1. Systems Development Life Cycle
Overview and Feasibility studies

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

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

18. Least cost
Purchase cost
Lifetime cost
Profit
Cost