System planning is the first phase in the system life cycle.

• A. None of the Above
• B. False
• C. Not Sure
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Planning begins the lifecycle by establishing why the system is needed and what it must achieve. In this phase you define the problem, set goals and objectives, outline scope and constraints, identify stakeholders, and assess feasibility (economic, technical, operational). The outcome is a project plan that covers scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and risk, which then guides requirements gathering, design, development, and implementation. Without this early, structured planning, later phases can drift, miss user needs, or run over budget. In many system life cycle models, planning is placed as the first formal phase, which is why the statement is true.