Smt.

Chandaben MohanBhai Patel Institute of Computer Applications

Unit II Systems Development Life Cycle and Requirements

Determinations
1. Explain System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
System Development:
 A process consisting of the two major steps of System analysis and System
design.
 It starts when management or sometimes systems development personnel realize
that a particular business system needs improvement.
 SDLC is set of activities that analyst, designers, and users carry out to develop
and implement an information system
The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured approach used to plan, design,
develop, and maintain information systems. It consists of several phases, each with specific
activities and deliverables. Here's an overview of each phase along with an example:

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1. Phase 1: Planning -
- In this phase, the project's feasibility is assessed, and the requirements for the system are
identified.

Type Focuses on the following question

Technical Can the work for the project be done with current resources, software
Feasibility technologies and man hours?

Economic Are there sufficient benefits in creating the system to make the cost
Feasibility applicable?

Operational Will the system be used if it is developed and implemented?

Feasibility

- Example: Let's consider a company that wants to develop a new e-commerce website.
During the planning phase, they would determine if the project is financially and technically
feasible, define the objectives, and outline the features and functionalities the website should
have.

2. Phase 2: Defining (Requirements Gathering and Analysis) -

- In this phase, system analysts work with stakeholders to gather and analyze the
requirements for the system. This involves understanding user needs, business processes,
and functional and non-functional requirements.
- Example: Continuing with the e-commerce website project, the system analysts would
interview stakeholders, conduct surveys, and analyze existing systems to determine the
specific requirements for the website, such as user registration, product catalog, shopping
cart, and payment processing.

3. Phase 3: Design-
- During the design phase, the system's architecture and components are defined. It
includes technical specifications, data structures, interface designs, and the overall system
layout.

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Normally, the design proceeds in two stages:

a. Preliminary or General Design
b. Structured or Detailed Design
There are several tools and techniques used for describing the system design of the system.
These tools and techniques are:
Flowchart
Data flow diagram (DFD)
Data dictionary
Structured English
Decision table
Decision tree
- Example: For the e-commerce website, the design phase would involve creating
wireframes or prototypes of the website's user interface, designing the database schema to
store product information, and specifying the technologies to be used, such as programming
languages and frameworks.

4. Phase 4: Development (Implementation)-

- In this phase, the system is built based on the design specifications. The programming
code is developed, databases are created, and all the components are integrated.

- Example: The implementation phase for the e-commerce website would involve writing
the code for different website functionalities, setting up the database to store product
information and user data, and integrating various modules to form a complete functioning
website.

5. Phase 5: Testing -
- The system is thoroughly tested to ensure that it meets the specified requirements and
works as expected. Bugs and issues are identified and fixed.
- Example: In the case of the e-commerce website, testing would involve conducting
various tests like functional testing (ensuring that all features work correctly), usability
testing (assessing user-friendliness), and security testing (checking for vulnerabilities).

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6. Phase 6: Deployment & Maintenance -

- The system is deployed to the production environment and made available to users. This
phase involves user training and a transition from the development team to the operations
team.
- Example: After completing all the necessary testing, the e-commerce website would be
deployed to a web server and made accessible to the public. The operations team would take
over the website's maintenance and ensure its smooth functioning.
- The system is continually monitored and updated to fix bugs, enhance features, and
accommodate changes as needed.
- Example: The e-commerce website will require regular maintenance to address user
feedback, fix any issues that arise, and add new features to improve the user experience.

The SDLC is a cyclic process, and after the maintenance phase, the system might go through
further iterations of development to accommodate changing requirements or enhancements
over time.

2. List and Explain Information Gathering Techniques.

Information gathering techniques are used in the system analysis phase of the System
Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to gather information about the current system, user
requirements, and business processes.

1. Interviewing:
- Interviewing involves direct communication between the system analysts and stakeholders
or subject matter experts. It allows analysts to ask specific questions and obtain detailed
information about the system's functionalities, user needs, and challenges.
• It can be done in two ways −
• Unstructured Interview − The system analyst conducts question-answer session to
acquire basic information of the system.
• Structured Interview − It has standard questions which user need to respond in either
close (objective) or open (descriptive) format.

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- Advantages of Interviewing
• This method is frequently the best source of gathering qualitative information.
• It is useful for them, who do not communicate effectively in writing or who may not
have the time to complete questionnaire.
• Information can easily be validated and cross checked immediately.
• It can handle the complex subjects.
• It is easy to discover key problem by seeking opinions.
• It bridges the gaps in the areas of misunderstandings and minimizes future problems.

- Example: When developing a new inventory management system for a retail store, the
system analysts would conduct interviews with store managers and employees. They would
ask about the current inventory tracking process, pain points, desired improvements, and
features required in the new system.
2. Questionnaires:
- Questionnaires are structured sets of questions that are distributed to users and stakeholders.
They provide a way to gather information from a large number of individuals efficiently.
• There are two types of questionnaires −
• Open-ended Questionnaires − It consists of questions that can be easily and correctly
interpreted. They can explore a problem and lead to a specific direction of answer.
• Closed-ended Questionnaires − It consists of questions that are used when the systems
analyst effectively lists all possible responses, which are mutually exclusive.
Advantages of questionnaires
• It is very effective in surveying interests, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs of users which
are not co-located.
• It is useful in situation to know what proportion of a given group approves or
disapproves of a particular feature of the proposed system.
• It is useful to determine the overall opinion before giving any specific direction to the
system project.
• It is more reliable and provides high confidentiality of honest responses.
• It is appropriate for electing factual information and for statistical data collection which
can be emailed and sent by post
- Example: In the context of an educational institution, the system analysts might distribute
questionnaires to students and faculty to gather feedback on the existing student information

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system. The questionnaire could ask about the ease of course registration, accessing grades,
and overall user satisfaction.
3. Review of Records, Procedures, and Forms:
- This technique involves examining existing documents, records, and procedures to
understand the current system's workflow, data flow, and business rules.
Advantages of Review of Records, Procedures, and Forms
• It helps user to gain some knowledge about the organization or operations by
themselves before they impose upon others.
• It helps in documenting current operations within short span of time as the procedure
manuals and forms describe the format and functions of present system.
• It can provide a clear understanding about the transactions that are handled in the
organization, identifying input for processing, and evaluating performance.
• It can help an analyst to understand the system in terms of the operations that must be
supported.
• It describes the problem, its affected parts, and the proposed solution.

- Example: In a healthcare setting, the system analysts would review patient records,
admission forms, and discharge procedures to understand how patient information is processed,
how medical history is recorded, and what data is necessary for billing and insurance purposes.
4. Observations:
- Observations involve directly observing users or employees while they perform their tasks
within the current system. This technique helps analysts gain insights into real-world practices
and identify potential issues.
-Advantages of Observations
• It is a direct method for get information.
• It is useful in situation where authenticity of data collected is in question or when
complexity of certain aspects of system prevents clear explanation by end-users.
• It produces more accurate and reliable data.
• It produces all the aspect of documentation that are incomplete and outdated.
- Example: To improve a customer support system for an e-commerce platform, the system
analysts might observe customer service representatives as they handle customer inquiries and
complaints. Observations can reveal user struggles, areas of inefficiency, and opportunities for
system enhancements.

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Each fact-finding technique has its strengths and limitations, and often a combination of these
techniques is used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the system's requirements and
the needs of the stakeholders. By applying these techniques, system analysts can gather
accurate and relevant information, which serves as a foundation for designing and developing
an effective and user-friendly system that aligns with business objectives.

3. Explain Tools for documenting procedures and decisions (Data Flow

Diagram, Data Dictionary, Structured English, Decision Table).

1. Data Flow Diagram (DFD):

- A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation that illustrates how data flows
through a system. It shows the processes, data stores, data flows, and external entities involved
in the system, providing a clear view of the system's data movement.
- Purpose: DFDs help visualize the flow of information within the system and how it interacts
with external entities.
- Example: In a student registration system, a DFD would illustrate how student data flows
from the registration form to the database, and how information is exchanged with external
entities like the registrar's office.

2. Data Dictionary:
- A Data Dictionary is a central repository that provides detailed descriptions of data elements
used in a system. It defines data attributes, data types, and relationships between data elements.
- Purpose: The Data Dictionary ensures consistency and clarity in data usage across the entire
system.
- Example: In a financial application, the Data Dictionary would list the definitions of data
elements like "Account Number," "Transaction Amount," and "Transaction Date" along with
their respective data types and allowable lengths.

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3. Structured English:
- Structured English is a method used to describe the logic of a system's procedures in a
precise and standardized manner using natural language constructs.
- Purpose: Structured English ensures that procedures are documented in a way that is easily
understood and interpreted by developers and analysts.
- Example
if customer pays advance
then
Give 5% Discount
else if purchase amount >=10,000
then
if the customer is a regular customer
then
Give 5% Discount
else
No Discount
end if
4. Decision Table:
- A Decision Table is a tabular representation used to list all possible combinations of
conditions and corresponding actions or outcomes in a decision-making process.
- Purpose: Decision tables help document complex business rules and logical conditions in a
concise and organized manner.
- Example: Login

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Rule 1 Rule 2 Rule 3 Rule 4

User Name(T/F) F T F T

Password(T/F) F F T T

Output(E/H) E E E H

Actions:
• T – Correct username/password
• F – Wrong username/password
• E – Error message is displayed
• H – Home screen is displayed

Rule 1 – Username and password both were wrong. The user is shown an error message.
Rule 2 – Username was correct, but the password was wrong. The user is shown an error
message.
Rule 3 – Username was wrong, but the password was correct. The user is shown an error
message.
Rule 4 – Username and password both were correct, and the user navigated to homepage

5. Decision Tree:
A Decision Tree is a hierarchical diagram that presents a decision-making process by breaking
down choices and their potential outcomes. It consists of nodes (representing decisions or
events) and branches (representing possible choices or outcomes).

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4. Write importance of the data dictionary in the process of design phase

with an example.

Definition:
A data dictionary is a centralized repository of information about data such as meaning,
relationships to other data, origin, usage, and format. It acts as a reference tool that helps
stakeholders understand and use the data within an information system.

Importance in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC):

1. Clarifies Data Definitions:
-> Provides clear and consistent definitions for all data elements, ensuring that everyone
involved in the project has a common understanding of the data.
-> Avoids misunderstandings and ambiguities that can lead to errors during development.

2. Enhances Communication:
-> Facilitates better communication among project team members, stakeholders, and end-users
by providing a single source of truth for data definitions.
-> Ensures that data terms and definitions are standardized across the project.

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3. Improves Data Integrity and Quality:

-> Helps maintain data integrity by defining data types, formats, and constraints.
-> Ensures that data is collected, stored, and processed consistently and accurately.

4. Supports System Design and Development:

-> Assists in the design of databases, forms, reports, and interfaces by providing detailed
information about data elements.
-> Guides developers in implementing data validation and error-checking mechanisms.

5. Aids in Documentation and Maintenance:

-> Acts as an essential component of project documentation, making it easier to maintain and
update the system in the future.
-> Facilitates training of new team members and on boarding of new users by providing
detailed data descriptions.

Example:

Scenario: An E-commerce Company Developing a New Order Processing System

- Data Elements:
- Customer ID: A unique identifier for each customer.
- Order ID: A unique identifier for each order.
- Product ID: A unique identifier for each product.
- Order Date: The date when the order was placed.
- Quantity: The number of units ordered.
- Order Status: The current status of the order (e.g., pending, shipped, delivered).

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Data Dictionary Entry Example:

Data Element Description Type Format Constraints

Customer ID Unique Integer N/A Must be unique,
customer non-null
identifier
Order ID Unique order Integer N/A Must be unique,
identifier non-null
Product ID Unique product Integer N/A Must be unique,
identifier non-null
Order Date Date of order Date YYYY-MM- Must be a valid
placement DD date
Quantity Number of units Integer N/A Must be greater
ordered than zero
Order Status Current status of String N/A Values:
the order 'pending',
'shipped',
'delivered'

5. Explain the Feasibility Study with an example.

The feasibility study assesses the viability of implementing an Online Food Delivery System
(OFDS) for a national food delivery service. This system aims to enhance customer experience,
optimize restaurant operations, and improve logistics management through integrated features
like online ordering, real-time order tracking, payment processing, customer reviews, and
restaurant management tools.
1. Technical feasibility
Technical feasibility includes checking for accessibility to technical resources and applications
within the organization. If the resources already exist, you must then determine if the technical
team can customize the technology into new working systems for the project. Not only do you
need the correct technical resources, but the equipment also needs to be evaluated to ensure it
has the proper hardware and software for the proposed plan.
2. Economic feasibility
Economic feasibility allows the company to determine the cost and benefits analyses, which
helps provide decision-makers with a list of potential economic benefits to the organization.
They need to know the total cost, including accidental expenses, so that during the project, they
may be able to anticipate any potential unforeseen monetary challenges.

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3. Operational feasibility
Operational feasibility assesses how well a proposed plan fits within the existing business
environment, and if developed, whether current purchasers will use it. Some variables that
affect the outcome of this analysis are whether management support, how buyers feel about the
current system in place and if the proposed system will benefit the organization.
Scenario: Online Food Delivery System

Scenario:
A national food delivery service is planning to implement a new Online Food Delivery System
(OFDS) to enhance customer experience, streamline restaurant operations, and improve
logistics management. The system will integrate features such as online ordering, real-time
order tracking, payment processing, customer reviews, and restaurant management tools. The
project team must consider various factors, such as user training, data migration from legacy
systems, compliance with food safety regulations, and ensuring system interoperability with
various payment gateways and delivery partners.

1. Technical Feasibility
System Requirements:
The OFDS requires robust infrastructure capable of handling high volumes of concurrent users,
secure transaction processing, and real-time data updates.
It will integrate with multiple payment gateways and third-party delivery partners,
necessitating compatibility and interoperability testing.
Data Migration:
Migrating data from existing legacy systems to the new OFDS must be seamless to avoid
disruption in operations.
This involves assessing data compatibility, integrity, and ensuring minimal downtime during
the transition phase.
Software Development:
Developing the OFDS software involves selecting appropriate technologies, frameworks, and
ensuring scalability to accommodate future growth.
This includes designing a user-friendly interface for customers, restaurant staff, and
administrators.

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2. Economic Feasibility
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
Evaluate the costs associated with developing, implementing, and maintaining the OFDS
against the expected benefits such as increased revenue, operational efficiency, and customer
retention.
Consider initial investment, recurring costs (maintenance, upgrades), and potential savings
from improved efficiency.
Return on Investment (ROI):
Calculate the projected ROI based on estimated revenue growth, reduced operational costs, and
improved service efficiency attributable to the OFDS implementation.
Financial Viability:
Ensure sufficient funding is available for development, testing, and deployment phases.
Assess funding sources (internal budgets, loans, or external investors) and potential risks
related to cost overruns or revenue projections.

3. Operational Feasibility
User Training:
Plan for comprehensive training programs for customers, restaurant staff, and administrators
to ensure smooth adoption and efficient use of the OFDS.
Compliance:
Ensure the OFDS complies with food safety regulations, data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA),
and industry standards for online transactions and customer data handling.
Risk Management:
Identify potential risks such as technical failures, cybersecurity threats, regulatory non-
compliance, and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.

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6. Design the test case for login activity.

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