List the sections of a system design specification, and describe the contents.

What will be an ideal response?

• The system design specification consists of the following:
• Executive (or Management) Summary: Provides a brief overview of the project for company managers and executives. Outlines the development efforts to date, current status report, summary of project costs to date and remaining costs, review of the overall benefits of the new system, presents the systems development phase schedule, and highlights any issues that management will need to address.
• System Components: Contains the complete design for the new system, including user interface, outputs, inputs, files, databases, and network specifications. Also should include source documents, report and screen layouts, DFDs, O-O diagrams, and all other relevant documentation.
• System Environment: Describes the constraints, or conditions, affecting the system, including any requirements that involve operations, hardware, systems software, or security.
• Implementation Requirements: Specifies start-up processing, initial data entry or acquisition, user training requirements, and software test plans.
• Time and Cost Estimates: Detailed schedules, cost estimates, and staffing requirements for the systems development phase and revised projections for the remainder of the SDLC.
• Appendices: Supplemental material, such as copies of documents from the first three phases, can be included if they would provide easy reference for readers.