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Developing Information Systems: Practical Guidance for It Professionals by Tahir Ahmed
Systems development is the process of creating and maintaining information systems, including hardware, software, data, procedures and people. It combines technical expertise with business knowledge and management skill. This practical book provides a comprehensive introduction to the topic and can also be used as a handy reference guide. It discusses key elements of systems development and is the only textbook that supports the BCS Certificate in Systems Development.
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First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 1, 2020
I came across this book as this book as part of my integrated apprentice degree "Understand Systems Development" here in the UK. It forms the basis of the content for the module and is supported by other materials.
This book specifically I found to be rather accessible. Rather than having a singular author, the different chapters are written by specialists within their particular field. Whilst this adds to the authenticity of the views they offer, the overall book narrative does feel a little inconsistent. This however shouldn't detract from the quality of the offering. Referencing this publication you'll end up with a informed and detailed perspective of systems development lifecycles in all their various forms.
This book specifically I found to be rather accessible. Rather than having a singular author, the different chapters are written by specialists within their particular field. Whilst this adds to the authenticity of the views they offer, the overall book narrative does feel a little inconsistent. This however shouldn't detract from the quality of the offering. Referencing this publication you'll end up with a informed and detailed perspective of systems development lifecycles in all their various forms.
December 1, 2014
This is a textbook produced by BCS; one of a range of guides produced for those in the IT profession.
Although there are many highly valuable such books already available, it appears that many may not have been updated for some time; and this book includes information about newer products and techniques, making it a useful addition to the existing material.
The book is extremely well structured, with separate sections for the various key stages in the overall process. Although it’s worth reading all the way through at least once, it is also highly useful as a reference work because each section stands complete on its own.
The book covers a wide field of activities, and could therefore be of interest to most of the stakeholders within a systems development project. Certainly, it will be of interest to many of the project managers that have to control any such a large endeavour, as well as to those involved in the hardware purchasing and commissioning procedures that need to understand how to approach system development in the most effective manner.
There a number of sections that cover the software development process and the techniques that can be used, with arguments for the selection of the most appropriate practice, as well as discussions on testing methods and training of end users. By necessity, some of these deliberations do not provide all of the possible information, so there are many links to other sources that offer more detailed advice in those areas.
This book was produced as a collaborative piece of work; it is noticeable that there are slight differences in the writing style of the different contributors. There also a number of sections where some material is repeated, in order that it can be approached from the view of the relevant practitioner; and this offers some interesting insights into the importance of the various approaches to the different parties.
Some of the material would also be of value when trying to discuss any such project with those senior stakeholders that are not that technically minded. The book covers key aspects, such as finance and staffing, of specific interest to that group and presents information that might well help to ensure that they understand what is required and offers guidance on how to manage their expectations of delivery.
This is a highly comprehensive and authoritative book; and one that would not be out of place on most technical reading lists.
Reviewed by A P Sutcliffe PG Dip CCI, MBCS
Although there are many highly valuable such books already available, it appears that many may not have been updated for some time; and this book includes information about newer products and techniques, making it a useful addition to the existing material.
The book is extremely well structured, with separate sections for the various key stages in the overall process. Although it’s worth reading all the way through at least once, it is also highly useful as a reference work because each section stands complete on its own.
The book covers a wide field of activities, and could therefore be of interest to most of the stakeholders within a systems development project. Certainly, it will be of interest to many of the project managers that have to control any such a large endeavour, as well as to those involved in the hardware purchasing and commissioning procedures that need to understand how to approach system development in the most effective manner.
There a number of sections that cover the software development process and the techniques that can be used, with arguments for the selection of the most appropriate practice, as well as discussions on testing methods and training of end users. By necessity, some of these deliberations do not provide all of the possible information, so there are many links to other sources that offer more detailed advice in those areas.
This book was produced as a collaborative piece of work; it is noticeable that there are slight differences in the writing style of the different contributors. There also a number of sections where some material is repeated, in order that it can be approached from the view of the relevant practitioner; and this offers some interesting insights into the importance of the various approaches to the different parties.
Some of the material would also be of value when trying to discuss any such project with those senior stakeholders that are not that technically minded. The book covers key aspects, such as finance and staffing, of specific interest to that group and presents information that might well help to ensure that they understand what is required and offers guidance on how to manage their expectations of delivery.
This is a highly comprehensive and authoritative book; and one that would not be out of place on most technical reading lists.
Reviewed by A P Sutcliffe PG Dip CCI, MBCS
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews