SYSTEMS LIFE CYCLE
The Systems Life Cycle
is the oldest method for building information systems and is still used today
for complex medium or large systems projects. This methodology assumes that an
information system has a life cycle similar to that of any living organism,
with a beginning, middle, and an end. The life cycle for information system has
six stages: project definition, systems study, design, programming,
installation, and post-implementation. Each stage consists of basic
activities that must be performed before the next stage can begin.
The life cycle
methodology is a very formal approach to building systems. It partitions the
systems development process into distinct stages and develops an information system
sequentially, stage by stage. The life cycle methodology also has a very formal
division of labor between end users and information systems specialists.
Technical specialists such as systems analysts and programmers are responsible
for much of the systems analysis, design, and implementation work; end users
are limited to providing information requirements and reviewing the work of the
technical staff. Formal sign-offs or agreements between and users and technical
specialists are required as each stage is completed.
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Product or output of each stage of the life cycle that is the basis for such sign-offs. The project definition stage results in a proposal for the development of a new system. The systems study stage provides a detailed systems proposal report outlining alternative solutions and establishing the feasibility of proposed solutions. The design stage results in a report on the design specifications for the system solution that is selected. The programming stage results in actual software code for the system. The installation stage outputs the results of tests to assess the performance of the system. The post-implementation stage concludes with a post-implementation audit to measure the extent to which the new system has met its original objectives. We now describe the stages of the life cycle in detail.
STAGES OF THE SYSTEMS LIFE CYCLE
