Introduction to Current Techniques for Effective ICT Development

Abstract

The development of information systems (IS) has for many years been regarded as the domain of the technical expert. In what appears to be a growing number of instances systems appear to be having negative effects on the organization. A regular spate of system failures may have identified serious flaws in the system development process. Organizations may often be significantly affected by the implementation of IS. Future IS development may increasingly be trans-organizational and therefore increase the potential for dysfunctionality. Even changing one line of code may have repercussions within a department/organization. To implement a totally integrated system within an organization without adequate preparation could have serious consequences for the financial well-being of the company. The development of information systems is a complex process, one with many opportunities for things to go wrong. To try and control this complex process a methodology was required that would bring more discipline to the IS development process. There is a need to make more efficient use of the resources that are available. Historically, IS has been developed using the system.development.life.cycle. (SDLC). This has been the prevailing methodology for medium and large system projects. However, the use of accepted methodologies for IS development have not guaranteed the successful implementation of information systems.