Early, Often, and Repeat

IT projects across all sectors are relying on more iterative methodologies that can employ early and frequent assessment and evaluation processes in order to ensure that project deliverables are satisfactory. This chapter provides a practical overview of assessment and evaluation processes and how they can be built into any of the various project management and development models. Methods discussed include: audience and needs assessment; approaches for maintaining engagement with stakeholder audiences; requirements and feedback-gathering methods including focus groups, surveys, and other communications; and evaluation and review methods such as usability testing and user acceptance testing. Iterative cycles of assessment, prototyping, evaluation, and implementation will be demonstrated through examples and process model flow diagrams.