Best Practices for Successful System Development Projects

B.

Effective user involvement is the most critical factor in ensuring that the application meets business objectives.

A great way of getting early input from the user community is by using Prototyping.The prototyping method was formally introduced in the early 1980s to combat the perceived weaknesses of the waterfall model with regard to the speed of development.The objective is to build a simplified version (prototype) of the application, release it for review, and use the feedback from the users review to build a second, better version.

This is repeated until the users are satisfied with the product.t is a four-step process: initial concept, design and implement initial prototype, refine prototype until acceptable, and complete and release final version.

There is also the Modified Prototype Model (MPM.This is a form of prototyping that is ideal for Web application development.

It allows for the basic functionality of a desired system or component to be formally deployed in a quick time frame.

The maintenance phase is set to begin after the deployment.

The goal is to have the process be flexible enough so the application is not based on the state of the organization at any given time.

As the organization grows and the environment changes, the application evolves with it, rather than being frozen in time.

Reference(s) used for this question: Hernandez CISSP, Steven (2012-12-21)

Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 12101-12108 and 12099-12101)

Auerbach Publications.

Kindle Edition.

and Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Certified Information Systems Auditor 2002 review manual, chapter 6: Business Application System Development, Acquisition, Implementation and Maintenance (page 296).

Out of the given options, option B is the most likely one to ensure that a system development project meets business objectives.

Here's why:

A) Development and tests are run by different individuals: While it's generally a good practice to have different individuals handle development and testing, it's not a guarantee that the system development project will meet business objectives. Testing is just one part of the development process, and other factors such as system requirements, user needs, and project management also play a significant role.

B) User involvement in system specification and acceptance: This option is the most likely one to ensure that a system development project meets business objectives. User involvement is critical because they are the ones who will be using the system, and their feedback can help ensure that the system meets their needs and requirements. It's important to involve users at every stage of the development process, from specification to acceptance testing.

C) Development of a project plan identifying all development activities: While having a project plan that identifies all development activities is important, it's not a guarantee that the system development project will meet business objectives. The plan must be comprehensive and address all aspects of the development process, including user involvement, testing, and project management.

D) Strict deadlines and budgets: While deadlines and budgets are important, they are not the most critical factors in ensuring that a system development project meets business objectives. The project must be managed effectively, and all stakeholders must be involved in the development process to ensure that the system meets the business objectives.

In summary, user involvement in system specification and acceptance is the most likely option to ensure that a system development project meets business objectives. However, it's important to have a comprehensive project plan, effective project management, and involve all stakeholders to ensure the success of the project.