System/Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)_ SS2 NOTE

System/Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)- Definition, Description, Stages, and Diagram

Objective:

1. Define System Development Life Cycle

2. List the stages of the System Development Life Cycle

3. Draw SDLC Diagram

Definition and Description of System Development LifeCycle (SDLC)

The system development life cycle can be defined as a project management technique that divides complex projects into smaller, more manageable segments or phases.

A system development life cycle has three primary objectives: To ensure that high-quality systems are delivered, to provide strong management controls over the projects, and to maximize the productivity of the systems staff.

A project is an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.

 

Stages of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The major stages in the system development life cycle are:

i. Preliminary study

ii. Feasibility study

iii. Investigative study

iv. System analysis

v. System design

vi. Implementation

vii. Maintenance

viii. Study review

i. Preliminary study: This is an initial phase at the start of a project that determines whether the concept is viable; any proposed alternative solutions; the cost benefit evaluation; and finally the submission of the preliminary plan for recommendations.

ii. Feasibility study: In case the proposal is acceptable to the management, the next stage is to examine the Feasibility study. A feasibility study is the test of the proposed system in the light of workability, meeting user’s requirements, effective use of resources and cost-effectiveness.

iii. Investigative study: This involves a detailed study of various operations performed by a system and their relationships within and outside the system. During this process, data are collected on available files, decision points and transactions handled by the present system.

iv. System analysis: System analysis is conducted for the purpose of studying a system or its parts in order to identify its objectives. It is a problem solving technique that improves the system and ensures that all the components of the system work efficiently to accomplish their purpose.

v. System design: This is the phase of system designing. It is the most crucial phase in the developments of a system. This model uses sequential phases paired with validation tests that allow the development team to set clear expectations and identify potential flaws throughout the process.

vi. Implementation: Implementation includes user notification, user training, installation of hardware, installation of software onto production computers, and integration of the system into daily work processes. Implementation is the stage of a project during which theory is turned into practice. The major steps involved in this phase are:

• Acquisition and Installation of Hardware and Software

• Conversion

• User Training

• Documentation

Vii. Maintenance: The maintenance phase of the software development life cycle is where the software is monitored to ensure it continues to function as it was designed to, and repairs or upgrades are performed as needed.

viii. Study review: Each time the system is reviewed, one of three of the following decision will be made:

• The system is operating as intended and meeting performance expectations

• The system is not operating as intended and needs corrections and modifications

• Users are/are not satisfied with the operation and performance of the system.

System Development Life Cylce (SDLC) Diagram

Class Activities

1. Write Short notes on

(a) Preliminary Study

(b) Investigative Study

(c) Maintenance

(d) Implementation

(e) Feasibility Study

2. Imagine a school wants to automate student attendance. Which SDLC stage would involve gathering details from teachers and administrators?

3. How would you improve a system that is already in use but has frequent user complaints?

4.What are the possible consequences of skipping the “maintenance” stage of SDLC?