Systems Development and Project Management

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 Introduction

• The integration of Systems Development and Project Management is critical for

successful technology projects.
• Systems development is the process of creating or improving computer-based
information systems.
• Managing the project involves application of tools, knowledge, skills, and
strategies to project activities to assist in meeting project needs.
• The integration of these two fields enables effective planning, monitoring, and
control of technology projects,
• This will make sure that they are completed on time, within budget, and meet
user requirements.
 SDLC (The systems Development Life Cycle)

• SDLC is a technique for development of information systems and high-quality software.

• It comprise of a distinct stages that guide the development process, from planning and
requirements gathering to implementation and maintenance.
• The SDLC stages are: Planning,
Analysis, Design, Development,
Testing, and Implementation.
• Maintaining each stage is crucial as it
Ensures that the product meets the user needs,
Is delivered with the budget and on time.
• The SDLC is capable of providing a structured approach to development of software that can be
customized to suit certain requirements of each project.
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
 The Merits of the SDLC

• The use of the SDLC is crucial to organizations and development teams.

• It advances the quality of the final product through a structured and controlled
development process.
• Has better control over the development timeline and cost.
• Has improved communication and collaboration between stakeholders and
development teams.
• It has increased transparency in the development process, enabling stakeholders to
track progress and identify potential issues early on.
 Traditional Software Development Methodology: Waterfall

• Waterfall methodology is an approach in project management that emphasizes a

linear progression from the start to the end of the project (Sinha, & Das, 2021).
• The development process is divided into different stages and every stage is
required to be completed before a person goes to the next.
• This stages include the need for analysis
and gathering, design, implementation,
testing and deployment.
• It assist to provide a structured
approach to development of software that is easy to comprehend and manage.
Conti…

• The Waterfall methodology offers several advantages, including:

• A structured and sequential approach that is easy to manage and understand.
• A clear understanding of project requirements and timelines.
• Well-defined deliverables that are easy to measure and track.
• However, the Waterfall methodology also has several disadvantages, including:
• Limited flexibility to accommodate changes in requirements or design.
• Lack of stakeholder involvement and feedback during the development process.
 Agile Software Development Methodologies

• Agile is a iterative and flexible development of software methodology that

emphasizes on customer feedback, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• It follows a set of principles and values outlined in the Agile Manifesto.
• This manifesto prioritize individuals and interactions, and working software,
• Agile methodologies are best suited for projects with changing or evolving
requirements, and where collaboration and feedback from stakeholders is essential
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
Conti..

• The Agile methodology has many benefits, including:

• Flexibility to accommodate changes in requirements or design.
• Higher customer satisfaction through frequent and ongoing collaboration and
feedback.
• Faster time to market through a focus on working software and incremental
development.
• However, the agile methodology also has several disadvantages, including:
• Limited documentation and planning, which can make it difficult to track progress
and measure success.
• Requires a high level of collaboration and communication among team members
and stakeholders.
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
 Developing Successful Software

• Development of successful software needs combination of project management

skills, technical expertise, and it also focus on the requirements of user and
satisfaction.
• Key factors for developing successful software include:
• Clear understanding of user requirements and needs.
• Effective communication and collaboration among team members and
stakeholders.
• A focus on quality throughout the development process, including testing and
debugging.
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
 Best Practices for Developing Successful Software

• To develop successful software, development teams should follow several best

practices, including:
• It should comprise users and stakeholders in the development process through
regular feedback and collaboration.
• Use a structured development methodology that is appropriate for the project,
whether it be traditional or agile.
• Ensure that the development team has the necessary technical expertise and
resources to complete the project.
• Prioritize quality throughout the development process, including regular testing and
debugging.
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
 Managing Software Development Projects

• It involves several processes and activities that are crucial to deliver high-quality
software products on time and within budget.
• There are three interdependent and
primary variables in any project
• The three include scope, cost and time.
• Management of all the projects
are limited in certain ways by these three constraints.

(Baltzan et al, 2008).

Conti…

• It requires a combination of technical expertise, project management skills, and

effective communication and collaboration among team members and
stakeholders.
• Key factors for managing software development projects include:
• Adequate resource allocation, including budget, personnel, and technology.
• Effective communication and collaboration among team members and
stakeholders.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation of progress and results.
• By focusing on these key factors, project managers can improve the likelihood of
delivering software projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of
stakeholders.
Choosing Strategic Project

(Baltzan et al, 2008).

Cont..

• Most of the time, managers are having difficulties on choosing in the project
which they can invest their resources, energy, and time.
• There are several techniques they can use so that they can help the overcome such
challenges.
• The techniques include the following
• Focusing on organizational goals
• Performing financial analysis and
• Categorizing business priorities.
 Understanding Project Planning

• Understanding project planning is a critical aspect of project management and involves a variety of
activities and processes
• Some of this processes and activities include:
• Defining project goals and objectives: This involves identifying the specific outcomes the project is
intended to achieve.
• Identifying project tasks and activities: This involves breaking down the project into smaller tasks
and activities and creating a work breakdown structure to help manage and track progress.
• Creating a project schedule: This involves developing a timeline for the project that includes
specific milestones and deadlines.
• Project managers can create a roadmap for success and make sure that projects are completed
within the budget, on time, and to the stakeholder’s satisfaction.
(Allahar, 2019).
 Managing Projects

• In managing projects, project managers apply processes, skills,

experiences, methods, and knowledge to help them achieve project
objectives.
• They have a final deliverables that are constrained to a finite budget and
timescale.
• It is crucial for project managers to focus on managing three primary
areas.
• The three primary areas include change, communication, and people
• These will ensures the success of the project.
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
 Outsourcing Projects

• Outsourcing projects involves

hiring external vendors
or contractors to complete a specific project
or portion of a project.
• There are several benefits that
are associated with outsourcing projects.
• Some of them include:
• Improved focus: Outsourcing projects can allow organizations to focus on their core
competencies and strategic priorities.
• Reduced risk: It can help organizations mitigate risk by leveraging external expertise and
resources to ensure that projects are completed successfully.
(Baltzan et al, 2008).
 Conclusion

• Systems Development and Project Management are critical components of

successful software development projects.
• Adopting an effective project management approach, such as the SDLC or Agile
methodology, can help ensure that projects are completed on time.
• Effective project management involves a variety of activities and processes,
including project planning, team management and resource allocation.
• Outsourcing projects can offer several benefits, including cost savings, access to
specialized expertise, scalability, and improved focus.
 References

• Baltzan, P., Phillips, A., Lynch, K., & Blakey, P. (2008). Business driven
information systems. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
• Allahar, H. (2019). A management innovation approach to project
planning. Technology Innovation Management Review, 9(6).
• Sinha, A., & Das, P. (2021, September). Agile methodology Vs. traditional
waterfall SDLC: A case study on quality assurance process in software industry.
In 2021 5th International Conference on Electronics, Materials Engineering &
Nano-Technology (IEMENTech) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.