Lecture Notes: System Development Environment and Acquisition (Chapters 1-2)

Flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture slides on Information Systems Development (Chapter 1) and Systems Acquisition (Chapter 2), including SA&D, SDLC phases, roles, systems thinking, methodologies, and software acquisition sources.

What does SA&D stand for in Information Systems?

Systems Analysis and Design.

What is the SDLC used for in Information Systems Development?

a framework for the process of Information system design and a standard process to analyze, design, implement and maintain information systems

Name three key roles commonly involved in SA&D.

Users, business managers, and the steering committee (others include application/programmers, system programmers, database/network specialists, security staff, human factors experts, and documentation specialists).

What is the difference between a methodology, a technique, and a tool?

Methodology is the overall approach or framework; a technique is a specific task method (e.g., interview, ERD); a tool is an aid that helps perform a technique (e.g., Visio, MS Project).

What major shifts occurred in ISD during the 1980s and 1990s?

1980s saw the rise of off-the-shelf software and CASE tools; 1990s focused on systems integration by purchasing components and building interfaces.

What is SA&D today as described in the notes?

The complex organizational process whereby computer-based information systems are developed and maintained.

Who are the key players listed in Systems Development?

Users; business managers; steering committee; application programmers; system programmers; database/network/tech specialists; security/auditing staff; human factors experts; documentation specialists.

What is the role of a Systems Analyst?

Studies organizational problems and opportunities; determines how people, methods, and computer technology can work together to improve the business; develops data capture, movement, processing, and storage methods; bridges technology and organization; central team member.

What are the main skill sets of a Systems Analyst?

Analytical skills, systems thinking, knowledge of business/organization, identifying and solving problems, technical skills, management skills, and interpersonal skills.

What is Systems Thinking?

Looking at a situation as a system of interacting components, abstracting, decomposing, identifying problems, designing and implementing solutions, and considering interfaces and interdependencies.

What are the major components shown in a Systems Thinking depiction of a system?

Input, Process, Storage, Output, with Boundary, Environment, Interfaces, and Interrelationship between components.

What does the model O = f(I, P, S) represent in Systems Thinking?

Output is a function of Inputs, Processes, and Storage.

What is the difference between a Methodology, a Technique, and a Tool?

Methodology is the overall approach/framework; Technique is a specific task method; Tool is an aid to complete a technique.

What is a Systems Development Methodology?

A standard process used in an organization to conduct all steps necessary to analyze, design, implement, and maintain information systems.

What are the five phases of the traditional SDLC?

Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Maintenance.

What happens in the SDLC Planning Phase?

Identify, analyze, prioritize, and arrange IS needs.

What happens in the SDLC Analysis Phase?

Study and structure system requirements.

What happens in the SDLC Design Phase?

Convert the recommended solution to system specifications; distinguish between logical design (independent of platform) and physical design (technology-specific).

What happens in the SDLC Implementation Phase?

Code, test, install, and support the information system.

What happens in the SDLC Maintenance Phase?

Systematically repair and improve the information system.

What is the SDL (Security Development Lifecycle)?

A security-focused extension of the SDLC used by vendors to ensure security and quality assurance in packaged software.

What is Iterative/Agile Development?

Repetition of refining steps toward a goal; continuous, adaptive changes; focus on people rather than roles.

Why use a Systems Development Methodology?

To provide a standard process to analyze, design, implement, and maintain information systems and to address complex organizational IS problems.

What are the sources of software for acquisition?

IT services firms (including custom development), packaged software producers, enterprise software solutions (ERP), cloud computing (SaaS/ASPs), open source software, and in-house development.

What are the main acquisition options for software?

Build (in-house development) or Buy (outsource) via IT services firms, packaged software producers, enterprise solutions, cloud computing, or open source.

System Analyst Skill set

Analytical skills, technical skills, management skills, interpersonal skills

Who Are the Players in Systems

Development?

• Users → The people who will actually use the system. They know the day-to-day processes and pain points. Their role is to provide input on needs, requirements, and usability.

• Business Managers → Oversee the business unit(s) that will benefit from the system. They care about cost, productivity, and whether the system meets business goals.

• Steering Committee → A group of senior managers who set priorities, approve funding, and resolve conflicts when business and IT have competing needs.

Understand how IS development has evolved from an art to a science over the decades

Systems development was, at first, seen as an art because most organizations still developed applications in-house, from scratch. The software industry expanded greatly and became more disciplined. Organizations began buying software from vendors, and the focus shifted to systems integration. System components were integrated by developing interfaces with interfaces of the system with external environment