This chapter draws on the work of Avison and Fitzgerald (1988a, b), these sources presenting a detailed review of information systems development methodologies. In this chapter an attempt is made to develop a thesis about the historical development of these methodologies. This suggests that each new methodology is designed to address one or more of the weaknesses of those prevailing previously. By examining the weaknesses of the methodologies which are presently "in favour", it is possible to predict likely directions for information systems development methodologies of the future.