Chapter 12 Implementing Business/IT Solutions

Learning Objectives Use the systems development process outlined in this chapter and the model of IS components from Chapter 1 as problem–solving frameworks to help you propose information systems solutions to simple business problems. Describe and give examples to illustrate how you might use each of the steps of the information systems development life cycle to develop and implement a buiness information system.

Learning Objectives Explain how prototyping can be used as an effective technique to improve the process of systems development for end users and IS specialists. Understand the basics of project management and its importance to a successful systems development effort. Identify the activities involved in the implementation of new information systems.

Learning Objectives Compare and Contrast the four basic information system conversion strategies. Describe several evaluation factors that should be considered in evaluating the acquisition of hardware, software, and IS services.

Section 1 Developing Business Systems

II. The Systems Approach Uses a systems orientation to defining and solving problems and opportunities Problem Solving – there are specific steps in solving any problem Recognize/Define a Problem or Opportunity – recognize it exists Develop and Evaluate Alternative System Solutions – what are the different ways to solve this problem? Select the Best System Solution – decide which alternative is best Design the Selected System Solution – design the system for the chosen solution Implement and Evaluate the Success of the Designed System – put the solution into effect and monitor results for the outcome

IV. Starting the Systems Development Process Life Cycle

V. Systems Analysis A detailed study of the current system and organizational needs Organizational Analysis – you must have a thorough understanding of the organization to make the system work well Analysis of the Present System – “those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it”, a complete understanding of the current system is critical Logical Analysis – create logical models the current system, WHAT the system does without regard to HOW Functional Requirements Analysis and Determination – what Information is required for each business activity and what Processing is required in the system

VI. Systems Design Create a new system to solve the problem/opportunity Prototyping – create working models of the proposed system The Prototyping Process – prototypes are developed quickly for trial by users to obtain user feedback User Interface Design – critical because the interface is the part of the systems closest to the user System Specifications – listing of elements that formalize the design

The Prototyping Process VI. Systems Design The Prototyping Process

VII. Technical Note: Overview of Object- Oriented Analysis and Design Objects – anything a programmer wants to manage or manipulate Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Inheritance – ability to inherit properties of a higher-order object Modularity – a series of interlinked yet stand-alone modules Polymorphism – different behavior based on conditions Encapsulation – concealing all the properties inside the object Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) – modeling the problem domain as an object-oriented system Object-Oriented Design (OOD) – create solutions using objects

Section 2 Implementing Strategic Business Systems

III. Project Management What Is a Project? – a set of activities with a beginning and an end, has goals and tasks, may have constraints (limitations) The Process of Project Management – five phases: Initiation and Defining – state the problem and identify objectives and resources, explore costs/benefits Planning – identify and sequence objectives/activities Executing – put plans into motion Controlling – ensure project objectives and deadlines are met Closing – install deliverables, release resources, end the project

V. Other Implementation Activities Testing – testing and debugging are important, does the system work as it should? Data Conversion – new implementations often require replacing software and databases Documentation – an important means of communication, often overlooked Training – training users is vital, usually under-budgeted, and expensive

V. Other Implementation Activities Postimplementation Activities – Use and Maintenance – the longest and most costly phase of a system’s life; correct errors, improve performance, adapt to changes in the business environment Systems Maintenance – making changes to the system Corrective – fix errors Adaptive – adding new functionality Perfective – improve performance Preventative – reduce chances of future system failure Postimplementation Review – ensure the new system meets established business objectives