SDLC Value Paper
Angela Seals
BSA 376
May 19, 2014
SDLC Value Paper
Introduction
Many business or organizations use software systems to organize business needs.
Organizations use information systems to support all the various needs within the business to
carry out functions. Various information systems are developed to focus on supporting the
business processes. Information systems have different purposes, system developers often will
use the life cycle of the system to get an idea of the design, how it will be built, and
implementation of the system into the business (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009,).
The most common information system used in business or organizations is the system
development cycle or referred to as SLDC. The system development cycle is the process of
building, implementing, usage, and updating information. There are various approaches used to
develop systems by using different SDLC’s , some have been used more often than others and
have different success rates (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009, ).
Basic Elements of SDLC
In order for an information system to be effective and efficient the system developer must
consider the basic elements of the system development life cycle. Organization must be effective
in building and implementing systems in order to remain competitive. The SDLC methodology is
organized by activities also known as phases (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009,). The number
of phases can be different depending on the information system needed for the business.
According to Satzinger, Jackson, and Burd (2009), there are five groups of activities that are
These are considered to be the basic elements that provide the structure for management of
projects. Project planning is used to describe the compass or scope of the system. To ensure the
project is possible, development of a schedule, resources, and budgets. The term analysis is used
to determine and document what the needs of the business are and requirements for processing
the new systems (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009,). The design phase includes a translation of
requirements based on decisions that were acquired during the analysis phase. The
implementation phase takes place when the system is built, tested, installed, and all users are
trained on the use of the information system. The final phase is the support phase. The support
phase will ensure that the system is running to full capacity and effectively during the initial
launch of the system and throughout the life of the system (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009,).
The system development life cycle may also be referred to as the waterfall methodology.
The waterfall method provides the framework for understanding the development process. The
concept for the waterfall model is to ensure that each phase in completed before the phase begins
("The Systems Development Life Cycle Basics", 2003). This model is often described as time
consuming and not cost effective, although still used in the development process, newer
methodologies such as RAD and JAD are being utilized in the system development process
(Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009, ).
Employees Involved in the SDLC process
Companies large and small need employees that are involved in the SDLC process. Some
of these employees hold the titles of Project Manager and System Analyst. The project manager
provides detailed instructions for the discipline of planning, organizing, controlling, reporting
management and the SDLC complement each other (Font, 2014). It is important the SDLC and
project management methods work together to form a methodology for delivering quality
products and services to the organization (Font, 2014). The system analyst will be involved with
solving problems that occur in the information system technology. The system analyst job duty
requires organizational skills to achieve goals for the business through the use of technology.
Most system analyst are also describes as computer analyst and often help with the design of new
software and hardware, or update existing computer systems (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd,
2009,). System analysts are required to have knowledge of numerous skills. These skills include
technical, business, and people knowledge and skills. The integrity and ethics of the system
analyst play a major role in the success of the business (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2009,).
Conclusion
When organizations make business decision regarding information system some would
say that it is critical to follow the SDLC model for the development of a successful information
system ("The Systems Development Life Cycle Basics", 2003). Technology is changing daily
and it is important that with these changes information systems are going to preform effectively
and profitable for the organization. Project managers and system analyst work together to
fine-tune the needs of the information system and to ensure each phase is completed before another
phase begins. Information systems will not survive or be effective in the workplace if activities
in the phase are not completed and could be a costly adventure for all business’s ("The Systems
Development Life Cycle Basics", 2003).
Font, V. (2014). The Project Management Method and the SDLC. Retrieved from
http://ultimatesdlc.com/project-management-method-sdlc/
Satzinger, J.W., Jackson, R.B., & Burd, S.D. (2009). Systems Analysis and Design In a
Changing World (5th Ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection
Database.
The Systems Development Life Cycle Basics. (2003). Retrieved from
http://www.med.umich.edu/finance/FinancialSystems/files/pdf/SystemsDevelopmentLife
