SDLC
1. Preliminary Investigation
The preliminary investigation is the first phase of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC),
during which the need for a new system is identified. This phase involves recognizing problems,
opportunities, or directives that require action. These may stem from internal issues, such as
inefficiencies, or from external influences, such as government regulations or management
decisions. An initial survey is conducted to understand the situation and clearly define the
problem. The result of this phase is a clear statement of the project’s scope, objectives, and
performance criteria, which guides the rest of the development process.
2. Feasibility Study
The feasibility study evaluates whether the proposed system is practical and worth implementing.
It examines the existing system and determines if the new system will meet user needs while
making effective use of available resources. This phase includes analyzing costs, benefits, and
possible alternative solutions. It also assesses the system’s technical, economic, and operational
viability. Based on this evaluation, a decision is made on whether to proceed with the project.
The system’s scope and objectives may also be refined during this stage to ensure clarity and
relevance.
3. System Analysis
System analysis involves a detailed study of the current system to understand how it operates and
identify its weaknesses. In this phase, data is collected through methods such as interviews,
observation, and document review. The goal is to identify problems and determine what
improvements are needed. The information gathered is then organized using tools like data flow
diagrams (DFDs) and data dictionaries, which help in creating a logical model of the system.
This phase ensures that all user requirements are clearly understood before designing the new
system.
4. System Design
The system design phase focuses on planning how the new system will function. It involves
creating detailed specifications for inputs, processes, outputs, and data storage. Alternative
solutions are considered and evaluated through cost-benefit analysis to select the most suitable
