THE SYSTEMS

DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE

The objectives and sequence of systems
development life cycle (SDLC) activities are
logical and generally accepted by experts in the
systems community, and are generally treated as
best practices for systems development.
NEW SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

Involves conceptual steps that can apply to any

problem-solving process: identify the problem,
understand what needs to be done, consider
alternative solutions, select the best solution, and,
finally, implement the solution.
SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE

Constitutes the organizations program change

procedures; It begins once the seven phases are
complete and the system is fully implemented
SYSTEMS PLANNINGPHASE I

The objective of systems planning is to link

individual system projects or applications to the
strategic objectives of the firm. In fact, the basis for
the systems plan is the organizations business plan,
which specifies where the firm plans to go and how it
will get there.
WHO SHOULD DO SYSTEMS PLANNING?

Most firms that take systems planning seriously

establish a systems steering committee to provide
guidance and review the status of system projects.
TYPICAL
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR A STEERING COMMITTEE
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Resolving conflicts that arise from new systems

Reviewing projects and assigning priorities
Budgeting funds for systems development
Reviewing the status of individual projects under
development
Determining at various checkpoints throughout the SDLC
whether to continue with the project or terminate it
STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PLANNING

Involves the allocation of systems resources at the

macro level. It usually deals with a time frame of 3 to
5 years. This process is similar to budgeting resources
for other strategic activities, such as product
development, plant expansions, market research, and
manufacturing technology.
WHY PERFORM STRATEGIC SYSTEMS
PLANNING?
1. A plan that changes constantly is better than no plan at all.
2. Strategic planning reduces the crisis component in systems
development.
3. Strategic systems planning provides authorization control for
the SDLC.
4. Cost management.
PROJECT PLANNING

The purpose of project planning is to allocate resources

to individual applications within the framework of the
strategic plan.
The project proposal provides management with a basis
for deciding whether to proceed with the project.
The project schedule represents managements
commitment to the project. The project schedule is a
budget of the time and costs for all the phases of the SDLC.