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Problems: Charles and Oliver are not web savvy. They allow Mabel to run the marketing side of their business. Though a brilliant digital artist, Mabel does not have formal training with web design, SEO, marketing, etc. They have lost subscribers as users have trouble finding and navigating their site. The trio cannot afford an outside company to manage their web presence. There is sometimes an issue with their online merchandise ordering system - orders get lost, do not process, etc. Sponsors have pulled their ads due to a decrease in subscribers. What is the maintenance using the SDLC?

1 answer

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) consists of several stages, including maintenance, which is a critical phase that focuses on handling issues once a system is in production. Given the problems faced by Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, the maintenance phase can be implemented to address their web presence issues. This includes tasks that ensure the website operates effectively and meets user expectations.

Maintenance Tasks using the SDLC:

  1. Problem Identification:

    • User Feedback: Collect and analyze user feedback regarding difficulties in finding and navigating the website.
    • Order System Errors: Document instances of lost orders and processing failures to understand the extent and nature of the issue.

  2. Corrective Maintenance:

    • Website Navigation: Simplify the website’s navigation structure based on user feedback.
    • SEO Improvements: Implement basic SEO tactics to improve search engine visibility, despite Mabel’s lack of formal training (e.g., optimizing titles, descriptions, image tags).
    • Bug Fixes for Order System: Investigate and resolve any bugs related to the online merchandise ordering system to prevent orders from getting lost.

  3. Adaptive Maintenance:

    • Stay Updated on Technology: Regularly research and adapt the website to new digital trends and technologies that can enhance performance and user experience.
    • Enhance Responsiveness: Ensure that the website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly, addressing any adaptive challenges posed by different devices.

  4. Perfective Maintenance:

    • User Interface Enhancements: Work on improving the website’s user interface based on user testing to promote a more engaging experience.
    • Content Management: Regularly update content to keep it fresh and relevant, which can help retain and attract subscribers.

  5. Preventive Maintenance:

    • Routine Audits: Conduct regular audits of website performance, including checking for broken links and outdated information, to prevent future issues.
    • Backup Systems: Establish a reliable backup and recovery system to ensure that data (including orders and user information) is not lost.

  6. Training and Knowledge Enhancement:

    • Web Design and SEO Training: Invest time in basic web design and SEO training for Mabel, allowing her to better manage and optimize the site.
    • Resource Utilization: Use free online resources, tutorials, and community forums to enhance skills related to web maintenance, digital marketing, and SEO.

  7. Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • User Metrics Tracking: Implement tools to track user engagement metrics such as bounce rates, page views, and navigation paths to identify persistent issues.
    • Feedback Loops: Create a feedback mechanism for users to report issues or provide suggestions, which can lead to continuous improvement.

Conclusion:

By systematically applying the maintenance principles of the SDLC, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel can address their current business challenges, improve user experience, regain lost subscribers, and restore sponsor confidence. This proactive approach can also set the foundation for long-term success without incurring the costs of an external web management company.