Initiating a System

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The Initiate Project phase of the System Development Methodology (below) guides you through a structured analysis of a systems development need, and also helps you prepare the documents required for the IT Capital Planning Process.

Collectively, these documents

• define the systems development need,
• compare the costs, benefits and risks associated with each potential solution,
• assess the project's feasibility, and
• help you to recommend and justify a preferred course of action.

The Initiate Project section of the System Development Methodology identifies the required documents, states why they are required, and provides guidance regarding the key issues each document must address. Following the process as documented will help you to ensure a well thought out project where you'll consider each potential alternative, make a logical business case for the project, and increase the likelihood of obtaining the authorization and funding to proceed.