Running head: Managing Information Technology

Managing Information Technology Name Institution

Running head: Managing Information Technology Managing Information Technology

1 The SDLC was adopted due to the emergence of large companies that required the development of large information systems that could process heavy data and produce fast results. These organizations required customized systems and at that time there was no standard method of managing this kind of process. It was developed in 1960 and provided a top down approach to the management of creation and eventual deployment of customized software to the clients. It has since been modified and adjusted to fit into the modern software deployment process and is widely utilized by software companies (Langer, 2012). 2 The Agile system development methodologies provide alternative options especially in the management of smaller projects. The objective of this methodology is to deliver results with very little defect rates. The underlying principles of this methodology are simplicity, communication, courage as well as feedback. This methodology is simple because it puts emphasis on people rather than process and thus is easier to manage. Communication is an important principle and there is a lot of emphasis on the interaction of the different people involved in the project. Feedback is also a core principle in which all the parties involved in the project communicate with each other and give response to the clients or the project leader (Chapter 9). 3

Running head: Managing Information Technology

The prototyping methodology begins with the definition of the basic requirements by the client to the builders. The next step is the development of the prototype that is based on the basic requirements listed on the first step. The prototype is then presented to the client to note the changes they would like to be made on the initial design. The builders are then tasked with making the required changes until the user is satisfied with the final product. When this is done then the system is installed in the users premises and the builders maintain the system as agreed with the users. The prototyping approach catered for the SDLCs main disadvantages which is its inability to cater for any requirements changes during the implementation of the project (Chapter 9). 4 Customizing a system that is already packaged is a risky approach because it requires more time because customizing a software system takes more time that buying the prepackaged one. In addition, when trying to upgrade from an already customized system, there may be features lost because the new system may not have the features that were in the previous customized system. Systems that have been customized also make the process of upgrading difficult because the clients would be forced to ask for further customizations in the upgrade and this can be money and time consuming. The alternative to this is using a hosted application where the company decides to lease an application. This would cut on the costs and also allow it to get a system that has more functionality at a low cost (Chapter 10). 5 The three stages in the purchasing life cycle are definition, construction and implementation. The vendor plays a huge role in all the steps. In the definition stage, the vendor

Running head: Managing Information Technology responds to the request for proposal by the client and also provides the potential client with the features of the system. In the construction phase the vendor participates in the design of the system as per the requirements of the client. He also tests the system to see if it operates as expected. After testing he will document the procedures and processes of the system. In the implementation phase, the vendor installs the system, converts data and provides training to users (Chapter 9).

Running head: Managing Information Technology References Chapter 9& 10>>I cant locate the books information Langer, A. (2012). Guide to Software Development: Designing and Managing the Life Cycle. Berlin: Springer.