Below is a very simplified version of the computer application development stages that we use. The project's nature determines the actual workflow, which in many instances is much more iterative than this and the next subsections suggest. Nevertheless, these subsections do provide a good general description of the application development approach that we use.
The left-hand column links provide additional information on each development stage.
We divide the development process into three main stages: Analysis, Production, and Delivery.
Each of these main stages contains several sub-stages. All the sub-stages together form the complete development process. Each stage results in a specific decision or a product that is an integral part of the overall development process, or both. Below is a list of stages and the sub-stages that they usually contain, and a brief description of the stages and sub-stages.
In most instances project developer and the customer should interact during all the three stages.
During the Analysis stage first users needs are explored and a decision is made whether or not it is likely that there is a match between what the customer needs and wants and the developer can offer. If a potential for such a match exists, users are interviewed in order to specify the needs and wants, features and benefits, cost structure and timetable.
Based on this information we put together Users Requirements Statement, which is a detailed written description of the work that will be performed. This document specifies in writing the objectives and everything that the application must do, the development deadlines, and the relevant cost structure. Having all of this in writing provides a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved, and helps to minimize any misunderstandings.
Until both the developer and the customer have signed the Users Requirements Statement, both parties are free to change their mind about working together.
During the Production Stage application development and testing-related sub-stages may be repeated. However, extra time for this is built into the project development plan and the Users Requirements Statement. The objective is to produce a fully functional application that is convenient to use and meets the descriptions specified in the Users Requirements Statement. We can always create a next, upgraded version of the application later. Our project development objective is to deliver the currently agreed on application to the users so that it functions well, and to do so without any cost or other resource overruns.
The Delivery Stage's objective is to make sure that the application has been installed for all the users, is as free of bugs of any kind as possible, and that all the users are sufficiently trained in the application usage.
For additional information on any of these application development stages please select the applicable subsection from the left-hand column.
