What are the steps to analyze your SDLC project?

2 Establish the objectives

The next step to analyze your SDLC project is to establish the objectives that your software solution will achieve. You need to specify the benefits and value that your project will deliver to your stakeholders. You also need to define the success criteria and the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will measure the progress and quality of your project. You can use the SMART framework to set your objectives, which means they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The outcome of this step is a set of SMART objectives that align with your problem statement and your stakeholder's needs.

3 Identify the requirements

The third step to analyze your SDLC project is to identify the requirements that your software solution will meet. You need to elicit, document, and validate the functional and non-functional requirements of your project. Functional requirements describe what your software solution will do, such as features, functionalities, and user stories. Non-functional requirements describe how your software solution will perform, such as reliability, security, usability, and scalability. You can use various tools, such as use cases, user scenarios, prototypes, and diagrams, to specify and communicate your requirements. The outcome of this step is a comprehensive and consistent requirements specification that guides the design and development of your software solution.

4 Analyze the risks

The fourth step to analyze your SDLC project is to analyze the risks that may affect your project. You need to identify, assess, and prioritize the potential threats and uncertainties that may impact your project's scope, budget, schedule, quality, or stakeholders. You also need to plan and implement appropriate mitigation and contingency strategies to prevent or minimize the negative effects of the risks. You can use various methods, such as SWOT analysis, risk matrix, risk register, and risk response plan, to manage your risks. The outcome of this step is a risk management plan that helps you anticipate and deal with the challenges and changes of your project.

5 Estimate the resources

The fifth step to analyze your SDLC project is to estimate the resources that you will need for your project. You need to determine the human, technical, and financial resources that are necessary and available for your project. You also need to allocate and optimize the resources according to the scope, objectives, requirements, and risks of your project. You can use various techniques, such as work breakdown structure (WBS), resource breakdown structure (RBS), resource leveling, and resource allocation matrix, to plan and control your resources. The outcome of this step is a resource management plan that helps you maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your project.

6 Review the analysis

The final step to analyze your SDLC project is to review the analysis that you have conducted. You need to verify and validate the accuracy, completeness, and feasibility of your analysis. You also need to communicate and collaborate with your stakeholders to get their feedback and approval. You can use various methods, such as reviews, inspections, walkthroughs, and testing, to ensure the quality and consistency of your analysis. The outcome of this step is a finalized and approved analysis document that serves as the basis for the next phases of your SDLC project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?