Management of Information Systems

Abstract

This paper documents the analysis, design and implementation of the System Development Project for Bead Bar. The project will look into the reconstruction and augmentation of the network structure, application, database file system and mobile options. The systems development life cycle in this project because of its complexity, will be divided into smaller, more easily managed segments or phases. Segmenting the project allows managers to verify the successful completion of project phases before allocating resources to subsequent phases.

Introduction

The hardware and software development of this project will typically include planning, design, development, testing, implementation, and maintenance phases. However, the phases may be divided differently depending on the organization input. For example, initial project activities might be designated as request, requirements-definition, and planning phases, or initiation, concept-development, and planning phases. For this project we will be using a typical structured outline. The end users of the system under development will be involved in reviewing the output of each phase to ensure the system is being built to deliver the needed functionality.

The subcomponents that play a role in the project need to fulfill some certain requirements. These requirements come out from the end user recommendations, and the features that will be available in the new version.

The initial Planning Phase will produce an outline of the project. Serving as the basis for acquiring the resources needed to achieve our definitive goal. Outline inserted for review:

Business Considerations:

Strategic business and technology goals and objectives;

Expected benefits measured against the value of current technology;

Potential organizational changes regarding facilities or the addition/reduction of end users, technicians, or managers;

Budget, scheduling, or personnel constraints; and

Potential business, regulatory, or legal issues that could impact the feasibility of the project.

Functional Requirements:

End-user functional requirements;

Internal control and information security requirements;

Operating, database, and backup system requirements (type, capacity, performance);

Connectivity requirements (stand-alone, Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, external);

Network support requirements (number of potential users; type, volume, and frequency of data transfers); and

Interface requirements (internal or external applications).

Project Factors:

Project management methodology;

Risk management methodology;

Estimated completion dates of projects and major project phases; and

Estimated costs of projects and major project phases.

Cost/Benefit Analysis:

Expected useful life of the proposed product;

Alternative solutions (buy vs. build);

Nonrecurring project costs (personnel, hardware, software, and overhead);

Recurring operational costs (personnel, maintenance, telecommunications, and overhead);

Tangible benefits (increased revenues, decreased costs, return-on-investments); and

Intangible benefits (improved public opinions or more useful information).

Once the provisional approval to initiate this project is obtained, the requested documentation will serves as a starting point to conduct a more thorough feasibility study. Management will verify the accuracy of the preliminary assumptions and identify resource requirements in greater detail.

The feasibility support documentation will be compiled and submitted for senior management or board study. The document will include recommendation for approval or rejection. The document should be reviewed and signed off on by all affected parties. If approved, management will use the feasibility study and support documentation to begin the planning phase.

The planning phase is the most critical step in completing development, acquisition, and maintenance projects. Careful planning, particularly in the early stages of a project, is necessary to coordinate activities and manage project risks effectively. The depth and formality of project plans should be commensurate with the characteristics and risks of a given project.

In an effort to transition Bead Bar from paper-based records keeping to the use of database. The following recommendation will facilitate this necessary transition. Taking into account the complexity of Bead Bar data, this will eliminate the use of a flat-file database, and since the company has many locations, a distributed rational database system is appropriate. This will require an overhaul of the companies computing and network infrastructure, while incorporating wireless technology. I will be taking into account both the impact of telecommunications