Download Understanding Systems Development Methodologies: Technical and Managerial Models and more Lecture notes Computers and Information technologies in PDF only on Docsity! 1 I f ti S tn orma on ys ems Engineering Methods, modelling & abstraction Introduction • Purpose of the systems development function is to develop effective systems in the most efficient way possible. • The traditional systems development life cycle (with which you are all familiar) was a first attempt to provide a controlled environment for systems development Systems development life cycle • The late 1960’s saw the development of a number of frameworks designed to overcome the problems associated with systems dev. projects. • Such frameworks outlined the key activities forming the SDLC. • Main criticisms: rigid, no back-tracking or iterations allowed • Modern dev. frameworks built from this. What we need from a systems development methodology • It is an attempt to specify in great detail: – the generic development framework – those steps essential to the development process – those steps considered optional – the order in which the steps should be performed – the tools and techniques required in order to undertake these steps Defining a Methodology • The word methodology originates from a Greek term meaning ‘the study of methods’ • Oxford dictionary definition: a special form of procedure - an orderly arrangement of ideas’. Defining a Methodology Avison & Fitzgerald (2006) define the attributes of a methodology as: • A series of phases • A series of techniques • A series of tools • A training scheme • A philosophy 2 Features of a generic system development methodology A Method Technical Model Managerial Model The Technical model • Defines the tools and techniques that will be required in order to follow the methodology framework. • It will consist of the use of a combination of the information systems modelling views: the data model, the process model, the behavioural (or dynamic) model. • It may also consist of methodology-specific tools & techniques. • Also computer-based tools to assist with the development of the information system. (CASE, IPSE packages) Managerial model • This part of the methodology covers the order in which steps are to be covered, how to control the activities. • It provides the framework within which the development will take place. • It defines stages, steps and tasks to be undertaken. Managerial model • Most importantly, it defines: – When they will be undertaken – Which are critical/ which are not How they should be managed– – What the end-deliverables will be. End-deliverables (1) • Each defined stage will have a prescribed end-deliverable or product which must be delivered as the stage is completed. • Similarly, each step or task may have a sub-deliverable or sub-product associated with it End-deliverables (2) • End-deliverable may be presented in the form of a document, a design, a presentation or as generated, tested code. It provides a prescribed review stage and milestone for the project. • Forms an essential part of project management and review process.
