The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which governs the process of system analysis, follows a structured sequence of phases. The typical initial steps are (1) Problem Identification and Preliminary Investigation, followed by (2) a Feasibility Study to assess the project's viability. The third major step involves a detailed analysis of user requirements and the design of the system's technical architecture. While Analysis and Design are distinct phases, they are deeply interconnected and represent the core technical phase where the problem is understood in detail (Analysis) and the solution is blueprinted (Design). This combined phase logically follows the initial investigation and feasibility assessment.

A. Feasibility Study: This is an earlier step, typically the second in the process, conducted after initial investigation to determine if the project should proceed.

B. Select an Alternative: This is a decision-making sub-task that occurs within the analysis or design phase, not a distinct, high-level phase itself.

C. Recommendation Review: This is a management or governance activity, often occurring after the analysis and design are proposed, rather than a core step in the development process.

1. Valacich, J. S., & George, J. F. (2020). Modern Systems Analysis and Design (9th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 1, the SDLC is outlined with the following phases: 1. Planning and Selection, 2. Analysis, 3. Design. This sequential model places the Analysis and subsequent Design phases after the initial planning, confirming they constitute the core steps following preliminary stages.

2. Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2016). Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm (14th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 13, "Building Information Systems," describes the traditional systems lifecycle. The process begins with Systems Analysis (which includes the feasibility study) and is immediately followed by System Design. This establishes the sequence where design is the next major phase after the initial analysis is completed.

3. Dennis, A., Wixom, B. H., & Roth, R. M. (2015). Systems Analysis and Design (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. The textbook presents the core phases of the SDLC as Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation (Part One: Foundations for Systems Development). This structure confirms that the Design phase is the third major phase in the development process.