Differences between DSDM V4.2 & Atern V2

All the supporting topics, i.e. the chapters in the handbook, have been reviewed and either simply brought up to date or re-written in line with the bullets below.  For example, we now have the Factors Instrumental to Successful Atern.  Full Atern V2 content is as defined in the Handbook.

Atern is different from V4.2 in the following ways.  This is not a complete list but is intended to give you an overview of what is new or different.

• The structure of the method and how it underpins the overall philosophy is made clearer and more prominent.


• The principles have been brought up to date and adjusted in order to support this philosophy.


• The fundamentals of DSDM have been upgraded to show more emphasis on quality, the role of communication and the emerging accuracy of estimates.


• The lifecycle has been changed to support any project and not just I.T. projects – phase names have been changed and there are changes to the products.


• The lifecycle has been divided into three areas of focus to reflect the different needs of the different stakeholders involved in a project.


• The roles and responsibilities have been upgraded to support any project and not just I.T. projects – role names have changed and there is a new business analyst role.


• The guidance on each technique has been extended and improved to provide more advice on how to apply them.


• Advice on requirements to be well written and more easily understood.


• The suitability/risk list has been replaced with a more advanced and comprehensive project assessment (Project Approach Questionnaire) suitable for any project and not just agile ones.


• A greater use of visualisation has been used in order to aid the understanding of all areas of the approach.