Book.: Information Systems in Business

Author.: Bob Ritchie, David Marshall and Alan Eardley

Reference No.: 16429

Quote:                        “As a generalization, methodologies which concentrate on the first two phases identified by the National Computer Centre tend to be called Systems Analysis Methodologies, while those focusing on phases 3 and 4 are often termed Software Engineering Methodologies.”

Chapter 9: Systems Analysis and Design

Review:                  According to the chapter, categories of systems of development methodologies are characterized differently by how they are derived. When these methods are established in the system and process is the main function of the system, naturally, PROCESS-driven is the system development used. DATA-driven, however is the system development used when piles of data are built up. Lastly is USER-driven, a development based on Human Activity Systems which is the most interactive system development among the three.

Process-driven refers to an emphasis on the functions which are carried out in the system. Basically, process-driven is the “power-house” system which is in charge of computerizing a manual process. Being computer-based would certainly bring ease to techies, just not user-friendly.

Data-driven development proponents claim that to concentrate on modelling detailed activities or processes is bound to create an unstable system. Being more constant, will bring consistency and therefore would create a better working and stable system. It has brought importance on the entities, their attributes and their relationship with each other. Data-driven is just like storing data: storing is most important, and changing it most of the time would ruin it.

User-driven development, however concentrates of the behavioral aspects of information systems. Its physical attributes are most important in user evaluation and seeks the users’ satisfaction with technically developed systems by recognizing user interactivity and encouraging participation in systems development processes.

Methodologies that are process-driven is a structure framework for information systems planning, development, management and maintenance. IS Strategy Creation would be the initial step that involves strategic development on the project being started. Secondly, looking at technical and economic feasibility of developing the information system is being identified. Next, analyzing the system, which includes diagrams, summaries, use cases and data structures would certainly finish the strategic phase in the framework. Designing the proposed system to show specifications what is needed to avoid informalities and disturbances. Implementing or Program Development would be the next step: to use flowcharts and data structures for codes for the system. Lastly, testing the system would certainly be good for the project to know the weaknesses and bugs to be fixed.

These methodologies are complicated structures that would be treated with the utmost care when being managed or fixed because the more refined the methodology, the more likely it is to become structured. Having separate steps would certainly show that these are processes or activities of the organization that might be information engineering.