Question

QUESTION 1 (20) Systems development includes every resource and every step that goes into producing an information system that solves a problem or helps the organisation take advantage of new opportunities. CyberTech has appointed you to head their software development project. Your task is to create a report highlighting the phases of the software development process as an attempt to inform management of the activities involved in developing software. Your report should clearly explain the steps or phases in the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). QUESTION 2 (20) Cloud computing allows firms and individuals to obtain computer processing, storage, software, and other services as a pool of virtualised resources over a network, primarily the Internet. Discuss the characteristics of Cloud computing and the essential services Cloud computing offers to an organisation. QUESTION 3 (20) Using information systems effectively requires an understanding of the three dimensions namely, organisation, management and technology that are responsible for shaping the information system. Provide clarity on the three dimensions of an information system. QUESTION 4 (20) One can consider an IS and other technologies as a solution to most business challenges and problems experienced; this is one way of understanding more about information systems and often referred to as a problem-solving approach. As an analyst you will learn more about problem-solving and create solutions to business problems, you will build great experience for your career as an analyst. Your knowledge gained in problem-solving and information systems will be beneficial for both you and your employer. Discuss in detail the simple four-step process model that you would use to solve problems in a business. QUESTION 5 (20) Working with others to achieve a shared or explicit goal is collaboration; this focuses on a task or mission accomplishment. Usually this takes place within a business or between businesses. You would generally collaborate with someone who has expertise in a topic which you have no knowledge of. Discuss in detail the reasons relating to the importance of teamwork.

Answer 1

(1)

The System Development Process aims to transform the concept of a project and creates a fully operating system. SDLC tends to tackle the practical and technological aspects of IT.A valuable SDLC aims fulfill consumer needs and operates effectively in the IT framework currently designed.

Planning

In this stage the feasibility of the project is primarily tested. This process also helps to validate the operating system that is appropriate for the current project situation.

Analysis

In this phase, primarily the analysis or measurement of the depth of end user expectations and the determination of the direction of a solution.

Design

The system design should take into account the operational and functional aspects of a project, and should also check how the finished system structure works.

Development

The information system development involves writing and constructing both technical and physical configurations.

Testing and Integration

Testing and integration process is helps to ensure the custmer satisfaction levels.

Implimenation

In this step the project is implicitly introduced and built by the end users

Maintenance

In this step to ensure that the device remains functional or new functionality and capabilities the customers enjoy.

(2)

The characteristics of cloud computing are:

On-demand self-service-Users can use, monitored or manage computer resources without any human administrator's need in cloud computing. Platforms like AWS , Azure and Google Cloud provide users with the resources by clicking a button.

Broad network access- Standard networks and heterogeneous devices allow cloud computing services to be made use of to provide broader user access.

Self-service provision- The cloud computing self-service platform helps developers to pick required resources and software without waiting for new servers. It operates for on-demand computing in coordination.

Resource pooling- Users can be accommodated simultaneously through the server using multi-loan architectures that exist in public cloud computing services. User hardware and abstraction layers contribute to the enhancement of cloud computing resources' security and speed.

Scalability- The network can supplement or remove computers, hardware, storage and network devices, where necessary, thus helping users optimize their cloud hosting workloads and avoid bottlenecks.

Pay-per-use pricing- Depending on the space that consumers have used, cloud service providers offer charge per seconds. As often, some free space is available for users, the service is economic.

Resiliency- Cloud service providers help consumers avoid breakdowns by reducing regional dependencies, avoiding single-point network failures. The spread of higher work loads across usable areas decreases the likelihood of these failures.

Security- Cloud vendors provide cloud services with some of the best security programs that are efficient in handling various cyber threats or crimes.

Essential services that cloud computing provides in business are:

• Cloud computing minimizes significant capital investments as it can eliminate IT infrastructure and administrative costs;
• This technology helps companies to upgrade applications such as modern ICTs that help control business processes;
• Using fast and unrestricted computing resources and software through cloud computing helps companies grow and allows them to respond to changing market conditions.
• In addition , cloud office suites such as Google Apps for Work, Microsoft Office 365 or Zoho Office Suite are software that are easy to use and readily available, helping to exchange documents and collaborate with teams at minimal cost.
• In addition, storage platforms such as Dropbox , Google Drive, One Drive and Box allow businesses to store information or data, making it easier for customers to access, preserving order to avoid data loss and controlling data backup activities.

(3)

The information system is a set of interrelated components that work to collect, process, store, and disseminate information. This information is later used in decision-making purposes.

Information systems are instrumental in conducting business today with a myriad of data coming from all ends. It not only provides decision-making abilities but also operational excellence, competitive advantage, etc.

Three dimensions of Information System include Management, Organisation, and Technology. A manager should understand these elements in order to better utilize the system.

Organizational Dimension - There is a growing interdependence between the Organisation and its Information System. This dimension involves hierarchy, functional aspects, business process, culture, political interest group, and data out of it. Powerful hardware and software are required to collate this information and provide insights. The information system has helped the organisation become more flexible and united in all their activities. An organization's success is depended upon how best they utilize this information system for its organizational purposes

Management dimension - This involves strategy, leadership, and management behavior. Here the system helps to make teamwork possible with a collaborative work environment.

Managers make use of this system to get information that can be used for making strategic changes, for allocating human and financial resources and coordinate amongst different departments. It drives both, daily operations and long term objectives. Providing a manager with a report generated out of it allows him to consider questions like future plans of the company, improvement scope, etc. This decision support system enables them to make a decision.

Technology dimension - This includes hardware, software, networking technology, etc. Management uses these technologies to collate information and draw insights out of it. Where hardware is used for input, processing, output activities. This operations are done by using various devices and physical media. Software consists of using these inputs to do operations and analysis upon them. Networking is used to share this analysis and ingsights with team members whereas storage technology to store this data in drives.

Overall the participation of all three elements completes the Information System, any one missing makes the process incomplete.

(4)

The following four-step process:

1. Define the problem = Start with a thorough information gathering process by speaking to all people involved. If your biggest customer complains that your product is starting to fail, for example, talk to the customer to learn exactly where the problem lies. Using the information you get, analyze your product to see what ways you can rectify the problem and improve your product

2. Explore the costs of failure = In connection with the problem, what exactly will failure mean? List down what this problem would really mean for your business, including financial costs, how this affects your relationship with customers as well as any partnerships. Using the example above, if your biggest customer pulls out their account, will your business survive? How will it affect your cash flow and revenues? Understanding the impact of a problem and knowing the worst case scenario can push you to act on it fast.

3. Explore the benefits of success = From viewing the negative, now see the flip side: what will happen if you successfully resolve the problem? Will your biggest customer keep their account with you? Will you be able to expand your product line if this issue is resolved?

4. Outline the solution = List the specific steps that need to be taken to solve the problem. This is the most important step in the problem solving process, and don’t be afraid if you think you need help to determine the best course of action.