Homework o case studies

8

Evaluating Alternatives for Requirements, Environment,
and Implementation
Ch. 8

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Overview

• Chapter explains last three activities of analysis
• Prioritize systems requirements
• Generate and evaluate alternatives
• Review recommendation with management
• Refocus project direction
• Transition from discovery and analysis to solutions and design
• Set direction for design and implementation of solution system

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Deciding on Scope and Level of Automation

• Scope determines which business functions will be included in system
• Level of automation is how much computer support exists for functions included in level
• Scope creep
• Requests for addition of system functions after requirements defined and decision has been made
• Users typically request more business functions than budget allows

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Determining the Level of Automation

• Low level
• Simple computer records keeping
• Medium level
• Midrange point which combines features from low and high alternatives
• High level
• System takes over processing of business function

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Selecting Alternatives

• Entire group of alternatives is evaluated together to provide “big picture” view of proposed system
• Key criteria that are used:
• Strategic plan
• Economic feasibility
• Schedule and resource feasibility
• Technological feasibility
• Operational, organizational, and cultural feasibility

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Defining the Application
Deployment Environment

• Configuration of:
• Computer hardware
• System software
• Networks
• Development Tools
• Existing environment generally considered and compared with proposed environment

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Hardware, System Software, and Networks

• Older batch-mode applications on centralized mainframe
• Stand-alone applications on mini- and personal computers
• On-line interactive applications
• Distributed applications
• Web-based applications

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Deployment Environment Characteristics

• Compatibility with system requirements
• Compatibility among hardware and system software
• Required interfaces to external systems
• Conformity with IT strategic plan and architecture plans
• Cost and schedule

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Development Tools

• Programming languages, CASE tools, software used to develop application software
• Java and Visual Studio.NET are examples
• Application deployment environment decisions limit development tool choices
• Operating system environment
• Database management system (DBMS)
• Distributed software standard

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Existing Processing Environment at RMO

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Processing Environment Alternatives

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Strategic Directions for RMO

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Choosing Implementation Alternatives

• Variations on obtaining system
• Facilities management outsource all IS support
• Packaged software, Turnkey system, ERP system
• Custom-built software systems
• In-house development
• Selection dimensions
• Buy vs. build
• In-house vs. outsource

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Implementation Alternatives

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Automation Strategy

Build

New

System(s)

(e.g., MRP

System)

Buy

New

System(s)

(e.g., Finance and

Accounting,

CRM for Marketing)

Re-use

Existing

Systems --

(e.g., Inventory

Management)

Rent

a System

(e.g., Online

Purchasing

from

ASP)

Outsource

the Development

(e.g., Billing

System)

In reality, approaches include mixture of all

Application Advisor

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Selecting an Implementation Alternative

• Identifying Criteria for Selection
• Comparisons can be difficult
• Different proposed systems have strengths in different areas
• Three major areas to consider
• General requirements
• Technical requirements
• Functional requirements

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Partial Matrix of General Requirements

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Partial Matrix of Functional Requirements

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Partial Matrix of Technical Requirements

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Making the Selection

• First, rate each alternative with raw score
• Weighted scores are then tabulated and compared to make a choice
• RMO decided on in-house development for most CSS development to keep expertise within RMO
• RMO wants to hire some new technical specialists
• RMO feasibility review showed no serious problems – once specialists are added

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Contracting with Vendors

• Generating Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Formal document sent to vendors if in-house development not selected
• States requirements and solicits proposed solutions
• Considered a competitive contract offer
• Bid on supplying hardware, software, and/or support services

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

I. Introduction and Background

II. Overview of Need

III. Description of Technical Requirements

IV. Description of Functional Requirements

Sample RFP Table of Contents

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

V. Description of General Requirements

VI. Requested Provider and Project Information

VII. Details for Submitting Proposal

IV. Evaluation Criteria and Process

Sample RFP Table of Contents (continued)

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Sample RFP Table of Contents (continued)

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Benchmarking and Choosing a Vendor

• Observe in use or install trial version
• Benchmark – evaluate the system against a standard
• Visit another company using particular system
• Developing a contract
• Fixed-dollar contracts: Risk is on vendor
• Cost-plus-percentage: Risk is on purchaser
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee: Risk shared by both

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Presenting Results and Making Decisions

• Compile and organize documentation
• Present alternatives and critical issues in easy-to-understand but complete manner
• Final choice generally made by executive steering committee
• Format of documentation and presentation style varies with organization

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Summary

• These activities are primarily project manager responsibilities with support from project team
• Focus of project changes from discovering requirements to developing solution system
• Prioritize requirements based on scope and level of automation
• Scope of new system determines functions it will support
• Level of automation is measure of how automated selected functions will be

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Summary (continued)

• Application deployment environment
• Computer hardware, systems software, and networks in which new system will operate
• Determines constraints imposed on system development alternatives
• Analyst must define environment to match:
• Application requirements
• Organization’s strategic application plans
• Organization’s technology architecture plans

8

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World, 3rd Edition

*

Summary (continued)

• Determine what alternatives are possible for developing solution
• Implementation alternatives include:
• Building system in-house
• Buying packaged or turnkey solution
• Contracting with developer to build it (outsource)
• Develop recommendations and present to management to make funding decisions