System Development Concept
Define System:
System is a collection of interrelated parts that works together to achieve one or more common goals. In
other word system can be defined as any set of objects and ideas and their relationships which are ordered to
a common goal or purpose.
In general terms, system is the organized collection or arrangement of different parts together such
that they function collectively and efficiently.
A system has five components- input, processes, output, feedback and control.
Developing meaningful systems is the joint responsibility of the information system department and end
users.
Define Information System:
An information system is a set of processes and procedures that transform data into information and
knowledge. Information systems do not generate data. The data are generated collected, recorded, stored,
processed and retrieved after it has been generated by business operation in an organization. Information
systems are designed for supplying information to managers in the areas of marketing, finance, production,
personnel etc.
Types of Information system
Management information system:-MIS is an information system that generates accurate timely and
organized information so that managers and other users can make decisions, solve problems, supervise
activities and track progress. The information system that converts raw data into transaction processing
system into meaningful form to provide information for managing an organization is known as management
information system.
MIS can be define as a system that provides information to support managerial functions like planning,
organizing, directing, controlling. In other word MIS is defined as a system that includes files, hardware, and
software and operations research models of processing, storing, retrieving and transmitting information to the
users. MIS are primarily meant for providing information from the data after processing them.
Decision support system:-the system that is developed to support the managerial decisions whenever a
decision making situation arises is known as decision support system.DSS provides the required information
to support decision making process. It is a type of information system that supports business and
organizational decision making activities. It serves the management, operation and planning levels of an
organization and helps to make decisions.
Transaction processing system:-TPS is one of the first computerized information system designed to
process business transactions which was originally called data processing. TPS are intended to capture and
record information about organization’s day to day transactions. It is a type of information system that
collects, stores modifies and retrieves the business transaction of an organization. This system is capable of
responding to user’s request immediately. Example:-ATM in banking system.
Expert system:-It is an information system that captures the expertise of workers and then simulates that
expertise to the benefit of non-experts. Expert system is a part of artificial intelligence.ES can be used at any
level of operation or management in an organization.
Office Automation system:-It is an information system that supports the wide range of business office
activities that provide for improved workflow between workers. The information that aims at office
automation and uses different types of hardware, software, data and communication networks like LAN,
WAN, Interent etc. to enhance work flow and facilitate communication among the employees is known as
office information system
.
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 1
Define System Development Life Cycle (SDLC):
System Development Life Cycle is a framework for developing computer based information systems and
implementing in the organization. SDLC is a systematic process of developing any software systems. In other
words SDLC is the overall process of developing information systems through a multi-step process from
investigation of initial requirements through analysis, design, testing, implementation and maintenance.
SDLC consists of phases or stages they are as follows:
- Requirement Analysis and Specification
- System Designing
- Codding and Debugging
- System testing
- System Maintenance
Notes: A single instruction given to computer to perform some specific task is called command.
Collection of such command in a logical and sequential order is called program. When we collects
such programs in different modules and packages fro performing a specific task, such bundle of
programs is called software.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) defines software as “the collection of
computer programs, procedures, rules, documentation and data”
Importance and the Necessity of SDLC
System Development Life cycle(SDLC) is a process used by a system analyst to develop an information
system. Any SDLC should result in a high quality system that meets customer expectations, reaches
completion within time and cost estimates, works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned
information technology infrastructure and it is cost effective to enhance and maintain.
SDLC provides guidelines to follow for completing every activity in the
system development process. SDLC is a systematic approach to solving business problems. It is divided into
different distinct phases and each phase has unique activities. It helps to ensure that the cost-effective quality
systems are developed which address an organization’s business needs and solve the problems.
SDLC is considered important in the following respects:
 Since the whole process of SDLC requires constant communication between the developer
and the client, the prototype model of the SDLC provides that strength. With the prototype
model, there is a regular communication between the involved people.
 The SDLC models easily identify the missing functionality because of the presence of the
iterated steps that allow for missing features to surface and be easily identified.
 With the SDLC models all function that seems to be difficult and complicated are easily
identifiable thus, it can give immediate resolution of simplifying it.
 With the SDLC models, they allow for designs which are primarily flexible and contain a
lot of innovation.
 With the SDLC models, there is the presence of the flexibility of adding up more functions
and features even at a later time date.
Thus the SDLC models used by the program developer create the big impact on
every plan that he/she works on. It is therefore clever to select and choose the best
SDLC model to employ on every project that we get involved with.
Q1. What are the different types of models developed by software scientists for developing software
systems?
Ans: - The different types of models developed by software scientists for developing software systems
are as follows:
a) Waterfall model
b) Prototype model
c) Iterative Enhancement Model
d) Spiral Model
a)
Waterfall Model: - It is the simplest and most popular model of SDLC. In this model, the phases
are organized in a linear order. This model is most suitable for routine type of jobs in which all the
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 2
problems are already known. It generally has longer completion time because testing and
documentation should be done at the completion of each levels.
The activities and steps of this model are:-Feasibility study
-Requirement analysis and project planning
-System Design
-Detail Design
-Coding and Unit Testing
-System and Integration Testing
b) Prototype Model: - This model is much suitable for new systems where there is no clear idea of the
requirements, inputs and outputs. Instead of developing a full-fledge or final system, a small
prototype (sample, trial product) is developed first. The model or design is discussed with the client
or owner and after having the final approval from the client or owner the final system or final
products is made. It is just like that engineers develop a prototype of buildings and design for big
projects.
c) Iterative Enhancement Model: - This model is useful for developers themselves provide the
specification. In other words, requirements are not provided by the user, but developer make list of
the possible requirements and then they make the software and launch it in the market. After the
feedback from the users is gathered, some modification is done instead of changing the software
totally. Microsoft uses this model of software development. Example- Window 95 was released at
first, after sometime Window 98 was released with some modification likewise Window 2000 was
released and so on. This model is the combination of both waterfall model and prototype model.
d) Spiral Model: - This is the latest model proposed by a software scientist ‘Boem’. This is the most
realistic model because it uses multidimensional approach for software development. The activities
in SDLC are organized in a spiral structure that has many cycles which starts from the center of the
spiral and goes out as it progress and becomes matured. Each of the complete spiral segments is
divided into four different attributes known as planning, risk analysis, engineering and customer
evaluation.
Q2. What are the different phases of classical model of SDLC.Highlight the importance of first two
phases?
Ans:-The different phases of classical model of SDLC are: 1. System study
2. Feasibility Study
3. System Analysis
4. System Design
5. System Development
6. System Testing
7. System Implementation
8. Maintenance and Review
1.
2.
System Study: - This is the first phase of SDLC. In this phase, the software developer and the user
sit together and discuss their problems. User explains hid needs and expectations from the new
system that is being developed. Developer either agrees upon the requirement and assures that such
type of system will be developed or shows his problem for developing such system. Since all the
requirements and specifications are discussed in this phase, this phase is also known as SRS
(System Requirement and Specification) phase.
Feasibility Study or Analysis: It is one of the most important steps in the SDLC phase. Feasibility study means to
study different aspects of system development in terms of its feasibility. In this phase whether the
requirements presented by the user are possible to be implemented in terms of computerized
programs or not. Feasibility study or analysis is a measure of how beneficial the development of
system would to an organization. There can be alternative design of systems and the feasibility
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 3
3.
4.
study selects the best system that meets system performance requirements. The major purpose of
feasibility study is to decide whether the proposed system is feasible or not in terms of time, cost,
technology, operation, maintenance etc.
 Technical feasibility:-This study finds out whether the proposed system can be
implemented with the available hardware, software, technical resources and human
resource. It also studies out whether hardware and software is available to do what is
needed? To decide the technical feasibility, determination should be made if the system can
be developed and implements using existing technology.
 Economical Feasibility: -It refers to the analysis of how beneficial will be the system with
regards to the time, money and other resources required. This feasibility is measured in
terms of cost/effectiveness analysis. It mainly focuses on whether the lifetime benefits of
the proposed system outweigh the lifetime costs or not.
 Operational feasibility:-This is the study to find out whether the proposed system will be
able to perform the designated functions with the existing organizational environment with
its current human resources and existing procedures or not. It focuses on whether the
proposed system is desirable within the existing managerial and organizational framework
and culture or not. Will the user like the new system? Will they use it? Will it meet their
requirements? Will it cause any changes in their work environment?
 Schedule feasibility: - Feasibility study also includes schedule feasibility study. It studies
whether the established deadlines for the project are reasonable. This is the determination
of deadline for a completion of a system. If the system is not completed within the schedule
time, definitely it will affect other feasibility elements such as economical, operational
etc.If the system can’t be delivered in time, then it become obsolete and goodwill of the
system developing institution also decreases so the project leader might make a schedule. It
a deadline cannot be extended, and then the scope of the project might be reduced to meet a
mandatory deadline.
System Analysis:System analysis is an important activity that takes place when new information system is being
changed. It follows the feasibility study and involves a detailed study of the current system,
leading to specifications of a new system. System analysis is a detailed study of various operations
performed by a system and their relationships within and outside the system. During system
analysis, data are collected from the various available sources by using tools such as interview,
questionnaire, sampling, research and documentation. System analysis determines the
shapes,
form, strength, capability and even the life of the system.
System Design: -This phase is the most creative and challenging phase of SDLC.This phase is
concerned with the design of final system. The design of an information system produces the details
that clearly describe how a system will meet the requirements, identified during system analysis.
System specialist often refers to this stage as logical design, in contrast to the process of developing
software which is referred to as physical design. During this phase the designer must design all the
aspects of the system from the input and output screen to reports, database and processes of
computing. Some of the technique or methodologies used for this phase are as follows:a. Algorithm:- The problem studied is converted into some logically presented English
sentences, which are listed in some sequences. It is a very easy and non technical method
for designing system.
b. Flowchart:- The logical steps presented in terms of algorithms are presented in terms of
some symbols and pictures so that the understanding of the problem becomes easier for the
programmer.
c. Pseudo-codes:- The problem presented in algorithm and flowcharts are presented in terms
of English statements for easiness of the user but it is presented in some programming
codes so that it will be easier for the programmer, which is know as pseudo-code.
d. Decision table:-The decision to be made in the program is presented in a tabular form,
which is known as decision table.
e. Decision tree: - It is the conversion of decision table in terms of tree. It makes the decision
easier to understand.
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 4
f.
g.
h.
5.
6.
DFD (Data flow diagram):- It is the pictorial representation of the data flow in the
program. This method of designing is used to show how data are obtained and how they are
written into the database. It is used to show the path rather than logic.
Context diagram: - An overview (overall representation) of the Information system
through a single DFD is called Context diagram. In other word we can say if an entire
system can be depicted by one data flow diagram which gives a system overview. Then it
is called a context diagram. The context diagram treats the whole system as a single
process with all its inputs, outputs, links and sources. The entire system is presented as a
single system without any sub-system or sub DFDs in context diagram.
ER-Diagram:-ER-diagram shows the relationship between the entities, type of relationship
and attributes.
System Development:- This is the fourth phase of SDLC. The major goal of this phase is to
translate the problem studied in the system analysis and design made in the system design phase
into proper physical system. After developing the system, it is ready for testing. Generally,
programmers choose 4GLs (fourth generation language) for writing programs because of their
simplicity, easily availability, good user interface and user friendly design. Without this phase,
the problem remains in design and paper only; it can never come into real existence.
System Testing:- This is the fifth phase of SDLC. This is the process of verifying that whether
the software fulfills the objective of development or not. This phase is used for finding the errors
and defects so that there is no difference or very less difference between the actual output and
desired output. It is the most complex, most time consuming, most expensive and most crucial
step in the SDLC. There are two type of testing methodologies. They are- Top down
methodologies
and Bottom up methodologies.
i) Top-down methodologies: - In this method of testing, the testing is done by beginning
from the main module and shifting towards to the lower level modules. When the main
module is tested, it is broken down into some sub-modules. Such sub-modules are tested
and again they are broken down into another sub-module. This process is repeated until
the last module is tested
ii) Bottom-up methodologies: - In this process, the lower level module is tested at first and
then it is shifted towards the upper level modules. It is just opposite of top-down method
of testing, in which we start from the lowest level module. After all the lowest level
modules are tested, they are integrated into some common modules and again tested. This
process is repeated until all the modules are integrated into the main modules.
Both of the testing methodologies explained above can again be divided into two types.
They are: Black-box testing and White-box testing technique.
i)
Black–box testing:-In this technique of testing only the internal coding of the
program are tested. It is also called ‘functional testing’ because it test all the
functional parts of the codes. It generally tests the loops and their function,
control structures and their functions, array and their boundary etc. It is called
‘black-box testing’ because the test cases are totally hidden for the general users
because it is done at coding level.
ii)
White–box testing:- In this technique instead of testing the coding part or internal
functioning of the program, the structure (behavioral part) of the program is
tested. It is called ‘Glass-box testing’ because the test cases are totally visible to
the general users and they can also make test cases.
Before starting any testing procedure, a good test plan must be scheduled and
all the testing must be done according to that schedule. A test schedule may
contain the following steps:
a. Test unit specification
b. Features to be tested
c. Approach used for testing
d. Test deliverables
e. Schedule
f. Personnel allocation
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 5
7.
System Implementation:-System implementation refers to putting the system into operation. The
developed system is put into actual implementation replacing the existing system in which the
clients or users themselves operate the system to execute their intended task. The main component
of every system is people. Training or education should be given as per need of the system users.
Various methods such as seminars, group instruction, on the job training etc can be implemented.
The implementation can be performed all at once throughout the organization or a bit at a time, or in
parallel with the existing system. Therefore implementation can be performed either of the
following manner: Phased Implementation-In phased implementation a bit of the system at time is
put into operation.
 Pilot Implementation-Pilot implementation means new system is first of all
implemented in one section of the organization, while other continues with their
old system. If the output of the system meets the client’s intended purpose then it
is implemented throughout the organization replacing the old system. It works
best for the large systems.
 Parallel Implementation-The new system is implemented in parallel with the
existing system. Both the old system and new system performs simultaneously in
parallel and once the new system starts functioning satisfactorily the old system is
dismantled and the new system is put into actual operation.
 Direct Implementation-In direct implementation the old system is replaced with
the new system all at once. It works best for small systems.
8.
System Maintenance and Reviews: - Correcting and upgrading process of the system is called
system maintenance. This is the last and final phase of SDLC. After the final system is being
developed and tested, it is delivered to the market or installed in the users’ machine, user starts using
the system. If any problem arise during such it is reported to the developer and maintenance is done.
All the feedback of the users is collected; software is modified and again launched in the market or
installed into the system.
Q3. Who is System Analyst? Highlight the Characteristics of good system analyst.
Ans- A system analyst is an information specialist who is able to analyze the present systems, design
new ones and implement then with the assistance of programmers and other system personnel, but users
of a system need to be involved in designing the system, because only they knew that the desired
outcomes of the system should be and because they will have to live with the new system. In computerbased information system, the user, the system analyst and the programmer, all work together to evaluate
design and implement the system
The characteristics that the good system analyst should have are as fallows:1) Knowledge of Organization
2) Knowledge of computer systems and software
3) Good inter-personal relations
4) Ability to communicate
5) An analytical mind
6) Breadth of knowledge
7) Flexibility and adaptability
8) Character and ethics
1) Knowledge of organization:A system analyst must understand the way in which various organizations function.
He/She must understand the management structure and the relationship between the departments in
organizations. As many systems are built for marketing, accounting and materials management, he/she
must have a working knowledge of these areas.
2) Knowledge of computer systems and software: -
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 6
The analyst should have knowledge about recent development on computer
hardware and software. He/She must be able to advice the proper configuration of hardware and the latest
software needed to develop the required applications.
3) Good inter personal relations:
An analyst must be able to interpret user needs, must be a good listener, a good
diplomat and behave with user as a friend. He/She must understand people and be able to influence them
to change their minds and attitudes.
4) Ability to communicate:
An analyst is also required to orally present his design to group of users. He/She
must be able to organize his/her thoughts and present them in a language easily understood by users
5) An Analytical mind: Analyst is required to find solution to problems using various analytical tools such
as decision tree, decision table etc. A good system analyst should convert a problem into an opportunity.
6) Breadth of knowledge: A system analyst has to work with persons performing various jobs in an
organization. He/She may have to interact with accountants, sales persons, clerical staff, production
supervisors etc; a system analyst must understand how they do job better. During his/her carrier he/she
will be working with a variety of organization such as hospital, hotels, departmental stores, transport
companies, education institutions etc, Thus, breadth knowledge of a system is necessary to be a successful
system analyst.
7) Flexibility and adaptability:- A good system analyst should be flexible and learns to adapt in new
challenges because he/she have to work in different organizations having different nature and have to
adapt themselves according to the nature of the organization.
8) Character and ethics:- The system analyst must have a good moral and strong character. Analyst
often gets access to sensitive and confidential information of the organization that are not meant for
public disclosure. Thus the analyst must respect ethical values.
Q4.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Write short notes on:DFD
Context diagram m
ER-Diagram
CASE tools
UML
a)DFD:DFD is one of the most important tools used by system analyst in SDLC for designing the system
.The main merit of DFD is that it can provide an overview of what data a system would process, what
transformations of data are done, what files are used and where the results flow. The graphical
representation of the system makes it a good communication tool between a user and an analyst
There are four symbols used in DFD. They are as fallows
i) A circle which is used to depict a process
ii) A rectangle which is used to depict an external/internal entity
iii) Slant line to represent a file
iv) Lines with arrows to depict data flows with direction
The direction of an arrow shows the direction of the flow of data. If an arrow points to the
file, it indicates operation of writing in the file, if it point away form the file, it indicates operation of reading
from the file. It both arrows are there, it indicates that one may write in or read form the file.
There are two types of DFD. They are
i) Logical DFD
ii) Physical DFD
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 7
The DFD which does not specify who does the operation, whether it is done manually or with a computer
and also where it is done is called logical DFD
The DFD which specify who does the operation, whether it is done manually or with a
computer and also where it is done is called physical DFD
b) ER- Diagram:It is the representation of the relationship between different entities in a database . It
represent real world situation using some logical concepts. Entity is the most basic concept in ER model
.Generally we take a table as an entity and represent them in terms of relationship, which is establish on the
basis of some common attributes/ characteristics/ fields
The overall logical structure of a database can be expresses graphically by an
ER-diagram which consists of the following components.
The symbol used in ER-diagram is as follows:Diagram
Use
Entity
Attributes
Cardinality
Relationship
Key attribute
c)
Context diagram: - An overview (overall representation) of the Information system through a single
DFD is called Context diagram. In other word we can say if an entire system can be depicted by one
data flow diagram which gives a system overview. Then it is called a context diagram. The context
diagram treats the whole system as a single process with all its inputs, outputs, links and sources. The
entire system is presented as a single system without any sub-system or sub DFD s in context diagram.
d) CASE tools:-CASE (Computer Aided system engineering) software tools are designed to support a
variety of activities of the system development cycle. CASE tools are used to automate the
methodologies used in the system development process and reduce the amount of repetitive work to be
done in the development cycle. CASE tools are automated, microcomputer-based software packages fro
system analysis and design. There are four major reasons for using CASE tools. They are
 To increase analyst productivity
 To facilitate communication among analysts and users
 To provide continuity between life cycle phrases.
 To assess the impact of maintenance.
CASE tools are divided into three categories
Upper CASE:-These tools are used to perform analysis and design.
Lower CASE:-These tools generate computer language source code from case design.
Integrated CASE:-These tools can be used to perform both upper and lower CASE functions.
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 8
e)
UML (Unified Modeling Language):-It is a standard language for specifying, visualizing, constructing
and documenting the software system. The developments of UML begin in late 1994. The UML is very
successful as it has been adopted by most of the leading software companies including IBM, Microsoft,
and Oracle etc. It is mainly developed to emphasize Object oriented concept. The UML uses mostly
graphical notations to express the design of software projects. The latest UML tool includes 13 different
diagrams to assist the analyst in modeling the system. The most well known UML modeling tool is IBM
Rational Rose other tools are Magic draw UML, Star UML etc.There are various types of UML, Some
of them are: Use Case
 Class diagram
 Interaction diagram
 State diagram
 Activity diagram
Use Case:-It is a set of diagrams that describe the interaction between user and a system. It is a
easier type of UML diagram to draw. It displays the relationship among actors and use cases. The
two main components of Use case diagram are use cases and actors. An actor represents a user or
another system that will interact with the system we are modeling. It is a methodology used in
system analysis to identify, clarify and organize system requirements. Use case can be employed
during several stages of software development such as planning system requirements, validating
design, testing software and creating an outline for online help and user manuals.
Q5. Who is system analyst? What are the Duties and Responsibilities of System analyst? (HSEB-2058)
- A system analyst is an information specialist who is able to analyze the present systems, design new ones
and implement then with the assistance of programmers and other system personnel, but users of a system
need to be involved in designing the system, because only they knew that the desired outcomes of the system
should be and because they will have to live with the new system. In computer-based information system, the
user, the system analyst and the programmer, all work together to evaluate design and implement the system
In other word System analyst is a person who is involved in analyzing, designing,
implementing and evaluating computer based information system to support decision making and operations
of an organization.
System analyst is involved to define the user’s problems and needs by gathering
and analyzing different study facts and its scope during the system analysis phase. System analyst is involved
in designing several alternatives and giving the option to the user for selecting the best one. System analyst is
involved during the implementation phase. System analyst should follow up to see that the system is
operating as expected. He should monitor the system, seeking the way to improve its performance and to
modification as users need change.
The duties and responsibilities of system analyst are as fallows:
a) Defining Requirement
b) Prioritizing Requirements by consensus
c) Gathering data, facts and opinion of users
d) Analyzing and Evaluating
e) Solving problems
f) Drawing-up specifications
g) Designing systems
h) Evaluating system
a)
Defining Requirement:- This is the most important duties or tasks of system analyst.
System analyst should understand the users’ requirements for that he or she should have an
interview with the user and find out what information they use in the current system, how
they use it, what information they feel they lack in the current system, which if provided in
the new system, will allow them to do their job better.
b) Prioritizing requirements by consensus:- In any organization there are many users. Each
users has some special information needs. It may not be possible to satisfy needs of every
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 9
one due to limited computing capacity, limited funding etc. Thus there is a need to set
priorities among the requirements of various users. This is best achieved by having a
common meeting with all the users and arriving at a consensus. This responsibility of the
system analyst requires good interpersonal relations and diplomacy.
c) Gathering data, facts and opinion of users: - After determining the user’s requirements
and prioritizing the requirements, the analyst must develop the system with the active and
wiling cooperating of all the users. While developing a system the analyst must
continuously consult the users and get their views. He must be the users’ student in
learning various facts about the organization, and their teacher in telling them how best to
use the computer-based system.
d) Analysis and Evaluation:- The system analyst analyses the working of current
information system in the organization and finds out to what extend he or she meet users’
needs. Various graphical means of data analysis are useful in this task.
e) Solving Problems:- The system analyst must study the problem in depth and suggest
alternate solution to the management. The relative difficulties in implementing each of the
alternatives and benefits of each must be determined so that manager can pick what he
considered at the best solution
f) Drawing up specifications:- System analyst have to draw up the functional specification
in a non-technical way so that the users and the managers can easily understand it. The
analyst must win the acceptance of all levels of users of the system such as clerks, middle
level managers and top level managers. The specification must be designed in such a way
that it can be expand in the near future.
g) Designing system:- Once the specification is accepted, the analyst designs the system. The
design must be understandable to the system implementer. The design must be modular to
accommodate changes easily.
h) Evaluating system:- An analyst must critically evaluate a system after it has in use for
reasonable periods of time. An analyst must have an open mind to accept valid criticism
and he or she must be good critic himself or herself to enable him or her to carry out
necessary improvements.
Write Short Notes on:
Prototype:A prototype is a preliminary model of system solutions for end users to interact with and to analyze.
The prototype is constructed quickly and cheaply within days or weeks using personal computer.
Building an experimental or preliminary system or part of a system for business
specialist to try out and evaluate is called prototyping
Several alternative conceptual designs should be prepared and if one conceptual design fails while
prototyping, other can be used.
Alternative conceptual design should be prepared due to the following reasons:1) Client has choice of several systems.
2) Improvement can happen in alternatives.
3) To be in safer side
Steps in Prototyping
1) Identifying preliminary requirements
2) Developing a working prototype
3) Using the Prototype
4) Revising and enhancing
Steps 2, 3 and 4 are repeated over and over until the user is completely satisfied.
Q6. What is feasibility study? Explain the different levels of feasibility study.
Ans: - Feasibility is a measure of how beneficial the development of a system would to an
organization. Feasibility study is one of the vital activities that need to be carried out. The purpose
of feasibility study is to establish whether there is a need for a new system and if so to specify the
objective of the system.
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 10
Feasibility study is important in system development processes because the findings
of the feasibility study are presented to management in the form of a report, which will make
appropriate recommendations. If the report find in favors of the project then senior management
may decide to move to the next stage of system development process that is system designing.
There are different levels of feasibility study. They are as fallows:a) Technical feasibility
b) Economical feasibility
c) Operational feasibility
d) Schedule feasibility
Technical feasibility:This study finds out whether the proposed system can be implemented with the available
hardware, software, technical resources and human resource. It also studies out whether hardware
and software is available to do what is needed? To decide the technical feasibility, determination
should be made if the system can be developed and implements using existing technology.
Economical Feasibility: It refers to the analysis of how beneficial will be the system with regards to the time, money and
other resources required. This feasibility is measured in terms of cost/effectiveness analysis. It
mainly focuses on whether the lifetime benefits of the proposed system outweigh the lifetime costs
or not.
Operational feasibility:This is the study to find out whether the proposed system will be able to perform the designated
functions with the existing organizational environment with its current human resources and
existing procedures or not. It focuses on whether the proposed system is desirable within the
existing managerial and organizational framework and culture or not. Will the user like the new
system? Will they use it? Will it meet their requirements? Will it cause any changes in their work
environment?
Schedule feasibility:Feasibility study also includes schedule feasibility study. It studies whether the established
deadlines for the project are reasonable. This is the determination of deadline for a completion of a
system. If the system is not completed within the schedule time, definitely it will affect other
feasibility elements such as economical, operational etc.If the system can’t be delivered in time,
then it become obsolete and goodwill of the system developing institution also decreases so the
project leader might make a schedule. It a deadline cannot be extended, then the scope of the
project might be reduced to meet a mandatory deadline.
System Development Concept
Compiled by K@pil Sh@rma
Page 11