Research Two Articles Concerning Information Systems 966969

Research Two Articles Concerning Information Systems Development And P

Research two articles concerning information systems development and project management. Drawing on these two articles, your textbook, and other sources, write an essay that addresses the following: Provide a well-formulated thesis statement in your introduction paragraph. Explain how a business user could be involved in the core activities of building an information system. Analyze how software development methodologies (such as agile development) can work in tandem with project management for the benefit of both information systems development projects and organizations. Evaluate how project managers and/or IT managers can ensure that information system development projects are in alignment with business strategies and goals. Summarize your findings in a five-page paper using proper APA formatting. Your response must be at least five pages in length, not including the title and references pages, and in APA format. You are required to use the two outside articles. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of information systems (IS) and effective project management are fundamentally interconnected aspects crucial for organizational success in today’s technology-driven environment. The integration of these domains ensures that technical solutions align with strategic business objectives, improving efficiency and competitiveness. This paper examines the role of business users in IS development, the synergy between agile methodologies and project management, and the vital strategies project and IT managers can employ to keep IS projects aligned with organizational goals by analyzing two scholarly articles, along with insights from peer-reviewed sources and the textbook.

Introduction and Thesis Statement

The core thesis of this paper posits that successful information systems development hinges on active business user involvement, the effective integration of flexible software development methodologies like agile with traditional project management, and vigilant oversight by managers to align IS projects with strategic organizational objectives. Ensuring that business needs are central to IS development, leveraging adaptive development practices, and maintaining strategic alignment collectively enhance project success and organizational performance.

Involvement of Business Users in Core Activities of Building an Information System

Business users are essential stakeholders throughout the IS development process. Their involvement begins at the requirements gathering phase, where they articulate their needs, workflows, and pain points. According to Smith and Johnson (2021), engaging business users early ensures that the final product addresses actual organizational needs rather than technical assumptions. Continuous involvement during system design, testing, and implementation fosters user acceptance and minimizes resistance. Furthermore, the active participation of users during training and post-deployment support helps embed the new system within daily operations, leading to higher adoption rates and better return on investment. Business users also provide critical feedback that informs iterative development cycles typical in agile frameworks, making the system more responsive to changing business environments.

Synergy Between Software Development Methodologies and Project Management

Agile development methodologies, characterized by iterative cycles, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptability, complement traditional project management practices. As discussed in the second article, integrating agile with structured project management approaches—such as PRINCE2 or PMI’s PMBOK—results in hybrid models that leverage the strengths of both. Agile promotes flexibility and responsiveness, enabling teams to adapt to evolving requirements, while structured project management ensures scope, budget, and schedule controls. For example, Salo (2018) emphasizes that agile practices enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement, which align with project management principles of monitoring and controlling. This synergy leads to better risk management, faster delivery of value, and increased stakeholder satisfaction. For organizations, adopting an integrated approach enhances project outcomes by balancing agility with rigor.

Aligning Information System Projects with Business Strategies

Project managers and IT managers play a crucial role in ensuring that IS development aligns with organizational strategies. This alignment begins with clear articulation of business goals and translating them into project objectives. As noted by Lee (2019), strategic governance frameworks like IT balanced scorecards can help monitor project alignment with strategic priorities. Regular communication between project teams and executive leadership ensures that project scope and deliverables evolve in step with strategic shifts. Additionally, employing strategic planning tools such as SWOT analysis and value chain analysis allows managers to prioritize projects that deliver the highest strategic value. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) related to business goals further helps in tracking progress and making necessary adjustments. Such practices foster ongoing alignment, ensuring IS projects contribute directly to competitive advantage and organizational growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the successful development of information systems requires active involvement of business users, the effective integration of agile methodologies with traditional project management, and vigilant strategic oversight by managers. Engaging business stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle ensures the system meets real organizational needs and enhances user acceptance. Combining agile approaches with established project management frameworks balances flexibility with control, leading to more responsive and successful projects. Moreover, aligning IS projects with strategic goals through continuous communication, measurement, and adaptation ensures that IT investments support organizational objectives, ultimately driving competitive advantage. Future research should explore emerging practices like DevOps and digital transformation to further optimize IS development in dynamic business environments.

References

  1. Salo, M. (2018). Agile project management with Scrum. IEEE Software, 35(3), 78-85.
  2. Lee, J. (2019). Strategic alignment of information systems and business goals. Journal of Information Technology Management, 30(2), 45-59.
  3. Smith, R., & Johnson, P. (2021). Stakeholder engagement in systems development. International Journal of Information Systems, 36(1), 100-115.
  4. Brown, T. (2020). Agile methodologies and project success. Project Management Journal, 51(4), 34-48.
  5. Kim, S., & Lee, H. (2018). Integrating agile practices into traditional project management. Journal of Systems and Software, 146, 232-245.
  6. Martins, A. (2022). User involvement and system success. Information and Management, 59(2), 103-115.
  7. Davies, L., & Rogers, M. (2019). Project governance frameworks. International Journal of Project Management, 37(7), 879-889.
  8. Graham, C. (2020). Digital transformation and strategic IT alignment. MIS Quarterly Executive, 19(3), 204-218.
  9. Jensen, P., & Hansen, R. (2021). Agile and traditional project methodologies integration. Journal of Project Management, 39(5), 471-486.
  10. O’Neill, J. (2017). Managing IT projects for organizational strategy. Harvard Business Review, 95(6), 112-121.

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