This project provides computer majors a hands-on systems development environment for learning how quality application systems are developed rapidly. Through this project, a systems development laboratory, equipped with computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools, object tools, project management and estimation tools, and a Lotus Notes groupware environment on sixteen networked workstations, is being established. The workstations are configured with these systems development tools that information systems professionals use for the construction and maintenance of application systems. Two systems courses, titled Systems Analysis and Design I and II, use the new laboratory. Also, this lab is becoming an integral part of the database management course and a course on object technology that is expected to be added to the CIS curriculum. In the first systems course, students learn an integrated CASE tool that supports process modeling, data modeling, and event modeling. In the second course, the focus is on building an application from start to finish using James Martin's RAD (Rapid Applications Development) methodology. RAD requires a computer-supported room to conduct JRP (Joint Requirements Planning) and JAD (Joint Application Design) sessions, an integrated CASE tool that automatically generates code from design specifications, and a networked environment that facilitates teamwork. Through these realistic development experiences, students gain the skills and knowledge that is usually acquired through working in a matured software development environment.
