Chapter 4

The Systems Development Life

Cycle
and HRIS Needs Analysis

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE

CYCLE (SDLC)
Planning

Analysis

Continuous and
iterative nature
of planning and
analysis!

Design

Implementation

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

Figure 4.1
Maintenance

SDLC: Overview

Planning

Long-range

Short-range

Analysis

Needs Analysis

Gap Analysis

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

SDLC OVERVIEW

Design

Implementation

Blue print for the system

Vendor selection
Build, test and readied to go live

Maintenance

Corrective, adaptive, perfective &

preventative

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

SDLC: Planning

Needs: Long-range Planning

Strategic
Big Picture
Phase Containment

Needs: Short Range Planning

Operational
Specific Projects And Programs

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

THE BIG 3

Where Are We Now?

Where Are We Going?

How Are We Going To Get There?

Revise And Revisit These Questions

On A Regular Basis!
Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource
Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

ANALYSIS

Dissect And Document Current

Capabilities

Identify And Prioritize Needs

Conduct A Gap Analysis

Review The Feasibility Analysis

Determine Usefulness Of Gap Analysis

In Developing RFP For Vendors

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

ANALYSIS: WHERE ARE WE

NOW?

Current Analysis

Use Combination Of Methods:

Interviews

Focus Groups

Surveys And Online Tools

Organizational Archives

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

ANALYSIS: WHERE ARE WE

NOW?

Who To Ask:

HR Functional Experts

Job Experts

Technical Experts

End Users

Top Management

Consultants And Other Business

Partners

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

ANALYSIS: WHERE WE NEED TO

GO

Heart Of The Needs Analysis

Business Requirements Definition

Point At Which Organization Determines

And Documents Its Current And Future
Needs
Often Used Interchangeably with Needs
Analysis

Prioritize Business and System Needs

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
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GAP ANALYSIS

Culmination Of The Needs Analysis.

Compares Current State Of Hris With

Desired State Of Hris.

What Important Needs Are Not Being

Met

What Important Needs Are Being Met

Important Decision Making Tool For HRIS

Project Leaders.

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

11

HYPOTHETICAL GAP ANALYSIS

REPORT

Figure 4.6

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

12

THE BIG 3 NEEDS TRIANGLE

Figure 4.7
Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource
Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

13

NEEDS ANALYSIS: CRITICAL

QUESTIONS

Who Should Determine What Our Needs

Are Going Forward?

How Can We Ensure That All Of Our

Needs Are Identified?

How Do We Limit The Scope To The

Things We Truly Need?

Is It Feasible At This Point To Implement

A System That Can Meet Our Critical
Needs?

Michael J. Kavanagh, Mohan Thite, and Richard D. Johnson - Human Resource

Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 2e 2012
SAGE Publications, Inc.

14