Introduction:

Imagine you are part of a project team at a mid-sized retail company, "EcoGoods," known for
selling eco-friendly products in both online and physical stores. The company has identified
critical issues with its current outdated inventory management system (IMS): frequent
stockouts, excess inventory, slow restocking times, and limited reporting capabilities. To stay
competitive, EcoGoods has decided to invest in a new, integrated IMS to streamline inventory
tracking, automate reordering processes, and provide real-time inventory visibility across all
locations.
As a business management student focusing on MIS, your task is to guide EcoGoods through the
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to ensure the successful development, implementation,
and maintenance of the new IMS. For each phase of the SDLC, describe the key actions you
would recommend, addressing the specific requirements and challenges of EcoGoods.

Problem Statement:
Using each phase of the SDLC, outline a detailed plan for guiding EcoGoods through the
development and implementation of the new IMS. Address the following elements in each
phase:
1. Planning Phase: Project Justification and Objective Setting
o Define Project Goals: Outline the primary objectives EcoGoods should set for the
new IMS, considering key improvements like reducing stockouts, optimizing
inventory levels, and enhancing reporting accuracy. How would these objectives
align with EcoGoods' broader business strategy?
o Stakeholder Analysis: Identify who the key stakeholders are (e.g., department
heads, store managers, IT, finance, executive leadership) and explain why their
support is crucial. Develop a strategy for convincing these stakeholders of the
project’s importance, detailing the types of data (e.g., cost-benefit analysis,
anticipated ROI, competitor benchmarks) you would present.
o Risk Assessment: List potential risks associated with this project (e.g., budget
overruns, timeline delays, resistance to change) and suggest preliminary
mitigation strategies.
2. Analysis Phase: Requirements Gathering and Documentation
o Requirements Identification: Describe a plan for gathering and documenting
both functional and non-functional requirements from stakeholders. Explain
which techniques you would use (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups) to
 collect input from different departments, including store operations, warehouse
staff, finance, and sales teams.
o Problem Analysis: Develop a clear approach for identifying pain points within the
existing system. What questions would you ask stakeholders to clarify specific
issues in current processes? How would you prioritize requirements to ensure
that the new system addresses the most critical needs?
o Feasibility Study: Consider how you would conduct a feasibility study that
evaluates technical, operational, and economic feasibility for implementing the
new IMS.
3. Design Phase: Blueprint for System Architecture and User Experience
o System Architecture Planning: Describe the ideal system architecture for this
IMS. Would a cloud-based solution or an on-premises system be more
appropriate for EcoGoods? Justify your recommendation based on the company's
need for scalability, real-time updates, and integration with online and physical
store platforms.
o User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design: Outline specific design
elements that would make the system intuitive for different types of users (e.g.,
warehouse staff, store associates, management). Explain how you would ensure
the design aligns with user needs while minimizing training time.
o Integration Requirements: Discuss potential challenges and strategies for
integrating the new IMS with existing systems, such as the company’s sales,
finance, and supply chain platforms.
4. Development Phase: Building and Customizing the Solution
o Development Approach: Propose a development strategy, detailing whether the
project should be handled in-house, outsourced, or with a hybrid approach.
Consider factors like cost, timeline, available in-house expertise, and long-term
support requirements.
o Project Management Methodology: Identify an appropriate project
management methodology (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) based on the project’s
complexity and the need for ongoing stakeholder input. Justify your choice and
outline how you would manage project phases, track milestones, and adjust
resources.
o Resource Allocation: Explain how you would allocate resources, including
staffing, budget, and tools, to ensure a smooth development process. Consider
any potential needs for specialized skills or software.
5. Testing Phase: Verifying System Functionality and Performance
o Testing Strategy: Describe the types of tests that should be conducted (e.g., unit
testing, system testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing) to ensure the
IMS functions as required.
o User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Design a UAT plan that includes gathering
feedback from end users across different roles, from warehouse staff to store
managers. Explain how you would structure this testing to ensure that all
essential features meet user needs.
o Risk Management in Testing: Identify potential risks that could arise during
testing (e.g., system errors, data migration issues, user resistance) and propose
ways to address them effectively.
6. Implementation Phase: Launching the New System
o Implementation Strategy: Propose a rollout plan (e.g., phased rollout, parallel
running, or direct cutover) for implementing the new IMS. Justify your choice
based on factors such as risk tolerance, time constraints, and the impact on daily
operations.
o Change Management Plan: Detail a strategy to manage the changeover
effectively, considering communication, training, and support for end-users.
Describe how you would address resistance to change and ensure employees feel
prepared and supported.
o Post-Implementation Support: Outline the support system that should be in
place immediately following the implementation, including a helpdesk,
troubleshooting team, and emergency response for critical issues.
7. Maintenance Phase: Ensuring Long-Term System Effectiveness
o Ongoing Maintenance Plan: Develop a plan for routine maintenance activities
(e.g., software updates, security patches, data backups) to keep the IMS running
smoothly. Describe who will be responsible for these activities and how they will
be scheduled.
o Continuous Improvement and Feedback Loop: Explain how you would set up a
process for gathering feedback from system users to identify improvements or
additional features. Describe how this feedback loop could be used to
continuously enhance system performance and alignment with evolving business
needs.
o Scalability and Future Upgrades: Consider EcoGoods' potential future growth
and how the IMS should be designed to accommodate it. Outline a strategy for
 future system enhancements and scalability to ensure the system remains viable
as the company expands.

Expected Answer Structure:

In the responses, you should apply SDLC concepts to the scenario, highlighting the role of each
phase in building a business-appropriate, user-centered, and sustainable IMS. The responses
should show a clear understanding of business needs, effective stakeholder engagement, and
risk management, with attention to both immediate and long-term impacts on EcoGoods.
This question challenges to think critically about the integration of technology with business
goals and to anticipate the unique needs and risks involved in managing system development in
a business setting.