Comparative Analysis of Agile and PcD.UcT Methodologies for the Development of the “E-Shuttle” Campus Shuttle Tracking System

Abstract

The development of a real-time “E-Shuttle” campus shuttle tracking system poses a software engineering challenge due to the need to integrate complex GPS based algorithms, continuous real-time data processing, and highly usable mobile and web interfaces within a single platform. Such systems require both rigorous process correctness in early engineering phases and flexibility to support rapid user interface evolution, yet there is limited guidance on selecting a development methodology that effectively balances these competing requirements. The objective of this study is to identify the most suitable software development methodology for the E-Shuttle system and to determine whether a single methodology or a hybrid approach is more appropriate. Seven major development tasks were defined based on the functional and non-functional requirements of the system and were comparatively evaluated using Agile development and the Predictive-cum-Adaptive Process-centric Development to User-centric Tool methodology. A task-level weighted evaluation was conducted using four criteria: ease of execution, time efficiency, project suitability, and ability to handle constraints and technical complexity. The results indicate that the Predictive cum-Adaptive Process-centric Development to User-centric Tool methodology is more effective during early engineering activities such as requirements elicitation and system architecture design, where detailed process modelling and constraint analysis are essential. In contrast, Agile development demonstrates superior performance during implementation, integration, testing, deployment, and maintenance phases, where iterative development and rapid stakeholder feedback are critical. The study concludes that no single methodology adequately supports all phases of the E-Shuttle project and that a hybrid approach provides the most effective solution. By applying a process-centric methodology in early analytical phases and an Agile approach in later development and operational phases, the proposed hybrid methodology offers both architectural stability and development flexibility, contributing practical guidance for methodology selection in real-time campus transportation systems and similar complex software projects.