Project management is building and implementing a major new computer system in a carefully planned and organized way. Project management is the process by which projects are defined, planned, monitored, controlled and delivered such that the agreed benefits are realised. [1] Projects are unique, transient endeavors undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. [2] Projects bring about change and project management is recognized as the most efficient way of managing such change.
b) Enumerate/Identify the traditional development phases of a project
a. Analysis
- Initiation
- Feasibility study
- Technical – can we build it?
- Economic – should we build it?
- Operational – if we build it, will it be used?
- Schedule – will it be ready in time?
- Requirements definition
- Specifications
- Project plan
- Logical design (i.e., the external view)
- Physical design (i.e., the internal view)
- Coding (or code acquisition)
- Testing
- Documentation
- Conversion
- Direct
- Parallel
- Pilot
- Phased
- Training – both initial and continuing
- Users
- I/S staff
- Management
- Installation
- Production
- Post-implementation audit
- Maintenance
c) Which phases are commonly done or conducted using information systems (either standalone or web-based)
- Planning/Initiation
- Analysis/Requirements Gathering
- Design
- Development/Coding
- Testing
- Operations and Maintenance[4]
d) State three or more advantages of using information systems for each of the phases that use them
Planning gives us a fairly good idea about the requirements and expenses involved in the project. [5] It helps us to get prepared for the emergencies that may arise during the course of the project. A well thought about plan gives a clear idea about what is to be done everyday, every week and every month.
With the analysis, developers will have a clear idea on what should be or shouldn’t be built. [6] Since they already have an idea on the problems that should be answered, a detailed plan could be created following a certain model. With this, developers could even create a program that will answer different problems at the same time. Since everything will be laid out before a single code is written, the goal is clear and could be implemented on time. Although there is a great possibility of deviation from the plan, a good project manager will take care of that concern.
With design, components (programs, data types, etc.) can be defined consistently. Partially complete modules/programs/whatever can be passed to another person when necessary. (With some expectations of getting it done without a complete rewrite).It gives programmers clear understanding of the system that they will develop.
Development. Instructions and computer programs when separated into different modules can be managed easily and properly. Programs can also be executed and provide desired function. When programs are separated in modules, the system can easily be checked for errors.
Testing makes the system reliable. Tests perform precisely the same operations each time they are run, thereby eliminating human error. [7] Repeatable, You can test how the software reacts under repeated execution of the same operations. You can program sophisticated tests that bring out hidden information from the application. Reusable, You can reuse tests on different versions of an application, even if the user interface changes.
Maintenance. Daily operations of the system/software may necessitate that maintenance personnel identify potential modifications needed to ensure that the system continues to operate as intended and produces quality data. Maintain performance measurements, statistics, and system logs. Examples of performance measures include volume and frequency of data to be processed in each mode, order and type of operations. Daily maintenance activities for the system, takes place to ensure that any previously undetected errors are fixed. [8]
With the analysis, developers will have a clear idea on what should be or shouldn’t be built. [6] Since they already have an idea on the problems that should be answered, a detailed plan could be created following a certain model. With this, developers could even create a program that will answer different problems at the same time. Since everything will be laid out before a single code is written, the goal is clear and could be implemented on time. Although there is a great possibility of deviation from the plan, a good project manager will take care of that concern.
With design, components (programs, data types, etc.) can be defined consistently. Partially complete modules/programs/whatever can be passed to another person when necessary. (With some expectations of getting it done without a complete rewrite).It gives programmers clear understanding of the system that they will develop.
Development. Instructions and computer programs when separated into different modules can be managed easily and properly. Programs can also be executed and provide desired function. When programs are separated in modules, the system can easily be checked for errors.
Testing makes the system reliable. Tests perform precisely the same operations each time they are run, thereby eliminating human error. [7] Repeatable, You can test how the software reacts under repeated execution of the same operations. You can program sophisticated tests that bring out hidden information from the application. Reusable, You can reuse tests on different versions of an application, even if the user interface changes.
Maintenance. Daily operations of the system/software may necessitate that maintenance personnel identify potential modifications needed to ensure that the system continues to operate as intended and produces quality data. Maintain performance measurements, statistics, and system logs. Examples of performance measures include volume and frequency of data to be processed in each mode, order and type of operations. Daily maintenance activities for the system, takes place to ensure that any previously undetected errors are fixed. [8]
References:
1. "Defintions". APM. Retrieved from http://www.apm.org.uk/Definitions.asp
2. "Project Consulting Group (PCG) Demonstrates How to Do More with Less using Project Portfolio Management ". CIO. Retrieved from http://advice.cio.com/associate_editor/how_to_do_more_with_less_let_project_portfolio_management_be_the_success_factor_in_managing_projects_in_a_chall
3. "The Traditional System Development Life Cycle". Computer Information System. Retrieved from http://www.cis.gsu.edu/~emclean/The%20Traditional%20System%20Development%20Life%20Cycle.ppt
4. "What are the phases and steps in information system development?". Answers.com. Retrieved from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_phases_and_steps_in_information_system_development
5. "Project Management Advantages, Disadvantages and Limitation". Project Management.com. Retrieved from http://www.projectmanagement.com/pm/discussions/PMdiscussionsTopicContainer.cfm?ID=580
6. "What is the necessity of SDLC?". Geek Interview. Retrieved from http://www.learn.geekinterview.com/it/sdlc/sdlc-necessity.html
7. "Automated Testing Advantages, Disadvantages and Guidelines". Exforsyc Inc. Retrieved from http://www.exforsys.com/tutorials/testing/automated-testing-advantages-disadvantages-and-guidelines.html
8. "OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PHASE" . Department of Justice. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/jmd/irm/lifecycle/ch11.htm
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