Introduction to Information Systems Models and Methodologies - High Level Models and Methodologies for Information Systems - page 4

The discussion of paradigms and approaches is important because it allows to
determine a broader context for different IS development practices and provides
them with a position within the frameworks of systems analysis and general social
sciences. On the other hand, this also allows for a better understanding of how
principles of general scienti

c paradigms can improve systems development (Iivari

et al. 1998 ).
Paradigms established through research are intimately connected with systems
development in practice. A paradigm does not constitute a methodology for prac-
tical interpretation. However, existing examples in practice are the fundamental
drive behind the de

nition and further research of these paradigms. An existing
system becomes part of a body of knowledge that can further fuel the body of
research. But that system can also gain from the existing body of research, by
adopting certain of its principles. Therefore, for some authors, systems development
provides researchers with the necessary component of experience that can further
the advancement of research (Nunamaker et al. 1991 ). Thus, it can be asserted that
paradigms are useful tools that can aid in the process of systems development, by
providing simple frameworks that can be identi ed with the organization ' s culture

and goals.

1.3 IS Development Life Cycles

A system development life cycle (SDLC) is a framework oriented toward the
description of the sequence of activities or stages that a given product goes through
between its conception and its implementation or acceptance. Generally, all projects
go through these stages, but there are numerous different models of SDLC that are
more or less appropriate to particular types of project. The developers have to
pinpoint the characteristics of their project and figure which of the SDLC models is

more useful for their situation (Massey and Satao 2012 ).
The concept of SDLC emerged as a framework for software development in the
late 1960s, particularly oriented toward large-scale developments under traditional
methodologies. However, it has since then evolved to become a general concept for
systems development of any kind, including IS (Patterson 2004 ). Some life cycle
models have also attempted to break from the rigid structure of initial concepts and
approach the more

flexible agile methodology.
SDLC can be divided into two generic types. First, there are the waterfall-type
models, thus named due to the seminal work of Royce ( 1970 ) who outlined an
SDLC model of successive stages sequenced downward like the flow of a waterfall

(see Fig. 1.2 ). This model essentially presented the ideal strategy for a development
project, by outlining some principles of good practices, such as design before
coding, rigorous documentation of each stage, and appropriate planning (Munassar
and Govardhan 2010 ). It described the development project in a sequence that can
be summarized in

five steps: analysis, design, coding, testing, and implementation
(Balaji and Murugaiyan 2012 ). It is, essentially, a description of a product ' s