[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to provide a basic knowledge of what types of problems an untrained user may face with trying to develop an information system. Also included within this document is information about different case tools and how these case tools can aid in reducing cycle time and increase quality.
[Content]
Whenever untrained personnel attempt to build an information system, there are always going to be issues, problems, or hiccups that may need to be resolved. The key to any project is planning, without planning anybody, trained or untrained, is setting him or her up for failure. When untrained personnel attempt to build an information system they typically are taking something from how they know how it works in theory, planning how they want the product to act for them, and then attempting to make it operational. A major problem faced by many with developing new information systems are called “software crisis,” this is when developers are backlogged or having a limited supply of developers or funding (jyu.fi). When an untrained person attempts to take on a task that they do not know about, they can quickly get in over their head, which leads to project overruns and wastes precious resources.
CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tools can be used throughout the lifecycle of a software development lifecycle. When trying to develop an information system there may be a need for different types of CASE tools to accommodate the different aspect of the project. CASE tools can be used for instances of the development lifecycle such as: code generating tools, data modeling tools, unified modeling language (UML) tools, refactoring tools, model transformation tools, and even configuration management tools. CASE tools can speed up the process of developing an information system by helping to create, not only documentation, but also code for the project. By using CASE tools throughout the lifecycle of a project, the project is more consistently completed and therefore a better quality product is produced.
Visual Paradigm is a UML modeling tool, which has many key features that can aid with developing an information system. Some of the specific key features of Visual Paradigm (2008, visual-paradigm.com) are: Automatic software updates, Class diagrams supported, Use Case diagrams supported, State diagrams supported, Sequence diagrams supported, Activity diagrams supported, Component diagrams supported, Deployment diagrams supported, Package diagrams supported, Object diagrams supported, Composite structure diagrams supported, Timing diagrams supported, and interaction overview diagrams supported. When a product is as diverse and aids in the development of so many portions to a product the efficiency and quality both increase as well.
There is a whole slue of types of code generator tools available for use of developers. It has been argued that the code generation tools have made programmers much more productive in completing a project. The code generation tools work by using a generic classes, templates, or aspects in order to create source code. Programmers are then able to focus their time on quality checking the product they are creating instead of writing source code for everything.
In conclusion, there is without a question of a doubt that CASE tools in fact do both ensure high quality standards of a product and reduce lifecycle time to create a product. CASE tools are very useful tools to aid with almost every aspect of the lifecycle of a product and these tools definitely speed up the process. CASE tools also ensure high quality products are produced by efficiently standardizing the process of the product lifecycle. The major problem to CASE tools and software crisis are untrained personnel. The bottom line is that you can have the best toolbox in the world, but if you do not know how to use the tools, you are not going to get very far with whatever it is you are trying to fix or build.
References
1. Robredo, Jamie (1989). Some Problems Involved in the Installation of Advanced Information Systems in Developing Countries.. Some Problems Involved in the Installation of Advanced Information Systems in Developing Countries., ED329238, Retrieved August 21, 2008, from http://eric.ed.gov/ (Robredo, 1989)
2. Problems in information system development. Retrieved August 21, 2008, from Problems in information system development Web site: http://users.jyu.fi/~jpt/doc/thesis/ime-1_1.html (jyu.fi)
3. UML CASE Tools – Free for Learning UML, Cost-Effective for Business Solutions. Retrieved 2008, from UML CASE Tools – Free for Learning UML, Cost-Effective for Business Solutions Web site: http://www.visual-paradigm.com/product/vpuml/