SYSTEM SOFTWARE ANALYSIS &

DESIGN
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INTRODUCTION:
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We study system analysis & design because it relates to
shaping organizations, improving performance & achieving objectives for
profitability & growth.

System analysis is the application of the systems

approach to the study & solutions of problems using computer-based
systems. Systems’ thinking is integral to systems work. The systems
approach is a way of thinking about the analysis & design of computer-
based applications. It provides a framework for visualizing the
organizational & environmental factors that operate on a system. Overall,
systems analysis & design focus on systems & technology.

SYSTEM CONCEPT:
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Too often analyst focus on only one component &

overlook other equally important components. General systems theory is
concerned with "developing a systematic, theoretical framework upon which
to make decisions." It discourages thinking in a vacuum & encourages
consideration of all the activities of the organization & its external
environment. Pioneering work in general systems theory emphasized that
organizations be viewed as total systems. The idea of systems has
become more practical & necessary in conceptualizing the inter-
relationships & integration of operations, especially when using computers.

DEFINITIONS:
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The term systems is derived from the greek word

systema, which means an organized relationship among functioning units
or components. A system exists because it is designed to acheive one or
more objectives.

Eg: transporting system,telephone system, production system

etc,...

The study of system has three basic implications:-

i) A system must be designed to acheive a predetermined objective.

ii) Interrealtionships & interdependence must exist among the

components.

iii) The objectives of an organisation as a whole have a higher priority

than the objectives of a subsystems.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM:
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Charactersitics that are present in all the systems are:-

organization, interaction, interdependence, integration & a central objective.

1)Organization: It implies structure & order. It is the arrangement of

components that helps to achieve objectives.

Eg: The hierarchical relationships starting with the president on

top & leading downward to the blue-collar workers represents the
organization structure. Such an arrangement portrays a system- subsystem
relationship, defines the authority structure, specifies the formal flow of
communication & formalizes the chain of command.

2)Interaction: It refers to the manner in which each component

functions with other components of the system.

Eg: Purchase must interact with production, advertising with

sales & payroll with personnel.
 3)Interdependence: It means that parts of the organization or
computer system depend on one another. One subsystem or computer
system depend on the input of another subsystem for proper functioning;
i.e, the output of one system is the required input for another subsystem.

4)Integration: It refers to the holism of systems. Integration is

concerned with how a system is tied together. It is more than sharing a
physical part or location. It means that parts of the system work together
within the system even though each part performs a unique function.

5)Central Objective: Objectives may be real or stated. Although a

stated objective may be real objective, it is not uncommon for an
organization to state one objective & operate to achieve another. The
important point is that users must know the central objective of a computer
application early in the analysis for a successful design & conversion.

ELEMENTS OF A SYSTEM:
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To construct a system the following key elements must be

condidered:-

1.Outputs & Inputs

2.Processor
3.Control
4.Feedback
5.Environment
6.Boundaries & interface
 1.OUTPUTS & INPUTS: A major objectives of a system is to produce
an output that has value to its user.Inputs are the elements that enter the
system for processing. Output is the outcome of processing. It is important
to point out here that determining the output is a first step in specifying the
nature, amount & regularity of the input needed to operate a system.

Eg:In systems analysis, the first concern is to determine the

user's requirements of a proposed computer system i.e., specification of the
output that the computer is expected to provide for meeting user
requirements.

2.PROCESSOR: It is the element of a system that involves the actual

transformation of input into output. It is the operational component of a
system. Processor may modify the input totally or partially depending on the
specifications of the output.

3.CONTROL:The control element guides the system. It is the decision

making subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input,
processing, & output. In a computer system, the operating system
accompanying software influences the behavior of the system. Output
specifications determine what & how much input is needed to keep the
system in balance.

4.FEED BACK: Control in a dynamic system is achieved by feed

back. Feed back measures output against a standard in some forms of
cybernetic procedure that includes communication & control. Feed back
may be positive or negative routines or informational.

5.ENVIRONMENT: It is the "suprasystem" within which an

organization operates. It is the source of external elements that impinges
on the system. In fact, it often determines how a system must function.
 6.BOUNDARIES & INTEFRACE: A system should be defined by its
boundaries- the limits that identify its components, processor &
interrelationships when it interfaces with another system.
Eg: A teller system in a commercial bank is restricted to the
deposits, withdrawals & realted activities of customers checking & savings
account. It may exulde mortages, foreclosures, trust activities & the like.

TYPES OF SYSTEMS:
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Systems have been classified in different ways.Commom
classifications are:-
1)Physical or abstract
2)Open or Closed
3)"Man made information systems.

1)PHYSICAL OR ABSTRACT SYSTEMS:Physical systems are tangible

entities that may be static or dynamic in operation.
Eg:The physical parts of the computer centre are the offices,
desks & chairs that facilitate operation of the computer.

Abstract systems are conceptual or non-physical entities.

2)OPEN OR CLOSED SYSTEMS:An open systems has many interfaces

with its environment. It permits interaction across its boundarys; it receives
inputs from & delivers outputs to the outside.
Eg:Information systems

A closed systems is isolated from environmental influences. In reality,

a completely closed system is rare.

3)MAN-MADE INFORMATION SYSTEMS:An information system is the

basis for interaction between the user & the analyst. In system analysis, it is
important to keep in mind that considering an alternative system means
improving one or more of these criteria. Each information is designed for a
purpose & works to accommodate dataflow, communications, decision-
making control & effectiveness. The major information systems are formal,
informal & computer based.

i)FORMAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS:It is based in the

organization represented by the organization chart. The chart is a map of
positions & their authority relationships, indicated by boxes & connected by
straight lines. It is concerned with the pattern of authority, communication &
work flow.

ii)INFORMAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS: It is an employee based system

designed to meet the personnel & vocational needs to help solve work-
related problems. It also funnels information upward through indirect
channels. In this respect, it is a useful system because it works within the
frameworks of the buisness & its a stated policies.

iii)COMPUTER BASED INFORMATION SYSTEMS:A third class of

information system relies on the computer for handling business
applications. The computer is now a required source of information.
Systems anlaysis relies heavily on computers for problem solving.
This suggests that the analyst must be familiar with computer technol
ogy & have experience in handling people in an organized context.