H14 APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT

Students should have a working knowledge of the IMIS Code of Professional Conduct and be able to understand and apply the ethical and legal concepts contained therein.

By a single 3 hour externally set examination paper.

1. To equip students with the ability to lead a team towards the successful development and implementation of a computer supported business application.

2. To have knowledge of the tools and techniques required for the analysis and design of a business function and the ability to apply this knowledge to the standards required by their employer.

1. Have the ability to initiate and control change. Design and implement information systems to comply with business strategy and the organisational framework.

2. Be able to manage an Applications Development Project.

3. Be able to apply the Systems Development Life Cycle in developing and Applications Development Project. Be able to develop a Functional Specification into a detailed physical design. Be able to manage the successful implementation of a new system.

4. Identify controls to ensure that system outputs are complete, accurate, authorised and auditable.

5. Be able to recognise the opportunities offered in using prototyping, Rapid Applications Development Techniques and CASE Tools.

6. Be able to manage, maintain and control the operations of an existing system.

Identify and manage required organisational change, organisational culture. Initiate an Applications Development Project. Develop a suitable strategy for the development of an application. Allocate project roles and responsibilities.

Initiate, develop and complete a project. Application of the principles of project management and control. Plan, monitor and control a project using appropriate project management techniques. Use of network analysis diagrams, Gantt charts and Bar charts. Application of risk management. Specification, control and assurance of quality. Purpose and conduct of a structured walkthough. Application of team leadership. Planning and conduct of successful meetings. Need for a business case and the ability to justify it using cost/benefit analysis invoicing e.g. discounted cash flow techniques. Management of end user training.

Terms of Reference

Fact finding and recording

Analysis

User Requirements

Functional Specification

Design

Development

Implementation

Project completion and handover to User, Support and Production.

Purpose and conduct of a Post Implementation Review.

Controls and securities issues. Purpose and requirements of the Audit Function. Requirements of data protection legislation.

Use of prototyping in an Applications Development environment. Use of Rapid Applications Development Techniques. Use of CASE Tools and other automated Tools for Applications Development.

Management and control of an existing application. Management and control of changes and amendments to an existing application.