Systems Development Chapter 7

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Questions and Answers

What is systems development primarily about?

Implementing mobile applications for business

Developing feasibility analysis for new systems

Designing hardware to support business processes

Writing programs to solve the needs of users (correct)

What is the primary goal of systems development?

To implement new hardware

To bring new ideas to reality (correct)

To create new software

To develop new business processes

What is the main challenge faced by end users in systems development?

Lack of technical expertise (correct)

Unavailability of programming languages

Limited access to hardware resources

Insufficient budget for development

What is the primary focus of this chapter?

Information systems development Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of successful completion of this chapter?

Ability to define systems development Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why systems development is not a simple process?

Technical expertise required Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver of systems development?

Business needs and processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying concept of systems development?

Bringing new ideas to reality Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the system design phase?

A system design document Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for writing the code in the programming phase?

Developer or Software Engineer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the unit test in the testing phase?

To evaluate individual parts of the code for errors or bugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the implementation phase?

To implement the system in the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the maintenance phase?

To fix bugs and implement new features Signup and view all the answers

What is the SDLC methodology also known as?

The waterfall methodology Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the SDLC methodology?

It does not allow for changes to the requirements once the process has begun Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the system analysis phase?

To gather data and define user requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the preliminary analysis phase?

A project charter and feasibility study Signup and view all the answers

How long can projects using SDLC take to complete?

Months or years Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in systems development?

Communication gap between the user and the service provider Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical factor in ensuring success in systems development?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

To manage large software projects running on corporate mainframes Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase of the SDLC?

Preliminary Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the System Analysis phase of the SDLC?

To determine the specific requirements for the new system Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the System Analysis phase of the SDLC?

A system requirements document Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the System Design phase of the SDLC?

To develop the technical details required for the system Signup and view all the answers

Why is a systems development methodology important?

It helps ensure development success Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge in systems development?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a systems development methodology?

It helps improve the quality and efficiency of the development process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodology?

To quickly build a working model of the software and get feedback from users Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase of the RAD methodology?

Requirements Planning Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Joint Application Development (JAD) session in RAD?

To facilitate working with stakeholders and understand the essence of the requirements Signup and view all the answers

How many phases does the RAD methodology consist of?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using RAD over SDLC?

RAD gives users the ability to provide feedback throughout the process Signup and view all the answers

When is the cutover phase of RAD typically done?

During low system usage Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between RAD and SDLC?

RAD is more flexible and iterative, while SDLC is more rigid and linear Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the construction phase in RAD?

To build the next version of the system through an interactive process Signup and view all the answers

Why is RAD better suited for smaller projects?

Because it is more flexible and can be developed quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using an incremental cutover approach in RAD?

It allows for a gradual switch to the new system, one part at a time Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of agile methodologies?

Quality and attention to detail Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the Agile Manifesto?

To promote iterative development Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Daily Review in agile development?

To discuss the current state of the project Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of lean methodology?

Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of lean methodology?

To determine if an idea is worth developing Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between agile and lean methodologies?

Agile is used for established projects, while lean is used for new ideas Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using agile methodologies?

It allows for flexibility and adaptability to change Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the user in lean methodology?

To provide feedback on the MVP Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of small cross-functional teams in agile methodologies?

They include both developers and users Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the feedback loop in lean methodology?

To gather feedback on the MVP Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for individuals who are skilled in a particular program and build smaller applications for their own department?

End-user developer Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of end-user computing in an organization?

It brings the development of applications closer to those who will use them Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of end-user computing?

It can lead to duplication of effort and inefficiency Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the IT department to set guidelines and provide tools for end-user computing?

To ensure that end-user applications are developed correctly Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a feasibility study in the development of a new system?

To identify the true extent and purpose of the new application Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the three major areas that must be investigated in a feasibility study?

Economic, Technical, and Operational Feasibility Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an economic feasibility consideration?

The measurement of the costs and benefits of the new system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a project charter in system development?

To provide a statement of scope and objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the tension that exists between the developers and the different stakeholder groups in system development?

The Quality Triangle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the output from the preliminary investigation in system development?

To submit to management for a decision on whether to continue with the development project Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when designing an application for a client?

The existing brand of the client Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Analytical Design?

To communicate information clearly and truthfully Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between building an application for a mobile device and a traditional computer?

The need for smaller, more energy-efficient components Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using cloud-based data services in mobile apps?

Providing access to data in near real-time Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of app stores such as Apple's App Store and Google Play?

They simplify the acquisition and management of apps Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of Responsive Web Design?

It adjusts the content to the device on which it is being viewed Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of mobile apps?

They are simple, purpose-built, and task-oriented Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using sensors in mobile devices?

They enable devices to be aware of context such as time, location, and velocity Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of creating a set of logical instructions for a digital device to follow?

Programming Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of taking the design and encoding it into a programming language?

Coding Signup and view all the answers

What is cross-platform development?

Building a mobile app for both iOS and Android operating systems Signup and view all the answers

What type of programming language is specific to the type of hardware that has to be programmed?

First generation language Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using third-party toolkits for cross-platform development?

They convert existing code such as HTML5, JavaScript, and Ruby Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of converting assembly language into machine code?

Assembling Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of third generation languages?

Similar to spoken languages Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using lower level languages such as assembly language?

More efficient and execute more quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the artificial language that provides a way for a developer to create programming code?

Programming language Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of converting source code into machine code?

Compiling Signup and view all the answers

What type of programming languages are used for fast application development using intuitive interfaces and environments?

Fourth generation language Signup and view all the answers

What is the example of a fourth generation language?

Clipper Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concept of the quality triangle?

You can only address two of the three factors: time, cost, and quality. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you are willing and able to spend a lot of money on a project?

The project will be completed quickly with high quality results. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to achieve low-cost, high-quality projects done quickly?

Because the human mind is analog and the machines are digital. Signup and view all the answers

What is Conway's Law?

Organizations that design information systems are constrained to do so in a way that mirrors their internal communication processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to successful information systems?

Good design Signup and view all the answers

What does usability refer to in the context of information systems design?

How easy the system is to navigate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of usability theory?

To provide rules of thumb for designing a user interface. Signup and view all the answers

What is graphic design in the context of information systems design?

The visual appeal and organization of the user interface. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to follow established conventions in designing a user interface?

To tremendously increase the potential acceptance of your website or app. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the design process in information systems development?

To satisfy the business need. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a lower level language in programming?

To increase the speed and precision of certain parts of a program Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

It provides a variety of tools to assist the programmer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool?

To generate quality code based on input created by the designer Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'build vs. buy' decision about?

Determining whether to purchase software or build it in-house Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of purchasing software from an outside company?

It can be used by competitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a systems integrator?

To make various purchased systems and the existing systems work together Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of purchasing software from an outside company?

It is available much more quickly than if built in-house Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an editor in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

To automatically color code commands to identify command types Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

Microsoft's Visual Studio Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a debugging tool in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

To assist the developer in locating errors and finding solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of conducting a feasibility analysis?

To ensure the new system will be a good investment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using higher-level programming languages?

They allow a programmer to write software for a wide variety of machines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason companies choose to purchase software?

To save development costs and speed implementation Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration in the implementation phase of a new software application?

The type of implementation methodology to use Signup and view all the answers

Why would an organization consider building its own software application?

Because it provides more control over the software development process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Agile methodologies?

Incremental changes with a focus on quality and attention to detail Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of change management in systems development?

To manage the way change is implemented in the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using responsive design in software development?

It enables software applications to adapt to different screen sizes and devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the planning phase in the SDLC?

To develop a detailed plan for the software development project Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why some development projects fail?

Lack of planning and poor project management Signup and view all the answers

Why do one in three technology development projects fail to be successfully deployed?

Because of a combination of technical, project management, and business decision blunders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the change management process?

To minimize the impact of the change on the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why organizations should leverage established project planning and software development methodologies?

To improve the overall quality of their development practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the maintenance phase of the system development life cycle?

Fixing bugs and making changes to the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of providing training to employees before the implementation of a new system?

To ensure that employees are comfortable with the new system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why organizations should understand the complexity involved in their technology investments?

To achieve success in technology investments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of documentation during the maintenance phase?

To provide information to refer to on the changes made Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why organizations should communicate proposed changes before they happen?

To minimize the impact of the change on the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of ensuring that the system continues to stay aligned with business priorities during the maintenance phase?

To ensure that the system continues to run well Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why feedback is important during the maintenance phase?

To drive future development Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with customizing software from a vendor?

The organization will have to manage the customizations every time the vendor provides an upgrade. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using web services?

It greatly simplifies the addition of functionality to a website. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of the direct cutover implementation methodology?

If the new system has an operational problem or if the users are not properly prepared, it could prove disastrous for the organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the parallel operation implementation methodology?

It is the least risky methodology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the phased implementation methodology?

To provide a gradual transition from the old system to the new system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of going through the same analysis as if the software was going to be developed?

It ensures that the organization makes the best strategic decision. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why convincing a group of people to learn and use a new system can be very difficult?

It can have far-reaching effects within the organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using web services?

It allows companies to license functions provided by other companies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the choice of an implementation methodology?

The complexity of both the old and new systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using pilot implementation methodology?

It allows the support team to focus on a smaller group of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Systems Development

Systems development is the process of taking an idea and bringing it to reality through a series of steps.
It involves understanding the needs of users, developing a solution, and implementing it.
Systems development can be a complex process, involving multiple stakeholders and requiring technical expertise.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The SDLC is a structured approach to systems development, involving several phases:
- Preliminary analysis: defining the problem, identifying alternatives, and determining feasibility.
- System analysis: gathering data, modeling systems, and defining user requirements.
- System design: developing a detailed design for the system, including technical specifications.
- Programming: writing code to implement the system.
- Testing: evaluating the system to ensure it meets requirements.
- Implementation: putting the system into operation.
- Maintenance: supporting and updating the system over time.

Other Development Methods

Rapid Application Development (RAD):
- Focuses on quickly building a working model of the software.
- Involves interactive development, with user feedback and iteration.
- Consists of four phases: requirements planning, user design, construction, and cutover.
Agile Methodologies:
- Emphasize incremental changes, with a focus on quality and attention to detail.
- Involve daily status meetings, short time-frames, and collaboration between developers and users.
- Goal is to provide flexibility and ensure a quality product.
Lean Methodology:
- Focuses on developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and iterating based on feedback.
- Involves direct observation, usage statistics, and pivoting to change direction.

Feasibility

Feasibility analysis is a critical step in systems development, determining whether a project is worth pursuing.
Involves evaluating the scope and objectives of the project, and determining whether it aligns with organizational goals and resources.### System Development Life Cycle
New applications originate from end-user requests, which are evaluated against other requests for information systems resources.
A preliminary investigation is conducted to determine the feasibility of the new system, covering economic, technical, and operational feasibility.

The Quality Triangle

The quality triangle represents the tension between three competing factors: time, cost, and quality.
Only two of these factors can be prioritized, as they are in competition with each other.
Spending more money can lead to quicker completion with higher quality, but projects may not always fit this model.

Design

Good design is key to successful information systems.
Design involves analyzing problems and documenting requirements before designing solutions.
Important design characteristics include:
- Usability: how easy the system is to navigate.
- Graphic design: visual appeal and organization of the user interface.
- Analytical design: representing information to communicate clearly and truthfully.

Building a Mobile App

Building a mobile app differs from building a traditional computer application in five key ways:
- Breakthroughs in component technologies (e.g., low-power CPUs, touchscreens, and Wi-Fi).
- Sensors unlock the notion of context (e.g., time, location, velocity, and direction).
- Simple, purpose-built, task-oriented apps are easy to use.
- Immediate access to data extends the value proposition.
- App stores simplify acquisition and management.

Programming

Programming is the process of creating a set of logical instructions for a digital device using a programming language.
Programming languages are characterized by their generation, with later generations being more high-level and abstract.
Generations of programming languages include:
- Machine code (1st generation): low-level, hardware-specific instructions.
- Assembly language (2nd generation): English-like phrases translated into machine code.
- High-level languages (3rd generation): similar to spoken languages, compiled into machine code.
- Fourth-generation languages: fast application development tools, often used for specific purposes.
Programming tools include:
- Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): provide editors, compilers, and debugging tools.
- Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools: generate code based on input from designers.

Build vs. Buy

When deciding to develop a new program, organizations must weigh the pros and cons of building it themselves versus purchasing it from an outside company.
Advantages of buying software include:
- Lower cost.
- Faster availability.
- Less development and testing required.
Disadvantages of buying software include:
- Loss of competitive advantage.
- Customization and upgrade management challenges.

Implementation and Maintenance

Once a new system is developed or purchased, the organization must determine the best implementation method.
Implementation methodologies include:
- Direct cutover: switch to the new system on a specific date.
- Pilot implementation: test the new system with a small group of users.
- Phased implementation: roll out the new system in stages.
- Parallel operation: run the old and new systems simultaneously.### Implementation Methodologies
A pilot group within an organization starts using a new system before the rest of the organization to minimize impact and allow for focused support.
Parallel operation involves using both old and new systems simultaneously for a limited period, which is the least risky but most expensive approach.
Phased implementation involves gradually introducing new application functions while turning off corresponding functions in the old system, a more conservative approach.

Change Management

Change management is crucial when introducing new systems and phasing out old ones to minimize impact on the organization.
Communication is key to ensure employees understand the changes and how they affect their job processes.
Training should be provided to ensure employees are comfortable with the new system before implementation.

Project Outcomes

One in three technology development projects fail to be successfully deployed.
Common factors contributing to project failure include:
Unrealistic or unclear project goals
Poor project leadership and weak executive commitment
Inaccurate resource estimates
Badly defined system requirements
Poor reporting and communication
Immature technology
Unmanaged risks
Inability to handle project complexity
Sloppy development and testing practices
Poor project management
Stakeholder politics
Commercial pressures

Maintenance

After implementation, the system enters the maintenance phase, where changes are made to address bugs and new features.
IT management must ensure the system aligns with business priorities and continues to run well.
Documentation and feedback are crucial during the maintenance phase to drive future development.

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Description

This chapter covers the systems development life cycle, including feasibility, design, building, and implementation. It also explores other development methods and programming concepts.