WEEK 5 - SDLC AND WATERFALL

Question 1

Define information systems development (ISD)

Answer 1

• the activity of creating or modifying business systems
• involves project management and business analysis

Question 2

Reasons for ISD

Answer 2

• problems with processes
• problems with existing systems
• increasing competition
  etc.

Question 3

how was ISD used to improve Angostura Limited?

Answer 3

• issues with outdated manual processes leading to inefficiencies
• redesigned sales processes using mobile technology integrated with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• benefits included faster order processing and reduced data entry errors

Question 4

describe the AMR Corp example of how an ISD can fail?

Answer 4

• failure to “confirm” reservation system due to missed deadlines and lawsuits

Question 5

what are some reasons why ISD projects fail

Answer 5

• projects never finish/overrun schedule
• over budget and over time
• do not accomplish principal goals

Question 6

what are the 2 success factors for managing ISD?

Answer 6

• flow control: sequential vs iterative processes, parallel activities where applicable
• managerial controls: monitoring progress and allowing for changes, importance of project management and organizational change

Question 7

what are the factors to consider in making the business case?

Answer 7

• IT as an investment
• rationale for investment
• alignment with strategic goals
  etc

Question 8

what is the systems portfolio analysis and scoring model

Answer 8

• evaluates alternative system projects
• assigns weights to various features and calculates weighted totals

Question 9

describe the 4 types of project risk?

Answer 9

• cautiously examine: high potential benefits to firm and high project risk
• Identify and develop: high potential benefits to firm and low project risk
• avoid: low potential benefits to firm and high project risk
• routine projects: low potential benefits to firm and low project risk

Question 10

what are the 3 options for building a system?

Answer 10

1. In-house development
   - pros: tailored to specific needs
   - cons: high cost and time-intensive
2. tailored off-the-shelf software
   - pros: configurable to business requirements
   - cons: may require significant customization
3. standard off-the-shelf software
   - pros: cost-effective and quick deployment
   - cons: may not fully match business needs

Question 11

contrast build vs buy for an information system

Answer 11

• building provides a better match but is expensive and time-consuming
• buying can be cost-effective but might not meet specific needs

Question 12

explain the system development lifecycle for the waterfall methodology

Answer 12

1. system definition
   - define system goals and scope
   - assess feasibility
   - form a project team and plan the project
2. requirements analysis:
   - identify detailed user requirements
   - document requirements in a comprehensive report
3. design development and testing:
   - create detailed design documents
   - develop and test the system iteratively
4. implementation:
   - deploy the system live
   - ensure users and stakeholders start working with it
5. maintenance
   - provide ongoing support and error fixes
   - often the most expensive phase

Question 13

what are the characteristics of the waterfall methodology?

Answer 13

• sequential project flow ‘
• control points or “gates” at each phase
• difficult to revisit earlier phases once completed

Question 14

what are the challenges and issues with waterfall?

Answer 14

• cost and timetable blowouts
• requirements and documentation difficulty
• scheduling and budgeting difficulties

Question 15

when should someone use Waterfall?

Answer 15

• suitable for projects where cost/speed is not the primary concern
• effective in environments with strict requirements like health and safety ratings