Avoiding System Development Pitfalls in the IT Decision-Making Processes - Dissertation Example

?Avoiding System Development Pitfalls in the IT Decision Making Processes Dissertation Proposal Submitted to XXXXXX Graduate Faculty of the School of Business and Technology Management in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION by Walter M. Ingram Jr. XXXXX, XX Month Year Table of Contents Introduction 3 Introduction The historical evolution of computing information systems has been scrutinized with its stages and characteristics over time. The importance of categorizing the types of computing information systems exists in the resulting guidelines for diversity amongst methods and techniques required for system development. Likewise, a brief observation of these categorized characteristics of various applications, many categories have been projected. Sprague and Watson proposed the performance dimension of the systems can be categorized or can be divided in to four levels i.e. basic data processing systems, integrated data processing systems, management information systems and decision support systems (Hogue, 1985). However, the research and technology for the DSS continue to revolutionize and by 1996, Whinton and Holsapple proposed five particular types of DSS. These specialized DSS types were text-oriented DSS, database-oriented DSS, spread-sheet-oriented DSS, solver-oriented DSS, and rule-oriented DSS (Power,). Moreover, these last four DSS types were again divided into seven categories proposed by Arnott and Pervan (Burstein & Holsapple,). The seven categories are (Burstein & Holsapple,) personal DSS, group support systems, negotiation support systems, intelligent DSS, knowledge management-based DSS, executive information systems/business intelligence, and data warehousing. However, these sub categories overlaps with some of them but they introduced a diverse advancement of past research. Afterwards, these four levels were categorized as transaction processing systems (TPS), Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). Information Technology has revolutionized. Business organization dependent on information systems, cater information for decision making. The revolutionized information technology completely modified the business structure and the information required for decision making process. A term called strategic management focuses on building a powerful competitive advantage. It also involves the development of corporate strategy along with the management of the organization according to that strategy (Strategic management.2007). The BRAC university has launched a world class Integrated library system (ILS) (BRAC university launches integrated library system koha dhaka, bangladesh — koha - open source ILS - integrated library system). It is “an interrelated group of computer programs that automates multiple library operations” (Ebenezer, 2002). The ILS will redefine customer services by advance information technology services that will enhance the process of delivering both electronic information and printed documents. Keeping in mind the long term perspective, the strategic goals for the ILS are constructed as: The infrastructure of the library will be enhanced and well maintained Maximizing the access to the customers for the printed information resources (not digital). Maximizing access to the customer of digital information resources. Establishing strategic affiliation with other libraries locally and globally including schools, colleges and universities. Build learning environments in all accessible locations connected with the library. The strategic goals are to define the library’s strategic plan and as well as Information technology strategic plan. The current infrastructure has inadequate capacity, size and functionality which are not fulfilling user requirements. Current system has issues related to performance and functionality which is affecting the users. The system cannot be maintained as it needs to be re-designed. The decision for the replacement of the system was made because of these several factors mentioned below: The hardware capacity of the system reached The support for the hardware is discontinued from the vendor as the hardware is too old. The addition and upgrades to the software are inapplicable Software development and maintenance of modules and subsystems of the software is halted Maintenance of the systems is about to be discontinued from the vendor When the path of system growth becomes uncertain. The required functionality not available or not meeting current technological trends The process for replacing the current existing system should be conducted one year before to evaluate the situation of the current scenario. The new requirements will be specified in this time in order to implement the best system with all requirements met. The development of feasibility study for the budget allocation is also conducted in this period. A report should be presented to the higher management for the replacement of the library system along with the requirement analysis and feasibility study which will help the higher management to make a decision early. The last stage would be to obtain funds after the decision is made by the higher management. Planning and designing the project is necessary for a long term perspective. If the system has a well maintained design, it will cope up the current environment of the library without issues. The focus of this research will primarily concentrate on how government management can avoid pitfalls in information decisions concerning development and deployment. How government managers relate to business concepts enhances an organization’s growth. Business and Information technology can be very rewarding when utilized in the proper format. Managers and developers must work together, ensuring the completed product meets user needs. How can this concept be accomplished and user needs addressed? How managers and consumers utilize this technology has always been a questionable issue. This researches’ methodology is based on qualitative and interpretive characteristics. The qualitative methods, investigates emerging patterns, and the findings of research are contextual findings. The qualitative methods are defined in the work of Denzin and Lincoln (1994) as being research which "...is multi-method in focus, involving an interpretive naturalistic approach to its subject matter. It is this researcher’s belief that special and identifiable attributes should be studied by obtaining vast amounts of literature, surveys and case study documentation to identify and make viable determinations. Managers that understand business concepts can save their companies thousands in unwarranted errors. Managers that lack this attribute can cost companies millions. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can be very important in a companies’ overall expansion of new technologies. Agencies must seek out these highly skilled SMEs, and their skill sets to promote continued growth. Research will explore how education factors into the hiring process for business managers and other government personnel. This research has discovered there are special attributes for government managers in performing their duties and responsibilities. Lastly, these attributes distinguishes them for other business technology professionals. Abridge Literature Review The primary focus of this research paper will be how business management concepts and system development relates to the government decision making processes. This research will demonstrate why the development of business processes is extremely important when deploying new technologies. Patterns will be addressed and formatted into understandable tables. The paper will address how new technologies are extremely important in a versatile information driven world. Research will explore how managers address this global economic environment, and how it determines an agency’s success or failure. The researcher’s methodology is based on qualitative and interpretive characteristics. The qualitative investigates emerging patterns, and the findings of research are contextual findings. The qualitative methods are defined in the work of Denzin and Lincoln (1994) as being research which "...is multi-method in focus, involving an interpretive naturalistic approach to its subject matter. Qualitative methods include research and review of various empirical case studies. Also, experiential material are composed through means of interviews, observations, or even dealings and historical citations. This research used a traditional methodological means of inquiry into the exploration of a hypothesis or discovery of study materials. Although boundaries do exist in utilizing this methodology, the sheer magnitude of the findings of the research is believed to have prevailed over any limitations to the research performed (American Psychological Association, 2010). An empirical research was conducted in the early stages of the DSS evolution by (Goul, Shane, & Tonge, 1986) that was designed to calculate the impact of a DSS focusing on the strategic decision making phase. Likewise, the DSS was developed with a knowledge base that was intended to enhance user exposure for adequate theoretical models. The results from the empirical research revealed the level of success precisely highlighting the initial stages of recognition, problem identification and the final choices that were made by the decision makers. However, the study has constraints by the natural processes of the theoretical models utilized within the DSS. The empirical research has not focused broadly on the impact made by decision making on unstructured domains. A study was conducted on Building decision support problem domain ontology from natural language requirements for software assurance by (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). The significant functions like communication, data processing and computing is now highly supported via software-intensive systems. Therefore, the stringent regulatory Certification and Accreditation ‘C&A’ standards require various reliabilities regarding safety, security, performance, accessibility, and stability (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). The purpose of the stringent regulatory C&A standards is to ensure the establishment of the qualified requirements related to the targeted system. In addition, it is also required to meet the needs that can help in the continuity of the system lifecycle. Conversely, it is not easy to accomplish such goals due to the complications related to the software-intensive systems that are based on the long process of certifications as, well as examination of C&A standards. The software-intensive system delineates as the group of mutually dependent systems that are held together in order to convince the operational environment (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). Moreover, the operational environment of miscellaneous socio-technical is based on the numerous perspectives for example special semantic concepts related to the purpose and function of systems. Thus in order to recognize the penalties for the non-functioning C&A necessities several actions that can help in decision making regarding software behavior must be taken. The decision will enhance the scope, implementation techniques and analysis of software-intensive systems. Furthermore, this will also support in understanding the difficulties related to the functions, perceptions, and their interdependencies in objective, traceable, repeatable, and modifiable ways to deliver valuable perceptions into these decision topics. The procedures that are included in the infrastructure-centric standard C&A are mostly endorsed via authorized documents manifolds. In addition, the documents explain the different problems at different levels of the system (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). The C&A requirements are specified in the natural language that describes the regulations regarding different levels in the organization. Moreover, the factor that defines the socio-technical environment makes the C&A procedures difficult in terms of objectivity, repeatability and adjustability (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). As, a result C&A procedures cost a lot more. The major problems throughout the Department of Defense Information Technology Security C&A Process (DITSCAP) are the difficulty in understanding and implementing the concepts. Likewise, these issues direct towards the collapse in communication among stakeholders, non-standard implementations and subjective interpretations in the non-functional security environment (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). By extracting, representing and determining the issues and their concepts that are defined in natural language we can resolve the problems. However, throughout the DITSCAP a significant decision making is needed in order to resolve the determined issues between the stakeholders. The ontological engineering techniques are utilized that are determined via theoretical RE foundations. This will help in to specify the major issues through extracting, representing and determining the concepts behind the problems throughout the C&A procedures (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). Therefore, in this article various points are exhibited in order to describe the methodology behind the decision making. The domain ontology (PDO) incorporates various natural language requirements. In addition, it also comprises domain information that is based on the format presented by the ontological engineering procedures. This article includes the various domains specifications such as a comprehensive application that consist of methodology that represent DITSCAP. The above mentioned example stimulates various domains that are independent heuristics for extracting and representing the issues and the concepts behind the problems (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). It also includes the requirements that are detached from various sources. The software requirements that are needed in the field of engineering and related to the extraction of the domain issues are discussed in this study. Information is available in order to understand the DITSCAP functions and its objectives for its automation (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). The research demonstrates the information essential for understanding DITSCAP along with its objectives for automation. Moreover, the rationale approach defined in the research highlights a step by step method for capturing the model for analyzing DITSCAP security requirements, associated domain knowledge, system criteria and their associated dependencies and to manage the DITSCAP problem domain that establishes a decision support PDO (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). In order to capture the goals of the real environment for the function of constraints for a software system, worldwide adopted modeling methods of goal-driven approaches, viewpoints driven approaches, scenario based approaches and other associated methods have been established. In order to select any one of these methods, single selection often confines the objective of analyzing and organizing the problem domain established on a limited modeling sets and tools that may not be adequate for the various constraints and characteristics required for the decision making process associated with software intensive systems (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). However, for catering the needs of the model, research is apprehended on the problem domain for combining the non-functional and functional aspects of the system. The research identified the Language Extended Lexicon (LEL) approach aids the induction and demonstration of concepts built on natural language process (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). For mission critical systems, formal methods have been considered for providing the evidence of the overall system to function as per requirements. However, formal approaches are not cost-effective and lack to gain confidence or consensus between stakeholders. Whereas, constructed on the Unified Modeling Language (UML), conceptual modeling techniques are more specific in their approach and behavior apart from analyzing the problem domain. However, studies highlighted that every conceptual model technique comes with its own benefits, as the option for selecting the relevant technique must be chosen wisely. Lastly, (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006) recommended an ontological modeling process, as it may not become more specific that may unable to address key objectives required for software systems. Likewise, this model will address a long range of characteristics and limitations along with stakeholder facilitation (Lee, Muthurajan, & Gandhi, 2006). The DSS incorporates a framework that applies and capture non algorithmic information in the decision making procedure. The knowledge based systems have a capability of potentially organizing and synthesizing different types of information and knowledge. Likewise, there is a possibility to concentrate and apply dissimilar possibilities of research for getting answers of difficult questions and link the quantitative data, simulation models and research results in a sole knowledge based model associated with ‘how complex decisions can be made’ (Balaji, 2010). Likewise, DSS executes techniques incorporating evaluation criteria and interpretation of the results along with transforming the investment evaluation functions in an efficient and logical manner (Balaji, 2010). DSS has the capability of defining the decision making process at every phase, as it provides confidence for the user in the investment evaluation. A study was conducted on Systems Analysis and Design for Decision Support Systems on Economic Feasibility of Projects by (Balaji, 2010), where certainty factors and combination formula was utilized in the DSS model for assessing the feasibility of the project. Likewise, the aim of the DSS was to provide these functions (Balaji, 2010): Have the ability to imitate human thought and reasoning Make modification of knowledge very convenient Ability of interpretation and transparency makes interaction more user friendly With the machine learning technique, knowledge can be acquired automatically and directly from experimental data and real time examples Provide expert level recommendations understandable to users Have the ability to handle uncertain information The result of the study concluded information associated with the economic feasibility on the projects that are initiated. Moreover, several economic theories required for the development of the DSS system were comprehensively demonstrated along with the data dictionary that is utilized for the input and output files. Furthermore, various algorithms were utilized for the program developments were also illustrated. A study by (Asemi, Safari, & Zavareh, 2011) on The Role of Management Information System (MIS) and Decision Support System (DSS) for Manager’s Decision Making Process states that Management Information system is reliable in terms of classifying and recognizing issues that aids management to take a closer look and make adequate and informed decisions. Together, MIS is not developed for assisting or helping a precise or specific situation of an individual or assisting in group based decision making. In contrast, DSS is constructed to address the specific requirements of an individual or group managers (Asemi, Safari, & Zavareh, 2011). Consequently, DSS is more powerful interms of an MIS and can address the decision making process efficiently. However, there are some constraints that may force to eliminate some of the steps for the decision making process, as it is important to remove and add the required steps. Problem Statement The focus of this research was primarily concentrated on how government managers can avoid pitfalls in information decisions concerning development and deployment. The following research will also cover these approaches and how various agencies implement management decision support systems (DSS). Everyone would agree DSS should be utilized in the decision making process. The problem arises because not everyone agrees when or how DSS methods should be used. For example; the way government agencies view network development and deployment are totally different. Mr. Ghasemzadeh found during his research that due to resource limitations there are usually constraints such as finance, work force, and facilities or equipment, to be considered. His research also suggested resource limitations are not always formally included in the project selection process (Ghasemzadeh, Archer & Iyogun, 2012). How managers view their strategic goals and concepts is also very important. Problems arise when managers are faced with decisions which require insight into developing these systems strategically. Research has discovered it is important to measure performance with problems of different size. This is an important variable, especially when problems are to be solved by groups of management decision-makers, and meeting time is a very scarce commodity. Larger problems are likely to take much longer to solve manually than with DSS support, directly affecting how many alternative choices can be examined, with a resulting impact on decision quality (Ghasemzadeh, Archer & Iyogun, 2012). Government executives must be involved in every aspect of the organization’s development, and group initiatives in planning, marketing, implementation, development and so forth. Agencies sometimes build systems in segments, which hinders network functionality. How agencies govern these functions is very important in their overall development. Agencies must understand and develop training, oversight, budgetary foresight and realizing early that strategy is a key to IT development, and success. Some agencies lack sound strategic planning, which promotes IT development as an essential part of their overall success. Innovative agencies attract skilled SMEs to develop their new technologies. Other agencies develop fix it quick concepts, and strategic planning that lack IT depth and vision. This research will primarily focus on agencies that develop strategic plans, which also involves SMEs input into developmental concepts concerning these new technologies. These policies and procedural practices will enhance a company’s growth and development. By implementation of effective policies, patterns will develop to ensure objectives are achieved. This research will implore other government agencies to mirror these strategies and policies to enhance IT development success. Private sector managers have long ago embraced these concepts. This research will demonstrate the connection concerning private sector growth and government sector responsibility. The private sector focuses on profits and governments focuses on public trust. Mangers must adapt and understand these functions are similar in contrast (Belford, 2010). Information technology can be very rewarding when utilized in the proper format. How managers and consumers utilize this technology has always been a questionable issue. For an example, consumers look at computers as a luxury, employers on the other hand look at computers as tools (Gray, 2006). This difference of viewpoints can lead to varying differences in strategies and concepts. There are primary concerns in the development of any new system. Managers that understand these developmental issues in advance can save their companies thousands in unwarranted errors. Managers at that lack this attribute can cost companies millions. This research will also demonstrate agencies that grasp these concepts, seek out highly skilled SMEs and utilize their skill sets to their advantage in IT development (Gray, 2006). Moreover, the initial stages of constructing a strategic business plan emphasize on identification issues and environmental audit. Likewise, these undertakings are associated with a comparison of the organization’s current state with the desired state of the business along with the identification of gaps between them. After identifying the gaps, it eventually becomes the point of interest for the residue associated with planning undertakings. For enhancing the ability of the decision maker’s recognition for strategic issues and prospects for consequently identifying the gaps, it will be an appropriate challenge for the DSS. However, DSS currently are configured and utilized for assisting in planning and controlling activities. For instance, DSS designed for Gotaas Larson Shipping Corporation do not contribute in the initial stages of planning (Goul, Shane, & Tonge, 1986). Likewise, after identification of issues and problems, the computing systems have contributed towards the operational domain. There are empirical studies available that reflects the functionality of a knowledge based DSS focusing on performance in the issue identification or recognition stages of the strategic planning phase (Goul, Shane, & Tonge, 1986). Purpose Statement The primary focus of this research paper will be how business management concepts and system development relates to the government decision making processes. The research will focus on examining the failures in the government sectors concerning Decision Support Systems (DSS) utilization and implementation. The research will interview several managers and technical professionals. The researcher’s methodology is based on qualitative and interpretive characteristics. This research will demonstrate why the development of business processes is extremely important when deploying new technologies. Technical professionals will be interviewed concerning how DSS can help support in their decision making process. Mangers will be interviewed concerning how Executive Information Systems (EIS) can assist them in the same process. The interviews will demonstrate how EIS management information systems help top executives analyze, compare and understand concepts, and identify problems. Research will reinforce through interviews and analysis how subject Matter Experts (SMEs) is bound by a certain ability to comprehend the complex nature of IT systems development and advancement. All these requirements are essential in developing a productive system. This research used a traditional methodological means of inquiry into the exploration of a hypothesis or discovery of study materials (DCHSB, 2006). The proper evaluation of these concerns is important in avoiding business pitfalls in the long-run. Gathering information is another key element of systems analysis in conjunction with interviews, and input from project sponsors. There are numerous comprehensive intelligence analysis tools. Research has discovered the following; competitor profiles, financial analysis, SWOT analysis, Win/loss analysis, conjoint analysis and simulation. For example; research uncovered Dane County Human Service (DCHS) decision to cut their budget hindered other initiatives like incentive based awards. The research discovered one single figure was not necessarily the problem. It could be placed on DCHS’s executive for she made the majority of the decisions for the agency. The implementation of a proper SWOT or financial analysis could have prevented this misfortune. Other factors also contributed to the mishap like employees within the organization, clients, and potential candidates. The problem can also be directly related to the world economic situation, but also poor planning (DCHSB, 2006). The main focus doing these times should be organizations ability to prioritize their needs accordingly. These factors are crucial to their survival during times of a deficit. These are only a few of well documented analysis tools information technology managers utilize to analyze new technologies. Research factors will identify how end users are important to managers and developers. How agencies should address budgetary issues early in the process. Lastly, how IT systems and management’s involvement is paramount to IT developmental success (Dennis, Wixom & Roth, 2006). Research Questions How strategic decision making via DSS helps to avoid pitfalls? Why DSS? Type of DSS for IT decision making? How to take informed decisions during specific or group based approach How to align DSS to the need of group based decision making Summary The introduction incorporates a comprehensive discussion of the DSS history along with its different types, categorization and sub-categorization. Moreover, a discussion on specialized DSS is also illustrated. The introduction also includes an example of a University incorporating strategic management system along with its strategic goals and requirements. The literature review incorporated An empirical research was conducted in the early stages of the DSS evolution A study was conducted on Building decision support problem domain ontology from natural language requirements for software assurance Systems Analysis and Design for Decision Support Systems on Economic Feasibility of Projects The Role of Management Information System (MIS) and Decision Support System (DSS) for Manager’s Decision Making Process References American Psychological Association, (2010), Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed.) Asemi, A., Safari, A., & Zavareh, A. A. (2011). The role of management information system (MIS) and decision support system (DSS) for manager's decision making process. International Journal of Business & Management, 6(7), 164-173. Belford, C. (2010), Corporate Business strategy for IT crucial, Report on Business: Technology; Electronic Executive, 15, Retrieved May 21, 2012, from: http://www.lexisnexis.com.proxy1.ncu.edu Burstein, F., & Holsapple, C. W.Handbook on decision support systems 1: Basic themes (international handbooks on information systems) Springer. BRAC university launches integrated library system koha dhaka, bangladesh — koha - open source ILS - integrated library system Retrieved 12/8/2010, 2010, from http://koha.org/news/inaugural-ceremony-of-library-automation-system-koha Balaji, S. A. (2010). Systems analysis and design for decision support systems on economic feasibility of projects. AIP Conference Proceedings, 1324(1), 12-18. doi:10.1063/1.3526174 Budgets, (2012). Human Services Rewards Systems Analysis, Retrieved May 21, 2012, from Dane County, Wisconsin Government: http://www.countyofdane.com Dennis, A., Wixom, B. H., & Roth, R. M. (2006), Systems Analysis & Design. Hoboken, NJ., John Wiley & Sons Inc. Ebenezer, C. (2002). Trends in integrated library systems VINE, 32(4), 19 45. doi:10.1108/03055720210471139 Goul, M., Shane, B., & Tonge, F. M. (1986). Using a knowledge-based decision support system in strategic planning decisions: An empirical study. Journal of Management Information Systems, 2(4), 70-84. Ghasemzadeh, F., Archer N.P, & Iyogun, P. (2012), A Zero-One ILP Model for Project Portfolio Selection and Scheduling, Journal of the Operational Research Society, p745-755. Gray, P., (2006), Manager’s Guide to Making Decisions about Information Systems. Hoboken, N.J., John Wiley & Sons Inc. Hogue, J. T. (1985). Decision support systems and the traditional computer information system function: An examination of relationships during DSS application development. Journal of Management Information Systems, 2(1), 33-38. Keller, (2012), The Pitfalls of Meta-Systems and Business Rules. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from Generali Office Service and Consulting: http://www.objectarchitects.de Lee, S., Muthurajan, D., & Gandhi, R. A. (2006). Building decision support problem domain ontology from natural language requirements for software assurance INT’L JOURNAL ON SOFTWARE ENGG KNOWLEDGE ENGG, 16, 851; 851-884; -884. Minutes of the Meeting of The Dane County Human Services Board. (2006). Retrieved May 18, 2010, from County Of Dane: http://www.countyofdane.com/pdfdocs/minutes/hn20060511.pdf Power, D.Decision support systems: Concepts and resources for managers Quorum Books. Strategic management. (2007). Bloomsbury Business Library - Business & Management Dictionary, , 7129-7129. Schermerborn, J. R., Hunt, J. D., & Osborn, R. N. (2008). Organizational Behavior. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Testimony by Paul Yochum at Human Services. (2012). Retrieved May 17, 2010, from Arc of Dance County: http://www.arcdanecounty.org/humanservtestimony.html Read More