When the systems development life cycle is executed correctly, which statement is true?

When the systems development life cycle is executed correctly, which statement is true?

• A. All steps are completed in exact order for all areas
• B. End users have final say on all aspects of the project
• C. There is a formal change management process throughout to address new information as it comes to light.
• D. There is only one phase of implementation

Answer: (C)

A formal change management process is essential in the SDLC because requirements and constraints often evolve as a project progresses. A structured change control framework provides evaluation, approval, and documentation for proposed changes, ensuring any modification is analyzed for its impact on scope, schedule, budget, and safety and quality, especially in nursing informatics where patient safety and regulatory considerations matter. This governance helps keep the project aligned with goals and stakeholders’ needs while maintaining traceability from requirements through design to deployment. End-user input is important, but decisions about changes typically go through formal approvals rather than resting with end users alone. The SDLC is not a rigid ladder where every step must occur in a strict order for all areas, and implementation is usually not a single, isolated phase but a coordinated effort that can involve multiple iterations and phases as the system evolves.

A formal change management process is essential in the SDLC because requirements and constraints often evolve as a project progresses. A structured change control framework provides evaluation, approval, and documentation for proposed changes, ensuring any modification is analyzed for its impact on scope, schedule, budget, and safety and quality, especially in nursing informatics where patient safety and regulatory considerations matter. This governance helps keep the project aligned with goals and stakeholders’ needs while maintaining traceability from requirements through design to deployment.

End-user input is important, but decisions about changes typically go through formal approvals rather than resting with end users alone. The SDLC is not a rigid ladder where every step must occur in a strict order for all areas, and implementation is usually not a single, isolated phase but a coordinated effort that can involve multiple iterations and phases as the system evolves.