ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMSDEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Traditional Systems Life Cycle A

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Traditional Systems Life Cycle – A phased approach, dividing development into formal stages – a formal division of labour between end users and information systems specialists – Emphasizes formal specifications and paperwork – Used for developing large, complex systems that require tight controls 10. 1

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Prototyping – Developing an experimental system rapidly and inexpensively for end users to evaluate – Used as a template to develop final system – An iterative process of trial-and-revision – Useful when there is some uncertainty about requirements or design solutions – Encourages end-user involvement and is more likely to fulfill end-user requirements – Systems may not accommodate large quantities of data or numbers of users 10. 2

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES The Prototyping Process 10. 3

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES End-User Development – The development of information systems by end users with little or no formal assistance from technical specialists – Enabled by the use of fourth-generation languages • Software tools that allow end users to create reports or develop software applications with minimal or no technical assistance • Allow rapid development but testing and documentation may be inadequate 10. 4

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Application Software Packages and Outsourcing Application Packages: – Prewritten, predesigned and pretested software programs – Commercially available for sale or lease – May include customization features allowing the software to be modified for an organization’s unique requirements 10. 5

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Application Software Packages and Outsourcing Application Packages (continued): – Package evaluation criteria: Functions, flexibility, user friendliness, hardware and software resources, database requirements, installation and maintenance efforts, documentation, vendor quality, cost – Request For Proposal (RFP): A detailed list of questions submitted to vendors of software or other services to determine how well the vendor’s product will meet the organization’s specific requirements 10. 6

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES The Effects on Total Implementation Costs of Customizing a Software Package 10. 7

ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Application Software Packages and Outsourcing: • Contracting computer centre operations, telecommunications networks, or applications development to external vendors • Benefits from economies of scale and complementary core competencies • Disadvantages may be hidden costs, loss of control 10. 8