Recently you attended a presentation by Dr John, renowned entrepreneur and business leader, who spoke at length about the development of an accounting information systems and, what he referred to as the ‘life cycle approach’. After the presentation you returned to your workplace and discussed the virtues of this approach with your boss, John. John was extremely interested because he has become aware that the current accounting information systems is inadequate for the developing needs of the business. He asked you to do a number of things for him in your ‘new role’ as the Accounting Information Systems Development Officer.
1. Write a brief report identifying the role that would be expected of the management team in the development and design of a new accounting information system. The underlying issue is really the role you would expect John “your boss” to play.
2. Would you expect that the people who will use the new system should have a role in any analysis leading up to, in the selection of and implementation of the new accounting information system should one be selected?
3. Write a clear and comprehensive report on what would be involved in the adoption of a life cycle approach to adopting a new accounting information system. Specifically identify the stages that would need to be engaged in, and staff likely to be involved. John, your boss, also wishes to know whether consultant costs would be incurred?