Management Information systems – Assignments

1. Prepared by Manohar M. M. Iyer
Ref. No. VAS2010XMBA15P005
Batch XMBA – 15
Term I
Faculty Mr. Ravi Miranda
Prepared on February 6, 2011

2. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Disclaimer:
This document is prepared purely as an educational project assignment to be submitted as a component of
the XMBA curriculum being conducted by ITM (Institute for Technology and Management) at Vashi, Navi
Mumbai. The information contained within this document is for sample representation purposes only.
Though this document is prepared by taking due references from various websites, including the website of
ICANN. However, no information contained in this document should be considered by any individual,
investor, share holder, group, organization, company or any other entity as true & correct information.
The reader of this document is strongly advised not to use this document as a guide that may influence any
of your ideas/views/interests/feedback related to any of the companies/ business interests.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 2

3. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Contents
List of Assignments ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1. Paper on "how will computerization help my department”- Health care & Comfort services. ....................5
Why computerize? ...................................................................................................................................5
Activities related to health care & comfort services ..................................................................................5
How computerization helped the department ..........................................................................................6
2. Learn Excel Macros & create one...............................................................................................................8
Macro.......................................................................................................................................................8
Macro Example:........................................................................................................................................9
3. Study office network diagram and draw a WAN. ..................................................................................... 10
4. Draw Data flow Diagram for any process ................................................................................................. 11
The system ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Process flow for a PROJECT ..................................................................................................................... 12
Process flow for a Task ........................................................................................................................... 13
5. Find out one topic on internet & write a paper ........................................................................................ 14
ICANN..................................................................................................................................................... 14
DNS ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
IP addresses & Root Servers ................................................................................................................... 15
ICANN’s role ........................................................................................................................................... 15
ICANN decisions ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Accountabilities ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Effect of ICANN's role and work on the Internet ..................................................................................... 17
6. Analysis of different SDLC models............................................................................................................ 18
Water Fall Model .................................................................................................................................... 18
Spiral Model ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Note from Author. ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 3

4. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
List of Assignments
Individual Assignments
1. Write a paper on "how will computerization help your department/ any department"
2. Learn Excel Macros & create one
3. Study office network diagram and draw a WAN
4. Draw Data flow Diagram for any process
5. Find out one topic on internet & write a paper
6. Analysis of different SDLC models
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 4

5. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
1. Paper on "how will computerization help my department”- Health care &
Comfort services.
This paper written based on my experience I gained while working for a company that was starting a new
business unit, a chain of health care & comfort services. My role in the organization was that of a
SME/Analyst involved in process designing, conducting pre release functional Tests & UATs, designing user
support manuals and training multi-located staff via web conference, net meeting & in class on the
business critical applications.
I will start the paper with a small note on why computerize, a brief on the company’s activities related to
health care & comfort services and then describe how computerization helped the department.
Why computerize?
Computerization is essential to modern life to manage our important data in an organized way, to work on
and execute various projects related to our respective fields, to get instant access to vast information on
almost any possible topic, get the requests reserved in an easy and efficient manner, mass communication
and the list continues. Also modern information requirements are so complicated to handle that only
computers can be used to provide them and it is the speed of the computer that makes such tasks possible.
Activities like store, transmit and manipulate large amounts of information are only possible with the
computer technology. Traditional methods of exchange of information like via paper medium are
expensive, cumbersome and even if it did work it had its own limitations.
Computerization can help any business:
- It is easy for all stakeholders in an organization to access & update information within the network.
- It allows employees to share files, view other people's work, and exchange ideas more efficiently
using tools like e-mail and instant messaging.
- They can also store messages for future reference.
- Using the remote access feature officials can also access the same files, data, and messages even
when they're not in the office through devices like mobiles, palmtops, etc.
- Using scheduling software it is possible to arrange meetings using features like Shared address
books and to-do lists.
- Multi-located staffs can attend meetings using web conference & net meetings
- It easier to protect & store company's data on a set of tapes, CDs, or other backup systems.
- It also allows sharing of resources like printers, etc.
Thus we can see computerization helps business to work efficiently.
Activities related to health care & comfort services
The company’s objective for the new business unit is to improve & maintain customer’s health, by
rendering all services under one roof, like Clinical diagnostics, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Gymnasium,
Consultations, Skin & Beauty, etc.
The company wished:
- To provide facility to book for services in advance.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 5

6. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
- To allow customers to choose service centre for every sitting from a list of multi located service
centre as per his convenience including services that required multi sittings.
- To keep track of availability of rooms & service attendants including doctors across all centers.
- To maintain customer records, history and make it available to all service attendants including
doctors across all centers.
- To keep complete track of services rendered to the customer at every point of service starting from
the time he walks in to the centre, till the time he walks out after availing the service.
- To keep track of all ingredients, materials, facilities, resources, etc. used for providing service to
every customer and the cost incurred for the same.
- To keep track of the material stocks used & ordered.
- To keep track of reports generated & issued to the customers
- To bill every customer based on the services rendered to him
All above mentioned tasks & activities can be done efficiently with the help of computerization.
How computerization helped the department
The above requirements were studied in detail & a system of rendering the services was developed. The
main backbone used to track this entire activity was BARCODING.
Computerization activities
The following computerization activities were done:
- A bar code reader was installed in every room at every centre that is used for providing services like
Clinical diagnostics, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Gymnasium, Consultations, Skin & Beauty, etc.
- The bar code reader was connected to a computer having a tailor made software application.
- The tailor made software application was developed with following modules covering various
processes:
• A Reception/ front desk module managing Appointments, Orders, Payments, Delivery &
Order Completion
• A Service provider/ Consultant module managing Room activity & Questionnaire
• A Lab process module catering to Clinical diagnostic services
• A Stock module managing Procurement, Consumption, Adjustment, Intra centre Transfer &
Standard Costing
- All the rooms were categorized & numbered.
- All the computers in all the rooms and the reception desk were interconnected and all the
information was stored automatically in a centralized server.
- All the centers located across the country were connected to a master server.
Processes & procedures used:
1. Customer requests for a appointment
2. Details like Name, Address, contact information, service customer wants to avail, preferred time,
preferred centre, any promotional code are taken from the prospect.
3. Availability of service is ensured and an appointment number is provided.
4. When customer visits the center to avail the service an order is booked against the appointment
number and an itinerary with a barcode is generated with all details related to the chosen service.
5. Customer is guided to the room where he can avail of the service along-with the itinerary.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 6

7. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
6. The consultant or technician who will attend the customer will scan the bar code on the itinerary
using the bar code reader and all the details related to the service and the customer is auto
populated in the computer screen available In the room.
7. The consultant or technician will provide the service to the customer.
8. Depending on the service the service provider will update the system with their notes,
recommendations, any required information taken from the customer or information on any
additional ingredient, material or resource used for providing the service.
9. If any sample is collected from the customer then a bar code sticker is generated & attached on the
sample container.
10. The bar code on the itinerary is scanned again using the reader to indicate that the service is
completed.
11. The Stock will get reduced automatically with the total amount of ingredient or material used to
provide the service.
12. The relevant cost will get automatically added to the customer account and bill is generated.
13. Customer is guided to back to the front desk along-with the itinerary where he can make the
payments for the availed services and also provide information on how and where h/she can
collect the reports, if any.
14. Next time when customer requests for an appointment or books a service the system automatically
tracks from the server whether h/her Name, Address, contact information is already available in
the server which will help the front desk, service providers/ consultants to get the complete
customer records & history, based on which they can offer discounts, recommendations,
consultations, etc.
The using the computerization activities & the process mentioned above the computer could achieve its
requirements very efficiently.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 7

8. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
2. Learn Excel Macros & create one
Macro
A macro is a series of steps that is grouped together as a single step and then executed when necessary.
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is the programming language that macros use to create custom
procedures or automate tasks in all the MS-Office applications. You can create macros without learning
VBA using the record macro feature. But, if you create a macro and cannot quite get it to do everything you
want it to do, then edit the macro using VBA to create additional commands for the macro to carry out.
Before you record or write a macro, plan the steps and commands you want the macro to perform.
If you want to use the macro you're recording in other documents, make sure that the macro doesn't
depend on the current document's contents. If you use a particular macro often, assign it to a toolbar
button, a menu, or shortcut keys. That way, you can run the macro directly without having to open the
Macros dialog box.
The easiest way to quickly create a simple macro in Excel is to use the macro recorder. The Macro Recorder
creates a copy of the commands you select with your mouse.
Create a macro
When you record a macro, all steps that are needed to complete the actions that you want to record are
recorded by the macro recorder. Navigation on the Ribbon is not included in the recorded steps.
- If the Developer tab is not available, do the following to display it:
• Click the Microsoft Office Button available on the top left corner, and then click Excel
Options.
• In the Popular category, under Top options for working with Excel, select the Show
Developer tab in the Ribbon check box, and then click OK.
- To set the security level temporarily to enable all macros, do the following:
• On the Developer tab, in the Code group, click Macro Security.
•
• Under Macro Settings, click Enable all macros (not recommended, potentially dangerous
code can run), and then click OK.
Record a macro
- On the Developer tab, in the Code group, click Record Macro.
- In the Macro name box, enter a name for the macro. ( The first character of the macro name must
be a letter. Following characters can be letters, numbers, or underscore characters. Spaces are not
allowed in a macro name; an underscore character works well as a word separator. If you use a
macro name that is also a cell reference, you may get an error message that the macro name is not
valid.)
- To assign a CTRL combination shortcut key to run the macro, in the Shortcut key box, type any
lowercase letter or uppercase letter that you want to use.
- In the Store macro in list, select the workbook in which you want to store the macro.
- To include a description of the macro, in the Description box, type the text that you want.
- Click OK to start recording.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 8

9. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
- Perform the actions that you want to record.
- On the Developer tab, in the Code group, click Stop Recording .
Assign a macro to an object, graphic, or control
After you create a macro, you can assign it to an object (such as a toolbar button, graphic, or control) so
that you can run it by clicking the object.
On a worksheet, right-click the object, graphic, or control to which you want to assign an existing macro,
and then click Assign Macro on the shortcut menu. In the Macro name box, click the macro that you want
to assign.
Delete a macro
If you no longer need to use a macro, you can delete it.
- Open the workbook that contains the macro that you want to delete.
- On the Developer tab, in the Code group, click Macros.
- In the Macros in list, select This Workbook.
- In the Macro name box, click the name of the macro that you want to delete.
- Click Delete.
Macro Example:
This macro will create and format the days of the week.
Record a New Macro
1. Macro Name = days
2. Short cut = Ctrl + d
3. Store Macro In = Personal Macro Book
4. OK
5. Click the Relative Reference button on the Record Macro toolbar
6. Type Monday
7. Use the fill handle to drag across 6 more cells thereby completing the series to Sunday
8. Click Format, Cells
9. Click the Alignment tab
10. Horizontal & Vertical alignment = Center
11. Orientation = 90 degrees
12. Click the Font tab
13. Font = Bold, 12
14. Click the Border tabs
15. Click between each Text block to place vertical lines between cells
16. Click OK
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 9

10. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
3. Study office network diagram and draw a WAN.
This diagram was taken from the model used in a BPO organization where I was working as an
SME/Information Analyst. Our organization had offices in Navi Mumbai, Malad, Mumbai, Bangalore,
Kolkatta and Jalandhar. The diagram depicts how the various offices were inter connected.
Office 1
Desktop
Core Switch
Desktop Firewall
Access Switch
Desktop
Router
Database Server
Desktop
MPLS
Cloud
Office 2
Desktop
Core Switch
Desktop Firewall
Access Switch
Desktop
Router
Database Server
Desktop
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 10

11. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
4. Draw Data flow Diagram for any process
This data flow was drawn based on my experience I gained while working for a multi located MNC that was
involved in Marketing Pharmaceuticals across world. My role in the organization was that of a SME/Analyst
involved in process designing, and information processing.
Every business initiative was considered as a project & the related activities were considered as tasks. We
had developed a system called PATTS.
The system
PATTS is a standard platform for everyone to document and share their PROJECTS and tasks. This system
helps in managing and tracking of PROJECTS and tasks in the organization. It also helps in ensuring that the
PROJECTS and tasks are executed within the target date and all stakeholders are aware about the progress
of a PROJECT or task.
There are two activities in the system:
a. PROJECT
b. Task
PROJECT is a stand alone entity while task is dependent on a PROJECT or another task. Both PROJECT and
task function in a same way except for one difference, which is, in the PROJECT process flow we can define
tasks whereas in the task process flow we cant define a sub tasks.
A PROJECT/Task has following Stake Holders:
a. Sponsor
Associate who is requesting the PROJECT/task.
Any associates (except Sales Associate) can be a sponsor.
b. Reporter
Associate who documents the PROJECT/task.
Any associate can be a reporter.
c. Owner
Associate who is responsible for execution & completion of the PROJECT/task.
Any associates (except Sales Associate) can be a Owner.
d. Contributors
Associates who can contribute to the PROJECT/task.
Any associate can be a contributor.
Stake holders are intimated through message on the Mail for certain actions taken on the PROJECT/Task.
After changing the status of a PROJECT/task to Completed, sponsor has to rate the execution of the
PROJECT/task as Excellent/ Satisfactory.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 11

12. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Process flow for a PROJECT
PROJECTS Created
Status: Open
Owner Accepts Owner Rejects
Status: Accepted Status: Open
TASK/Dependent Do not
Recommend Owner
TASK/Actions added Recommend Owner
Status: Pending Status: Open Status: Open
Owner Fulfills
PROJECT
Status: Under Observation
PROJECT Sponsor not
PROJECT Sponsor satisfied
satisfied
Status: Completed Status: Pending
Rate PROJECT
Note: A PROJECT can be closed only if the TASK dependent on that PROJECT (if
any) is closed/ abandoned
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 12

13. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Process flow for a Task
TASK Created
Status: Open
Owner Accepts Owner Rejects
Status: Accepted Status: Open
TASK updated/ Do not
Recommend Owner
actions added Recommend Owner
Status: Pending Status: Open Status: Open
Owner Fulfills
TASK
Status: Under Observation
TASK Sponsor satisfied TASK Sponsor not
satisfied
Status: Completed Status: Pending
Rate TASK
Note: If a TASK is dependent on another TASK, then the dependent Task can be
closed only if the Parent TASK is closed.
Thus a record of all business initiatives & the related activities could be tracked by all stake holders at every
stage using the above process model.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 13

14. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
5. Find out one topic on internet & write a paper
ICANN
To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a
number. That address has to be unique so computers know where to find each other.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) coordinates these unique identifiers
across the world and is responsible for managing and coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS) to
ensure that every address is unique and that all users of the Internet can find all valid addresses. It does
this by overseeing the distribution of unique IP addresses and domain names. It also ensures that each
domain name maps to the correct IP address.
Without ICANN coordination we wouldn't have one global Internet.
ICANN's role is very limited, and it is not responsible for many issues associated with the Internet, such as
financial transactions, Internet content control, spam (unsolicited commercial email), Internet gambling, or
data protection and privacy.
DNS
The domain name system, or DNS, is a system designed to make the Internet accessible to human beings.
The main way computers that make up the Internet find one another is through a series of numbers, with
each number (called an “IP address”) correlating to a different device. However it is difficult for the human
mind to remember long lists of numbers so the DNS uses letters rather than numbers, and then links a
precise series of letters with a precise series of numbers.
The end result is that ICANN’s website can be found at “icann.org” rather than “192.0.34.163” – which is
how computers on the network know it. One advantage to this system – apart from making the network
much easier to use for people – is that a particular domain name does not have to be tied to one particular
computer because the link between a particular domain and a particular IP address can be changed quickly
and easily. This change will then be recognised by the entire Internet within 48 hours thanks to the
constantly updating DNS infrastructure. The result is an extremely flexible system.
A domain name itself comprises two elements: before and after “the dot”. The part to the right of the dot,
such as “com”, “net”, “org” and so on, is known as a “top-level domain” or TLD. One company in each case
(called a registry), is in charge of all domains ending with that particular TLD and has access to a full list of
domains directly under that name, as well as the IP addresses with which those names are associated. The
part before the dot is the domain name that you register and which is then used to provide online systems
such as websites, email and so on. These domains are sold by a large number of “registrars”, free to charge
whatever they wish, although in each case they pay a set per-domain fee to the particular registry under
whose name the domain is being registered.
ICANN draws up contracts with each registry. It also runs an accreditation system for registrars. It is these
contracts that provide a consistent and stable environment for the domain name system, and hence the
Internet.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 14

15. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
In summary then, the DNS provides an addressing system for the Internet so people can find particular
websites. It is also the basis for email and many other online uses.
IP addresses & Root Servers
ICANN plays a similar administrative role with the IP addresses used by computers as it does with the
domain names used by humans. In the same way that you cannot have two domain names the same
(otherwise you never know where you would end up), for the same reason it is also not possible for there
to be two IP addresses the same.
Again, ICANN does not run the system, but it does help co-ordinate how IP addresses are supplied to avoid
repetition or clashes. ICANN is also the central repository for IP addresses, from which ranges are supplied
to regional registries who in turn distribute them to network providers.
Root servers
Root servers are a different case again. There are 13 root servers – or, more accurately, there are 13 IP
addresses on the Internet where root servers can be found (the servers that have one of the 13 IP
addresses can be in dozens of different physical locations). These servers all store a copy of the same file
which acts as the main index to the Internet’s address books. It lists an address for each top-level domain
(.com, .de, etc) where that registry’s own address book can be found.
In reality, the root servers are consulted fairly infrequently (considering the size of the Internet) because
once computers on the network know the address of a particular top-level domain they retain it, checking
back only occasionally to make sure the address hasn’t changed. Nonetheless, the root servers remain vital
for the Internet’s smooth functioning.
The operators of the root servers remain largely autonomous, but at the same time work with one another
and with ICANN to make sure the system stays up-to-date with the Internet’s advances and changes.
ICANN’s role
As mentioned earlier, ICANN’s role is to oversee the huge and complex interconnected network of unique
identifiers that allow computers on the Internet to find one another.
This is commonly termed “universal resolvability” and means that wherever you are on the network – and
hence the world – that you receive the same predictable results when you access the network. Without
this, you could end up with an Internet that worked entirely differently depending on your location on the
globe.
ICANN structure
ICANN is made up of a number of different groups, each of which represent a different interest on the
Internet and all of which contribute to any final decisions that ICANN’s makes.
There are three “supporting organisations” that represent:
• The organisations that deal with IP addresses
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 15

16. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
• The organisations that deal with domain names
• The managers of country code top-level domains (a special exception as explained at the bottom).
Then there are four “advisory committees” that provide ICANN with advice and recommendations. These
represent:
• Governments and international treaty organisations
• Root server operators
• Those concerned with the Internet’s security
• The “at large” community, meaning average Internet users.
And finally, there is a Technical Liaison Group, which works with the organisations that devise the basic
protocols for Internet technologies.
ICANN’s final decisions are made by a Board of Directors. The Board is made up of 21 members: 15 of
which have voting rights and six are non-voting liaisons. The majority of the voting members (eight of
them) are chosen by an independent Nominating Committee and the remainder are nominated members
from supporting organisations.
ICANN then has a President and CEO who is also a Board member and who directs the work of ICANN staff,
who are based across the globe and help co-ordinate, manage and finally implement all the different
discussions and decisions made by the supporting organisations and advisory committees. An ICANN
Ombudsman acts as an independent reviewer of the work of the ICANN staff and Board.
ICANN decisions
When it comes to making technical changes to the Internet, here is a simplified rundown of the process:
- Any issue of concern or suggested changes to the existing network is typically raised within one of
the supporting organisations (often following a report by one of the advisory committees), where it
is discussed and a report produced which is then put out for public review. If the suggested
changes impact on any other group within ICANN’s system, that group also reviews the suggested
changes and makes its views known. The result is then put out for public review a second time.
- At the end of that process, the ICANN Board is provided with a report outlining all the previous
discussions and with a list of recommendations. The Board then discusses the matter and either
approves the changes, approves some and rejects others, rejects all of them, or sends the issue
back down to one of the supporting organisations to review, often with an explanation as to what
the problems are that need to be resolved before it can be approved.
- The process is then rerun until all the different parts of ICANN can agree a compromise or the
Board of Directors make a decision on a report it is presented with.
Accountabilities
ICANN has external as well as internal accountabilities.
Externally, ICANN is an organisation incorporated under the law of the State of California in the United
States. That means ICANN must abide by the laws of the United States and can be called to account by the
judicial system i.e. ICANN can be taken to court.
ICANN is also a non-profit public benefit corporation and its directors are legally responsible for upholding
their duties under corporation law.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 16

17. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Internally, ICANN is accountable to the community through:
• Its bylaws
• The representative composition of the ICANN Board from across the globe
• An independent Nominating Committee that selects a majority of the voting Board members
• Senior staff who must be elected annually by the Board
• Three different dispute resolution procedures (Board reconsideration committee; Independent
Review Panel; Ombudsman)
Effect of ICANN's role and work on the Internet
ICANN plays a unique role in the infrastructure of the Internet. Through its contracts with registries (such as
dot-com or dot-info) and registrars (companies that sell domains names to individuals and organisations),
ICANN helps define how the domain name system functions and expands.
Registrars
ICANN created the registrar market (together with an accreditation system) in order to introduce greater
competition on the Internet. The result has been several hundred companies able to sell domains which
itself led to a dramatic reduction in the cost of domains - an 80 percent fall. There is now a diverse and
vibrant market in the supply of the Internet’s basic building block.
That accreditation process is currently undergoing reform in order to keep in up-to-date with a rapidly
changing domain name market.
Dispute resolution
ICANN helped design and implement a low-cost system for resolving disputes over domain name
ownership. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) has been used tens of thousands
of times to resolve ownership disputes, avoiding the need for costly and complex recourse to the courts.
New top-level domains
ICANN approves the introduction of new "generic top-level domains" to the Internet - a process that
expands the online space available. So far, ICANN has introduced 13 new top-level domains to the Internet,
ranging from dot-asia to dot-travel, accounting for over six million domains. ICANN has also developed a
refined process to introduce further TLDs that is being finalised with applications expected in early 2010.
Internationalized domain names
Through its decision-making processes, ICANN has adopted guidelines for the introduction of
internationalised domain names (IDNs), opening the way for domain registrations in hundreds of the
world’s languages - something that will expand the use and the influence of the Internet globally to new
heights.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 17

18. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
6. Analysis of different SDLC models
We will be discussing Water fall model & Spiral model.
Water Fall Model
The water fall model is linear and sequential with a purpose for each phase of development. The
development proceeds to the next phase, only when the prior phase of development is completed.
This allows room for departmentalization & managerial control and we can set a schedule with deadlines
for each stage of development.
The product can proceed through the development process, and can be delivered on time.
The development starts from concept & moves through design, implementation, testing, installation,
troubleshooting, and ends up at operation and maintenance. Each phase of development proceeds in
disciplined order without any repetition steps. However it does not allow room for a revisit, once the
application is in the testing stage. One cannot amend something in prior stage.
Since in this model Phases are processed and completed one at a time this works well for smaller projects
where requirements are very well understood. However, it is a poor model where initial requirements can
change even during lifecycle of the project. Also since no working software is produced until late during the
life cycle this indicates that high amounts of risk and uncertainty are involved and this model proves to be a
poor model for long and ongoing projects.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 18

19. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Spiral Model
The Spiral model uses features of water fall model, however, it is also includes features of prototyping.
Each stage (round) in this model consists of four phases:
- Objective determination: Definition of Product, business objects, constraints and generation of
alternatives
- Alternatives evaluation: Analysis of risks & prototyping
:
- Product development: D Designing, coding, testing & Integration
- Next cycle guidance: customer evaluation, design, implementation & customer delivery
: design
The Steps used in spiral model are given below:
- Requirements are defined in details via interviewing external or internal users and other aspects of
the existing system.
- A preliminary design is created & a first prototype is constructed which is an approximation of the
requirements in the product.
- The first prototype is evaluating for strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 19

20. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
- This leads to requirement analysis for the second prototype including planning, design,
construction and testing
- The customer can foresee Risk factors & the development costs
- The second prototype is evaluated in the same manner as was the previous prototype.
- All the above steps are repeated till the customer is satisfied and agrees that the prototype
represents the final product desired.
- The final system is constructed, based on the agreed prototype.
- The final system is thoroughly evaluated and tested.
- The final product is released for operation
The spiral model gives due importance to high risk analysis which is good for large mission-critical projects.
A prototype of the software is produced very early in the life cycle. The model’s success largely depends on
the analysis phase. However, this model can be costly in practice and may not be feasible for small projects.
Thus we conclude that for smaller projects we can adopt the water fall model & for larger projects it makes
sense to use the spiral model.
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 20

21. Computer Information Systems - Assignments
February 2011
Note from Author.
Dear Reader & user of this document,
I hope I was able to attempt to complete the Computer Information Systems Assignments correctly to the
fullest of my knowledge, abilities and by taking due references from the sources mentioned in this
document. I request the reader & user of this document once again to read and understand the disclaimer
mentioned at the start of the document for your own best interests.
I thank one and all who have provided me the knowledge & support to do this analysis including Mr.
Miranda, various websites, the ITM management & my class mates from XMBA 15 batch at ITM & most
Important of all my mom Mrs. Manjula M. Aiyer, my dad Mr. Mani P. Aiyer & My brother Mr. Manoj M.
Aiyer.
Please feel free to forward your valuable feedback, comments, queries and suggestions related to this
analysis at mumbai_man1977@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Warm regards,
Manohar M. M. Iyer
Prepared by: Manohar M. M. Iyer, VAS2010XMBA15P005 Page 21