Systems Development Life Cycle Overview and Feasibility studies

Introduction The application of a systems approach to the development of information systems solutions to business problems is called ’Information Systems Development’ When applying this process in this way, a multistep process or cycle emerges This cycle is known as the SDLC

Systems Development Life Cycle Investigation Product: Feasibility Study Systems Analysis Product: Functional Requirements Systems Design Product: Systems Spec Systems Implementation Product: Operational System Systems Maintenance Product: Improved System

Systems Investigation Do we have a business problem/ opportunity What is causing the problem Would a new or improved information system solve the problem What would be a feasible information system solution to our problem What do we do to achieve a solution

Systems Analysis Analyse the information needs of; End users Organisational environment Existing information systems Develop functional requirements of a system that can meet the needs of end users

Systems Design Develop specifications for; hardware software people data information products that will satisfy the functional requirements of the proposed system

Systems Implementation Acquire or develop hardware and software Test the system and train people to use it Convert to the new system

Systems Maintenance Use a post-implementation review process to; monitor evaluate modify … the system

Systems Investigation A Strategic Information Systems plan formulates policies, objectives and strategies for delivering IS and allocating resources Emphasis on planning a computer based information system that will; improve business performance improve competitive performance

Tactical IS Planning Current and future information requirements are assessed Requirements sub-divided into project proposals Projects are evaluated, ranked and fitted into a development plan Resource allocation plan developed

Operational IS Planning Preparation of annual operating budgets which specify financial and other resources Planning of individual IS development projects The need arises for project planning, control and management

Feasibility Study Preliminary study to investigate; information needs of prospective users determine resource requirements costs benefits Establish feasibility of the project

Feasibility Study - rationale The process of developing a major information system can be costly The systems investigation stage uses a feasibility study to verify the need for a proposed project

Methods for information gathering Interviews with employees, customers and managers Questionnaires to appropriate end users in the organisation Personal observation or involvement in business operations Examination of documentation, reports and procedural manuals

Feasibility report Findings of the data gathering exercise usually formalised in a written report It includes; preliminary spec developmental plan of proposed system Submitted for management approval before development can start

Cost Benefit Analysis Quantified costs and benefits; costs of hardware/software employees salaries Costs and benefits that cannot be quantified customer goodwill employee morale

Cost Benefit Analysis Least cost Breakeven Analysis Payback Analysis Discounted cash flow Other in-house methods

Least cost Purchase cost Lifetime cost Profit Cost