Systems Development

In todays business environment, a company would be considered lacking if it did not incorporate information systems into its daily tasks. Information systems can simplify business processes, shorten the amount of time to perform tasks, and lessen the workload on employees. After understanding that information systems can benefit a business, the most important question that must be answered is, what type of software would most benefit the needs of the company and how can it be acquired?

Software can be purchased either in its entirety or as a piece to be incorporated with an in-house design. Software that can be purchased is typically known as COTS or commercial off-the-shelf software (Post & Anderson, 2006, p. 447). If a business decides to build its own product, the company can choose to outsource the work or hire programmers whose expertise is consistent with the end product desired.

When writing and building an application, a business might choose to control the development of the IS by using the most commonly used tool known as SDLC (systems development life cycle). SDLC has five basic steps: feasibility and planning, systems analysis, systems design, implementation, and maintenance and review (Post & Anderson, 2006, p. 449). Other ways an organization can begin the development process includes prototyping, JAD or RAD, or open source development.

If an IS design is contracted out to specialists, wouldn’t it be feasible to “contract out” to a COP? Are there any known cases of this happening?

Post, G. V., & Anderson, D. L. (2006). Management Information Systems: Solving business problems with Information Technology. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.