ABSTRACT: This paper discusses systems development in the context of problem solving strategies. A theoretical basis for the two dominant problem-solving approaches (SDLC and prototyping) is presented along with the results of a field study of the effectiveness of the strategies in fourth-generation language environments. Results from the study indicate the appropriateness of a mixed development strategy contingent on system type. Implications for future research on systems development are also presented.
Key words and phrases: systems development, prototyping, problem solving, cognitive science, fourth generation languages