The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Systems development management DLMG

(unchanged)

Planning, estimating and executing systems development work to time, budget and quality targets.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 beta due in early July 2024
  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024

This is a prototype for SFIA 9. It is subject to change before publication.

Guidance notes

(modified)

Systems development include the delivery of projects, initiatives, enhancement requests, and the maintenance of existing systems.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • planning and estimating work
  • adopting and adapting systems development life cycle models based on the context of the work and selecting appropriately from predictive (plan-driven) approaches or adaptive (iterative/agile) approaches
  • collaboration and open communication with stakeholders with a focus on delivering value from systems development
  • managing risks and allowing for timely adjustment of plans and deliverables to continue to meet customer requirements and deliver value
  • ensuring that systems development work meets the required quality standards
  • aligning systems development activity and deliverables with architectures and standards and ensuring quality, security and privacy are built in 
  • developing roadmaps to communicate systems development plans
  • identifying, allocating and managing resources (including staff, equipment, and budgets) and how demand will be met with a supply capacity
  • continuous improvement to refine and optimise systems development processes.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...

  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.

Where higher levels are not defined...

  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and reponsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others with tasks (generic examples are provided by the essence statements for each level)

Where higher levels are not defined...

  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Levels

Defined at these levels: 4 5 6 7

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Systems development management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and supervises others, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(new)

Contributes to the planning and management of systems development work.

Adopts and applies appropriate systems development methods, tools, and techniques in line with agreed standards.

Engages with stakeholders to ensure systems development deliverables meet requirements and quality expectations. Manages risks and issues related to systems development activities, escalating as needed.

Contributes to the continuous improvement of systems development processes and practices.

Systems development management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for achieving workgroup objectives and managing work from analysis to execution and evaluation.

(modified)

Plans and drives systems development work to deliver the organisation's objectives and plans.

Selects, adopts and adapts appropriate systems development methods, tools and techniques. Ensures that stakeholders are aware of required resources and that they are made available. Facilitates availability and optimum utilisation of resources.

Monitors and reports on the progress of development projects. Ensures projects are carried out in accordance with agreed architectures, standards, methods and tools and addresses security and privacy requirements.

Develops roadmaps to communicate future development activity.

Systems development management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, fosters organizational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(unchanged)

Sets policy and drives adherence to standards for systems development.

Leads activities to make security and privacy integral to systems development.

Identifies and manages the resources necessary for all stages of systems development projects.

Ensures that technical, financial and quality targets are met.

Systems development management: Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

(unchanged)

Directs the definition, implementation and continual improvement of the organisation’s systems development management framework.

Aligns systems development to business strategies and objectives and with emerging technology and digital opportunities. Maintains an overview of the contribution of systems development programmes to organisational success.

Authorises the structure of systems development functions and platforms.

Sets strategy for resource management within systems development and authorises the allocation of resources for systems development programmes.

Keywords
New level