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Part IV
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Managing Information Technology and Systems Development
reading this chapter toward the end of your course of study, as we expect, then you
should be able to meet this challenge. You should read the solutions at the end of
the chapter carefully, as we will occasionally use them to extend or clarify a topic.
Figure 14.1
A Framework for
Studying an AIS
Business Strategy
Business Process
IT Environment
AIS Applications
SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY
The concept of methodology is crucial to understanding how organizations build
systems. A systems development methodology breaks down systems development
into a series of well-defined phases. Each phase has clearly defined objectives and
results in particular deliverables or outputs. Users and managers review these deliverables. Using such an approach can help firms avoid costly systems failures where
developers spend considerable resources building a system and then find that user
needs have not been adequately addressed. A systems development methodology
includes several key features:
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It breaks down systems development into a series of manageable phases.
Each phase has clearly defined objectives.
Specific tools and techniques are used in each phase.
Each phase involves specific project management activities (assigning personnel and other resources).1
Each phase ends with clearly specified deliverables.
Users/managers provide feedback and sign off on deliverables.
Throughout this chapter, we will use Del Mar Fitness Center’s membership/
registration system to examine systems development. Exhibit 14.1 provides a narrative for this business. Each activity is labeled with a superscript number.
Exhibit 14.1
Del Mar Fitness Center—Revenue Process
Del Mar Fitness Center offers a variety of programs for families, including aerobics, strength
training, gymnastics, and swimming lessons. All
classes are taught by qualified instructors. The
Center offers individual and family membership
plans. Nonmembers can also sign up for various
1
classes for a higher rate. The Center has three fulltime employees—a director, office manager, and
receptionist. There are several other part-time
workers such as the aquatics director. In addition,
the Center has a board of directors that consists
(continued)
We do not discuss management activities in this chapter. However, our comments on the activities that
take place in each stage in the life cycle would be useful to the management process.