Systems development management DLMG

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

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
A new levels has been added at level 4.
You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping may be impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

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 lifecycle 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 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 responsibilities.

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 who are performing higher level tasks and activities

Where higher levels are not defined...

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

Click to learn why SFIA skills are not defined at all 7 levels.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

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 guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

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 delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

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 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, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

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 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.

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.

New level