The Planning phase is the first and one of the most critical stages of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
- It serves as the foundation for the entire development process, aiming to determine whether a new or improved system is needed and if it is feasible to build.
Purpose of the Planning Phase:
- The main purpose of the planning phase is to ensure that only those projects that are valuable, feasible, and aligned with organizational strategies are approved and initiated.
- This helps organizations avoid investing resources in projects that are unlikely to succeed or deliver meaningful benefits.
Identifying and Selecting Systems Development Projects:
The process begins with identifying opportunities where new systems can be introduced or existing systems can be improved.
- These opportunities can arise due to operational inefficiencies, regulatory changes, outdated technology, or strategic business goals. Employees, managers, IT staff, or external consultants may propose such projects.
Selecting Systems Development Projects:
Once potential projects are identified, they are evaluated and prioritized based on several factors such as:
- Cost and budget constraints
- Expected benefits (e.g., increased efficiency, cost savings, competitive advantage)
- Technical feasibility
- Risk factors
- Resource availability
- Time constraints
- Alignment with long-term business goals
The outcome of this step is a list of approved and prioritized projects, and for each selected project, a baseline project plan is created. This includes preliminary timelines, cost estimates, resource needs, and key deliverables.
