Question

Discuss the basic steps in a traditional systems development life cycle

Answer 1

Traditional systems development life cycle (SDLC) consist of several stages or steps. Each stage consists of basic activities that must be performed before the next stage can begin. Specialists tend to differ as to the number of stages, the order of stages and even the terminologies used in systems lifecycle. SDLC employs systems approach (SA) to problem solving. In SA, a problem is solved by examining it as a whole first and then the parts that make it up. This way, the problem through analysis into parts can easily be understood. By examining the problem as a whole, the relationships among its parts are considered in problem solution. The resulting solution would fit the parts as well as the problem as a whole. This is why SA is used and is applicable to information development. SDLC may consist of the following steps:

Systems investigation;

Systems analysis;

Systems Systems implementation;

Systems maintenance

Systems investigation

Determines whether a business problem exists Conducts a feasibility study to determine whether or not a new or improved information system is a feasible solution

Develop a project management plan and obtain management approval The product is feasibility study.

System analysis

Describes what a system should do to meet the information needs of end-users

Analyze the information needs of end-users, the organization environment and any system currently used Develop the functional requirements of a system that can meet the needs of end-users covering: interface requirements; processing requirements; storage requirements; control requirements. The product is functional requirements. Systems design

Specifies how the system will accomplish the objective of developing a system that meets the information needs of end-users

In this step then, the following specifications are developed: oHardware oSoftware oPeople oData resources oInformation products The product is systems specifications.

Systems implementation

Involves several activities

Acquisition of hardware and software (software might be developed)

Testing of systems –programs and procedures Performance of a variety of installation activities Training people to operate and use systems Development of documentation

Converting to new system The product is operational system. Conversion approaches are several and include: Direct approach where the old system is abandoned and new one is started

Parallel approach where an old and new systems are operated side by side until the new one shows it is reliable

Pilot approach where a new system is tried out in a part of the organization. Later it is implemented throughout the other parts of the organization when it proves successful

Phased approach where a new system is implements gradually over a period of time in phases