Compare And Contrast Systems Development Life Cycle 540086

Compare And Contrast Systems Development Life Cycle

This research paper will compare and contrast Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models. The paper will be five pages, including: (a) a description of the 7-step SDLC model (2 pages), (b) a description of a different SDLC model with either 4 or 12 steps (2 pages), and (c) a comparison and contrast of the 7-step model and the second model chosen (1 page). The focus is on models other than methods like Waterfall or RAD. Use chapter 17 of the IST textbook as a key resource and find professional/peer-reviewed sources such as books and journal articles to support your discussion. The paper must be submitted via SafeAssign in APA format, including at least four scholarly references.

Paper For Above instruction

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a fundamental framework guiding the process of developing information systems. It provides structured stages that assist organizations in planning, designing, building, and maintaining effective systems. This paper explores two distinct SDLC models: the widely adopted 7-step model and an alternative, more detailed model with 12 steps. By examining their components, objectives, and processes, the comparison aims to highlight their similarities, differences, and practical applications in the field of systems development.

1. The 7-Step SDLC Model

The 7-step SDLC model is a widely recognized framework that emphasizes clear, sequential phases to develop information systems systematically. The steps are typically as follows:

1. Preliminary Analysis: This initial phase involves understanding the business needs, defining the scope, and establishing project feasibility. It sets the foundation by identifying key stakeholders and outlining high-level requirements.
2. System Analysis: During analysis, detailed requirements are gathered through interviews, document review, and observation. System analysts work closely with users to understand current processes and identify system specifications.
3. System Design: In this phase, technical specifications are developed, including hardware, software, database design, and interface design. The goal is to create a blueprint for the system that meets specified requirements.
4. Development: Actual coding takes place here, where developers build system components according to the design documents. This phase may also include unit testing of individual modules.
5. Integration and Testing: After development, the system is integrated and tested comprehensively. Testing ensures the system functions correctly, adheres to requirements, and is free of significant bugs.
6. Implementation: The system is deployed into the operational environment. Training users and data migration are essential activities during this stage.
7. Maintenance and Evaluation: Post-implementation, ongoing maintenance addresses issues, provides updates, and ensures the system remains aligned with evolving business needs.

This model’s stepwise approach simplifies project management and provides clarity, making it popular in many organizations. However, its linear nature can limit flexibility in adapting to changing requirements during development.

2. An Alternative SDLC Model: The 12-Step Model

In contrast to the 7-step approach, the 12-step SDLC model offers a more detailed and granular framework. This model often maps onto complex or large-scale projects requiring rigorous planning and control. Its phases include:

1. Requirements Elicitation: Extensive gathering of detailed user requirements, including interviews, workshops, and observation.
2. Feasibility Analysis: Evaluation of technical, economic, and operational feasibility to determine if the project should proceed.
3. System Specification Document: Formal documentation of detailed requirements and specifications for all aspects of the system.
4. High-Level Design: Initial design of the system architecture, data flow, and interface concepts.
5. Low-Level Design: Detailed design of individual modules, database schemas, and user interfaces.
6. Development of Components: Coding and unit testing of individual modules according to low-level design details.
7. Integration Testing: Combining modules and testing their interactions comprehensively.
8. User Acceptance Testing (UAT): End-users validate whether the system meets their needs in an operational setting.
9. Deployment Planning: Planning for system rollout, user training, and data migration strategies.
10. Implementation and Deployment: Executing deployment plans, installing the system, configuring environments, and conducting final testing.
11. Post-Deployment Support: Addressing issues arising after deployment, providing technical support, and performing updates.
12. System Evaluation and Maintenance: Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and system enhancements based on feedback.

This model’s detailed steps offer precise control, thorough documentation, and explicit quality checks, typically suitable for large projects with complex requirements.

3. Comparison and Contrast of the 7-Step and 12-Step Models

The 7-step and 12-step SDLC models share similar core objectives: systematic planning, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance. However, their structures differ significantly in scope, granularity, and flexibility. The 7-step model’s broad phases provide a streamlined approach optimal for smaller or less complex projects. Its linear and sequential nature simplifies project management, reduces ambiguity, and accelerates development timelines. Nonetheless, it can be inflexible in accommodating changes once the project progresses into later stages.

On the other hand, the 12-step model emphasizes in-depth analysis, detailed design, and rigorous testing at multiple levels. This granular approach facilitates comprehensive documentation, clearer stakeholder communication, and a higher degree of control over the development process. It is advantageous in large-scale projects with complex requirements, where thorough validation and risk mitigation are priorities. The detailed stages, however, can increase project duration and cost, potentially creating challenges in rapidly changing environments.

Despite their differences, both models underscore critical SDLC principles: stakeholder engagement, iterative testing, and ongoing maintenance. The choice between them depends largely on project complexity, organizational structure, and resource availability. For small projects or those needing agility, the 7-step model’s simplicity may be preferable. Conversely, for expansive, mission-critical systems, the depth of the 12-step model can provide necessary oversight and quality assurance.

Ultimately, recognizing the strengths and limitations of each model enables project managers to tailor their approach to specific organizational needs and project characteristics, ensuring more successful system development outcomes.

References

• Avison, D., & Fitzgerald, G. (2006). Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Boehm, B. W. (1988). A spiral model of software development and enhancement. Computer, 21(5), 61–72.
• Robson, C. (2011). Real World Research (3rd ed.). Wiley.
• Syed, M. H., & Iqbal, M. (2010). Software Development Life Cycle Models - A Comparative Study. International Journal of Computer Science and Telecommunications, 1(1), 122-132.
• Whitten, J. L., Bentley, L. D., & Dittman, K. C. (2007). Systems Analysis and Design Methods (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Highsmith, J. (2002). Agile Software Development Ecosystems. Addison-Wesley.
• Pressman, R. S. (2014). Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Stellman, A., & Greene, J. (2005). Executing Software Projects: Principles and Practice. O'Reilly Media.
• Ilieva, K., & Kirkov, M. (2017). Comparative analysis of SDLC models for software development. Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, 11(2), 281-290.
• Royce, W. W. (1970). Managing the Development of Large Software Systems. Proceedings of IEEE WESCON, 26(8), 1-9.