DUE Sunday November 19, 2017 at NOON PST Assignment Instructions: 5 page essay apa format For this assignment, you will need to access Online to research two articles concerning information systems development and project management. Drawing on these two articles, and other sources, write an essay that addresses the following: 1. Provide a well-formulated thesis statement in your introduction paragraph. 2. Explain how a business user could be involved in the core activities of building an information system. 3. Analyze how software development methodologies (such as agile development) can work in tandem with project management for the benefit of both information systems development projects and organizations. 4. Evaluate how project managers and/or IT managers can ensure that information system development projects are in alignment with business strategies and goals. 5 . Your response must be at least five pages in length and in APA format. You are required to use the two outside articles. All sources used, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying APA citations.

Title: Information Systems Development and Project Management: The Role of Business Users, Software Development Methodologies, and Alignment with Business Strategies

Introduction:
In today’s digital age, the effective development and management of information systems is crucial for the success of organizations. Business users play a vital role in the core activities of building an information system. This essay will explore the involvement of business users in information system development, the integration of software development methodologies with project management, and the ways in which project and IT managers can ensure alignment between information system development projects and the overall business strategies and goals of the organization.

1. Involvement of Business Users:
Business users, who possess knowledge of the core business functions and processes, can provide critical insights during the development of an information system. Their involvement allows for a deeper understanding of the requirements and functionalities needed to support business operations. Business users can actively participate in the system development life cycle (SDLC) stages, including analysis, design, development, testing, and implementation. For example, during the analysis phase, business users can provide input on the system requirements by identifying the specific needs of different organizational units. In the design phase, they can contribute to creating user-friendly interfaces that align with their daily tasks. Moreover, business users can participate in user acceptance testing to ensure that the system meets their needs and expectations.

2. Software Development Methodologies and Project Management:
Software development methodologies, such as agile development, can be used in tandem with project management to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of information systems development projects. Agile development emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and iterative enhancement. This approach allows project teams to respond rapidly to changing business requirements and deliver incremental system functionalities. Project management practices, such as establishing clear goals, timelines, and budgets, complement agile development by ensuring that projects are well-planned, monitored, and controlled. By combining these methodologies, organizations can benefit from continuous stakeholder engagement, reduced delivery time, and improved project outcomes.

3. Alignment with Business Strategies and Goals:
To ensure that information system development projects are aligned with business strategies and goals, project managers and IT managers should adopt proactive strategies. This includes conducting thorough analysis of the organization’s strategic objectives and aligning them with the goals of the information system. They should also encourage regular communication and collaboration between business stakeholders and the project team to maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, project managers can use key performance indicators (KPIs), such as return on investment (ROI), user satisfaction, and system availability, to track the progress and impact of the information system on the business goals. By establishing effective governance mechanisms, such as steering committees and project review boards, project and IT managers can ensure ongoing alignment and maintain a focus on business priorities.

In conclusion, the involvement of business users, the integration of software development methodologies with project management, and the alignment of information system development projects with business strategies are essential for the success of organizations. By actively involving business users, organizations can leverage their knowledge and insights to create information systems that meet their needs. The integration of software development methodologies and project management practices enhances project outcomes and enables organizations to respond quickly to changing business requirements. Lastly, by aligning information system development projects with business strategies and goals, project and IT managers ensure that technology initiatives contribute to the overall success and competitiveness of the organization.