Developing Information Systems: Why Do We Develop New System ✓ Solved

Developing Information Systems Why do we develop new systems? The

Evaluate the process of developing an information system for an organization.

Explain how organizations can align information systems development projects with business strategies and goals.

Analyze the role of project management in developing information systems.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The development of information systems within organizations is a pivotal process that supports operational efficiency, strategic positioning, and competitive advantage. This paper evaluates the systematic process involved in developing information systems, illustrates how aligning these projects with organizational goals enhances value, and analyzes the integral role of project management in ensuring successful implementations.

Introduction to Information Systems Development

The development of information systems (IS) is a structured process that transforms organizational needs into functional technological solutions. The importance of systematic development stems from the necessity to create reliable, efficient, and aligned systems that support business processes, decision-making, and strategic initiatives. As Laudon and Laudon (2016) emphasize, effective IS development entails understanding organizational requirements and translating them into technical specifications.

Core Activities in IS Development

The process of developing an information system typically involves six core activities: systems analysis, systems design, programming, testing, conversion, and maintenance (Laudon & Laudon, 2016). Each stage plays a critical role:

  • Systems Analysis: Identifies the problem, gathers requirements, analyzes causes, and explores feasible solutions by engaging stakeholders and understanding organizational needs.
  • Systems Design: Converts user requirements into technical specifications and system architectures, detailing system functionality and user involvement plans.
  • Programming: Involves coding and constructing the system, which can be sourced internally or through purchasing software packages.
  • Testing: Ensures functionality, performance, and integration of system components through various testing methodologies, including user acceptance testing.
  • Conversion: Focuses on transitioning from old systems to new ones, employing approaches such as phased implementation or direct cutover.
  • Maintenance: Continual review and updates to address bugs, adapt to changing requirements, and optimize performance.

Aligning IS Projects with Business Strategies and Goals

Aligning information systems projects with an organization’s strategic goals is vital for realizing tangible benefits and fostering competitive advantage. The process involves creating an IS plan that directly links technology initiatives to business objectives, as Laudon and Laudon (2016) suggest. Strategic alignment is achieved through:

  • Strategic Planning: Defining organizational goals and determining how technology supports these goals effectively.
  • Project Selection: Prioritizing projects that contribute most significantly to strategic objectives, often guided by steering committees or executives.
  • Performance Measurement: Establishing metrics to evaluate the contribution of IS projects toward strategic targets.

For example, if a company’s strategic goal is to enhance customer service, an IS project might focus on developing an integrated CRM system that improves sales and support processes. By directly linking projects to strategic outcomes, organizations ensure resource allocation aligns with priorities, maximizing ROI (Harmon & Satenstein, 2015).

The Role of Project Management in IS Development

Effective project management is fundamental for the successful development and implementation of information systems. It facilitates planning, execution, and monitoring of all activities, ensuring adherence to scope, time, and budgets (McLeod, Doolin, & MacDonell, 2012). Key aspects include:

  • Methodology Selection: Choosing appropriate development approaches such as agile or waterfall, depending on project complexity and organizational needs.
  • Resource Allocation: Ensuring availability of skilled personnel, technology, and funding for each phase.
  • Risk Management: Identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Maintaining transparency and engaging stakeholders for feedback and support.
  • Quality Assurance: Implementing testing and review processes to uphold standards.

In addition, project management supports iterative development approaches like agile, which promote incremental delivery and responsiveness to changing requirements, aligning with dynamic business environments (Highsmith & Cockburn, 2001). Proper management reduces project failures, scope creep, and cost overruns, thus increasing the likelihood of delivering value-generating systems.

Conclusion

The development of effective information systems necessitates a structured approach involving analysis, design, programming, testing, conversion, and maintenance. To maximize their strategic impact, projects must be closely aligned with organizational goals, guided by comprehensive planning and execution. Project management provides the essential framework for coordinating resources, managing risks, and ensuring timely delivery, ultimately enabling organizations to leverage technology for sustained competitive advantage.

References

  • Harmon, P., & Satenstein, J. (2015). Business process change: A guide for business managers and BPM and systems analysts. Morgan Kaufmann.
  • Highsmith, J., & Cockburn, A. (2001). Agile software development: The business of innovation. Computer, 34(9), 120-127.
  • Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2016). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm (14th ed.). Pearson.
  • McLeod, L., Doolin, B., & MacDonell, S. G. (2012). A perspective-based understanding of project success. Project Management Journal, 43(5), 68-86.
  • Additional credible references can include:
  • Harrington, H. J. (2016). Business process improvement toolbox. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Sensor, R. S. (2018). Information systems project management. Routledge.
  • Venkatraman, N. (1994). IT-enabled business transformation: From automation to business scope redefinition. Sloan Management Review, 35(2), 73-87.
  • Schwalbe, K. (2015). Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
  • Reich, R., & Benbasat, I. (2000). Factors that influence the choice of systems development strategies. MIS Quarterly, 24(1), 37-56.

Related Assignments