The Systems Development Life Cycle: Planning and Scoping

The first phase of the systems development life cycle is the planning phase. During this phase, a detailed IT plan is created. This plan addresses the strategic needs of the organization. In the next phase, the scoping phase, the goals and objectives of the new system are clearly defined. The scoping phase include the following tasks:

1. Determine how the new system will affect the organization.
2. Assemble the project team—the project team will consist of managers, IT specialists and every person who will be involved in developing the new system.
3. Conduct a feasibility study—compare the costs and benefits of the new system, and determine whether it is possible to complete from both a time aspect and a technological aspect.
4. Develop a project plan—the project plan should include a complete list of the project team members, a preliminary budget, and a schedule. The project plan is a living document and will grow and change as the new system is developed.

Proper planning is an essential step in developing a new system. During the planning phase, it is important to coordinate the system plan with the strategic goals of the organization.