Perspectives of Information Systems Projects - Research Paper Example

The terms systems analysis and design, databases, networking, programming and the web may apply to business organizations, public institutions and projects. This paper will define and discuss these terms from the perspectives of information systems projects and the role each plays in the field. Because of their interrelated nature, each of these aspects may be handled by different specialist teams, although some may be mandated to the same team (Meyer, 2000). A well-planned application of each of them contributes to the success of a project.

Systems analysis and design is the process that analyzes designs and executes improvements in user support and the functioning of an information system using computerized systems (Ulrich & Eppinger, 2000). The analysis attempts to understand systematic data flow and how humans input, transform and store data and access information in an organization’s context. The process of defining the components, architecture, modules, data and interfaces for a system to meet specified needs comprises systems design (Ulrich & Eppinger, 2000). Installing systems without proper plans results in dissatisfied users, and the system is often abandoned after short usage. Together, systems analysis and design work in overlap to lend structure to information systems and determine what changes need to be applied or how a new one may be implemented (Ulrich & Eppinger, 2000).

Databases are structured and designed to collect data while offering organized machinery for managing, storing, analyzing and retrieving information (Connolly & Begg, 2002). This is achieved by using tables prearranged to model appropriate aspects of the project being undertaken in a manner supporting the processes using this information. The role of databases in projects is compiling, categorizing and interpreting data. All information used by the project managers, including the research they conduct, is centrally stored in the database for ease of access by users and developers. Databases also play a key role in identifying international trends (Connolly & Begg, 2002).

Programming entails designing, documenting, trying, debugging as well as maintaining source codes for computer programs (Meyer, 2000). A reliable process of programming aims to produce a software solution that is efficient and can be developed when the project dictates the need. It should be usable, portable, easily maintained and able to anticipate errors occurring from inappropriate, corrupt or incorrect data. The role of programming in projects is to create sets of instructions for use by computers to carry out specified instructions and display desired behaviours. Programming also saves the efforts of other teams in the project by automating the processes which would otherwise have been conducted manually (Meyer, 2000).

Networking is the linking and interconnecting of groups of computers and hardware through communication channels thus allowing users to share information, files and resources such as printers (Tanenbaum, 2006). Within the network, relevant files may be selected for sharing between concerned users and departments. In a project, networking merges different departments and even office buildings. The needless distinction of common tools that collect, process, store or transmit information is eliminated when networks are deployed. Barriers to information held on separate computers and systems are also overcome, creating a borderless information and communication environment (Tanenbaum, 2006). It is only through networking that all the other aspects of running a project are held together. The project also benefits by saving costs that would have been used to equip each department with its resources, which duplicates purchases.

The World Wide Web is an application that runs on the Internet (Stallings, 2004). It is a system made up of interlinked internet servers supporting hypertext documents and is accessed through the internet. Web pages are easily accessible via web browsers. Numerous protocols exist on a single website. The web’s protocols provide many individual sets of rules that allow man and machine to communicate on the internet. Through them, users can transmit hypertext, emails and voice over the internet. This makes coordinating and managing a project simple because the web gathers the protocols into an incorporated graphical system able to work with advanced and multimedia programs. The web plays a key role in creating a global database (Stallings, 2004). The volume of available information is enormous and grows fast. It can deliver any format of information on a vast range of platforms. A project can gather information on customers, competitors and technology providers through the web. Although the information resides on many platforms, the web handles the retrieving, moving and presenting of the required information. Web browsers provide project managers with a tried client that significantly cuts testing times without extra effort. They have simplified internet access by availing interactive conferences, electronic mail and network news that contribute input to a project. The web carries the added advantages of supporting multimedia, is based on conventions and utilizes the same tools of the internet but hides unnecessary details (Stallings, 2004).