The system development cycle consists of 5 stages: understanding the problem, making decisions, designing solutions, implementing, and testing/maintaining. Before planning a new system, the problem must be understood through data collection and a requirements report. A project plan is then developed using tools like Gantt charts to organize tasks. Potential solutions are designed and feasibility studies examine economic, technical, schedule, and organizational criteria. Implementation involves converting to the new system through methods like direct, parallel, phased, or pilot conversion. Design tools like context diagrams, data flow diagrams, and system flowcharts are used to describe the information processes.