The document discusses the database system development lifecycle. It notes that 80-90% of database projects do not meet performance goals and are often late and over budget. Reasons for failure include a lack of complete requirements specification, inappropriate development methodology, and poor system decomposition. The solution is to follow a structured approach like the Information Systems Lifecycle, Software Development Lifecycle, or Database System Development Lifecycle. Key stages of the Database System Development Lifecycle include planning, definition, requirements collection, design, prototyping, implementation, data conversion, testing, and operational maintenance.