Figure System Development Life Cycle Process

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

For this Assignment we are required to select and engage a medium or large size organization of our choice. Assuming that we are the system analyst of the organization, we are required to study the current system and identify the drawbacks and requirements of the current system and propose a new system for the organization.

The first we talk about the different life cycle models for the software implementation. We compare the different life cycle models and suggest the most suitable for the new system. Also we describes activities and function that systems developers typically perform, regardless of which approach they use.

Furthermore, a feasibility report is produced and given to the management of the organization to clearly determine the feasibility of the report and how it’s going to effect the organization. Then after the feasibility report a fact finding is implemented to gather both user and system requirements and shows the evidence of fact finding methods used.

Furthermore in this assignment a Context Diagram, Level 0 Diagram and Level 1 Diagram has been drawn to show how the system works. Then a System Investigation report is produced to identify the system functions and its drawbacks.

Finally, we evaluate how the system fulfills the user and the organization facilities, hardware and software needs.

2.0 System Development Life Cycle.

According to (SearchSoftwareQuality, 2013) the System Development Life Cycle is a process used in project management that describe the stages involved in an information system. System Development Life cycle has four stages and they are: Analyzing, Designing, Cording, and Testing. It is used before developing a software to reduce cost and to save time.

Figure System Development Life Cycle Process.

2.1 Types of System Development Life Cycle Models.

2.1.1 Waterfall Model.

Figure Waterfall Model Diagram.According to (istqbexamcertification, 2013) the Waterfall Model was the first model to be introduced and is very simple to understand and use. In a waterfall model, each task must be fully completed so that the next task can begin so. If a mistake is made in the process, it has to be discarded and started from the very beginning. At the end of each task, a review takes place to determine if the projects is on the right track and whether or not to continue project.

Advantages of Waterfall Models.

Simple and easy to understand and use.

Easy to manage.

Process are completed one at a time.

Works well for smaller projects where requirements are very well understood.

Disadvantages of Waterfall Models.

Once the Application is in the testing stage, it is hard to go back and improve or change something that has been not well thought out in the concept stage.

Software is produced after the life cycle.

Poor model for long and ongoing projects due to increase in cost and time.

Not suitable for projects where requirements are at a rate for high risk of changing and for complex and object oriented projects.

2.1.2 Spiral Model.

According to (Ianswer4u, 2013) the Spiral Model is a software development model which is used in high risk projects because it reduce risk and increase the software development process. The Spiral Model has a specific goal that must be accepted by the user. Each stage gives a feedback and enhancements, enabling the developers to reach overall project goal. However this models has its strengths and weakness.

Advantages.

It is one of the most flexible SDLC models.

Monitoring the project is easy and effective.

Reduce risk and increase software development process.

It is suitable for high risk projects.

If a mistake is made, changes can be introduced later.

Disadvantages.

Cost is high.

It is a complicated model.

Not suitable for low risk jobs.

High skills are required for this model.

Figure The Spiral Model.

2.1.3 Joint Application Development.

Joint Application development (JAD) is a process used in prototyping life cycle area to collect business requirements while developing a new information system. The process also includes enhancing user participants, expediting development and quality of specification. JAD uses teams involving Users, Managers and IT staffs and focuses on team based fact gathering.

Figure JAD Model

Advantages.

JAD model allows user to participate effectively.

Results in more accurate statement of system requirements.

Easy to use.

Improve quality of specification.

Disadvantages.

Is expensive.

Is cumbersome if the group is too large.

Requires a significant planning and scheduling.

Requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

2.1.4 Agile Model.

Figure Agile ModelAccording to (bersin, 2013) The Agile Model has many benefits. It reduces the long time cycle that creates risk, it enables software developers to take advantages of the fact that requirements change quickly and unlike the Waterfall Model the Agile Model moves in a more flexible manner.

Advantages.

Working software are delivered fast.

Changes can be made easily.

Business people and developers are close.

Changes can be made in the last moment of the software.

Very flexible.

Disadvantages.

In case of some projects, especially the large ones, it is difficult to assess the effort required at the beginning of the software.

There is a lack of effort on necessary designing and documents.

The project can be taken of course if the customer needs are not clear.

Only senior programmers are able to take the final decisions.

2.1.5 Rapid Application development.

Rapid Application Development (RAD) is all about saving development time and expenses by involving users in every stages of system development. RAD allows the development team to make necessary modifications as quickly as possible. In addition, the team should have an IT resource, skills and management support.

Advantages.

Saves time.

Get the project done with significant cost savings

Can get the necessary modifications quickly, as the design evolve.

Encourages customer feedback.

Disadvantages.

Requires highly skilled designers and developers.

Depends on a strong team that is able to identify the client needs individually.

Not suitable for cheap projects.

2.1.6 The Model chosen for the project.

The model I have chosen for this project is Joint Application development (JAD) model for the system development life cycle. We are going to develop an Ordering System for a company which sells boats. JAD is used in prototyping life cycle are to collect business requirements while developing a new information system. It’s easy to use, brings all the members of the project closer and improve quality of specification. By encouraging the users of the team, they provide new ideas, desired changes, input and output requirements, user interface, and how the project will support the day to day tasks. The team analyses the current system and works on developing a much better and efficient system for the firm.

3.0 Feasibility Study.

Feasibility study is an analysis of the entire project which is based on extensive investigation and research to determine if there is a problem and can it be solved effectively. It aims to objectively uncover all the strengths and weakness of the product.

There are three types of feasibility taken it to account when the feasibility study us done. And they are:

Operational Feasibility

Economic Feasibility.

Technical Feasibility.

3.1 Operational Feasibility.

According to (primemethods, 2013) under this service, we conduct a study to analysis and determine if the project can be used. The study will outline that the solution proposed for the project is operationally workable and weather the software solves the problem after it being implemented.

3.2 Technical Feasibility.