Systems Analysis and Design with UML, 4th Edition

CHAPTER 12

CONSTRUCTION

This chapter discusses the activities needed to successfully build an information system: programming, testing and documenting the system. Programming is time consuming and costly, but except in unusual circumstances, it is the simplest for the systems analyst because it is well understood. For this reason, the systems analyst focuses on testing (proving that the system works as designed) and developing documentation.

OBJECTIVES

• Be familiar with the system construction process
• Understand different types of tests and when to use them
• Understand how to develop documentation

CHAPTER OUTLINE

1. Introduction
2. Managing Programming
   1. Assigning Programmers
   2. Coordinating Activities
   3. Managing the Schedule
   4. Cultural Issues
3. Designing Tests
   1. Testing and Object Orientation
   2. Test Planning
   3. Unit Tests
   4. Integration Tests
   5. System Tests
   6. Acceptance Tests
4. Developing Documentation
   1. Types of Documentation
   2. Designing Documentation Structure
   3. Writing Documentation Topics
   4. Identifying Navigation Terms
5. Applying the Concepts at CD Selections
6. Summary

INTRODUCTION

When people first learn about developing information systems, they usually think immediately about writing programs. Programming can be the largest single component of any systems development project in terms of time and cost. However, it also can be the best understood component and therefore—except in rare circumstances—offers the fewest problems of all aspects of system development. When projects fail, it is usually not because ...