The Software Development Life Cycle - Planning
05 Nov 2021What is the planning phase? (phase)
The planning phase is concerned with the (what) activities e.g. research and use of data to (why) get factors (reasons, informations, features, functions, operations) behind a software’s expected success ending with a decision for or against developing the software.
The following activities are done in the planning phase 1:
- Gather information for a software system proposal e.g. problem definition, organizational objectives, limitations in existing solutions, study of end-user needs, etc
- Define the expected software systems properties and functions
- Propose high-level solutions approach (is solution feasible?), select the most favorable, and analyze the trade-offs involved i.e. gains, losses
- Create documents which guide the software projects operation, timeline, risks e.g. Project management plan, Feasibility study, Risk management plan etc
- Validate assumptions made e.g. does a market indeed exist for this software solution
- Make a decision to continue or abandon project using all the findings, and data acquired
Why plan software development? (high-quality software)
[2 c1]
- Reduce the risk of developing failed software i.e. ensure intended software fulfills organizational objectives and meets user needs
- Enable an informed decision for or against further investment in a software project
- Specify the ideal software requirements which are essential for a software project’s success
- Identify and resolve conflicts between similar or opposing requirements
- Reduce issues associated with lack of planning such as budget creep, time creep, scope creep etc
- Specify the scope/limitations of the software project
Where do I plan the development of software? (controlled environments)
- Location: physical, online or hybrid meetings, events, collaborations
- In the environment, where a stakeholder is located in [2 c1]
- In the environment, where individuals who may use the proposed software are located [2 c1]
When do I plan to develop software? (design and development session)
- During the start of a new project i.e. when an individual, corporate entity, or government having observed a want or need are interested in mitigating or resolving that need through the use of a software system
- During any phase in the SDLC project i.e. when a want or need is identified to alter any activity, result, document created in the planning phase
How do I plan the development of software? i.e. methodology
[2 c1]
- Project management process:
- In a sequential methodology such as Waterfall, planning phase is a one-off activity
- In an iterative methodology such as Agile, Prototype, planning phase is a concurrent process
- In an hybrid methodology, planning phase is both a sequential and a concurrent phase
- Persons: Stakeholders, users who are directly involved with the project
- Tools: Create documents, use already existing document templates, and update existing documents
- Technique: Observe the way and environment in which the proposed software may be used