Putting methodology in perspective from a project risk viewpoint [software]

This paper puts software development methodology into perspective by focusing on project risks. Some risks are addressed by methodology, but many are not. The paper is based on a 10-question "Dumpster Avoidance Assessment" developed by the author for assessing the risks in software projects. The name of the assessment derives from the fact that 15 to 30 percent of all software projects are cancelled outright (i.e., go into the dumpster) and most of the remaining projects suffer from schedule slippage, cost overruns, or failure to meet their goals. There is also a constant stream of stories about the problems caused by errors in computer software. This paper discusses the relevance of software risk management and development methodologies in electric power systems and describes the Dumpster Avoidance Assessment