System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Know what systems analysis is.
System analysis is the process of developing or improving a system to provide solutions to business
problems in the most efficient way possible. The problem must be analyzed to identify what must be
accomplished with the system in order to start developing or improving the new system to meet the
clients’ needs. (Example) A business trying to sell online. Do they use PayPal? Do they need to weigh
packages to calculate shipping cost? Etc. (Requirements, Elicitation and Specification). System
analysis helps convert the clients’ ideas and concepts into a reality granted the client is providing
clear information and requirements of what the developer must achieve. Mistranslation could cause
the outcome and functionality of the system to be completely different from what the client was
expecting. (My text)
Be able to define a system (components, connections and purpose).
A system is a set of components which are related in some way to function as a unit with a common
purpose. A system can also be part of a larger system. For any “system” we should be able to list the
components, the connections and state the purpose. For example, a chair, the solar system, a
website. ‘’A train system has trains, train tracks, stations, ticket machines, etc.’’
Be able to define information and information systems.
Information is meaningful data given to us through any form of communication. It provides
knowledge to the person receiving the information given it is provided in the right context. For
example, If I was going to a friend’s house I would need the street name, street number and, the
suburb to locate where they live. If some of this information is missing, I would not be able to locate
their house or I could potentially be misled, and the other information would not be as useful. (My
text)
An information system is a means of catering for the flow and storage to satisfy the requirements of
all users. An information system also generates, manipulates and communicates information as the
focus is to do with what people do with the information. They are a collection of interrelated
components that’s collect, process, provide as output and, store the information needed to
complete the business task. For example, order processing system or transport system.
Describe the purpose of systems analysis and design when developing
information systems.
A system analyst translates users’ information needs into instructions for programmers to follow by
creating diagrams and requirement specifications. An analyst needs business knowledge regarding
the system and client, computer and technical knowledge and, understand the components and
connecting parts of information systems. They should possess fact gathering, analysis, problem
solving, communication and people skills.
Systems analysis are those activities that enable a person to understand and specify what an
information system should accomplish. For example, what is required for the new system to solve
the problem. Systems design are those activities that enable a person to define and describe in
detail the system that solves the need. For example, How the system will operate to solve the
problem.
Explain the purpose of the system development life cycle (Identify the
six core processes).
Systems development is the process of developing an information system in an organized
professional way. This is the SDLC methodology.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Analysis– Identify the problem or need and obtain approval.
Planning – Plan and monitor the project.
Design – Discover and understand the details of the problem or need.
Development – Design the system components that solve the problem.
Test – Build, test, and integrate system components.
Implementation – Complete systems tests and then deploy the solution.
Describe the characteristics of Agile methodologies and iterative
system development.
Agile development is an information development process that emphasizes the flexibility to
anticipate new requirements during development. It is very fast and responsive to change.
Iterative development is an approach to system development in which the system is “grown” piece
by piece through multiple iterations. It focuses on Completing small parts of the system (mini
project), then the process is repeated to refine and add more until done.