USER PARTICIPATION in Systems Development

Abstract

1.1 ABSTRACT This study offers a glimpse into a number of subtratal concepts, philosophies, and methodologies, which undergird the evolution of theories and concepts supporting User Participation in systems design and development. It takes a comparative look at how this concept has been structured into the frameworks of several leading system development methodologies. Of particular interest is an approach, which has its origins in Scandinavia, as the author of this study is a student at a Scandinavian university. The intent of this study is to outline and highlight the potential for end user influence in systems design. It is hoped that this study may help foster further interest and dialog relating to the effective utilization of modern methodologies in broadening and strengthening the expert domain competencies of both end users and systems designers. The study concludes with a brief discussion regarding several of the merits of user involvement in systems development.