Apply Systems Development Life Cycle ✓ Solved

Apply Systems Development Life Cycle

Imagine you work for Pine Valley Furniture. The board is considering starting a webstore and does not know what is involved in developing a new system.

You have been asked to present to the board of directors to help them understand what to expect. Prepare a 12- to 16-slide presentation to the board with speaker notes and media such as graphics or tables. Explain why it is important to use systems analysis and design methodologies when building a system. Justify why not to “just build the system” in whatever way appears to be “quick and easy.” Review the criteria for selecting off-the-shelf software presented in Chapter 2.

Identify additional criteria that are, or might be, used to select off-the-shelf software. Consider if the choice was between alternative custom software developers rather than prewritten packages. Identify the criteria that would be appropriate to select and compare among competing bidders for custom development of an application. Be sure to briefly define each of these criteria. Briefly summarize the project management process.

Explain which of the four phases of the project management process you think is most challenging and how you can mitigate the risks for that stage. Cite any references according to APA guidelines.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The development of a new system, such as a company webstore, is a complex undertaking that requires structured planning and execution. The Pine Valley Furniture case highlights the importance of understanding the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and strategic selection criteria to ensure successful implementation. This paper discusses the significance of systems analysis and design methodologies, criteria for software selection, and project management considerations, including risk mitigation strategies.

Importance of Systems Analysis and Design Methodologies

Systems analysis and design methodologies are essential to developing effective and efficient information systems. These methodologies provide a structured process for analyzing business requirements, designing solutions, and ensuring the seamless integration of new systems with existing processes. By adhering to a systematic approach, organizations minimize errors, reduce development costs, and ensure that the system fulfills user needs (Satzinger, Jackson & Burd, 2015).

For Pine Valley Furniture, employing a formal SDLC ensures a comprehensive understanding of requirements, user involvement, and incremental development, all of which contribute to the project's success (Leffingwell, 2011). It also facilitates clear communication among stakeholders and project teams, reducing misunderstandings and scope creep.

Justification Against Quick and Easy System Development

While it may seem tempting to develop a system quickly using ad-hoc methods, this approach often results in subpar solutions that do not meet business needs or contain security vulnerabilities. Quick fixes tend to overlook critical factors such as scalability, data integrity, and future maintenance considerations (Avison & Fitzgerald, 2010). Therefore, investing time in systematic development mitigates risks and yields a reliable, maintainable system aligned with strategic goals.

Criteria for Selecting Off-the-Shelf Software

The chapter outlines key criteria such as cost, compatibility, vendor reputation, scalability, and technical support. These factors help organizations determine whether a software package aligns with their operational requirements and budget constraints (Laudon & Laudon, 2019). An additional criterion might be user interface usability, as ease of use directly impacts employee adoption and productivity.

Criteria for Selecting Custom Software Developers

If off-the-shelf options are insufficient, organizations may opt for custom development. Criteria used for selecting among bidders include developer experience, technical expertise, cost estimates, project timeline, and support services. Each criterion should be briefly defined:

  • Experience: The developer’s past success with similar projects.
  • Technical expertise: The developer’s skills in relevant programming languages and technologies.
  • Cost: The total projected expenses for development, including ongoing maintenance.
  • Timeline: The estimated duration to complete the project within organizational deadlines.
  • Support services: Post-deployment help, including updates, bug fixes, and user training.

Project Management Process Summary

The project management process typically involves four phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Initiation establishes project scope; planning creates detailed tasks and schedules; execution involves implementing the plan; and closure ensures completion and evaluation (PMI, 2017). Effective project management ensures milestones are met within budget and quality expectations.

The Most Challenging Phase and Risk Mitigation

The planning stage is often the most challenging as it requires accurate resource estimation, thorough requirement analysis, and risk assessment. Poor planning can lead to scope creep, delays, and budget overruns (Meredith & Mantel, 2014). To mitigate these risks, adopting agile methodologies allows iterative development and continuous stakeholder feedback, reducing uncertainty and enabling adjustments throughout the project lifecycle.

Conclusion

Developing a new system for Pine Valley Furniture necessitates a disciplined approach rooted in SDLC principles, careful criteria-based software selection, and robust project management strategies. Emphasizing systematic processes and risk mitigation ensures the successful delivery of a webstore that meets organizational goals and user needs.

References

  • Avison, D., & Fitzgerald, G. (2010). Understanding and Managing Information Systems. Springer.
  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2019). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (16th Ed.). Pearson.
  • Leffingwell, D. (2011). Managing Software Requirements: A Use Case Approach. Addison-Wesley.
  • Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2014). Project Management: A Strategic Approach. Wiley.
  • PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). Project Management Institute.
  • Satzinger, J. W., Jackson, R. B., & Burd, S. D. (2015). Systems Analysis and Design (6th Ed.). Cengage Learning.

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