Chapter 1 (The Systems Development
Environment)
1. Application Software
Definition: Software designed to support specific organizational
functions or processes (e.g., inventory management, payroll, or market
analysis).
Components:
o Application software.
o Supporting hardware and systems software.
o Documentation and training materials.
o Job roles, controls, and work methods of the users.
2. Information Systems
Definition: Systems comprising hardware, software, networks, and
people.
Purpose: Enable and support organizational functions such as
operations, exchanges with partners, and interactions with customers.
Scope: Applicable to enterprises, departments, or workgroups.
Key Components:
o Hardware and networks.
o Application and systems software.
o Users and IT professionals.
3. Information Systems Analysis and Design
Definition: A complex process undertaken by business and IT
professionals to develop and maintain information systems.
Purpose:
o To achieve organizational objectives.
o To add value during product and service development.
o To exploit information technology for competitive advantage.
4. Systems Analyst
Role:
o Investigates organizational problems and needs.
o Determines how people, methods, and IT can bring
improvements.
o Defines system requirements.
o Acts as an agent of change and innovation.
Responsibilities:
o Facilitating collaboration with system users and managers.
o Analyzing organizational functions and proposing improvements.
5. Systems Development Methodology
Definition: A structured process for conducting systems analysis,
design, implementation, and maintenance.
Purpose:
o Provides a framework for system development efforts.
o Offers a set of tools, techniques, and phases to guide projects.
Examples: Agile methodologies, Rational Unified Process (RUP).
6. Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
A standard approach with the following phases: 1. Planning:
Identify the organization’s information system needs.
Develop a project plan specifying resources, costs, and timelines.
2. Analysis:
o Study current systems and procedures.
o Identify requirements for a new or improved system.
3. Design:
o Logical Design: Focuses on business functionalities independent
of specific hardware/software.
o Physical Design: Converts logical specifications into detailed,
technology-specific specifications.
4. Implementation:
o Coding, testing, and installation of the system.
o Includes user training and documentation.
5. Maintenance:
o Enhancements, bug fixes, and adjustments to reflect changing
organizational needs.
7. Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD)
Definition: A systems development approach focusing on objects
rather than data or processes.
Key Concepts:
o Objects: Entities combining data and methods.
o Inheritance: Organizes objects into hierarchies, enabling shared
attributes and methods.
o Object Classes: Logical grouping of objects with shared
features.
Goal: Improves system quality and reusability of system components.
Iterative Approach: Development happens incrementally with
constant refinement.
8. Rational Unified Process (RUP)
Definition: An object-oriented development methodology with four
iterative phases:
1. Inception: Define scope, feasibility, and requirements.
2. Elaboration: Detail requirements and architecture.
3. Construction: Build, test, and document the system.
4. Transition: Deploy, train users, and support the system.
9. Agile Methodologies
Definition: Adaptive, iterative frameworks like Scrum and Extreme
Programming (XP).
Principles:
o Focus on individuals, collaboration, and working software.
o Embrace change even in late development stages.
Characteristics:
o Iterative development cycles.
o Involvement of motivated developers and engaged customers.
10. Core Concepts
1. Logical Design:
o Independent of technology.
o Addresses functional requirements.
2. Physical Design:
o Converts logical design into implementation-ready specifications.
o Accounts for technology platforms, programming languages, and
databases.
3. Methods:
o Structured approaches (e.g., waterfall SDLC).
o Agile approaches focusing on flexibility.
4. Objects:
o Encapsulate data and methods for cohesive functionality.
Glossary for Chapter 1:
Analysis: The second phase of the SDLC in which system
requirements are studied and structured.
Application software: Computer software designed to support
organizational functions or processes.
Design: The third phase of the SDLC in which the description of the
recommended solution is converted into logical and then physical
system specifications.
Implementation: The fourth phase of the SDLC, in which the
information system is coded, tested, installed, and supported in the
organization.
Information systems analysis and design: The complex
organizational process whereby computer-based information systems
are developed and maintained.
Inheritance: The property that occurs when entity types or object
classes are arranged in a hierarchy and each entity type or object class
assumes the attributes and methods of its ancestors, that is, those
higher up in the hierarchy. Inheritance allows new but related classes
to be derived from existing classes.
Logical design: The part of the design phase of the SDLC in which all
functional features of the system chosen for development in analysis
are described independently of any computer platform.
Object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD): Systems
development methodologies and techniques based on objects rather
than data or processes.
Physical design: The part of the design phase of the SDLC in which
the logical specifications of the system from logical design are
transformed into technology-specific details from which all
programming and system construction can be accomplished.
Planning: The first phase of the SDLC in which an organization’s total
information system needs are identified, analyzed, prioritized, and
arranged.
Rapid Application Development (RAD): Systems development
methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to design
and implement information systems. RAD relies on extensive user
involvement, prototyping, integrated CASE tools, and code generators.
Rational Unified Process (RUP): An object-oriented systems
development methodology. RUP establishes four phases of
development: inception, elaboration, construction, and transition. Each
phase is organized into a number of separate iterations.
Systems analyst: The organizational role most responsible for the
analysis and design of information systems.
Systems development life cycle (SDLC): The traditional
methodology used to develop, maintain, and replace information
systems.
Systems development methodology: A standard process followed
in an organization to conduct all the steps necessary to analyze,
design, implement, and maintain information systems.
