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(a)Describe two weaknesses of the Systems Development Life Cycle
(SDLC).[4 marks ]
One mark should be awarded
for each valid point, and a further point should be awarded for each
satisfactory elaboration (up to a maximum of four marks).
Examples include the following:
• There are no standard procedures and tools (1 mark).This can
lead to
miscommunication between team members (1 mark).
• There are no defined documentation deliverables at the end
of each stage (1 mark).The chances of leaving documentation to the
end is very high,and this may result in incomplete documentation which
would make maintenance a difficult process (1 mark).
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[4 marks ]
(b)List two strengths of SDLC.[2 marks ]
One
mark should be awarded for each valid point (up to a maximum of two
marks).
Examples include the following:
• It provides a template for various stages of systems development
thereby providing guidance.
• It allows for creativity since there are no rigid rules to
be observed.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
(c)(i)Describe two other methodologies which may be used in the development
of systems.[6 marks ]
(ii)Indicate how one of the two methodologies described in part (i)compares
with SDLC.[3 marks ]
(i)One point should be
awarded for naming the method, and in each case one mark should be
awarded for each valid point (up to a maximum of two marks in both
cases).
• SSADM.
– SSADM is a structured methodology that is modular in structure.
– SSADM does not cover the enti e systems development life cycle.
– SSADM has predefined deliverables.
• Prototyping.
– Prototyping is a method that encourages use participation.
– Prototyping provides an initial life model with essential features:users
are allowed to verify if it meets their demands
– The verification process is repeated until the needs are met
with
satisfaction.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[6 marks ]
(ii)Up to three marks should be awarded for each valid point (up to
a maximum of three marks). Examples include the following:
• SSADM:
– More time is spent on planning and developing logical models.
– The various modula phases provides flexibility to adopt structured
methods for selected phases.
– There is a steeper learning curve and higher investment.
• Prototyping:
– Allows developers to design new systems with clearer user
requirements by using a concrete model as a tool.
– Involves user participation which ultimately will result in
user
ownership and easier implementation,as opposed to SDLC which does
not explicitly support these.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.[3 marks ]
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