1 ITEC 3010 “Systems Analysis and Design, I” LECTURE 8-1: Evaluating Alternatives for Requirements, Environments, and Implementation Evaluating Alternatives for Requirements, Environments, and Implementation [Prof. Peter Khaiter]

2 Topics Project Management Perspective Project Management Perspective Scope and Level of Automation Scope and Level of Automation Selecting Alternatives Selecting Alternatives Range of Application Types Range of Application Types Deployment Environment Deployment Environment Implementation Alternatives Implementation Alternatives Contracting with Vendors Contracting with Vendors RFP Table RFP Table Choosing a Vendor Choosing a Vendor Presenting Results and Making Decisions Presenting Results and Making Decisions

3 Project Management Perspective Nine areas of project management Procurement Communications Risk Integration Scope Time Cost Quality Human resources

4 Deciding on Scope and Level of Automation Scope determines which business functions will be included in system Level of automation is how much computer support exists for functions included in scope Scope creep Requests for addition of system functions after requirements have been defined and decision has been made Users typically request more business functions than budget allows To avoid this problem we need to formalize the process of selecting which functions are critical and which are not A common approach is to list requested functions and categories them in terms of “mandatory”, “important” and “desirable”. This information is presented in scoping table Scoping table is a tabular list of all the functions to be included within a system (an expanded version of the event table)

5 Determining the Level of Automation Level of automation is a description of the kind of support the system will provide for each function For each function at least three levels can be defined: low, middle, and high Low level Functions automated for simple computer record keeping Medium level Midrange point that combines features from low and high alternatives (usually it is a compromise of what is necessary and what is justified at the current stage of technology and budget) High level System automates most processing of business functions (High-end automation often involves creating new processes and procedures)

6 Features of Low Level computer system only provides simple record keeping data input screens capture information and insert it into a database simple types of field edits and validations on input data are included the system date may be used for the order date line items for the order are entered manually the system may or may not automatically calculate the price usually stock on hand are not verified at the end of entering the order, the information is stored in the database

7 Scoping List of Potential Functions for RMO

8 Selecting Alternatives Entire group of alternatives is evaluated together to provide “big picture” view of proposed system Key criteria that are used Strategic plan Economic feasibility Schedule and resource feasibility Technological feasibility Operational, organizational, and cultural feasibility

9 Preliminary Selection of Alternative Functions for RMO

10 Defining the Application Deployment Environment Configuration of Computer hardware System software Networks Development tools Existing environment generally considered and compared with proposed environment

11 Range of Application Types Stand-alone applications on desktops or laptops, small servers and PDA devices Online interactive applications – wired & wireless Distributed applications across multiple platforms Internet-based applications

12 Hardware, System Software, and Networks Computers range from handheld to super computers Operating systems range from Windows to Unix Database management systems range from Oracle to SQL Server to IBM DB2 Software components and standards range from Java 2 Enterprise (J2EE) to Microsoft.NET Web servers range from IIS to Apache

13 Deployment Environment: Characteristics to Consider Compatibility with system requirements Compatibility among hardware and system software Required interfaces to external systems Conformity with IT strategic plan and architecture plans Cost and schedule

14 Just for Fun!

15 Development Tools Development environment – programming languages, CASE tools, and other software used to develop application software Java and Visual Studio.NET are examples Application deployment environment decisions limit development tool choices Operating system environment Database management system (DBMS) ‏ Distributed software standard

16 Existing Processing Environment at RMO

17 Processing Environment Alternatives

18 Strategic Directions for RMO Processing Environment

19 Choosing Implementation Alternatives Variations on obtaining system Facilities management – outsource all IS support Packaged software, turnkey system, ERP system Custom-built software systems In-house development Selection dimensions Buy vs. build In-house vs. outsource

20 Implementation Alternatives

21 Selecting an Implementation Alternative Identifying criteria for selection Comparisons can be difficult Different proposed systems have strengths in different areas Three major areas to consider General requirements Technical requirements Functional requirements

22 Partial Matrix of General Requirements

23 Partial Matrix of Functional Requirements

24 Partial Matrix of Technical Requirements

25 Making the Selection First, rate each alternative with raw score Weighted scores are then tabulated and compared to make a choice RMO decided on in-house development for most CSS development to keep expertise within RMO RMO wants to hire some new technical specialists RMO feasibility review showed no serious problems – after specialists are added

26 Contracting with Vendors Generate request for proposal (RFP) Formal document sent to vendors if in-house development is not selected States requirements and solicits proposed solutions Considered a competitive contract offer Bid on supplying hardware, software, and/or support services

27 Sample RFP Table of Contents I. Introduction and Background II. Overview of Need III. Description of Technical Requirements IV. Description of Functional Requirements

28 Sample RFP Table of Contents (continued) ‏ V. Description of General Requirements VI. Requested Provider and Project Information VII. Details for Submitting Proposal VIII. Evaluation Criteria and Process

29 Sample RFP Table of Contents ‏

30 Benchmarking and Choosing a Vendor Observe in use or install trial version Benchmark – evaluate the system against a standard Visit another company using a particular system Develop a contract Fixed-dollar – risk is on vendor Cost-plus-percentage – risk is on purchaser Cost-plus-fixed-fee – risk is shared by both

31 Presenting Results and Making Decisions Compile and organize documentation Present alternatives and critical issues in easy-to-understand but complete manner Final choice generally made by executive steering committee Format of documentation and presentation style varies with organization

32 Readings Today’s lecture: Chapter 8 – “Evaluating Alternatives for Requirements, Environments, and Implementation” For next lecture: Chapter 9 – “Elements of Systems Design” Thank you !!!