Getting with the program
Grand Canyon University
Introduction to information systems
SYM603
Ken Bishop
June 23, 2010
Getting with the program
The Kids @ Risk Youth Counseling Center is a safe haven to the local children in a very rough neighborhood in Gary, Indiana. It first opened its doors to local children in 1997. The staff makes miracles happen daily and changes the lives of these children. One child, Eric E., was able to find his way to college because of the counseling received at the center. His uncle, John E., donated $500,000 for technology upgrades at the center as a sign of appreciation.
The center has six rooms, a reception area, a waiting room, and a bathroom. It is open from noon to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Currently the employee and client’s information are stored on paper in file cabinets in the business office. The receptionist writes all appointments in pencil on a calendar. At times multiple bookings occur. The center has an outdated fax machine, two typewriters, and a multi-lined phone system. It is time for an update.
The center requested IT Solutions, Inc. to quote an upgrade that will utilize the existing facility, take less than six months to implement, and cost less than $500,000. The solution is to be installed in all six rooms, the reception area, and waiting room. It must satisfy the director, two full time counselors, four part time administrative assistants, and eight part time counselors.
The traditional information system development life cycle consists of the following steps (O’Brien & Marakas, 2008, p. 378):
➢ Systems investigation is used to determine how to address the business opportunities and priorities. A project management plan is created and management approval is obtained.
➢ Systems analysis is used to analyze the information needs of the stakeholders and users. The functional requirements of a system is developed that can meet business priorities....