THE SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIO-TECHNICAL BALANCE

Assignment Overview The Case for this Module involves the lessons that we teach and learn about systems analysis and design and how to cope with the real world of real systems. Three articles are commended to your attention. The first is a good general summary of the lessons we have been discussing on how IT management integrates with successful systems design; it is an on-line presentation, but you can download it if you wish to study it in more detail: McSweeney, A. (2011) Integrating It Frameworks, Methodologies And Best Practices Into It Delivery And Operation. Slideshare. [PPT presentation]. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/alanmcsweeney/integrating-it-frameworks-methodologies-and-best-practices-into-it-delivery-and-operation-3528481 But what are IT managers actually learning? Does it fit in with what we have been talking about? Check out the following articles, as you will find out when you hit the job market! Dillon, A. (2000). Group dynamics meet cognition: combining socio-technical concepts and usability engineering in the design of information systems. in E. Coakes,. et al. (Eds.) The New Socio Tech: Graffitti on the long wall. London: Springer-Verlag, pp 119-126. Retrieved from http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/~adillon/BookChapters/sociotechnical.html Baxter, G. & Sommerville, I (2011). Socio-technical systems: From design methods to systems engineering. Interacting with Computers. vol 23, p 4-17. Finally, here is a very thoughtful blog post regarding education and the real world; it is cast more in terms of computer science than IT management, but the same issues are involved. Be sure to read through the comments following the basic post, to get a sense of the range of reactions and ideas provoked by this discussion: Sommerville, I. (2011) Computer science education and the real world. Thoughts on software and systems engineering. Retrieved from http://se9book.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/computer-science-education-and-the-real-world/ Case Assignment Read the assigned readings, supplemented if you wish with material from the optional readings and perhaps the supplementary background as well, and even other outside reading you might find by yourself to be useful. Then write a short paper stating your position on the question: “What do information technology managers need to know about how to improve the systems development process through joint optimization? Why?” Your paper should be short (5-6 pages, not including cover sheet and references) and to the point. It is to be structured as a point/counterpoint argument, in the following manner. You are expected to: Begin this paper by stating your position on this question clearly and concisely Citing appropriate sources, present the reasons why you take this position. Be sure to make the most effective case you can. Then present the best evidence you can, again citing appropriate sources, against your position — that is, establish what counterarguments can be made to your original position. Finally, review your original position in light of the counterarguments, showing how they are inadequate to rebut your original statement. By the end of your paper, you should be able to unequivocally re-affirm your original position. Assignment Expectations Your assignment will be evaluated based on the Rubric. You will be particularly assessed on: Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly. Your informed commentary and analysis — simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper. Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of systems design and analysis correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.