Ch 11 Review Questions

Iterative method

Have strategies that compress the time horizon for software development, partly to reduce the impact of changing business needs and the resulting network. They focus on the time available until the next release, or iteration, and the development team determines how many of the requirements it can deliver in that timeframe. Most iterative methods incorporate the tasks in SDLC rapidly and they overlap.

Rule of thumb when deciding to buy or build software and other factors that affect this decision

If prepackaged software handles at least 75% of the organization's requirements then they should buy it. Other factors that need to be considered though are strategic value, overall cost, time needed to deploy, the need for customization, and the availability of IT resources.

Waterfall method

Method in which the systems development life cycle (SDLC) tasks occur sequentially, with one activity starting only after the previous one has been completed. Success rates are usually low and disappointing.

Is the waterfall method dead?

Method is not dead, but because of low success rates, there are other alternative approaches that are better able to adapt to changes in the business landscape. This methodology persists because business managers are comfortable with its logical and familiar structure.

Analysis

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Analyze and document what the system should actually do from the business perspective

Development phase

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Converting the design into an operational information system

Planning

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Define the business need for the project, asses its importance to the company, and determine whether the project is actually feasible

Implementation

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Different choices on how a new system is implemented. Need documentation and training to understand how the new systems works and differs from the old one.

Maintenance

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). During the beginning time that a new system is being used, support people are on call to resolve technical glitches, train users, correct documentation, and make sure everyone has access to all the functionality they need. After time there is a help-desk system that provides support.

Testing phase

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Each individual module is tested as it is completed during the development phase. Once system is completed, undergoes very rigorous testing.

Design phase

One of seven phases of the systems development life cycle (SDLC). Involves translating the RDD into a workable technical design. Team will make decisions about the system's architecture and draw up plans that describe the technical details

Role of senior managers in systems development and procurement

Senior managers should stress the strategic value of the new information system to the organization, and inspire employees to work together and ensure the resources the project team needs are available.

Disadvantages of buying prepackaged software

1. Do not always match all of the organization's requirements 2. Might overstate product's capabilities and vendor support 3. Require organization's to change business processes and develop interfaces to other systems 4. May not include new features needed by the organization 5. May not fit the enterprise architecture.

Advantages of buying prepackaged software

1. Handle processes using the industry's best practices 2. Usually require shorter implementation time 3. Can include vendor's new features and maintain compliance requirements

Advantages of custom building software

1. Made specifically to the organization's needs and that may offer strategic value that contributes to the company's competitive advantage. 2. May not require employees to change their processes.

Disadvantages of custom-building software

1. Usually has a higher overall cost 2. They require more time before they can go live 3. Require ongoing in-house maintenance, upgrades, and compliance.