Mary’s MediBracelets Final Report

Information Systems Planning

Derrick Hobbs

David Conway

CIS / 568

An information system planning refers to the process of translating organizational and strategic objectives into initiatives of the development of systems. It helps to determine the alignment of IS goals with organizational goals. The systems development process is also termed as the life cycle of system development. There are various methods of planning development which are considered appropriate for implementation of a new system; they include the life cycle of traditional systems of development and the Rapid development of application.

Traditional Systems Development Life Cycle involves a number of steps which include system investigation, design, analysis, implementation, review and maintenance. Systems investigation is where opportunities and challenges are identified and considered because of the business objectives. Systems analysis is then conducted through studying of existing work processes and systems to determine weaknesses, strengths, and improvement opportunities. Systems design follow which define the manner in which the information system will operate in order to attain the solution to the problem. The system is then implemented whereby the different components of the system are acquired, assembled and placed into operation. The system must be maintained and reviewed regularly so as to ensure it meets the ever dynamic business requirements. Rapid application development is another method of system development which employs techniques, tools, and methodologies which have been designed to increase development of the application. RAD uses the Joint Application Development process extensively for the purpose of requirement analysis and data collection.

Apart from In-House built information systems, applications can be obtained through other options such as leasing, purchasing, making use of open source software, using the software as a service or even outsourcing. The Off the Shelf approach could be time-saving and cost-effective when compared to applications that are developed in-house. The application should consider carefully confirming the software has all the needed features to meet the future and current needs of the company. The company could purchase many packages in order to fulfill various needs. This option is attractive in case the software vendor permits modification of the technology. In case customization is the sole method that can be used to provide the required flexibility which can address the needs of the company, the option is not attractive. The application bought through this method may not be the best where it is expensive or could get obsolete within a short period. The advantage of this option is that most of this software is available. The challenges come in where the software may not meet the exact needs of the company, the software may also not permit modification, or it could need huge changes in the processes of business to implement.

Leasing an application could be another option which can save the company both money and time. This approach is attractive to enterprises that are small and medium as they cannot afford great investments. They lease applications to establish in the market a quicker presence from external resources. There are three methods of leasing; installing an application on the premises after leasing the application from a software developer, using application service providers and utilizing the software as a service.

Various tools could be used to attain the best outcomes from the new application. They include; cost-benefit analysis, payback analysis, and the present value analysis. The cost-benefit analysis compares the projected costs of the system with the benefits of the same system. The payback analysis determine the system’s duration to start paying for it through the benefits. Present value analysis is also a tool that puts into consideration the manner in which the value of money changes over time.

References

Gallaugher, J. (2015). Information systems: a manager's guide to harnessing technology. Washington, DC: Flat World Knowledge, Inc.

NoAuthorFound. (2015). Gamification: concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications. Hershey, Pennsylvania (701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pa., 17033, USA: IGI Global.