Successful SD has several associated business benefits. An increase in revenue and efficiency are some of the visible results. The firm is thus able to stop liabilities and make the brand’s reputation.
Phases of the SDLC
It is necessary to understand the phases of systems development to achieve success. The planning stage involves formulating a plan and determining the project’s goals. The end-user requirements are then analyzed to merge the goals of the project to customer needs.
The desired features of the structure are defined in the design stage, before transforming them into the definite system in the development phase. The project undergoes testing to eliminate any errors, and verify that it meets the user requirements before analyzed. It is then set to use in concrete business operations in the scheme, and any additions or changes required are recurrently made to ensure sustainability.
Software development methodologies
There are different SD methodologies which may be implemented. The agile method ensures customer satisfaction through the on-time distribution of software elements. The waterfall methodology conversely guarantees that the SDLC phases are comprehensively administered. The RAD, XP, and RUP methodologies help in breaking down systems of the phases, aiming to increase speed and secure prearranged objectives.
Software is developed through the SDLC, and hence regardless of the chosen methodology, each of the phases must be followed. The agile methodology is however preferred to waterfall due to its sequential system which guarantees delivery of desired products. It provides space for creativity and easier improvement compared to the waterfall design that does not consider any projected uncertainties.
Developing software
It is necessary to establish software appropriately to ensure the effective transformation of businesses. The user’s needs would thus be met, ensuring efficiency and facilitate decision making. If the software does not meet these needs, the agency may not succeed.
For example, Nike faced a revenue shortfall due to the inappropriate fixing of the repository supply software. The company’s stature as a pioneering user of expertise was damaged. Organizations must thus learn to implement properly these technologies while maintaining a competitive edge.
Project management
Triple constraints
These principles are prominent in project management, as it discusses capacity, resources and time. The three components interrelate; an alteration in any of them results in changes in the other components. For example, if the time of the project is decreased, it would mean supplemental expenses or decreasing capacities of the project. The project manager must, therefore, be proficient in choosing calculated projects, determining their scope, managing the presented resources, and sustaining the scheme plan.
Project stakeholders and roles of executive sponsors in choosing strategic projects
When choosing strategic projects it is necessary to focus on the foundation’s goals, group projects and execute broad monetary reviews. The projects can be grouped into predicaments, prospects, and commands, to simplify character responses.
The economic analysis determines the viability and expectations of prioritized objectives. The project management institute elaborates the role of the executive sponsor as the provision of financial resources for the scheme. He/she is answerable to the project team and shares the hope and enthusiasm of successfully fulfilling the task.
Components of a project charter
A project charter is a document issued by the project financer, authorizing the project’s life and empowering the director with resources to execute the venture. The scope, objectives, deliverables, constraints, and assumptions are part of the document. The scope explains the purpose and how it would be completed, stating the corresponding postulations, limitations, and requirements.
Meeting the organization’s objectives defines its success. The deliverable is the produced items to complete the project. HP would thus benefit from such procedures, which will ensure efficiency. Limitations, which may bind the estimations, include delivery dates and the company’s strategies. Project postulations review the working hours in which the project would be implemented.
Diagrams used in project planning
A project plan is a recognized article that manages and controls the execution of the project. A PERT chart and a Gantt list are vital parts of the system which aid in showing growth of goal implementation. The PERT model depicts the tasks of the project and how the tasks are related. The Gantt model conversely shows the project task against dates, representing the plan of the project and showing the advancement of tasks against the considered period.
Areas to be focused on to ensure success
To ensure the success of a project the manager must learn how to manage people, communications and alterations. It is necessary to maintain open communication channels between the workforces and ensure that conflicts are resolved on time.
All stakeholders must be updated on the project schedule. An organization must be well prepared to deal with the difficulties related to a swiftly shifting civilization, through instituting change management policies, and predicting and seeking change. These changes may occur as a result of technological advancement or end-user needs.
Insourcing and outsourcing
Insourcing involves using the proper expertise within a framework to develop systems while outsourcing entails relationships between different companies. There are three types of external contracting, depending on location. Onshore sourcing involves receiving services from within the nation, nearshore outsourcing reaches out to nearby countries, while in offshore outsourcing developing countries improve in mounting systems.
Rapid growth, Internet use, and globalization of markets engage companies in these services in order to provide extensive services. Businesses that outsource have been reported to obtain faster and more profitable growth than those which do not.
For example, Best Buy, which subcontracted Accenture, resulted in increased revenue and profits for the company. Unfortunately, competitive advantage and confidentially may be lost through employing outside sources. HP must thus consider these factors before choosing a sourcing criterion.
Project management institute (PMI) and HP
PMI formulates theories and procedures needed in project management. It places a priority on authorization, principles, and values. It is helpful to HP’s software development approach, as it would allow them to tell obligatory practices to meet project requirements. Continuous appraisal and supervising performance while implementing the PM methods guarantee the success of the project.
