System Development
Life Cycle (SDLC)
CS208
Six Phases of the System
Development Life Cycle
Preliminary Investigation
Assesses feasibility and practicality of
system
System Analysis
Study old system and identify new
requirements
Defines system from user's view
System Design
Design new/alternative system
Defines system from technical view
Six Phases of the System
Development Life Cycle
System Development
New hardware and software is acquired,
developed, and tested
System Implementation
System installation and training
System Operation & Maintenance
Daily operation
Periodic evaluation and updating
SDLC Phases
Preliminary
Investigation
System
System Operation Analysis
& Maintenance
System System
Implementation
n Design
System
Development
Phase 1:
Preliminary Investigation
Determine if a new system is needed
Three primary tasks:
Define the problem
By observation and interview, determine what
information is needed by whom, when, where and
why
Suggest alternative solutions
Prepare a short report
Phase 2:
System Analysis
In depth study of the existing system to
determine what the new system should do.
Expand on data gathered in Phase 1
In addition to observation and interviews,
examine:
Formal lines of authority (org chart)
Standard operating procedures
How information flows
Reasons for any inefficiencies
Phase 2: System Analysis
Tools Used
Checklists - list of questions
Top-down analysis - start with top level
components, break down into smaller parts
through each successive level
Grid charts - to show relationship between
inputs and outputs
System flowcharts - charts flow of input data,
processing, and output which show system
elements and interactions
Phase 2: System Analysis
Documentation Produced
Complete description of current system and its
problems
Requirements for for new system including:
Subject
Scope
Objectives
Benefits
Possible development schedule
Phase 3:
System Design
Uses specifications from the systems analysis to
design alternative systems
Evaluate alternatives based upon:
Economic feasibility - Do benefits justify costs?
Technical feasibility - Is reliable technology and
training available?
Operational feasibility - Will the managers and
users support it?
Phase 3: System Design
Tools Used
Computer-Aided Software Engineering
(CASE) tools are software-based products
designed to help automate the production of
information systems.
Examples:
Diagramming Tools
Data Repositories
Prototyping Tools
Test Data Generators
Documentation Tools
Project Management Tools
Phase 3: System Design
Documentation Produced
System Design Report
Describe Alternatives including:
Inputs/Outputs
Processing
Storage and Backup
Recommend Top Alternative based upon:
System Fit into the Organization
Flexibility for the future
Costs vs. benefits
Phase 4:
System Development
Build the system to the design specifications
Develop the software
Purchase off-the-shelf software OR
Write custom software
Acquire the hardware
Test the new system
Module (unit) test - tests each part of system
Integration testing - tests system as one unit
Create manuals for users and operators
Phase 5:
System Implementation
Convert from old system to new system
Train users
Compile final documentation
Evaluate the new system
Phase 5: System Implementation
Types of Conversion
Direct/plunge/crash approach – entire new
system completely replaces entire old system, in one
step
Parallel approach - both systems are operated side
by side until the new system proves itself
Pilot approach - launched new system for only one
group within the business -- once new system is
operating smoothly, implementation goes company-
wide
Phased/incremental approach - individual parts of
new system are gradually phased-in over time, using
either crash or parallel for each piece.
Phase 5: System Implementation
User Training
Ease into system, make them comfortable,
and gain their support
Most commonly overlooked
Can be commenced before equipment
delivery
Outside trainers sometimes used
Phase 6: Operations &
Maintenance
Types of changes:
Physical repair of the system
Correction of new bugs found (corrective)
System adjustments to environmental
changes
Adjustments for users’ changing needs
(adaptive)
Changes to user better techniques when they
become available (perfective)
Phase 6: Operations &
Maintenance
Evaluation Methods
Systems audit - performance compared to
original specifications
Periodic evaluation - “checkups” from time
to time, modifications if necessary
