A case study approach to investigate the usefulness of AHP in developing SSADM customization model

During the last two decades, Structured System Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM) has developed worldwide into the most well-known and widely-used Information Systems Development (ISD) methodology. This paper is intended to investigate the usefulness of applying Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as customization method for tailoring SSADM to the needs of individual Information Systems (IS) project. AHP is the most powerful and widely used tool used by the decision makers for help in identification of a set of alternatives and in setting priorities on the selection criteria based on their objectives and individual knowledge and experience of each problem. This study presents SSADM customization model by combining the concept of both AHP and SSADM and then applies this model to a case study in the Royal Army of Oman to develop Personnel Information System (RAOPIS). The result shows that the model has been a promising approach, not just for customizing SSADM, but also as a fruitful area of study to convert traditional methodologies into relatively lighter approaches.