Using the Systems Life Cycle Model to Manage Projects

Apart from enabling operators to modify a new system into a functioning one, this procedure is also used to replicate for non-technical and technical ventures to offer robust systems to manage decision making progression. Using the Systems Life Cycle Model to Manage Projects Discussion Traditionally, the SLC comprised of five phases, which later expanded to form seven stages. Increasing the number of levels helps system analysts to explain more explicit actions to attain extraordinary objectives (Hopkins-Hurt, 2000). The first step in the system development model is planning, which also stands out as the most critical step. At this stage, the project manager decides precisely what the institution wants and the problem it is supposed to solve. It is also a necessity that the project leader maintains communication with all stakeholders to ensure there is a clear vision of the system.

Alternatively, the project leader can gather, analyze and validate the information, followed by defining the prototypes and requirements of the new system. Eventually, there should be the examination of the alternatives and prioritizing needs. The system analysis stage also involves the preparation of a Software Requirement Specification form. The document highlights the system requirements that include the network, functional, hardware, and software specifications. The fourth phase enables development, where actual work begins. At this stage, the project manager outsources the services of either a database developer, network engineer, or a programmer, who does the primary work of the venture (Motea Alwan, 2015). The job done includes utilizing a flow diagram to ascertain that the operation of the system is structured correctly. The development step also signifies the start of production and end of the first segment of the process.

Installation and modification also characterize the development process, and if the project manager focuses on training, the project will significantly benefit. In most circumstances, the real users can also take part in the testing process. The sixth phase is the implementation of the system, where most of the codes for the project have already been listed. Also, this phase includes the possible installation of the new-advanced system (Motea Alwan, 2015). Implementation turns the programs into operation by transferring the components and data from the outdated system and putting them into the new system through head-on cutover. It is well documented that this could be a risky and complicated move, but carrying out the exercise during off-peak hours is a trick that has proved to mitigate the risk.

It also has to do with processing the resultant mistakes and rectifying any concerns that may have not been detected even past the testing exercise (Topaz, 2013). Maintenance and support may be required for a shorter period for smaller projects and for a longer time for comprehensive systems. Continuous improvement and fixing of the system are essential. The project manager can rely on airbrake, which provides robust-capturing capabilities in all applications. In doing so, it provides updates on possible bugs, allows the manager to evaluate them quickly, integrates the virus to a specific set of code, and track the root back to the recent modifications. Other roles include suggesting flexible alternative solutions, pick the best solutions, and quantify benefits and costs, maintain evaluation and analysis to arrive at an appropriate system that is more user-friendly, gathering information and facts and acquires the opinion of users, and defining and understanding requirements for users.