Feasibility Studies
The purpose of a feasibility study is to present options and
recommendations to clients to enable them to make informed choices regarding IT
business development strategies with the objective of determining whether it is
feasible for a particular IT project to be initiated and along what lines it
should proceed. Where the way ahead is clear cut, then a feasibility
study may not be required. However, where several courses of action
are possible or where it is not clear what range of solutions are available,
then a feasibility study may pay major dividends by avoiding costly
mistakes.
Terms of Reference and Contracts
Before a project can commence, it will be necessary to define the
terms of reference that will govern the project. Although there will
be similarities between terms of reference for different projects, there will
also be some elements that are specific to each project. It is
essential that the terms of reference are arrived at by consensus agreement
between Troy Technology and its client for each project since it will define not
only the scope of the project but other important elements such as what is
expected of each party. The terms of reference will constitute an
integral part of the business contract between Troy Technology and its
client. The contract will need to be signed by authorised
representatives of both Troy Technology and its client before further work takes
place.
Analysis of Requirements
Once a particular project has been given the go-ahead and the contract
defining the terms of reference has been authorised, then a detailed analysis of
the business requirements may be instigated. This will result in the
proposal of a logical business model intended to provide a business solution to
meet the client's requirements. It is essential for the logical
model to be based upon a precise specification of the 'business problem', so at
this stage, it will be necessary for the client to confirm that the proposed
logical solution does meet requirements and is complete. If so, then
the project may proceed to the software design stage, otherwise the logical
model will require adjustment and further checking. Analysis will be
performed based on the most appropriate methodology applicable to the nature of
the business and of the particular project and could, for example, involve
either SSADM or SADIE and CASE tools.
Software System Design
When the logical model has been approved, then the physical design of the
software may commence. This will result in a precise specification
of the component parts of the system required to be developed in order to meet
the objectives of the logical model. As with the analysis stage, the
design stage could involve SSADM or SADIE and CASE tools.
Software Development
Troy Technology can offer a complete package of software development
services or individual components according to clients' precise
requirements. Choose from program specification, coding, unit test
plan specification and unit testing. Once again, various
methodologies and tools may be applied to ensure the highest possible standards
of software development.
System Testing
Again the client has a choice of services here and may opt for Troy
Technology simply providing a system test plan for others to follow or Troy
Technology just performing the system testing based on system test plans
provided by the client or Troy Technology both designing and executing the
system test plans. Where Troy Technology is directly involved in
performing either of these activities, software tools may be employed to
maintain high standards of accuracy during testing.
Implementation
Where circumstances permit and are appropriate, Troy Technology
can provide on-site assistance during software implementation either on the
client's own site or on a client's end-user site.
Support
If required by the client, Troy Technology can provide
post-implementation support either to the client or to the client's end-users
either for a fixed period after implementation or on an ongoing basis.
Project Planning & Management
Troy Technology can provide project planning and project management
services. Project planning can be on the basis of preparing an
initial project plan, which the client then adopts and maintains if the overall
management of the project is to be performed by the client, or it can be on the
basis of Troy Technology providing project management, in which case preparing
and maintaining the plan will form part of the overall service.
Collaborative Arrangements
On large projects it is possible that project resources may be drawn
from a number of sources, of which Troy Technology will comprise only a
part.
