1. Systems Development The Kingsway School

2. Systems Development This is carried out when a company is having a problem. They usually employ an ICT Consultant to look at how the problem can be solved and a solution implemented. A systems Development is broken down into lots of stages:

3. Stage 1:Investigation Fact finding is carried out using: Questionnaires, staff and customers are given survey forms. Interviews, allow individuals to discuss their problems Group Discussions, people can ‘brainstorm’. Observations, watching people work. Documents, looking at existing paperwork

4. Stage 2:Feasibility Study On completing the investigation a report is produ called a Feasibility study. It outlines: Information on costs A time scale for completion Hardware and software needs Staffing implications It highlights whether a computer system would solve the problems being experienced and whether is was cost effective to implement. Sun Holidays

5. Stage 3: Analysis Basic facts about the project are worked out: What data is required and where it will come from. How the data will be collected How the data will be input onto the system What validation is necessary How the data will be changed Flow charts to show movement of data What the output will be Backups and security strategies

6. Stage 4: Design Once the requirements of a project are decided the plans can be drawn up. During the design process the analyst must: Decide on the content of databases Design the format of outputs Decide searches and sorts Design input and output screens Establish validation Decide on software and programming requirements

7. Stage 5:Implementation This is the setting up of the new system. There are 3 types of implementation: PARALLEL RUNNING where the old system is run along side the new system in case things go wrong. Expensive and inefficient PILOT RUNNING where parts of the business switch over to the new system and the old system is maintained in critical areas. Compatibility ONCE AND FOR ALL the old system is switched off and the new system is used. RISKY!

8. Stage 6:Testing Testing must be planned to cover all problems that might arise. Each individual bit must be tested and then all the systems working together. Test data is used to check things work properly Test data should include: Correct data Incorrect data and Extreme data

9. Stage 7:Evaluation The solution is evaluated by staff, customers, the analyst to decide whether it has made life easier and solved the problem It looks at: Problems that have arisen Speed Documentation On screen help Some of the methods discussed in Investigation are used eg. Questionnaire, interview etc