The System Development Life Cycle

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Introduction

Task 01

2.0 System Development Life Cycle

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management that defines the steps involved in an information system development project, from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to guide the processes involved, with the Waterfall Model (which was the original SDLC process); Rapid Application Development (RAD); Joint Application Development (JAD); the Spiral Model; the Agile Model; build , fix and synchronize-and-stabilize. Frequently, some models are join into some kind of hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial irrespective of the type of model selected or planned for any application, and is usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods work better for definite types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important factor for the success of a project may be how closely the specific plan was followed.

SDLC methodology is follows the following steps:

The current system is evaluated. Deficiencies are recognized. This can be done by questioning users of the system and consulting with support personnel.

New system requirements are defined. In specific, the shortages in the current system must be addressed with specific suggestions for development.

The proposed system is designed. Plans are laid out about the physical structure, hardware, operating systems, programming, communications, and security issues.

The new system is established. The new components and programs must be achieved and installed. Users of the system should be trained in its use, and all features of performance must be tested. If necessary, changes must be made at this stage.

The system is put into use. This can be done in several ways. The new system can phased in, rendering to application or location, and the old system regularly substituted. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to shut down the old system and implement the new system all at once.

Once the new system is up and running for a while, it should be fully evaluated. Maintenance must be kept up severely at all times. Users of the system should be kept up-to-date about the latest modifications and processes.

2.1 System Development Life Cycle Models

Waterfall Model

Spiral Model

Agile Model

RAD (Rapid Application Development)

JAD (Joint Application Development)

2.1.1 Waterfall Model

The waterfall model of development is an example of a Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model. It is called waterfall because of the way it falls down. This visual aspect is what affects people’s perceptions of what it does and hence how it is implemented. The earliest paper which describes the waterfall is "Managing the Development of Large Software Systems" by Dr. Winston W. Royce published in 1970. However he did not call it the waterfall model and he had several criticisms in using it if it was naively implemented. Instead he was championing the concepts of a sequence of development stages and crucially iterating back to previous stages as more evidence emerged during development.

Advantages

Simple and easy to use.

Easy to manage owing to the rigidity of the model – each stage has specific deliverables and a review process.

Stages are processed and completed one at a time.

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

Disadvantages

Adjusting scope through the life cycle can destroy a project

No working software is produced until late during the life cycle.

High amounts of risk and uncertainty.

Poor model for complex and object-oriented projects.

Poor model for long and continuing projects.

Poor model where requirements are at a moderate to high risk of changing.

2.1.2 Spiral Model

The spiral model is similar to the incremental model, with more stresses located on risk analysis. The spiral model has four stages: Planning, Risk Analysis, Engineering and Evaluation. A software project repeatedly passes through these stages in repetitions (called Spirals in this model). The baseline spiral, starting in the planning stage, requirements is gathered and risk is evaluated. Each following spiral builds on the baseline spiral. Requirements are gathered over the planning stage. In the risk analysis stage, a process is started to recognize risk and alternate solutions. A prototype is produced at the end of the risk analysis stage. Software is produced in the engineering stage, along with testing at the end of the stage. The evaluation stage allows the customer to evaluate the output of the project to date before the project remains to the next spiral.

Advantages

High amount of risk analysis

Good for large and mission-critical projects.

Software is produced early in the software life cycle.

Disadvantages

Can be a costly model to use.

Risk analysis requires highly specific expertise.

Project’s success is highly dependent on the risk analysis stage.

Doesn’t work well for smaller projects.

2.1.3 Agile Model

The idea for the Agile model started as early as the mid-1990s in response to what was known as the heavy weight methodologies, as these were supposed to be micromanaged and regimented. Called lightweight at first, several different methods took the approach that earlier software developers had early on, with the welcoming of changes and the feature of flexibility. The appearance of software engineering paved the way to planning various methodologies in information system development. One famous group of methodologies is Agile software development. This follows an incremental and repetitive method that involves self-organization and integrative work. There is no central authority to direct people of several functions to a goal. In its place, every member of the organization has goals parallel to the others.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Agile_Software_Development_methodology.svg/320px-Agile_Software_Development_methodology.svg.png

Advantages

Promotes:

adaptive planning,

evolutionary development and delivery

time-boxed iterative approach

encourages rapid and flexible response to change

It is a conceptual framework that promotes foreseen interactions throughout the development cycle

Agile methods break tasks into small increments with minimal planning and do not directly involve long-term planning

Cost effectiveness

It defines explicit techniques for agile projects

To improve modeling and documentation on prescriptive processes

Disadvantages

Effort estimation will be tough at the beginning of the software development

Less importance for designing and documentation

Agile requirement are barely sufficient

Testing is integrated throughout the life cycle

Project will be mess for designing and documentation

Relentlessness of iteration can be mentally quit tiring

Poor documentation

Experience resource will be needed

2.1.4 RAD (Rapid Application Development)

One of the conveniences of developing software is that it is not a physical tool that can be lost once it gets developed or manufactured. Codes are used to implement the software and it does not vanish together with the product. We can re-use the code all over again in another software. We just make a little change in the interface to fit the requirement of the customer and we have a new program. To make our lives even better in developing software, there are tools coming out of the marking that serves as code generators. No need to create complicated codes, we just run the system through our preferences and we have a fully functional program.

Advantages

Disadvantages

2.1.5 JAD (Joint Application Development)

JAD (Joint Application Development) is a methodology that involves the client or end user in the design and development of an application, through a succession of collaborative workshops called JAD sessions. Chuck Morris and Tony Crawford, both of IBM, developed JAD in the late 1970s and began teaching the approach through workshops in 1980. The JAD approach, in comparison with the more traditional practice, is thought to lead to faster development times and greater client satisfaction, because the client is involved throughout the development process. In comparison, in the traditional approach to systems development, the developer investigates the system requirements and develops an application, with client input consisting of a series of interviews.

Advantages

Disadvantages

3.0 Feasibility Study Report

A feasibility study is a crushed, capsule version the analysis phase of the system development life cycle aimed at determining quickly and at a reasonable cost if the problem can be solved and if it is worth solving. The objective of a feasibility study is to find out if an information system project can be done and to suggest possible alternative solutions. We do feasibility study under three main ways,

Technical feasibility.

It refers to technical resources needed to develop, purchase, install, or operate the system.

Operational feasibility.

Operational feasibility refers to the Operational resources of the organization.

Economic feasibility.

Means that the projected benefits of the proposed system matches with the estimated cost.

3.1. Operational Feasibility.

3.1.1. Current operations.

This nursery current operation is manual. They already maintain lots of book. They using too heavy books, one for enter book details and other one as books in/ out registrations of the students. And also they are using cash books to handle the payments of the students and the salary maintenance of the assistant teachers, workers too. According to this system teachers and student have to face some difficulties when finding books in argent time. If those books were harmed by insects it could be a great disadvantage for the users, because they have stored each and every data of the students and the workers.

3.1.2. Options for those problems

We have suggested a computerized system. And we suggest a computer with IT executive. Classifying student names according to the alphabet

Finally we suggest the portable hard drive for Principle to back up the system data weekly as a manual backup system. And also I have suggested him an Intel core i3 laptop for the managing works.

We have undertaken responsibility to conduct them to proper training with user manual about this Library Management System. It includes how to store data, how to troubleshoot system faults, how to maintain the system and how users have to backup data of system. And also we suggested them a website also.

3.2. Technical Feasibility

3.2.1. Current technical resources (HW/SW)

Currently they haven’t any computers and other technical resources.

Hardware

Desktop computers – 03

Processor Speed - Intel Core i3 3.4GHz

Memory - 6GB

Video Memory - On Board

Hard Drive – 1TB

Display - 17.1 LCD Monitor

Projector

Photo--copy machine

Inject printer

700GB Hard drive

Other Connections

Internet Connection

Software

Proposed Student Management System.

Kaspersky Anti –virus guard (Loosened).

MS office Package.

Adobe reader.

Other suitable software for student management system.

Operating system

Windows 7

3.3. Economic Feasibly

It means that the projected benefits of the propose system matches with the estimated cost.

The analyst must estimate the cost in each section.

Hardware Equipment

Software

License and fee

Trainings

Consulting Expenses

Facility cost

3.3.1. Proposed hardware prize list

Hardware Item

Recommended

Cost (LRS)

Desktop Computer

03

48000*3 =144000

Printer (inject)

01

3500

Projector

01

74900

Photo-copy machine

01

22500

Total Cost 115300

Table Proposed Hardware Prize List

3.3.2. Proposed Software prize List

Software

Recommended

Cost

Operating System

01

Free

MS Office Package

01

1000

Adobe reader

01

Free

Kaspersky anti-virus guard(2012)

01

1500

Total

2500

Table Software List

3.3.3. Other Prize List

Other Components

Cost

Student management system

50,000

Internet connection (connection cost)

10,000

Total Cost

60,000

Table Other Component Cost list

3.3.4. Full project Cost.

Component

Prize recommended to spent

Hardware Component

11,5300

Software Component

1,500

Other Components

6,000

Total cost

1,22,800

Table Full project Cost.

3.3.5. Client view about the development cost.

We have understood their current economic possibility. Then we have produce them most suitable hardware components for the system.

3.3.6. Client option about the development cost.

We have informed them about their requirements, then they agree to our proposed cost because kindly we have done that for the current economic possibility.

4.0 Gathering System and User Requirements

4.1 Interview questions for the counselor providing both the questions and answers.

What do you prefer most? A computerized system or manual system?

Answer: of course a computerized system

Why do you like a computerized system?

Answer: due to the accuracy, and the quality of the work. And if the system was computerized I definitely could save time been lost for mistakes and corrections.

How do you store student information system?

Answer: I store them in files. Written in papers and attached.

How do you handle student registering process?

Answer: when I get a new student I given them a form to be filled, and then I open a new file for that particular student. After the admission is confirmed I handover the list that are supposed to be given and then place the file in the needed place.

What are the drawbacks that you saw when handling the process manually?

Answer: main problem are the mistakes that is been done due to carelessness and also the time taken to complete one registration of a student takes a big amount of time

What was the process you carried if any detail of the student was required instantly?

Answer: I keep on checking all the files finding for the needed one. This really takes so much of time.

What requirements would you like to see in your new system?

Answer: if the system was there to make the registering of the student easier I would prefer a lot. And also if it was possible to connect with the accountant directly I think it would be easier so that the transactions can be done properly without any problem.

4.2 Questioners for the Accountants

Below given is a questioners prepared to get on the task performed by the accountant. Please tick (√) on the space provided. And explain where it is needed.

Identifying students

How do you identify students? From,

NIC number ( )

Passport number ( )

Student ID ( )

By name/ batch ( )

How do you include payment details of students? Explain.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………

Method of payment.

How does the student pay?

Monthly wise ( )

Semester wise ( )

Full payment ( )

How are the payments done?

Credit card ( )

Debit card ( )

Cash ( )

Cheque ( )

All of the above ( )

Method of handling accounts

How are the accounts updated?

Instant updating ( )

Weekly ( )

Monthly ( )

Termly ( )

Yearly ( )

How do you handle your accounts?

Manual ( )

Computerized ( )

Explain: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

How do you privatize your accounts details? Explain.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Billing system

How are the bills being issued?

Manual ( )

Automated ( )

What are the details you should include in the bill? Explain.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Your requirements

What kind of a database you propose? Explain.

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General comments :-

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4.3 Questionnaires for the Academic

All teachers of the nursery please take in time in your response. We are the software development company. We want to gather the information.

Below given questioner is prepared to get on the information about the academic division of ICBT Nugegoda.

Teacher:- ………………….. Year:-……………………

Position:-…………………….

How are you calculating monthly session hours and how you store it?

How are you assigned the sessions by the program office?

How the parents are being contacted by the teachers for notices and other purpose?

Notice board

Telephone

E-mail

How do you inform parents in case of emergency? Through,

SMS

Over the phone

Other way…

Do you provide useful handouts of notes?

Yes/No

If yes how you are recoding about the details?

During the lecture, does the lecturer give useful feedback on student work?

YES NO

How you are informing it to the students?

How you inform the practical sessions to the program office?

How you get the approval for the assignment?

E-mail

Telephone

What is the process of assignment preparation?

How are you realizing the result?

General comments :-

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4.4 Confirmation on our fact finding method

Interview questions for the principal providing both the questions and answers.

What do you think about the current system at your nursery?

Answer: "this system runs manually. And we have so many drawbacks."

What have been the problems when using the manual system?

Answer: "all the calculations and all other processes are done hand written. Due to this we face problems as we become slower in writing and calculating things. And a lot of space is required."

What do you think are the drawbacks?

Answer: "slowing of obtaining an output. And managing when too much of work is to be done and the mistakes that is done due to the inaccuracy."

What do you think are the proper methods to improve the nursery?

Answer: "I would be like to see with no complaints from the parents due to our inaccuracy and the quick work. And I would be so happy to see that our nursery receives high amount of admissions where we need good publicity."

What would you recommend from us?

Answer: "I would like to have a computerized system, where I could cover all the drawbacks I mentioned in our previous question, and I would like to have a website developed which goes with our nursery."

What do you think are the facilities that you need to see in the computerized system?

Answer: "quickness of work, accuracy, error free and saving time."

5.0 Data Flow Diagrams of the Ordering System

5.1 Context Diagram

5.2 Level Zero Diagram

5.3 Level One Diagram

5.4 Entity Relationship Diagram

6.0 System Investigation Report

7.0 Evaluation of the Proposed System

8.0 Comparison of the Computerized Student Management System with Another

9.0 Conclusion