10.1 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Traditional Systems Life Cycle –A phased approach, dividing development into formal stages –a formal division of labour between end users and information systems specialists –Emphasizes formal specifications and paperwork –Used for developing large, complex systems that require tight controls

10.2 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Prototyping –Developing an experimental system rapidly and inexpensively for end users to evaluate –Used as a template to develop final system –An iterative process of trial-and-revision –Useful when there is some uncertainty about requirements or design solutions –Encourages end-user involvement and is more likely to fulfill end-user requirements –Systems may not accommodate large quantities of data or numbers of users

10.3 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES The Prototyping Process

10.4 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES End-User Development –The development of information systems by end users with little or no formal assistance from technical specialists –Enabled by the use of fourth-generation languages Software tools that allow end users to create reports or develop software applications with minimal or no technical assistance Allow rapid development but testing and documentation may be inadequate

10.5 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Application Software Packages and Outsourcing Application Packages: –Prewritten, predesigned and pretested software programs –Commercially available for sale or lease –May include customization features allowing the software to be modified for an organization’s unique requirements

10.6 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Application Software Packages and Outsourcing Application Packages (continued): –Package evaluation criteria: Functions, flexibility, user friendliness, hardware and software resources, database requirements, installation and maintenance efforts, documentation, vendor quality, cost –Request For Proposal (RFP): A detailed list of questions submitted to vendors of software or other services to determine how well the vendor’s product will meet the organization’s specific requirements

10.7 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES The Effects on Total Implementation Costs of Customizing a Software Package

10.8 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS-DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES Application Software Packages and Outsourcing Outsourcing: Contracting computer centre operations, telecommunications networks, or applications development to external vendors Benefits from economies of scale and complementary core competencies Disadvantages may be hidden costs, loss of control