Systems Development: Software and IT Systems

• Systems development involves designing, creating, testing, and deploying software applications and IT systems to meet specific business or user needs.
• It includes structured methodologies and frameworks to ensure system functions are efficient, secure, and reliable.

Importance of Developing Software and IT Systems

• Custom software solutions streamline business operations and enhances efficiency and productivity
• This reduces manual effort and increases productivity.
• IT systems provide data analytics and reporting tools.
• This improves decision-making by helping organizations make informed decisions.
• User-friendly applications improve customer interactions and satisfaction.
• Properly developed systems include security measures to protect sensitive data and comply with regulations.
• Automating tasks and optimizing workflows helps businesses save time and operational costs.
• This reduces costs in the long run.
• Well-designed software and IT systems allow businesses to expand without major disruptions, which enables scalability.
• Custom IT solutions enable businesses to introduce new products and services efficiently and supports innovation.

Challenges in Systems Development

• Developing software requires a significant financial investment for resources, such as hardware, software, and developer salaries.
• Unexpected changes or technical issues can lead to higher costs, which exceeds the initial budget, and means financial planning can delay or stop the project.
• Cyber threats like hacking, malware, and data breaches pose serious risks to IT systems.
• Without strong security measures, sensitive user data can be exposed, which leads to financial loss and legal consequences.
• Compliance with security regulations like GDPR and HIPAA adds complexity to system development.
• Understanding and fulfilling user needs is challenging because users may change their expectations during development.
• If the system is not user-friendly or does not address key requirements, adoption rates may be low.
• Regular feedback and usability testing are necessary to ensure the system meets user needs.
• Ethical issues arise when dealing with data privacy, AI biases, and automation.
• Improper handling of personal data can violate user rights, while biased algorithms may lead to unfair decision-making.
• Developers must balance business goals with ethical responsibilities to ensure fairness.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is a structured process that includes planning, designing, developing, testing, and deploying software.
• It ensures that software is created systematically, meeting user requirements and industry standards.
• It helps in developing reliable and functional software.
• SDLC identifies potential issues early in development and reduces risk.
• It saves time and resources by avoiding major errors.
• This makes it cost-effective.
• SDLC provides a clear structure and timeline, which improves project management.
• It delivers a product that meets customer needs and ensures user satisfaction.

Phases of SDLC

• Phase 1 Planning involves identifying project goals, feasibility study, budget, and risks.
• Phase 2 Analysis involves gathering system requirements and understanding user needs.
• Phase 3 Design creates the system architecture and considers UI/UX.
• Phase 4 Development writes code and builds databases.
• Phase 5 Testing runs unit testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing.
• Phase 6 Deployment implements the system for real users.

Why Ethics Matter in IT: Impact on Users

• Ethical IT practices ensure user data is handled responsibly, protecting personal information from misuse or breaches.
• This also ensures privacy protection.
• Users rely on IT professionals to create secure systems that prevent fraud, hacking, and cyber threats.
• This maintains security and trust.
• Ethical IT ensures that technology is accessible and inclusive, which avoids discrimination in digital services and provides fair access.

Why Ethics Matter in IT: Impact on Businesses

• Ethical IT practices build customer trust, which ensures businesses maintain credibility and avoids legal issues.
• This improves reputation and trust.
• Ethical handling of data prevents manipulation, fraud, and insider threats and ensures business reliability, this guarantees data integrity.
• Companies are expected to follow ethical standards, such as responsible AI use and fair labor practices in tech development.
• This demonstrates corporate responsibility.

Why Ethics Matter in IT: Impact on Society

• Ethical IT ensures technology is used for the greater good and addresses issues like misinformation, surveillance, and automation impacts.
• This increases social responsibility.
• Many ethical concerns in IT align with laws and regulations, which prevents exploitation and ensures digital rights and contributes to legal compliance.
• Ethical considerations help reduce e-waste and promote sustainable IT practices to minimize environmental harm and ensure sustainability.

Cybersecurity Concerns

• Hacking: Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks steals, modifies, or destroys data. Hackers may exploit security weaknesses to gain control over sensitive information.
• Phishing: A type of cyberattack where attackers trick users into revealing personal information (such as passwords or credit card details) through fake emails, websites, or messages.
• Malware: Malicious software like viruses, worms, ransomware, or spyware may damage, steal, or disrupt computer systems; it spreads through infected files, downloads, or links.
• Example: Ransomware Attack on Hospitals

Digital Divide

• The digital divide describes the gap between people who have access to modern technology and those who do not.
• This is often based on location, income, or education.
• In urban areas, cities have better internet access, faster speeds, and more digital services, which allows residents to benefit from online education, remote work, and e-commerce.
• In rural areas, many communities lack reliable internet, modern devices, or digital literacy programs, limiting opportunities for online learning, job applications, and communication.

Job Displacement Due to Automation

• Automation, particularly through AI and robotics, is transforming industries by increasing efficiency and reducing labor costs, but it also leads to job displacement, where human workers are replaced by machines.
• Automotive Industry: Car manufacturers like Tesla and Toyota use robotic arms for assembling vehicles, which reduces the need for human labor.
• Electronics Manufacturing: Companies like Foxconn, which assembles iPhones, have replaced thousands of workers with robots to improve efficiency.
• Warehouse Automation: Amazon uses robotic systems to pick, pack, and transport goods, which reduces the number of warehouse workers.

Social Media & Mental Health

• Social media has transformed how people connect, share, and consume information; while it offers many benefits, it also has negative effects on mental health, mainly in areas such as addiction and misinformation.
• Dopamine Effect: Social media platforms are designed to be engaging, triggering dopamine releases that create a cycle of compulsive use.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Users feel pressured to stay updated, which leads to excessive screen time and anxiety.
• Sleep Disruption: Late-night scrolling disrupts sleep patterns, which causes fatigue and mood issues.
• Reduced Productivity: Excessive social media use may distract from work, studies, and real-life interactions.

Misinformation & Its Impact on Mental Health

• Fake News & Misinformation: False or misleading information spreads quickly, which causes confusion, fear, and stress.
• Mental Stress & Anxiety: Exposure to negative or sensationalized news increases anxiety and emotional distress.
• Polarization & Toxicity: Social media can reinforce echo chambers, leading to divisive opinions, cyberbullying, and online harassment.
• Self-Esteem Issues: Unrealistic portrayals of beauty, success, and lifestyle create comparison stress, which leads to low self-worth and depression.