Joint Application Development (JAD)

JAD process steps are as follows:

• Designate executive sponsor and team members
• Establish a JAD process orientation and requirements related to system, benefits, risks and problem solving
• Prepare materials and software tools, schedule design sessions and conduct meetings
• To complete the design session, the project scope and goals of the project are closely examined
• Data and system requirements are identified to develop prototypes
• Finalization, where a presentation is delivered to the executive sponsor; prototype is demonstrated and design documentation is completed. The entire JAD process is evaluated.

JAD enhances user participation, thereby improving specification quality. Projects adhering to the JAD methodology are critical for an organization's future success. JAD is applied to new systems, conversions, enhancements and purchasing. JAD workshops require several key process participants and occur over a three- to five-day period.