Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions 
help software developers understand community needs

As part of the Zoological Information Management System development process, ISIS, the International Animal Data Information Systems Committee (IADISC) and ZIMS software developer CGI held Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions around the world to seek advice on how the ZIMS application should function. JAD sessions were attended by zoo and aquarium experts who are invited to participate by ISIS, working with IADISC and its regional groups.

 

JAD sessions provided opportunities for CGI to learn about the uniqueness of zoo and aquarium businesses, and gave curators, veterinarians, registrars, keepers and other experts the opportunity to provide their ideas on what the ZIMS application should be.

 

 Summary of JAD work for ZIMS

 

JAD1: Representatives from 22 organizations in nine countries attended the first session, which was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. This group completed 11 use cases. 

 

JAD 2: The second JAD session, held in Sydney, Australia, included representatives from 15 organizations in eight countries. This session focused on general zoological and veterinarian functions.

 

This group completed 25 use cases. The JAD participants reported their progress and eagerly shared what they learned with their home institutions.

 

 

JAD 3: The third JAD session in Dvur Kralove, Czech Republic, was attended by 20 attendees from seven countries. This session was focused on animal healthcare. The group completed 25 use cases.
 


JAD 4: Bristol Zoo in Bristol, England hosted 26 people from seven countries for the fourth JAD session. The focus of the session was taxonomy and population management. SMEs shared their expertise in conservation genetics, group and single population management, veterinary medicine and information technology. This group helped CGI understand the importance of pedigree monitoring and breeding recommendations in ensuring the survival of the managed animal populations.

 

In addition, research fellows from the Zoological Society of London Dr. Jinliang Wang and Dr. Rajan Amin presented mathematical models and a species case study used to determine and demonstrate genetic relatedness on managed group breeding populations. SMEs look forward to the ability of ZIMS to provide group managed studbooks, which is not currently available in electronic mediums.

 

This group completed 17 use cases and helped CGI understand the importance of pedigree monitoring and breeding recommendations in ensuring the survival of the managed animal populations.

 

JAD 5: Thirty-two participants from 10 countries attended the fifth JAD session hosted by the MetroZoo in Miami, Florida, USA.  The JAD session covered topics related to collections, permits, reporting, analysis, institution staff assignment, system security, administration and integration requirements.

 

In addition, attendees “walked through” use cases derived from previous JAD sessions. This exercise was extremely beneficial. The group dynamics provided varied ideas and experiences, which helped to identify the strengths and correct any flaws within the use cases reviewed.

 

During this session, nine new core use cases were completed. Nineteen veterinray and two core use cases were also reviewed, and 13 technical system functions were discussed.

 

“The ZIMS Project will deliver much needed technology and

promote IT best practices across institutions.”

-- Robert Erhardt, chief technology officer, Zoological Society of San Diego

 

Click here for a complete list of JAD participants