Lily Zhang

DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFORMATION SYSTEM (SDLC)

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
The aim of the understanding the problem stage is to determine the purpose and what
is required for the new system. When it comes to understanding a given task, it was
reassuring to question the user(s), in this case Miss Stiskala, the requirements needed
for a maximum result. During class, many task analysis activities such as Library
Database query provided a depth in the subject of processing. The Preliminary IPT Task
3 document provided a purpose to develop personal information system which
demonstrates computer and non-computer tools to showcase personal ICT skills. The
requirements were outlined in the marking criteria.Once the assignment was clearly
understood and everything that had to be on the information system was known, a
requirement report was made. This involved stating each piece of information that was
needed on the information system i.e. Gantt chart, study notes etc. to fulfil the purpose
of the information system.
PLANNING
The second stage of the SDLC is the planning. The aim of this stage is to determine
possible solution options and then make a decision on which option, should be designed
and implemented. Feasibility studies are undertaken to make such decisions. For this
system, there were two choices for the type of software the information system could be
created on and this was the main decision. It was between Adobe Flash and Weebly. In
the end, the decision to use Flash was chosen, because I wanted to give myself a
challenge. With a final plan of how the website would look and what information would
be needed, a Gantt chart was made to help time manage the development of the project.
The purpose of the Gantt chart was to help in the planning stage in developing a system.
This is a possible solution, allowing time management allocation ensuring the
completion of a certain task. I had to consider the technological restrictions included in
this assessment task as some program such as Adobe Flash was necessary. Taken in
mind, it determines the possibility of when such a program was to be used, also allowing
room for error. In order for the operation to run smoothly, some hardware and software
was required. Since this certain project was to be completed in a certain timeframe, the
schedule feasibility was obviously not to complete such a big task in one day, but to
spread out different task evenly during the 6 weeks given. This should form a step-
ladder pattern as time goes by. Another consideration was if the task can be complete in
the certain given timeframe and if the task allocated for the day was follow. To ensure
that it was close to the goal, it was up to the participant (myself) to determine if the task
can be completed in the timeframe. To ensure ends were met, I made a list of tasks and
crossed off any ones I have completed, indicating what other objectives I had and to
ensure I was following the Gantt chart. It was managed by following the requirements of
assessment task 3 in order of dot points. The scheduling of developments tasks was a
matter of highlighting the date of which task was expected to be completed. The
discussion and communication with teacher concerning, time frame and technical
requirements ensured that project worked in the given time frame.
Lily Zhang
DESIGNING
Designing is the third stage where the actual solution is designed and built. Following
the time allowance as closely as possible from the Gantt chart, the creation of the
information system was underway. An ISC diagram was created to assist with the design
process. Other diagrams could have been created i.e. context diagram, dataflow diagram,
An Information systems in context diagram was produced to identify the specific system
resources required to perform these information processes. The diagram served as a
guide to help me focus on a certain guide given. The main information technology of this
particular project was the school desktop computers. Adobe Flash CS5 plays a major
role, because it is used to create the integrated presentation of a navigation page as it is
one of requirements of the information system.
IMPLEMENTING
This fourth stage is where the new system is installed and finally begins operation.
There are various methods for performing this conversion.
Direct conversion: Method where the old system is being completely dropped and the
implementation of the new system takes place at a single point in time
Parallel conversion: Method where the old and new systems operate together at a period
of time.
Phased conversion: Method where there is a gradual introduction of the new system
while the old system is still in place and slowly disregarded.
Pilot conversion: Method where the new system is installed for a small number of users,
and if successful, will be changed completely. These conversions can be mixed
in together to implement the system. Training will also need to be provided, as the
participants will need to learn how to use the new system.
I think the best method of conversion in this information system is the Pilot as the
navigation project acts as a trial, preparing the participants (me) for the future
employment, showcasing ICT skills and it does not serve as the final product.
Successful training requires motivated learners and I certainly found that it was fun
learning new things. A method of training for participants and users were online
tutorials on how to create a Flash, and searching up how to create gradient fading
buttons on Flash. Using tutorials is extremely helpful as it serves as a guide to how to do
a certain task.
TESTING, EVALUATING AND MAINTAINING
This is the last stage of the SDLC where the aim is to identify any problems and hence,
modify the information system. For this information system, testing was done to make
sure all the links and buttons work as well as to check if the documents can be seen
when the information system is published.
Lily Zhang
Ongoing evaluation to monitor performances such as constant use of previews in Flash
ensured that the links on the navigation page would link to a folder and all the
requirements are met as it was a requirement for the Flash to include an integrated
presentation. Other participants such as other class student helped test the system by
clicking on the links in publish preview to double check any errors occurring in the
sequence.
Evaluating includes examining the system to determine the extent to which it is meeting
its requirements. If the system was needed to be maintained to ensure it does continue
to meet its requirements, regular maintenance and repairs when faults occur would
need to be recognised.