This topic is intended to give students an understanding of the underlying theory of project management as well as an opportunity to plan, design and implement an information system that has a purpose. The chosen information system implemented in project work should be drawn from:

•       a database information system

•       a communication system

•       a transaction processing system

•       a decision support system

•       an automated manufacturing system

•       a multimedia system.

The construction of the information system will follow the stages detailed in the Preliminary topic Developing Information Systems. Other system development methods have been included beyond the traditional methods. One large project or a number of smaller projects may be undertaken in the course. If smaller projects are undertaken, they need to occur over a significant amount of time and involve sustained work. Project(s) should allow students to see the information system in its full context. Students should identify the purpose for the information system, the participants, data/information and information technology that work with the information processes.

In this chapter we first examine techniques for managing projects. We then introduce system development and work through the stages of the system development lifecycle (SDLC), namely; understanding the problem, planning, design, implementing and finally testing, evaluating and maintaining the system. Clearly in this course we are concerned with the development of information systems, however many of the project management tasks and processes we shall examine are common to all types of projects and systems. For example the traditional structured approach to system development mirrors the strategy used for most other engineering projects. However, information systems are significantly and fundamentally different to most other engineering projects and hence new and different methods of development are possible and appropriate. In the Preliminary course we focussed on the traditional approach to system development, in the HSC course we introduce other development approaches, such as outsourcing, prototyping, customisation, end-user and agile development. These approaches can be used in isolation or combined and integrated to suit the specific needs of each project.

 Project work requirements are described in the Course Structure on page 9.

 Project Management   (20%)

• Techniques for managing a project
• Understanding the problem
• Planning
• Designing solutions
• Implementing
• Testing, evaluating and maintaining

Outcomes

A student:

• H1.1 applies and explains an understanding of the nature and function of information technologies to a specific practical situation

• H1.2 explains and justifies the way in which information systems relate to information processes in a specific context 

• H2.1 analyses and describes a system in terms of the information processes involved 

• H2.2 develops and explains solutions for an identified need which address all of the information processes 

• H3.1 evaluates and discusses the effect of information systems on the individual, society and the environment 

• H3.2 demonstrates and explains ethical practice in the use of information systems, technologies and processes 

• H4.1 proposes and justifies ways in which information systems will meet emerging needs 

• H5.1 justifies the selection and use of appropriate resources and tools to effectively develop and manage projects 

• H5.2 assesses the ethical implications of selecting and using specific resources and tools, recommends and justifies the choices 

• H6.1 analyses situations, identifies needs, proposes and then develops solutions 

• H6.2 selects, justifies and applies methodical approaches to planning, designing or implementing solutions 

• H7.1 implements and explains effective management techniques 

• H7.2 uses methods to thoroughly document the development of individual and team projects.