to Compare Software Development MethodologiesReady, set, go Your software engineers rush out of the gate, writing elegant code that compiles perfectly into a killer software product that fits your clients needs. Works every time, right? Well, not always.This kind of unstructured development might work for simple projects. But as the scope of a product expands, so does the need for a process to guide the development efforts.Enter software development methodologies, or frameworks, that define the process your team follows as it attempts to deliver a timely product that satisfies your customers. However, do you know which one to adopt?The yin and yang of software development methodologiesStructured and Agile occupy opposite ends of the spectrum of software development methodologies. Though there are various models, or versions, that reference aspects of ansicht two methods, looking at a comparison of the overarching methods is perha ps the best way to start your quest for a development framework.Structured methodologyThis is the most traditional of the software development methodologies. Under this approach, distinct phases of development are completed by distinct groups in a linear fashion. Each phase must be completed and approved before the next phase can begin. Though the most common use of this method is the Waterfall model, other software development methodologies also use structured techniques. They includeIterative A structured technique whereby developers first create the most basic form of the product, complete testing and then go through constant cycles/iterations to add additional features, testing after each iteration.Spiral A structured, iterative approach that continues to spiral outward (get bigger) while going through four distinct structured phases (determine objectives, risk assessment, develop, then test and plan the next iteration).Rapid Application Development (RAD) A structured approach t o create user requirements and final design, but one that focuses on prototyping in lieu of functional planning. The constant prototyping allows for trial and error of functional requirements.Agile methodologyIn 2001, a group of programmers decided there was a different way to develop software and published the Agile Manifesto. Agile emphasizes collaborative development by smaller teams comprised of clients, developers and other experts, followed closely by review and adaptation. This develop-review-adapt cycle continues as the teams produce rapid iterations of a product until it is completed.The most recognized use of Agile methodology is the Scrum model, which is commonly referred to as Agile Scrum.However, other software development methodologies also reference the Agile method, including Extreme Programming (XP). When it comes to XP, the personenname says it all. Projects are completed by taking all Agile practices to the extreme, such as reviewing code on a constant basis throu gh pair programming and opting for verbal communication over written documentation at all times.Fixed vs. flexible In its truest form, the structured methodology centers around a master schedule that has hard deadlines for each phase of development (coding, quality assurance, etc.). This framework allows you to give your client a fixed cost and release date. If these are important to your customer, consider going with a structured software development method. On the other hand, if your client is flexible about dates and costs, Agile may be the way to go.Does your client want to be involved?With any of the structured software development methodologies, clients request features, then step back and wait until these features are implemented in the next major release of the product. If the customer suddenly realizes they need a different feature, they have to wait until the next development cycle begins.Though some structured models, like RAD, offer a faster response than the more common Waterfall model, Agile offers a completely different way. By being part of the team producing incremental releases, customers can choose features along the way, which can increase their satisfaction with the end product. This way of working may also be best for clients who have a hard time envisioning exactly what they want before development begins.Know thy developersWithin the structured method, developers are assigned discrete tasks based on written requirements generated upstream. The need for daily conversation with other team members is minimized. Is this how your programmers like to work? Or would they be happier bouncing ideas off other software engineers, clients and business experts on a daily basis? Many developers feel empowered by the Agile method because they have more control over the final product.Its not always easy leaving the waterIf you decide to implement one of the software development methodologies weve discussed - and you havent used it before - be aware t hat youll probably hit some bumps. This is because the structured and Agile software development methodologies are completely different ways in which to visualize a project and work on it.Keep in mind that Waterfall isnt the only software development process that uses a structured approach, so you may want to further research some less-common structured models. And if you go decide to go with Agile, be sure to budget some extra time and consider bring on team members who have experience with it.Find out what software developers are paid in your cityGO TO SALARY CALCULATOR

Science Job Titles in Academia, Government, and Industry

Science Job Titles in Academia, Government, and IndustryScience Job Titles in Academia, Government, and IndustryMost jobs in science are found in an academic setting, in government, or in private industry. That general title, however, covers a range of broad categories like chemistry and botany. All of those broad categories include many specializations, each with its own set of technical skills, knowledge, and educational requirements. Thus, this list of science job titles is both long and varied. There also is a wide range in the education requirements. A technician, lab assistant, or field assistant might need to acquire intensive training and certification only in the specialized tasks that the job entails. For many regulatory or industrial jobs, a masters degree is a voreingestellt requirement. Professorships require a doctorate in the subject. Academic Jobs Jobs in academia usually involve teaching, but some positions are focused on research projects while, for others, teac hing is the core responsibility. The actual job title seldom reflects the distinction. Titles include professor, assistant professor, adjunct professor, and lecturer. Modifiers like of botany are seldom part of the title but are simply understood from context. Technicians, assistants, field researchers, and interns also belong to academia if they work for professors. Such positions are usually filled by graduate students, who may or may elend be paid. Government Jobs Many science jobs in government involve working for regulatory agencies. They include tasks such as testing water samples for pollution levels. Government scientists also conduct surveys of many kinds, like determining how many square miles of a certain forest type exist in a given state. Such positions may be available at both the state and federal levels, and sometimes at the local level. Titles include state ecologist, water resource specialist, and aquatic animal health inspector. Some government agencies, such as the military or the National Park Service, conduct their own scientific research, although the career tracks for academic and government science jobs are often quite separate. Titles for these positions often include military or civil service rank. For example, a GPS specialist might also be a G10 National Park Service ranger. Industrial and Non-Profit Jobs Businesses in fields such as pharmaceuticals, engineering, wetland remediation, logging, mining, and fossil fuels employ scientists of various specializations. Non-profit organizations, especially those in the environmental and medical fields, employ scientists as researchers or educators, to help interpret current research, and to draft organizational policy. Miscellaneous Science Jobs Many jobs requiring scientific knowledge do not fit into any of the above categories. These include science teachers, research librarians, science writers and journalists, and science educators. For some scientists, a career path that b egins in the field winds up in management or administration, or even politics. Thus, there are fully qualified scientists who have job titles such as director of outreach and member services or vice president of alumni relations. This comprehensive list of job titles in the science industry can help you narrow down your career interests. It will certainly give you an appreciation of the great breadth of the field. Science Job Titles A - D AnalystAnalytical Lab TechnicianAnalytical Services ChemistAssay Development SpecialistAssistant Field TechnicianAssistant TechnicianAssociate ProfessorBioanalytical ScientistBiochemistBioinformatics Research ScientistBiology ProfessorBusiness AnalystBusiness System AnalystCell Biology ScientistCell Line Development ManagerChemical EngineerChemical TechnicianClimate Data AnalystClinical Data ResearchClinical Pharmacology ProfessorClinical Pharmacy AssistantClinical Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator Clinical Research DirectorCo mpliance TechnicianComputational Chemistry ManagerComputer ProgrammerComputing ConsultantConservation TechnicianDevelopment TechnologistDrug EvaluatorDrug Regulatory Affairs Manager E - L Environmental Data AnalystEnvironmental Emergencies AssistantEnvironmental Emergencies PlannerEnvironmental Health ScientistEnvironmental Project AnalystEnvironmental Research AssistantEnvironmental ScientistEnvironmental Services RepresentativeEnvironmental SpecialistExploration DirectorField Applications SpecialistField TechnicianFinancial AnalystForensic ChemistForensic ScientistGene Editing ManagerGenetic CounselorGrants/Proposal WriterGroundwater TechnicianHardware DesignerHealth Research Assistant Health Technology AssistantHospital Accounting AnalystHospital Research AssistantHuman Factors EngineerImmunology ScientistIndustrial DesignerIT beistand StaffInstitutional Research DirectorInsurance RepresentativeIntranet SpecialistIntranet SupportJunior AnalystLaboratory AssistantLaboratory In structorLaboratory ManagerLaboratory Technician M - R Market Access AnalystMarket Access AssociateMarketing ConsultantMedical Communications DirectorMedical Physics ResearcherMedical Research AssistantMedical Research TechnicianMedical ScientistMedical Services AssistantMolecular BiologistMolecular ScientistOncology ResearcherOperations ClerkOperations Research Analysis ManagerOperations Section ManagerOperations SupervisorOperations Team LeaderOperations Unit ManagerOrganic Lab Research AssistantOrganic Lab WorkerPharmaceutical AssistantPharmaceutical Marketing Assistant Pharmaceutical Research AnalystPharmaceutical Research AssistantPharmaceutical Research TechnicianPharmaceutical TechnicianPharmacovigilance SupervisorPharmacy Affairs AssistantPharmacy AssistantPharmacy Innovation AssistantPower RegulatorProcess EngineerProcess InspectorProcess Research ManagerProduct EngineerProduct Test SpecialistProduction Team LeaderProduction Test SupervisorProfessional Programs Assistant Project ManagerPublic Health SpecialistQuality AssistantQuality Assurance ManagerQuality Assurance Technologist Quality Control AnalystQuality Control ManagerQuality Control SupervisorRegulatory Affairs AssociateRegulatory Affairs DirectorRegulatory OfficerRehabilitation Engineering AssistantReimbursement AnalystResearch AssistantResearch ChemistResearch Team LeaderResearch TechnicianResearch and Development AssociateResearch and Development ChemistResearch and Development DirectorResearch and Development ManagerResearch and Development SupervisorResearch and Development TechnicianResearch and Development Tester Research and Innovation ManagerResearch ScientistResearcherRetail AnalystSafety Data SpecialistSales AnalystSatellite Data AnalystScience TechnicianScientific ArtistScientific ProgrammerScientific Project ManagerScientific WriterSenior Pharmacy StudentSoftware DeveloperSoftware Engineering AssistantSolid Waste Field TechnicianSpecial Projects CoordinatorStatisticianStem Cell ResearcherSTEM Career AdvisorStructural BiologistStructural EngineerSystems Analyst T - Z Technical Application SpecialistTechnical Support TechnicianTechnical WriterTechnology Research AnalystTechnology Research ManagerTechnology SpecialistTherapeutic DirectorTotal Quality Management DirectorTotal Quality ManagerToxicologistTransportation Project Manager

How to Handle Job Offers

How to Handle Job OffersHow to Handle Job Offers