A Case Study of the Web-based Information Systems Development

The WWW is a technologically active environment, and information systems developed for the WWW differ in significant areas from traditional applications. Existing literature has suggested that software development methodologies for traditional applications may have to be modified, or indeed replaced to meet the needs of the WWW. Consequently, a number of software development methodologies have emerged to support the development of WWW-based information systems. This research explores the current software development methodologies used by organisations in developing WWW-based information systems. A case study approach is used to investigate, in the context of the organisation, how various WWW-based information systems are developed and the reasons why particular strategies are used. The organisations were selected on differences in type, size and information systems developed. The cases were analysed based on the software process model, methodology, tools and techniques within an organisational context. The core finding of the research was that the development of WWW-based information systems is dominated by the challenges presented by new technology. In addition, organisations take a structured problem solving approach rather than adopting methodologies specifically designed for the WWW. The results of the research also indicated that deficiencies existed in the development strategies used, principally in the area of inadequate guidelines and lack of documentation.