System Analysis and Design SDLC Quiz

System Analysis and Design - System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• Building an information system is similar to building a house. The owner (client) describes the vision (type and structure) of the house to the developer (system builders).
• The vision is transformed into sketches and drawings, often revised until the owner is satisfied.
• A detailed blueprint (specifications) is created (e.g., layout, electrical outlets, plumbing).
• The house (system) is built following the blueprint, with adjustments made as needed.

Introduction

• Building an information system uses a similar four-phase software development life cycle (SDLC) approach: Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation.
• Each phase consists of different steps, using techniques producing deliverables (documents and files).
• The SDLC phases follow a logical path, but project teams may use different methods, like sequentially, incrementally, iteratively, or any combination of these.

SDLC - Planning

• Planning is an important phase, explaining why a system needs building and how the development team will proceed.
• It has two steps:
  • Project initiation: Identify the system's value to the organization (how will it lower costs or increase revenues?). Ideas often come from outside the IS department (e.g., operations, accounting). A system request form is a summary of the business need and how the system supports it.
  • Feasibility analysis: The IS department works with the project sponsor to perform this analysis, covering:
    • Technical feasibility (Can we build it?): addresses familiarity with applications, technology, and project size.
    • Economic feasibility (Will it provide business value?): assesses costs (development, operating) and benefits (tangible and intangible).
    • Organizational feasibility (If we build it, will it be used?): considers the project champion, senior management, users, and other stakeholders.
  • Once approved, the project enters project management, where a work plan is created, the project is staffed, and techniques are put in place to lead the project team through SDLC.
  • A project plan documents how the project team will develop the system.

SDLC - Planning cont.

• Key elements of the system request form are: Project Sponsor, Business Need, Business Requirements, Business Value, Special Issues/Constraints.
• Feasibility analysis addresses: Technical Feasibility, Economic Feasibility, Organizational Feasibility.
• Economic feasibility analysis includes: tangible and intangible benefits and costs (development and operational), steps in conducting the analysis (identify costs and benefits, assign values, determine cash flow, assess project's economic value, calculate Return on Investment (ROI), Break-Even Point (BEP), Net Present Value (NPV), use relevant techniques).

SDLC - Analysis

• The analysis phase addresses who will use the system, what it will do, where, and when. It examines current system(s), identifies areas for improvement, and defines the new system.
• Three steps:
  • Analysis strategy: A study of the existing system ("as-is system" and its problems) and design blueprints for a new system ("to-be system").
  • Requirements gathering: Gathering information through interviews, workshops, or questionnaires. Analyzing information with the sponsor and stakeholders.
  • System proposal: Combining the analyses, concept, and models into a document that is presented to the sponsor and key decision makers. The proposal describes the business requirements of the new system.

SDLC - Design

• The design phase determines how the system operates in terms of hardware, software, network infrastructure, user interface, forms, reports, specific programs, databases, and files.
• Four steps:
  • Design strategy: Determine if the system will be developed internally, outsourced, or by purchasing existing software.
  • Architecture design: Defines hardware, software, and network infrastructure.
  • Interface design: Specifies how users will interact with the system (navigation methods, menus, buttons, forms, reports).
  • Program design: The analyst team creates program designs, specifying the programs needed and their functionality. The resulting documentation becomes the system specifications for the implementation team.

SDLC - Implementation

• The implementation phase involves building (or purchasing and installing) the system.
• Three steps:
  • System construction: The system is built and tested to ensure it performs as intended. Thorough testing is crucial.
  • Installation: The old system is turned off, and the new system is turned on. Conversion methods and training plans are essential.
  • Support plan: Establishing a support plan for the system, which often includes a post-implementation review and a defined process for identifying system changes.

Test your knowledge on the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and its phases including Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation. Understand how building an information system parallels the construction of a house, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and detailed specifications. This quiz will help reinforce key concepts and practices in system analysis and design.