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Chapter 11. Installation and Evaluation. Objectives. Discuss the main tasks in the installation and evaluation processExplain why it is important to maintain separate operational and test environmentsDevelop an overall training plan with specific objectives for each group of participantsExplain t
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1. PHASE 4
SYSTEMS IMPLEMENTATION
Installation and Evaluation SYSTEMS ANALYSIS & DESIGN
3. Objectives Discuss the main tasks in the installationand evaluation process
Explain why it is important to maintain separate operational and test environments
Develop an overall training plan with specific objectives for each group of participants
Explain three typical ways to provide training, including vendors, outside resources, and in-house staff
4. Objectives Describe online tutorials and other user training techniques
Create an outline for a training manual and describe the contents of each section
Describe the file conversion process
Identify four system changeover methods and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each
5. Objectives Explain the purpose of a post-implementation evaluation and list the specific topics covered during the evaluation
Specify the contents of the final report to management
6. Introduction Installation and evaluation completes the systems implementation phase
The new system is now ready to be used
Remaining tasks
Prepare an operational environment and install the new system
Provide training for users, IS staff, and managers
Perform file conversion and system changeover
Carry out post-implementation evaluation
Present a final report to management
7. Operational and Test Environments Test environment
Programmers and analysts use the test environment to develop and maintain programs
The test environment contains copies of
Programs
Procedures
Test data files
8. Operational and Test Environments Operational environment
Also called the production environment
Access is limited to information system users
IS staff enter the production environment only to correct problems or perform authorized work
Live, actual data is used
All changes must be verified and user approval obtained
9. Operational and Test Environments Preparation of the operational environment
Examine all system components that affect system performance
Hardware and software configurations
Operating system programs and utilities
Network resources
Check all communications features, both before and after loading programs
Include network specifications in documentation
10. Training A training plan should be consideredearly in the systems development process
Specific training is necessary for
Users
Managers
IS department staff members
11. Training Vendor training
If hardware or software is purchased outside, vendor training should be considered
Many vendors offer free or nominal cost training for customers
Vendor training can be performed at the vendor’s site or at the customer’s location
Vendor training often provides the best return on training dollars
12. Training Outside training resources
If vendor training or internal training is impractical, outside trainers or consultants can be used
Outside training generally is not practical for in-house developed systems
Many sources of training information exist
Consultants
Universities
Information management organizations
Industry associations
13. Training In-house training
IS staff and user departments usually share responsibility for developing and conducting training for in-house systems
Training techniques can include many techniques and training aids, including multimedia, demonstrations, videotapes, and charts
14. Training In-house training
Some guidelines to consider
Train people in groups, with separate programs for distinct groups
Select the most effective place for training
Provide for learning by hearing, seeing, and doing
Prepare a training manual
15. Training Some guidelines to consider
Train people in groups, with separate programs for distinct groups
Select the most effective place for training
Provide for learning by hearing, seeing, and doing
Prepare a training manual
Develop interactive tutorials and training tools
Rely on previous trainees
When training is complete, conduct a full-scale simulation for users to gain experience and confidence
16. Training Some guidelines to consider
Train people in groups, with separate programs for distinct groups
Select the most effective place for training
Provide for learning by hearing, seeing, and doing
Prepare a training manual
Develop interactive tutorials and training tools
Rely on previous trainees
When training is complete, conduct a full-scale simulation for users to gain experience and confidence
17. File Conversion File conversion can take place after the operational environment is established and training has been performed
Issues to consider
Automated conversion techniques
Methods of exporting data to the new system
Programs designed to extract and convert data
Controls required to protect vulnerable data
Verification of results by users
18. System Changeover System changeover puts the new system online and retires the old system
Four typical approaches exist
Direct cutover
Parallel operation
Pilot operation
Phased changeover
Each approach involves different cost and risk factors
19. System Changeover System changeover puts the new system online and retires the old system
Four typical approaches exist
Direct cutover
Parallel operation
Pilot operation
Phased changeover
Each approach involves different cost and risk factors
20. System Changeover Direct cutover
With direct cutover, changeover from the old system to the new system occurs immediately, as the new system becomes operational
Cost is relatively low because only one system is in operation
Risk is relatively high because there is no backup option
Timing is an important factor for systems that have periodic processing cycles
21. System Changeover Parallel operation
With parallel operation, both the new and the old systems operate fully for a specified period
Data is input to both systems, and results can be verified
Cost is relatively high, because both systems operate for a period of time
Risk is relatively low, because results can be verified and a backup option exists
Method is impractical if the systems are dissimilar or cannot be supported together
22. System Changeover Pilot operation
With pilot operation, both the new and the old systems operate, but only at a selected location, called a pilot site
The rest of the organization continues to use the old system
Cost is relatively moderate, because only one location runs both systems
Risk also is relatively moderate, because the new system is installed only at the pilot site and the risk of failure is reduced
23. System Changeover Phased changeover
With phased changeover, the system is implemented in stages, or modules across the organization
Phased changeover gives part of the system to entire organization
Cost is relatively moderate, because the system is implemented in stages, rather than all at once
Risk also is relatively moderate, because the risk is limited to the module being implemented
24. Post-Implementation Evaluation After the system is operational, two main tasks must be performed
Post-implementation evaluation
Final report to management
25. Post-Implementation Evaluation Post-implementation evaluation feedback
Includes various areas
Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of output
User satisfaction
System reliability and maintainability
Adequacy of system controls and security
Hardware efficiency/platform performance
Effectiveness of database implementation
Performance of the IS team
Completeness and quality of documentation
Quality and effectiveness of training
Accuracy of cost-benefit estimates and development schedules
26. Post-Implementation Evaluation A post-implementation evaluation is basedon fact-finding methods similar to techniques used during the systems analysis phase
Ideally, post-implementation evaluation should be performed by people who were not involved in the development process
Usually done by IS staff and users
Internal or external auditors often are involved
27. TRADEOFF When should post-implementation evaluation occur — how soon after system operation begins?
If too long, users remember less about the development process and how it might be improved
If too soon, users have insufficient time to assess system strengths and weaknesses
Six months of operation is desirable, but pressure to finish sooner often exists
28. A KEY QUESTION At Yorktown Industries, Cindy Winslow needs your advice
The new human resources system was finished under budget and ahead of schedule
Cindy's boss wants her to handle the post-implementation evaluation, even though she headed the development effort for this project
Cindy comes to you for advice — what should she do?
29. Final Report to Management Report contents
1. Final versions of all system documentation
2. Planned modifications and enhancements to the system that have been identified
3. A recap of all systems development costs and schedules
4. A comparison of actual costs and schedules to the original estimates
5. The post implementation evaluation, if it has been performed
30. SOFTWEAR, LIMITED The payroll package from Pacific Software has been implemented, and the ESIP system installation is ready to begin
Perform installation tasks for the ESIP system extract module
Confirm SWL’s network can handle the load
Install the ESIP application on the payroll server
Check server and mainframe communication
Test the extract module, and confirm that the mainframe generates and downloads the proper data file to the ESIP server
31. SOFTWEAR, LIMITED Perform training tasks
Conduct training session with the payroll group
Explain the user manual
Answer questions and obtain user feedback
Establish security levels
Set up password and authorization for director of human resources to modify ESIP options
Provide security documentation, which is not printed in the user manual
32. SOFTWEAR, LIMITED Verify processing results
Use test data with errors purposely inserted
Continue manual handling of ESIP deductions
Select and carry out system changeover
Perform direct cutover, in connection with the weekly payroll cycle on May 7, 1999
Verify all results
Obtain feedback from all users
Update documentation and complete direct cutover procedures
33. SOFTWEAR, LIMITED Conduct post-implementation evaluation
Evaluation scheduled after successfully completing eight weekly payroll cycles and two monthly deduction transfers
The evaluation team was not involved in ESIP system project (one IS member, one from finance department)
Team performed various fact-finding tasks
Final report was prepared and sent to management