Keenan Ryder is graduating with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Computer Science for his hard work with his thesis titled “Where Industry Meets Academia: An Analysis of Software Development Methodologies in Practice.” Keenan is from Park City, Utah. His plans after graduation include pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science while working in the industry as a software developer. Congratulations Keenan, and welcome to your alumni network! Read on to learn more about Keenan’s thesis and his answers to our questions about his Eccles Experience.
Tell us something about your thesis – your research, your findings, or what you learned:
My thesis examined and compared the three main software development methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, and Spiral) from the perspectives of their creators and published literature, and current, real world, industry implementation. This was done through literature review and analysis, and first-hand interviews with industry professionals. Analysis of the literature on these software development methodologies was based on an evaluation and comparison of six critical factors (the clarity of customer needs, cost of management, required training, amount of documentation, flexibility in iteration and release schedule). Three technology companies located in the Greater Salt Lake City area, Pluralsight, Zibtek and Tafi, each representing a different stage in the Business Lifecycle, were interviewed regarding their selection and use of these software development methodologies, and the impact of their chosen methodology on various aspects of their business. The goal was to better understand how and why each company selected and utilizes one (or more) of these software development methodologies, how they may have been adapted it to suit their specific business or project needs, and how their preferred methodology interacts with their development costs, product release schedule, sales cycle, marketing, organizational behavior and reporting structures, role of middle and upper management, and customer satisfaction. Following this analysis, I made general recommendations for product managers and company owners regarding factors to consider when deciding which software development methodology, or aspect of a methodology, to use including suggestions for each stage of the Business Lifecycle.
What was your most memorable experience as an Eccles student?
Developing relationships and growing in community with my fellow Business Scholars during our retreat to Zion National Park in 2017. My second most memorable experience was visiting Nike’s campus in Portland, Oregon, while on the national trip for the Business Scholars program.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, acknowledge or shout out?
I would like to thank first and foremost my parents and family for their unending support. I would also like to thank my thesis advisor Brad Williams. Lastly, I would like to thank all of my professors but especially Professor Lida Bigelow, Instructor Alejandro Romero, Instructor Anthony Brownlow and Professor Kathy Hajeb who were instrumental in supporting me throughout my academic career.
