What process develops a detailed description of the functions that a new information system must perform?

The process that develops a detailed description of the functions that a new information system must perform is known as requirements analysis. During this phase, stakeholders, including users, business analysts, and developers, work together to gather, define, and document the needs and expectations for the system. This helps ensure that the system meets the intended goals and supports the necessary business processes.

Requirements analysis focuses on both functional requirements, which describe what the system should do (for example, specific features and functionalities), and non-functional requirements, which cover aspects like performance, usability, and security. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for guiding the subsequent phases of system development, including systems design and implementation.

In contrast, a feasibility study evaluates whether the proposed project can be executed successfully, taking into account factors like technical, economic, and legal considerations. Systems design is the phase where the actual architecture and components of the system are conceptualized based on the gathered requirements. Test plan development occurs later in the process, focusing on how to verify that the system meets the requirements as specified during the requirements analysis phase.