The Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an information system (IS). ‘Systems development is a structured kind of problem solved with distinct activities’ (Laudon and Laudon, 2019). (Taylor, 2004), states "the project life cycle encompasses all the activities of the project, while the systems development life cycle focuses on realizing the product requirements".
System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is the traditional systems development method that organisations use for large-scale IT projects (Morgan 2020). SDLC can be seen along a spectrum from agile to iterative to sequential. Agile includes XP and Scrum. Iterative includes Rational Unified Process. Sequential includes waterfall.
(Morgan 2020)
(Laudon and Laudon, 2019)
Systems Analysis
This assesses and solves organisational problems by defining the problem, identifying its causes, specifying solutions, and identifying requirements. Given high IS investments, financial and technical feasibility is assessed (Laudon and Laudon, 2019).
Systems Design
This articulates the IS specifications and how it will meet managerial, organizational, and technological needs. Methodologies include Structured methodologies and Object-oriented development. (Laudon and Laudon, 2019).
Programming & Testing
Programming is ‘the process of designing and building an executable computer program to accomplish a specific computing result or to perform a specific task’ (Bebbington, Shaun, 2014). Testing assesses the new systems functionality compared to desired results.
Conversion
Conversion is ‘the process of changing from the old system to the new System’ (Laudon and Laudon, 2019), strategies include Parallel, Direct cutover, Pilot study and Phased.
Production & Maintenance
The new IS is assessed and management receives an implementation report. Modifications may be required to correct errors, meet unidentified user requirements or improve efficiency (Laudon and Laudon, 2019).
Criticisms of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
SDLC is the oldest IS development method. It is used for large projects with formal specifications and tight controls but is expensive and rigid but is time-consuming, expensive and discourages changes once user requirements are done (Morgan, 2020). SDLC works in traditional systems development models in structured environments. According to Morgan (2020), SDLC provides high degrees of control, accountability and error detection.
(Post & Anderson, 2006)
Alternative to the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) - Modern Methods
Laudon and Laudon, (2019) state that few computing professionals would employ rigid sequential methods while some believe the SDLC no longer applies to Agile. Alternative approaches include prototyping which quickly and cheaply builds experimental systems. However this can result in systems that are not fully tested, documented or ready for production. Another option includes end user development whereby users develop IS with minimal assistance from specialists.
(Post & Anderson, 2006)
Organisations are using shorter, less formal development processes (Laudon & Laudon, 2019) including:
- Rapid application design (RAD) uses object-oriented software, visual programming and prototyping.
- Joint application design (JAD) brings users and IS specialists together to quickly capture requirements.
- Agile used short iterative sub-projects to gain continuous feedback.
- Component development groups objects which can be combined into larger applications.
Agile is more adaptive and is typically favoured for dividing large projects into iterative sprints allowing for quick delivery and continuous feedback. Each agile team concentrates on a project progressing through planning, requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and documentation. Modifications are made within each iteration to reduce risk and clarify user requirements. Face-to-face user collaboration is favoured over written documents.
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