System Development Life Cycle

An effective System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) should result in a high quality
system that meets customer expectations, reaches completion within time and cost
evaluations, and works effectively and efficiently in the current and planned Information
Technology infrastructure.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model which includes policies
and procedures for developing or altering systems throughout their life cycles.
Feasibility Study or Planning
SDLC is used by analysts to develop an information system. SDLC includes the following
activities − Define the problem and scope of existing system.

Overview the new system and determine its objectives.

requirements
design Confirm project feasibility and produce the project Schedule.
implementation During this phase, threats, constraints, integration and security of system are also
testing considered.
deployment
operations A feasibility report for the entire project is created at the end of this phase.
maintenance
Analysis and Specification
Phases of SDLC Gather, analyze, and validate the information.
Define the requirements and prototypes for new system.
Systems Development Life Cycle is a systematic approach which explicitly breaks down
Evaluate the alternatives and prioritize the requirements.
the work into phases that are required to implement either new or modified Information
System. Examine the information needs of end-user and enhances the system goal.
 A Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document, which specifies the a short time for smaller systems.
software, hardware, functional, and network requirements of the system is prepared
at the end of this phase.
Life Cycle of System Analysis and Design
System Design The following diagram shows the complete life cycle of the system during analysis and
Includes the design of application, network, databases, user interfaces, and system design phase.
interfaces.

Transform the SRS document into logical structure, which contains detailed and
complete set of specifications that can be implemented in a programming language.

Create a contingency, training, maintenance, and operation plan.

Review the proposed design. Ensure that the final design must meet the
requirements stated in SRS document.

Finally, prepare a design document which will be used during next phases.

Implementation
Implement the design into source code through coding.
Combine all the modules together into training environment that detects errors and
defects.
A test report which contains errors is prepared through test plan that includes test
related tasks such as test case generation, testing criteria, and resource allocation Role of System Analyst
for testing.
The system analyst is a person who is thoroughly aware of the system and guides the
Integrate the information system into its environment and install the new system.
system development project by giving proper directions. He is an expert having technical
and interpersonal skills to carry out development tasks required at each phase.
Maintenance/Support
He pursues to match the objectives of information system with the organization goal.
Include all the activities such as phone support or physical on-site support for users
that is required once the system is installing. Main Roles
Implement the changes that software might undergo over a period of time, or Defining and understanding the requirement of user through various Fact finding
implement any new requirements after the software is deployed at the customer techniques.
location.
Prioritizing the requirements by obtaining user consensus.
It also includes handling the residual errors and resolve any issues that may exist in
Gathering the facts or information and acquires the opinions of users.
the system even after the testing phase.
Maintains analysis and evaluation to arrive at appropriate system which is more user
Maintenance and support may be needed for a longer time for large systems and for
friendly.
 Suggests many flexible alternative solutions, pick the best solution, and quantify Motivator having the confidence to solve queries.
cost and benefits.
Draw certain specifications which are easily understood by users and programmer in Analytical Skills
precise and detailed form. System study and organizational knowledge
Implemented the logical design of system which must be modular. Problem identification, problem analysis, and problem solving
Sound commonsense
Plan the periodicity for evaluation after it has been used for some time, and modify
Ability to access trade-off
the system as needed. Curiosity to learn about new organization

Management Skills
Attributes of a Systems Analyst
Understand users jargon and practices.
The following figure shows the attributes a systems analyst should possess − Resource & project management.
Change & risk management.
Understand the management functions thoroughly.

Technical Skills
Knowledge of computers and software.
Keep abreast of modern development.
Know of system design tools.
Breadth knowledge about new technologies.

Interpersonal Skills
Interface with users and programmer.
Facilitate groups and lead smaller teams.
Managing expectations.
Good understanding, communication, selling and teaching abilities.