Page 231 - DCAP104_EXPOSURE_TO_COMPUTER_DISCPLINES

Exposure to Computer Disciplines

Notes Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

• Explained classical waterfall model.
• Understand software development activity.
• Discussed spiral model.
• Understand the process improvement model.

Introduction

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in project management
that describes the stages involved in an information system development project from an initial
feasibility study through maintenance of the completed application. Various SDLC methodologies
have been developed to guide the processes involved including the waterfall model (the original
SDLC method), rapid application development (RAD), joint application development (JAD), the
fountain model and the spiral model. Mostly, several models are combined into some sort of
hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial regardless of the type of model chosen or devised
for any application, and is usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods
work better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important factor for
the success of a project may be how closely particular plan was followed.

12.1 Waterfall Model

The image below is the classic Waterfall model methodology, which is the first SDLC method
and it describes the various phases involved in development.

12.1.1 Feasibility
The feasibility study is used to determine if the project should get the go-ahead. If the project is
to proceed, the feasibility study will produce a project plan and budget estimates for the future
stages of development.

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