Planning Phase

Course Objective or Competency	Module Objectives or Competency
The student will be able to explain what is involved in the planning phase.	The student will be able to explain the purpose or function of the planning phase.
	The student will be able to list and explain some of the tools and techniques used in the planning phase.
	The student will be able to explain the output of the planning phase.
	The student will be able to list and explain the personnel and tasks involved in conducting the planning phase.

Planning Phase

Involves studying the current system and defining the feasibility of and requirements for a new system.
The analyst evaluates project requests using various techniques, such as
- feasibility studies
- cost-benefit analyses
The analyst uses fact-gathering techniques, such as
- reading existing documentation
- examining current procedures
- interviewing users and managers who deal with the system
The analyst studies and documents the current system in order to understand both its flaws and its strong points.
The analyst prepares a list of requirements for a new system.

Phase Name: Planning
Major Function:	To determine the feasibility and requirements of a proposed new system.
Output:	Requirements specification
Principal Tools:	feasibility study cost-benefit analysis fact-gathering techniques
Personnel & Tasks:	Users, management, and analysts must be heavily involved. The analyst determines if it makes sense to undertake development of the new system. The analyst prepares a list of requirements for a new system. The analyst studies and documents the current system (if such exists) in order to understand both its flaws and its strong points.