Abstract
M.Sc. (Computer Science)
The
process
that
involves
creating
and
altering
software
systems
can
be
defined
as
the
software
development
lifecycle.
People
often
use
methodologies
and
methods
in
order
to
develop
these
systems
with
success
factors
such
as
people,
processes
and
technology.
The
lifecycle
is
comprised
of
the
following
stages:
• Planning
• Requirements
definition
• Design
• Development
• Integration
and
testing
• Installation
• Acceptance.
The
underlying
issue
in
such
a
lifecycle
is
that
project
defects
are
identified
late
within
the
lifecycle
and
therefore,
the
process
of
rectifying
these
problems
becomes
costly.
Ultimately,
an
ideal
product
is
one
with
minimal
or
zero
defects
which
can
be
achieved
with
a
software
project
that
prevents
or
detects
defects
earlier
within
the
cycle.
Release
management
can
be
described
as
the
process
involving
decision-‐making
regarding
the
implementation
and
releasing
of
a
software
product.
A
conceptual
framework
exists
which
stipulates
the
stages
involved
in
the
development
process
of
a
software
application.
Several
models
exist
that
describe
the
SDLC
in
different
approaches.
A
philosophy
is
adopted
within
the
RAD
model,
known
as
Agile
and
is
beneficial
since
it
minimises
future
scope
creep
and
scope
changes.
Development
occurs
in
shorter
intervals.
Over
and
above
the
stages
and
values
in
this
methodology,
the
Agile
methodology
includes
incremental
changes
which
are
then
captured
in
the
scheduled
software
releases.
The
purpose
of
the
research
presented
in
this
dissertation
is
to
incorporate
findings
where
large
companies
with
global
IT
projects
can
adopt
the
Agile
conceptual
framework
and
to
testify
whether
all
types
of
IT
projects
will
benefit
from
a
frequent
release
approach
to
the
delivery
of
the
project.
Three
different
projects
across
a
large
South
African
financial
institution
that
specialises
in
corporate
organisation
banking
and
core-‐banking
functionality
will
be
studied
and
presented
as
case
studies.
Release
management
will
also
be
studied
from
an
organisational
perspective
with
the
following
banking
institution
in
context.
Data
will
be
retrieved
by
carrying
out
interviews
and
surveys
with
appropriate
stakeholders,
and
therefore,
analysed
to
generate
a
valid
conclusion.