Chapter 15.12: Integration in systems development projects

Question 1

What are the two types of integration in systems development projects?

Answer 1

Horizontal integration – Integration across functional areas at each phase

Vertical integration – Integration across different phases of the project

Question 2

Why is horizontal and vertical integration important in large-scale projects?

Answer 2

Because the project phases and functional areas are interdependent, and success requires coordination across both dimensions.

Question 3

What is non-integrated (serial) systems development?

Answer 3

A traditional development model where each functional group works in isolation and passes work to the next group, leading to limited coordination and inefficiencies.

Question 4

What are some problems with serial systems development?

Answer 4

Poor communication between groups

Lack of integration

Repeated change requests

Increased costs and delays

Misalignment with later-stage needs

Question 5

What is the main issue with non-integrated development?

Answer 5

Lack of horizontal and vertical integration, causing failure to consider the full life cycle and cross-functional needs of the system.

Question 6

What is the proposed solution to the problems of serial development?

Answer 6

Concurrent engineering, which emphasizes early involvement of all relevant groups in a cross-functional, collaborative structure.