Continuation From Chapter From Chapter 1

Two Types of Approaches

Data Oriented Approach

Process Oriented Approach

PayrollProcessing

System

ProjectManagement

System

TaxData

ProjectData

PersonnelData

PersonnelData

Process-Oriented Approach

PayrollProcessing

System

ProjectManagement

System

TaxData

ProjectData

PersonnelData

Data-Oriented Approach

Database and Application Independence

Database Shared collection of logically related data Centrally managed Designed around subjects

Customers Suppliers

Application Independence Separation of data and definition of data

from applications

Key Differences Between Process- and Data-oriented Approaches

Characteristic Process-Orientation

Data-Orientation

Design focus What thesystem issupposed to doand when

The data thesystem needs tooperate

Key Differences Between Process- and Data-oriented approaches

Characteristic Process-Orientation

Data-Orientation

System stability Limited, asbusinessprocesses andthe applicationsthat supportthem changeconstantly

More enduring,as the dataneeds of anorganization donot changerapidly

Orientation

Key Differences Between Process- and Data-oriented approaches

Characteristic Process-Orientation

Data-Orientation

Dataorganization

Data filesdesigned foreach individualApplication(loosely coupled)

Data filesdesigned forthe enterprise(integrated)

Key Differences Between Process- and Data-oriented approaches

Characteristic Process-Orientation

Data-Orientation

Data stored Too much,uncontrolledduplication

Limited,controlledduplication

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Project ID and Selection

Proj. Initiation & Planning

Analysis

Logical Design

Physical Design

Implementation

Maintenance

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Project ID and Selection

Proj. Initiation & Planning

Analysis

Logical Design

Physical Design

Implementation

Maintenance

Deliverable 1Project Proposal

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Project ID and Selection

Proj. Initiation & Planning

Analysis

Logical Design

Physical Design

Implementation

Maintenance

Deliverable 2Require. Analysis

(Pre-ERD)

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Project ID and Selection

Proj. Initiation & Planning

Analysis

Logical Design

Physical Design

Implementation

Maintenance

Deliverable 3New System Design

(ERD/DFD)

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Project ID and Selection

Proj. Initiation & Planning

Analysis

Logical Design

Physical Design

Implementation

Maintenance

Deliverable 4 DB Prototype

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Project ID and Selection

Proj. Initiation & Planning

Analysis

Logical Design

Physical Design

Implementation

Maintenance

Deliverable 5Final System &

Report

Different Techniques to Improving Information Systems Development

Prototyping Building a scaled-down working version of the

system Advantages: users are involved in design, and

captures requirements in concrete form

Rapid Application Development (RAD) Utilizes prototyping to delay producing system

design until after user requirements are clear

Joint Application Design (JAD) Users, Managers and Analysts work together for

several days Structured meeting to review system requirements

Systems analysts

Key individuals in the systems development process

Systems Analysts perform analysis and design based upon: Understanding of organization’s objectives,

structure and processes Knowledge of how to exploit information

technology for advantage

Chapter 2

Succeeding as a Systems Analyst

Learning Objectives

Discuss analytical skills Describe technical skills Discuss management skills Discuss interpersonal skills Describe systems analysis profession

2.192.19

Analytical Skills for Systems Analysis

Four Sets of Analytical Skills Systems Thinking Organizational Knowledge Problem Identification Problem Solving

2.202.20

Systems Thinking

System A system is an interrelated set of business

procedures used within one business unit working together for a purpose

A system has nine characteristics A system exists within an environment A boundary separates a system from its

environment

2.212.21

Characteristics of a System

Components Interrelated Components Boundary Purpose Environment Interfaces Input Output Constraints

2.222.22

Important System Concepts Decomposition Modularity Coupling Cohesion Logical System Description Physical System Description

2.232.23

Decomposition

The process of breaking down a system into smaller components

ModularityProcess of dividing a system into modules of a relatively uniform size

2.252.25

Coupling

Subsystems that are dependent upon each other are coupled

Cohesion

Extent to which a subsystem performs a single function

Logical System Description

Portrays the purpose and function of the system

2.282.28

Physical System Description

Focuses on how the system will be materially constructed

Systems Thinking -Benefits

ST leads to abstractionabstraction leads to essential characteristics Leads to insights into specific system to question assumptions, provide documentation and manipulate the system without disrupting the real situation

2.302.30

Systems Thinking in Information systems

Information systems are subsystems in larger organizational systems

Data flow diagrams represent information systems as systems

Inputs Outputs System boundaries Environment Subsystems Interrelationship

2.312.31

Problem Identification

Problem: Difference between an existing situation and a desired situationIdentification is process of defining differencesDifferences are defined by comparing the current situation to the output of a model that predicts what the output should be

2.322.32

Problem Analyzing and Solving

Four Phases Intelligence

All relevant information is collected Design

Alternatives are formulated Choice

Best alternative solution is chosen Implementation

Solution is put into practice

2.332.33

Technical Skills for Systems Analysis

Constant re-education is necessary as technology changes rapidly

Activities to keep skills up-to-date

Understanding of a wide variety of technologies is required

2.342.34

Management Skills for Systems Analysis

Four categories Resource Management Project Management Risk Management Change Management

2.352.35

Interpersonal Skills for Systems Analysis

Four types of skills: Communication skills Working alone and with a team Facilitating groups Managing expectations

2.362.36

Communication Skills

Three types used by Systems Analyst Interviewing and Listening Questionnaires Written and Oral Presentation

2.372.37

Facilitating Groups

Involves guiding a group without being a part of the group

Useful skill for sessions such as Joint Application Development (JAD)

Figure 2-9 lists guidelines for running a successful meeting

2.382.38

Systems Analysis as a Profession

Standards have been established for education, training, certification and practice

Several aspects: Standards of Practice Ethics Career Path

2.392.39

Standards of Practice

Development of a Common Language Common programming languages Common modeling languages, such as

Unified Modeling Language (UML)

Career Paths

Consulting

Information Systems within a large corporation

Software vendors

Other opportunities outside of systems analysis

2.412.41