Importance of Different IT Projects that Are Beneficial for a Business Organization - Research Paper Example

System Development and Project Management Introduction This report will throw light over importance of different IT projects that are beneficial for a business organization in enhancing its productive efficiency, effectiveness and business performance. Also, the projects facilitate in automating various processes as well as obtaining a competitive edge over rivals. More specifically, the paper will discuss the systems development process and the different methodologies and techniques involved. For instance, topics like the systems development lifecycle, object-oriented programming, the unified modeling language (UML), structured systems analysis and design, participatory design, computer-assisted software engineering etc. will be elucidated for review of CEO. The paper will also include a discussion of potential problems that a firm may encounter during development, acquisition, and implementation stages. System Development Organizations have been shifting from manual procedures to more sophisticated, advanced and modern information systems (various types include executive and decision support, transactions processing, management reporting, operations etc.) that offer IT applications for various business operations. These systems facilitate in information management (marketing research), record keeping, inventory management, decision-making, problem-solving and other organizational purposes. Indeed, a system is developed after a comprehensive procedure that requires defining and analyzing of requirements and organizational needs, proposed specifications, feasibility, prototyping / designing, building, testing and implementing the system. It is worthwhile to mention that System Development involves various steps such as “graphical models (case diagrams, data flow diagrams, Unified Modeling Language diagrams etc.)” (Helwig, 2005) to facilitate designing and development process. Once, a system is coded using Java, Oracle, C++ and other programming languages, it is tested for further improvements after which it is handed over to organizations for deployment. The functionality, tools and features of a system are further enhanced once a firm provides feedback about strengths (storage, speed, tools and applications, facilitation in decision-making, problem-solving, interpretation of statistical findings and others etc.) and weaknesses (programming errors, breakdowns / failures, data losses and external security threats etc.) (Helwig, 2005). As far as the system development life cycle (SDLC) is concerned, it should be pointed out theorists and IT specialists have developed various approaches / models such as “waterfall, fountain, spiral, build and fix, rapid prototyping, incremental, and synchronize and stabilize” (Kay, 2002). However, the ‘waterfall’ model is the most famous and widely used / acceptable approach in which the result of former (preceding) level is used a premise / foundation / input for the latter (following) level. There are seven main steps in this stage that are as under: The first stage in SDLC is known as Need Identification in which the organizational members specify what exactly is required to meet current and future challenges. The second stage is known as Functional Requirements in which technical specifications are specified and analyzed after which a comprehensive feasibility report (comprising of organisational, technical, operational and economic factors) is prepared. The third stage is known as System Designing in which programmers / developers prepare graphical models, diagrams, layouts, coding languages, written notes and prototypes. Once a system is designed, it is tested in the fourth stage after which it is handed over to organizations for deployment. In the next stage, the new system is implemented, tested and examined thoroughly to check if it has met all business requirements or if there are any shortcomings. The sixth stage is about providing feedback about perceived strengths and weaknesses to developers who then make adjustments in the new system and make ready for final deployment and integration. In the last stage, the IT members of the organization are trained so that they could use the new system effectively and could make maintenance followed by minor adjustments with the passage of time (Kay, 2002). Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a concept that refers to making amendments in softwares so that they could become user-friendly. Indeed, it is about making softwares in a way they meet desires of consumers in real world. It should be noted that there are certain differences between various programming methods and Object-Orientation. In the former, the first difference is that the developer / coder first come up with a programming solution to eradicate errors or issues, whereas in the latter, the programmer actually identify the ‘objects’ rather simply identifying solutions. For instance, the examples of these objects include all the components that are related to one another and that communicate for effective functioning. JAVA is one of the most famous languages used by modern system developers for object – orientation because it offers extensive tools that help differentiating a JAVA program from other softwares. However, understanding JAVA is not relatively easier because the programmer should have familiarity and acquaintance with JAVA features otherwise he or she may remain unsuccessful in attaining desired outcomes (Pillay, 2007). Another important visual programming language is known as Unified Modeling Language (UML), which is used specifically for identification, development and ‘documentation of the artifacts of systems’. UML is used by all major system development companies such as IBM, Cisco etc. because it is very user friendly and could be used in all development stages. Unlike other languages / technologies, the compatibility is not a grave issue in UML that’s why it has become extremely popular among system development companies. Object Management Group has already accredited this language, which further increased its reliability and authenticity. Nevertheless, UML is not viewed as perfect; therefore, the specialists have revised and modified the old version and launched ‘UML 2’ for convenience of system developers (Bell, 2002). Computer assisted software engineering (CASE) is one of the widely used approach, which involves the use of computer supported programs to develop, administer, control and maintain different system tools, features and application. Indeed, the developers and IT staff could use PCs or any other computer equipments to utilize “CASE methods throughout the software development life cycle”. One of the most important advantages of using this methodology is that it endorses communication and information sharing among associated workers of IT department. Thus, they remain aware of any success or failures during entire system development process; thereby enabling workers to contribute in software development and implementation (Insider Report, n.d). Conclusion In a nut shell, the organizations have to understand that this is a globalized world and there is immense competition among businesses. Hence, the firms need to become fittest so that they survive easily in unpredictable and uncertain contemporary business environment. In simple words, induction and use of various Management Information Systems (MIS) could help companies in improving their assembly lines, production capacity, inventory management, order tracking, processing and e-selling, accounts record keeping, strategic planning, tasks organizing, problem-solving and controlling. IT departments at business enterprises should use Object-Orientation and Unified Modeling Language followed by use of CASE methodology because these are effective procedures that facilitate in development of top quality extensive systems with new tools, features and applications. For instance, the long-term benefits obtained from induction of information systems prove to be greater than short-term development and implementation costs. References Helwig, Janet (2005) “Using a “Real” Systems Development Project to Enrich a Systems Analysis and Design” Dominican University [Online] Available at http://proc.isecon.org/2005/2314/ISECON.2005.Helwig.pdf Kay, Russell (2002) “QuickStudy: System Development Life Cycle” Computer World [Online] Available at http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/71151/System_Development_Life_Cycle Pillay, Anban (2007) “Object-oriented programming” University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban [Online] Available at http://math.hws.edu/eck/cs124/downloads/OOP2_from_Univ_KwaZulu-Natal.pdf Inside CRM Article (n.d) “Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE)” Inside CRM [Online] Available at http://www.insidecrm.com/dictionary/computer-assisted-software-engineering/ Bell, Donald (2003) “UML basics: An introduction to the Unified Modeling Language” International Business Machine [Online] Available at http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/769.html Read More