Chapter 6: Systems Development Steps, Tools, and Techniques Management Information Systems for the...

Chapter 6:Systems Development

Steps, Tools, and Techniques

Management Information Systemsfor the Information Age

Chapter 6: Systems Development Slide 2

Visual Map of Chapter 6

KW & RolesKW & RolesIn SDLCIn SDLC

7 Phases7 PhasesOf SDLCOf SDLC

PrototypingPrototyping

SourcingSourcing- In- In- Self- Self- Out- Out

Why SystemsWhy SystemsFail ?Fail ?

PlanPlan AnalyzeAnalyze DesignDesign DevelopDevelop TestTest ImplementImplement MaintainMaintain

KW = Knowledge WorkersKW = Knowledge Workers SDLC = Systems Development Life CycleSDLC = Systems Development Life Cycle

SystemsSystemsDevelopmentDevelopment


Systems Development Life Cycle

The SDLC provides a structured step-by-step approach for creating information systems

Not all real-life development projects follow the SDLC and, as a result, experience high failure rates


SDLC: 1. Plan

ObjectiveObjectiveTo determine a solid and practical plan for developing a new information system

ActivitiesActivitiesDefine the system to be developed (CSFs)Set the project scope and boundariesDevelop the project plan including tasks, people, resources, and time frames

Treat as a living document (continually updated)Project manager sets and tracks milestone dates


SDLC: 2. Analysis

ObjectiveObjectiveTo comprehend the business problem or opportunity and to specify the business requirements for the proposed system

ActivitiesActivitiesGather the business requirements—detailed set of requests from knowledge workers and the actual users of the system

But no details generated on potential technologies or how the system will meet the requirements

Write a Functional Specification document


SDLC: 3. Design

ObjectiveObjectiveTo design a technical blueprint showing how the system will achieve the requirements outlined in the Functional Specifications document

ActivitiesActivitiesIdentify the technical architecture (hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment) required to support the proposed systemDesign system models (DFDs, ERDs, & GUIs) Write a Technical Specification document


SDLC: 4. Develop

ObjectiveObjectiveTo build the new information system (physical components) based on the functional and technical specifications (logical requirements)

ActivitiesActivitiesBuild the technical infrastructure, including sourcing and installing hardware systems and telecommunications equipmentCreate the database and programs, including coding and programming software systems


SDLC: 5. Test

ObjectiveObjectiveTo verify that the system successfully solves the problem, meets the opportunity, and/or achieves the business requirements specified

ActivitiesActivitiesWrite the test conditions

Document the detailed steps and expected results

Perform testing on the systemComponent (Unit), Interface (Integration), System (Whole Unit), User Acceptance (Requirements), Usability (GUI), and Release testing


SDLC: 6. Implement

ObjectiveObjectiveTo distribute the completed information system to all knowledge workers for everyday use

ActivitiesActivitiesProvide training for the system users

Instructor-led workshopsJust-in-time learning via Internet and CBT

Write detailed user documentationUses results from user and usability testingOften based on functional specifications document


SDLC: 7. Maintain

ObjectiveObjectiveTo monitor and support the information system to ensure that it continues to meet the business requirements of its knowledge workers

ActivitiesActivitiesBuild a help desk to support the users of the systemProvide an environment that supports system changes and adaptation


What Is Your Role in the SDLC?

Business Process ExpertYou know how the business works

Customer LiaisonYou know how to meet the customer’s needs

Quality Control AnalystYou need to keep the team focused and on track

ManagerYou need to ensure the system improves productivity for your team


How Are IS/IT Projects Unique?

People20:1 productivity difference in programmers

1 brilliant member worth more than 100 others2-guys-in-a-garage issue

Cost to change a line of code is up to 100x the cost to generate it in the first place

ProductivityTechnology changes every 12-18 months

TechnologyDoes all this technology pay for itself?More now means even more later


Why Do IS/IT Projects Fail?

Only 20% of IS projects are successfulReasons for Failure1. Incorrect, unclear, or missing

requirements2. Fast-tracking or skipping SDLC phases3. Failure to manage the scope

Scope Creep and Feature Creep

4. Failure to manage the projectProject plan is a living document that must be monitored, revised, and updated continuously

5. Changing technology architectures


What Do Errors Really Cost?

It’s far cheaper to find an error during the planning or analysis phase than it is to find the same error during the implementation or maintenance phase.


Project Management 101

Microsoft Project lets you define tasks, specify timeframes to completion, and assign resources. It then draws a structured GANTT chart, so you can map and track key milestone dates.


Who Is Going to Build It?

In-sourcingUsing IT specialists within your company

Self-sourcingUsing your own skills (or those of other knowledge workers and end-users)

Out-sourcingUsing external employees, from another company, or specialist contractors


Insourcing

AdvantagesAdvantagesTypically cheapest approachPersonnel is familiar with business processes, activities, and company structurePromotes “buy-in” if people who will use the system had a hand in creating it

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesCompany may not have the technical expertiseDifficult to fully commit resources to long-term projects; who handles the operational sideCan you ensure staff isn’t transient?


Selfsourcing

AdvantagesAdvantagesYou know what you need and want better than anyone elseSense of pride and ownership over the systemIterative model design moves quite quickly

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesTakes time away from you doing other tasks—the ones you have been hired to performYou may lack the technical expertiseOften users do not effectively test, document, or support their own creations


Outsourcing

AdvantagesAdvantagesYou can focus on your core competenciesExploit external intellect, expertise, and ITBetter predict timelines and reduce costs

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesLimits your technical know-how for making future enhancements and modificationsReduces your degree of control (dependency)You may need to turn over sensitive dataYou must create a detailed and binding RFP


Outsourcing Software Development


Prototyping

ObjectiveObjectiveTo build a model that demonstrates the features of a proposed product, service, or system

AdvantagesAdvantagesInvolves users and lets them see, touch, work with, and evaluate an inexpensive modelGood for gathering and refining requirementsProves that a plan is technically feasible

Proof-of-Concept prototype

Helps to sell the concept of a proposed systemSelling prototype


SDLC Summary

Chapter 6: Systems Development Steps, Tools, and Techniques Management Information Systems for the...

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