System Architecture and Managing Systems Implementation

Overview

During implementation, the system design specification serves as a blueprint for developing the new system. The initial task is application development, which requires systems analysts and programmers to work together to construct the necessary programs and code modules. Before a changeover, the system must be tested and documented carefully, users must be trained, and existing data must be converted. After the new system is operational, a formal evaluation of the results takes place as part of a final report to management.

Objectives

At the end of this week, you will be able to:

• Provide a checklist of issues to consider when selecting a system architecture.
• Trace the evolution of system architecture from mainframes to current designs.
• Explain client/server architecture.
• Describe the impact of the Internet on system architecture.
• Compare in-house e-commerce development with packaged solutions and service providers.
• Explain online and batch processing.
• Describe network models, including hierarchical, bus, ring, star, and mesh topologies.
• Explain network devices, including routers, gateways, and proxy servers.
• Describe wireless networking, including wireless standards, topologies, and trends.
• Explain the final activities in the systems design phase.
• Explain quality assurance and three techniques to help improve the finished product.
• Outline application development.
• Apply structured development.
• Apply object-oriented development.
• Apply agile development.
• Explain coding.
• Explain unit, integration, and system testing.
• Differentiate between program, system, operations, and user documentation.
• Explain the role of online documentation.
• Describe the five tasks involved in system installation.

Learning Activities

1. Read Module 10: System Architecture.
2. Work through Module 10 Appliance Warehouse Case.
3. Read Module 11: Managing Systems Implementation.
4. Work through Module 11 Appliance Wareshouse Case.

Assignments

1. Submit Module 10: Appliance Warehouse Case.
2. Submit Module 11: Appliance Warehouse Case.
3. Take the Module 10 Quiz.
4. Take the Module 11 Quiz.