This assignment earns a Pass in system design. This exercise presents models in the software development process such as waterfall, scrum, agile, and spinal. Ways to draw dfd, wbs, entity relationship diagrams, mockups and wireframes.
Introduction
The SDLC, which stands for Software Development Life Cycle, is an important method that helps businesses build high-quality software that satisfies the needs of their consumers This method provides a disciplined approach to software development, guaranteeing that the product is delivered on time, of high quality, and meets the expectations of the users In this article, we will look at the SDLC's various stages and offer advice on how firms can effectively adopt it This report will also demonstrate the application of SDLC to the provided project and identify the many models involved in the project, as well as specific explanations of feasibility studies.
Describe different software development lifecycles
Describe two iterative and two sequential software lifecycle models (P1)
The process of developing and deploying software applications is iterative, with multiple distinct phases The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) technique improves process monitoring and improvement by providing analysis of each stage of software development SDLC may reduce waste and boost efficiency by detailing each action required to build and deliver a software application SDLC helps firms stay on track with timetables and budgets by monitoring, ensuring that software development remains a profitable investment Agile and Waterfall processes are frequently employed in SDLC, and some firms use a hybrid of both
Figure 1: SDLC (Servicenow, 2023) Here are the six phases of the SDLC:
• Requirements Gathering and Analysis: In this phase, the software requirements are gathered and analyzed in detail This involves working closely with the stakeholders to determine the specific features, functions, and goals of the software
• Design: Once the requirements are established, the system design is developed in this phase This includes creating a detailed plan for the software system, such as the architecture, data structures, algorithms, and user interface design
• Implementation: The actual coding of the software is done in this phase based on the design specifications This involves writing, compiling, and testing the code to ensure it meets the requirements and functions correctly
• Testing: Once the implementation phase is complete, testing is conducted to validate that the software works as intended and meets the requirements Different types of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, are performed
• Deployment: Once the software is tested and deemed to be stable and fully functional, it is deployed to the users for their use
• Maintenance: After the software is deployed, it enters the maintenance phase This phase involves ongoing support, bug fixes, and updates to ensure that the software continues to meet the user's needs and functions correctly
The Waterfall model is a linear and sequential approach to software development in which each phase follows the preceding one in a precise, predetermined order The phases of this approach are as follows: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance The Waterfall model requires the development team to move on to the next step only when the previous one has been completed and authorized This method is frequently employed in industries with stringent standards or when the requirements are well understood and unlikely to change It can, however, be stiff and inflexible when numerous iterations are required or when there is a high amount of uncertainty or change in the project requirements
The Waterfall approach was the initial SDLC Model to gain widespread usage in the field of Software Engineering as a means of ensuring project success This model involves dividing the entire software development process into distinct phases, with each phase's outcomes serving as the next phase's input in a sequential manner (Tutorialspoint, 2023)
The Waterfall model's consecutive phases are as follows:
• Requirements Gathering and Analysis: The software requirements are gathered and thoroughly assessed during this phase This entails working closely with stakeholders to identify the software's unique features, functions, and goals
• Design: This phase develops the system design after the requirements have been identified Creating a detailed plan for the software system, such as the architecture, data structures, algorithms, and user interface design, is part of this
• Implementation: The actual coding of the software is done in this phase based on the design specifications This involves writing, compiling, and testing the code to ensure it meets the requirements and functions correctly
• Testing: Once the implementation phase is complete, testing is conducted to validate that the software works as intended and meets the requirements Different types of testing, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, are performed
• Deployment: Once the software is tested and deemed to be stable and fully functional, it is deployed to the users for their use
• Maintenance: After the software is deployed, it enters the maintenance phase This phase involves ongoing support, bug fixes, and updates to ensure that the software continues to meet the user's needs and functions correctly
• The Waterfall Model is a software development methodology that is often used in projects where the requirements are well-defined and stable, and there is little likelihood of change during the development process It is a sequential approach where each phase of the project is completed before moving on to the next one, and changes to the project scope, requirements or design are generally not allowed after a phase is completed (Tutorialspoint, 2023)
• The Waterfall Model is useful for large and complex projects that require a high degree of planning and organization, and where it is important to have a clear understanding of the project requirements and timeline It provides a
Page 10 of 52 structured and systematic approach to software development, with clearly defined phases and deliverables that allow for better control and management of the project
Explain how risk is managed in the Spiral lifecycle model (P2)
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks, followed by implementing strategies to mitigate or avoid those risks It involves identifying potential risks and assessing the likelihood and impact of those risks on the project or organization Based on the assessment, strategies are developed to minimize, transfer, or eliminate the risks Risk management is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment throughout the project or organizational life cycle The goal of risk management is to minimize the negative impact of potential risks and to maximize the potential benefits of opportunities that may arise Effective risk management can help organizations reduce costs, improve performance, and achieve their objectives (Anon,
2 Why is risk assessment important?
Risk assessments are necessary since they are part of the occupational health and safety management strategy They assist in:
• It helps identify potential risks: Risk assessment involves identifying possible risks that can impact an individual or an organization This process helps to identify various internal and external risks that can cause damage, including strategic, reputational, financial, and operational risks (Anon, 2023)
• It helps prioritize risk management activities: After identifying the potential risks, risk assessment aids in prioritizing them and evaluating their possible consequences This approach assists organizations and individuals in concentrating their efforts and resources on the most significant risks
• It helps to prevent loss or harm: Risk assessment enables the prevention of potential harm or loss by identifying risks and evaluating their potential impact For instance, recognizing cybersecurity risks and applying protective measures can prevent cyber-attacks that might cause financial loss or data breaches
• It helps to comply with regulations and standards: Organizations and individuals can comply with regulations and standards related to risk management by conducting risk assessments and implementing relevant risk management activities Several industries and governments have specific regulations and standards concerning risk management
• It helps to increase confidence and credibility: Organizations and individuals can enhance their confidence and credibility with stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, investors, and customers, by showing that they have identified potential risks and executed appropriate risk management measures
3 What is the goal of risk assessment?
The primary objective of conducting risk assessment is to recognize probable risks and evaluate their potential impact This is done to comprehend the probability and potential outcomes of unfavorable events happening and to come up with plans to manage or reduce those risks (Ccohs, 2023)
The main objectives of risk assessment include:
• Identifying and characterizing potential risks: Risk assessment refers to the process of recognizing and describing possible hazards that may affect individuals or organizations This encompasses evaluating both factors that originate from within and outside an organization that could lead to harm
• Evaluating the likelihood and potential consequences of risks: Risk assessment assists in evaluating the possibility and potential effects of risks This data is crucial for ranking risks by priority and creating strategies to manage them
• Prioritizing risks: A risk assessment helps to identify and prioritize risks, allowing organizations to focus on the most significant risks that need to be addressed first This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively
• Developing risk management strategies: The primary objective of risk assessment is to create plans for managing or reducing the identified risks Such plans may involve devising policies and protocols, establishing control measures, and preparing backup strategies
• Monitoring and reviewing risks: Risk assessment is a continuous process that necessitates regular monitoring and evaluation This is done to guarantee that the risk management approaches continue to be useful and that any potential risks are detected and evaluated promptly
4 Five Steps of the Risk Management Process
The five steps of the risk management process are:
• Risk Identification: This step involves identifying and documenting all potential risks that could impact a project, organization, or individual Risks can come from a variety of sources, including financial, operational, technological, legal, and environmental factors This step often involves brainstorming sessions, reviewing past data, and consulting with experts in relevant fields (Bhatia, 2023)
• Risk Assessment: In this step, risks are evaluated based on their likelihood of occurring and their potential impact The goal is to prioritize risks so that resources can be focused on the most critical ones Risk assessment involves assigning a probability and impact rating to each identified risk
• Evaluate the Risk: After risks have been assessed, the next step is to evaluate whether or not the risks are acceptable
This involves comparing the risks to established risk criteria, such as risk appetite or tolerance levels, to determine if they can be accepted or if further action is necessary
• Treat the Risk: If risks are deemed unacceptable, this step involves developing and implementing risk treatment plans to reduce or eliminate the risks This can involve a range of activities, including risk avoidance, risk transfer, risk mitigation, and risk acceptance
Explain the importance of a feasibility study
Explain the purpose of a feasibility report (P3)
A feasibility report is a document that assesses the viability of a proposed project or idea It evaluates the potential for success of a project by analyzing various factors, such as the technical, financial, economic, legal, and environmental aspects of the proposed venture The report identifies the risks and challenges associated with the project and provides recommendations to mitigate those risks
The feasibility report is typically prepared by a project team or a consultant and is used to guide decision-making by stakeholders
It helps stakeholders to determine whether to proceed with the project, modify the project plan, or abandon the project altogether The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the project's feasibility and helps stakeholders to make informed decisions about the project's potential for success (Bridges, 2023)
The main objectives of a feasibility report are:
• To assess the viability of a proposed project or idea: The feasibility report helps to determine whether the proposed project is technically, financially, legally, and environmentally feasible The report evaluates the potential for success of the project and identifies the risks and challenges associated with it (Inc, 2023)
• To provide stakeholders with accurate information: The feasibility report provides stakeholders with accurate information about the project, including its scope, cost, schedule, and risks This information enables stakeholders to make informed decisions about the project
• To identify potential solutions: The feasibility report identifies potential solutions to the challenges and risks associated with the project It provides recommendations to mitigate those risks and suggests ways to improve the project's chances of success
• To estimate the cost of the project: The feasibility report estimates the cost of the project, including capital costs, operating costs, and maintenance costs This information helps stakeholders to determine whether the project is financially viable
• To determine the project's economic impact: The feasibility report assesses the project's economic impact, including its potential to generate revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth This information helps stakeholders to evaluate the project's economic benefits
Overall, the main objective of a feasibility report is to provide stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions about the proposed project
The feasibility report is important for several reasons:
• Helps in decision-making: The feasibility report helps stakeholders to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the proposed project, modify the project plan, or abandon the project altogether It provides stakeholders with accurate and comprehensive information about the project's potential for success, risks, challenges, and benefits
• Reduces risk: The feasibility report identifies potential risks and challenges associated with the project and provides recommendations to mitigate those risks This information helps stakeholders to make decisions that reduce the risk of project failure
• Estimates project costs: The feasibility report estimates the cost of the project, including capital costs, operating costs, and maintenance costs This information helps stakeholders to evaluate the project's financial viability and make decisions about funding and resource allocation
• Evaluates economic impact: The feasibility report assesses the project's economic impact, including its potential to generate revenue, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth This information helps stakeholders to evaluate the project's economic benefits and make decisions about project funding
• Improves project planning: The feasibility report provides stakeholders with a detailed analysis of the project's technical, legal, and environmental requirements This information helps project teams to improve project planning and identify potential roadblocks before they occur
Overall, the feasibility report is an important tool for evaluating the viability of a proposed project It provides stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions and reduces the risk of project failure
3 What is the objective of the feasibility report?
The objective of a feasibility report is to evaluate the viability of a proposed project or idea The report analyzes various factors, such as technical, financial, economic, legal, and environmental aspects of the proposed venture, to determine whether the project is feasible or not The report provides stakeholders with a comprehensive assessment of the project's potential for success, risks, and challenges The ultimate goal of the feasibility report is to provide stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions about the project, including whether to proceed with the project, modify the project plan, or abandon the project altogether By providing stakeholders with accurate and comprehensive information, the feasibility report helps to reduce the risk of project failure and improve the chances of project success (Inc, 2023)
There are several types of feasibility studies that can be conducted depending on the nature of the project Here are some of the most common types:
This study assesses the technical requirements of the proposed project and evaluates whether the organization has the technical expertise and resources to carry out the project Factors considered may include the availability and suitability of technology, hardware, software, equipment, and infrastructure The study may involve research, testing, and analysis to determine whether the proposed project can be technically implemented (Jena, 2023)
Describe how technical solutions can be compared (P4)
The alternative matrix is a tool that is used to evaluate and compare various technical solutions for a given project based on specific criteria In the case of Tune Source, there are several alternative technical solutions that could be considered to address the project's requirements
One alternative technical solution is to develop a web-based application that allows users to search and purchase songs This solution would involve building a web application with a database backend that contains all of the available songs Users could search for songs by various criteria such as artist, genre, or title The application could also allow users to create playlists and purchase individual songs or entire albums This solution would require a team of developers with expertise in web development, database design, and e- commerce
Another alternative technical solution is to develop a mobile application for both iOS and Android devices This solution would involve building a mobile application that allows users to search for and purchase songs The application could also include features such as recommendations based on user preferences and the ability to create playlists This solution would require a team of developers with expertise in mobile application development and e-commerce
A third alternative technical solution is to integrate Tune Source's services with popular music streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music This solution would involve developing an API that allows Tune Source to access the music libraries of these platforms and offer them to their users This would require a team of developers with expertise in API development and integration
Each of these alternative technical solutions has its advantages and disadvantages The alternative matrix can be used to evaluate and compare them based on specific criteria such as development time, cost, scalability, user experience, and security Ultimately, the chosen technical solution should align with Tune Source's business goals and priorities
Technical feasibility is the process of examining if a proposed solution, design, or technology can be executed successfully using the existing resources, capabilities, and technical skills It includes evaluating the technical requirements, constraints, and probable difficulties that may arise during the creation and implementation of a new product, service, or system This evaluation typically takes into account various aspects, including the available technology, infrastructure, hardware, software, and human resources The results of the technical feasibility analysis assist organizations in assessing the practicability and viability of their proposed solution or design, and whether it can be carried out within the specified timeline and budget b Economic Feasibility
The evaluation of the financial viability and profitability of a proposed project, product, or service is called economic feasibility This process includes assessing the costs and benefits associated with the creation and implementation of a new solution, as well as the expected return on investment (ROI) During the economic feasibility analysis, several factors are taken into account, such as the expected development costs, operational expenses, potential revenue streams, and the predicted market demand for the product or service The analysis may also consider other financial considerations such as funding availability, tax implications, and possible risks and uncertainties The purpose of the economic feasibility analysis is to determine if a proposed project or investment is financially feasible and can generate a positive ROI within a specific time frame
Compensation for the development team
Consultant compensation 4.000$ Fee for continuous software upkeep
Office space and equipment 200.000$ Fee for copyright protection for software
Training and development program fees
100.000$ The cost of hardware upgrades 30.000$
Expenses for hardware and software
60.000$ Fee for system operation and upkeep
Server and related equipment costs
10.000$ The cost of user education and training
Service fees for vendor installation
CD sales in-store or via a website 300.000$
• The expenses related to the development of a project, known as project programming costs, consist of various items such as salaries of development teams, charges for consultants, rent for offices and equipment, fees for training and development programs, expenses for software, costs for servers and related equipment, and fees for supplier installation services The estimated total cost for the project is $ 894,000
• The cost associated with the project surgery involves various charges such as software update fee, ongoing software maintenance fee, fee for software copyright protection, cost for hardware upgrades, operating fee, and expenses for system maintenance, training, and user education The total cost for the project surgery is estimated to be $475,000
• The development team of the company comprises seven developers who receive an hourly wage of $50, and there are six trainers who provide developer training for $20 per hour To encourage the team to concentrate on their work, up to $200 may be required for office and equipment costs to establish a favorable work environment Additionally, each member of the executive team is compensated with a payment of $30 c Organizational Feasibility
The third approach for feasibility study is to evaluate the system's organizational feasibility: how effectively the system will be adopted by its users and integrated into the organization's ongoing activities There are several organizational aspects that might have an influence on the project, and seasoned developers understand that the most challenging feasibility dimension to examine is organizational feasibility In essence, an organizational feasibility study seeks to answer the question, "Will they come if we construct it?" (Jena, 2023)
2 Alternative matrix for the Tune Source project a C# technology
C# is a modern, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft and approved by ECMA and ISO It was created by Anders Hejlsberg and his team during the development of NET Framework C# is designed for the CLI, allowing it to be used on different platforms and architectures It provides developers with a robust and flexible platform for building various applications, making it popular in the software development industry, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem With its powerful features, extensive library support, and strong community, C# is a versatile language for creating efficient and reliable software solutions (Tutorialspoint, 2023) b Java technology
Java is a widely utilized object-oriented programming language and software platform renowned for its adaptability and flexibility It operates on a diverse range of devices, spanning from laptops and mobile devices to gaming consoles and more Java's syntax draws inspiration from C and C++, ensuring a familiar programming experience ()
A key advantage of Java lies in its portability Developers can write code once and execute it on different devices without the need for significant modifications This feature, known as "write once, run anywhere," was a fundamental objective during Java's inception in 1991 It enables seamless transfer of software from a laptop to a mobile device, for instance
It is essential to distinguish Java from JavaScript While Java code necessitates compilation, JavaScript doesn't require this step Moreover, JavaScript predominantly operates within web browsers, whereas Java is compatible with a broad spectrum of platforms (IBM, 2023)
Conclusion
This report aids me in gaining a deeper comprehension of the project models, including their advantages and disadvantages By delving into the potential risks encountered during project implementation and exploring the feasibility studies within the project, I can enhance my understanding of the feasibility study matter and recognize the various types of feasibility studies involved in the process.