Chapter 15 Systems Development

Why Develop an IS? Three phenomena that trigger IS development An opportunity (proactive) A problem (reactive) A directive

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Analysis Determines what need the system will satisfy Investigation Developers interview managers and perspective users to determine business needs. Three feasibility studies performed.

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) The Technical Feasibility Study Ensures hardware and software exist to build the system The Economic Feasibility Study Benefits of the system weighed against the cost The Operational Feasibility Study Determines if system will be used as intended

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Design Logical Design Translation of user requirements into detailed functions of the system Physical Design Construction Systems Testing Phases in systems design

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Implementation Training Conversion Parallel Conversion Phased Conversion Cold Turkey Pilot Conversion

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Support Activities in systems support

Prototyping Systems developed using an Iterative Process Purpose is to develop a working model as quickly as possible, which can be tweaked and revised Significantly shortens systems development backlog Can increase risk of incompatibility and other unforeseen mishaps

Prototyping When to prototype and when not to prototype In prototyping, refinement of the system continues until users are satisfied. When to prototype and when not to prototype

Project Management Project Management Goals Complete the project on time. Complete the project within budget. Meet requirements. Meet expectations. Dimensions of project management IS development projects: challenges and failures

Project Management Project Management Functions Communication Management Schedule Management Quality Management Financial Management Resource Management

Systems Development Led by End Users JAD: An example of User-led Systems Development Joint Application Development (JAD): method to be used in SDLU Uses six-step process to take the team through planning and design The six steps of JAD

Systems Development Led by End Users JAD Critical Success Factors All participants must be committed to JAD process. Customers and IS people must agree on project’s scope. Sponsor must be supportive and involved. Team members must be empowered decision makers. Business objectives must be clearly defined. Business process must be understood. Team members must be able to meet two or more days per week. Members must be committed to the team.

Chapter-16 Alternative Avenues for Systems Acquisitions

Outsourcing Short-term contractual relationship with a service firm to develop a specific application Long-term contractual relationship with a service firm to take over all or some of an organization’s IS functions

Advantages of Outsourcing Improved financial planning Reduced license and maintenance fees Increased attention to core business Shorter implementation cycles Reduction of personal and fixed costs Increased access to highly qualified know-how? Increased security

Outsourcing Risks of Outsourcing Loss of control Loss of experienced employees Risks of losing a competitive advantage

Outsourcing Risks of outsourcing are higher at higher levels of management. IT 3133

The Information Systems Subsidiary IS service companies that are owned by and served by one large company Some grow large enough to service the market at large Some corporations purchase an IS consulting firm

Purchased Applications Why Purchase? Immediate system availability High quality Low price Available support

Purchased Applications Purchasing Risks Loose fit between needs and features Bankruptcy of the vendor High turnover of vendor personnel

Renting Software On-site Renting Renting Through the Web Client purchases a license to use a certain application for a specified time Renting Through the Web Application installed at vendor’s location; client accesses through the Web or leased line

Renting Software Benefits and risks of software rental through the Web

User Application Development Factors Encouraging User Application Development The widespread use of PCs The emergence of 4GLs Increasing popularity of prototyping Increasing popularity of client/server architecture

User Application Development Advantages of user application development Shortened lead times Good fit to needs Free IS staff time

User Application Development Risks of user application development Poorly developed applications Duplication Security problems Poor documentation