Question

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Managing Director (MD) of Illustrious Limited recently had the following conversation regarding the development of a new information system for the company: CIO: The way to go about the analysis is to first examine the old system, such as reviewing key documents and observing the workers performing their tasks. Then we can determine which aspects are working well and which should be preserved. MD: We have been through these types of projects before, and what always ends up happening is that we do not get the new system we are promised. Instead we get a modified version of the old system. CIO: I can assure you that will not happen this time. My team just want a thorough understanding of what is working well and what is not. MD: I would feel much more comfortable if we first started with a list of our requirements. We should spend more time in determining what exactly we want the system to do upfront. Then your team can come in and determine what portions to salvage if you wish. Just don’t constrain us to the old system! Required: a) The CIO and MD have different views on how the system analysis should be performed. Comment on whose position you sympathise with the most. (6 marks, maximum 200 words) b) What method would you recommend to Illustrious Limited for system analysis? Explain. (4 marks, maximum 150 words)

Answer 1

a) In my views, the viewpoint of MD is more relatable. Usually in companies, whenever there is a need for change, the existing process is analyzed and the pain points are identied. The new system is a mere modication of the existing system. However the specic needs of the stakeholders are not entirely fullled. The MD is requesting a requirement gathering and analysis from the scratch so that the primary stakeholders share their needs, requirements as well as inhibitions. In the requirement analysis process, the CIO and his team will be able to make out what is working well for the company and what was not. If the CIO and his team, rst assess the current process, their thought process will get aligned to the pain points and correcting the existing system. They will not be building the syste, with a fresh perspective. A new system can be developed satisfying the needs of the stakeholders. This will be a win-win situation for everyone. Hence the viewpoint of MD is more logical and relatable.

b) The most logical and comprehensive method of system analysis in the given case, is as follows:

• Requirement gathering from the primary stakeholders: The primary stakeholders using the system, must be asked about their specic needs and requirements. The constraints identied by the stakeholders must also be considered.
• Understanding the current system and the pain points: The current system can be analysed based on requirement gathering and pain points of current system could be highlighted.
• Coming up with a new system which is a win-win for all: The new system, must primarily satisfy the stakeholder requirements
• Presenting the system blueprint to the stakeholders and getting majority approval
• Develop and Implement the system: The development of the system can be done using agile sprint-wise methodology
• Monitor and control the system: The implemented system must be observed to check for performance deviations. Specic interventions can be implemented to keep deviations in check.