Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Freezing Design Specifications
Near the end of the design stage, some organizations prohibit further changes in the design
of the system. Freezing systems design specifications means that the user agrees in writing
that the design is acceptable. (See Figure 13.8.) Other organizations, however, allow or even
encourage design changes. These organizations often use agile or rapid systems development
approaches, introduced in Chapter 12.
Figure 13.8
High
Freezing Design Specifications
Freezing
design
specifications
Number of
changes
Low
Time
The Contract
One of the most important steps in systems design is to develop a good contract if new
computer facilities are being acquired. Finding the best terms where everyone makes a profit
can be difficult. Most computer vendors provide standard contracts; however, such contracts
are designed to protect the vendor, not necessarily the organization buying the computer
equipment. Some organizations include penalty clauses in the contract, in case the vendor
does not meet its obligation by the specified date. Typically, the request for proposal becomes
part of the contract. This saves a considerable amount of time in developing the contract,
because the RFP specifies in detail what is expected from the vendors.
The Design Report
System specifications are the final results of systems design. They include a technical de-
scription that details system outputs, inputs, and user interfaces as well as all hardware,
software, databases, telecommunications, personnel, and procedure components and the way
these components are related. The specifications are contained in a design report , which is
the primary result of systems design. The design report reflects the decisions made for systems
design and prepares the way for systems implementation. The contents of the design report
are summarized in Figure 13.9.
design report
The primary result of systems
design, reflecting the decisions
made and preparing the way for
systems implementation.
 
 
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