BIS 3063

Systems analysis & design

Lecture 1
Introduction to Systems analysis
and design
 AIMS
 to enable students understand the importance of
using structured methods of developing an
information system.
 to expose students to methods of producing a blue
print of an information system from the analysis
phase. This will enable students to choose the design
types that would solve problems at hand

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 Learning Objectives
 describe attributes and skills required of a systems analyst
 gather information using various methodologies
 analyze an information system in detail
 apply system analysis techniques in analyzing any system
 apply project management principles in a team environment
 make an appropriate choice between a high level
programming language and a database for their design system
 make an appropriate choice of the design type that will solve
the problem at hand
 implement a highly cohesive and loosely coupled system
design
 test a highly cohesive and loosely coupled system design

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 What is a System?
System: an orderly grouping of interdependent components
linked together according to a plan to achieve a specific
objective.
: a set of objects together with relationships between the
objects and their attributes. Examples: solar system,
circulatory system, computer system.

 Objects are the parts or components of a system, i.e.

keyboard, mouse, memory etc
 Attributes are properties or dimensions of the objects, i.e.,
temperature, location, size
 Relationships are those that tie the system together
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 Major components of a system
Input
 A major objective of a system is to produce an output that has
value to its user.
 Inputs are the elements (material, human resources, and
information) that enter the system for processing.
Processing
 Transformation of input into output
Output
 Outcome, product or result of processing

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 Characteristics of a System
 Organization
 Interaction
 Interdependence
 Integration
 Central Objective

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 Continued
 Organization
 It implies structure and order. The arrangement of components that helps to achieve
objectives

 Interaction
 It refers to manner in which each component functions with other components
of the system.
 E.g. In an organization, for example, purchasing must interact with production, advertising with sales and
payroll with personnel.

 Interdependence
 Units/parts of a system are dependent on each other. i.e. One subsystem depends
on the input of another subsystem for proper functioning.

 Integration
 How a system is tied together. The parts of a system work together within the
system even though each part performs a unique function.
 Central Objective
 Objective may be real or stated. All the components work together to achieve
that particular objective.

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 Types of Computer-based Systems
Transaction Processing System(TPS)
 computerized information systems that were developed to process large amounts of data for
routine business transactions. They capture and process data about business transactions.
 e.g. payroll system and inventory system, bank deposits & withdrawals, retail point of sale,
airline reservation
Office Automation Systems (OAS)
 designed to support data workers to analyse, transform or manipulate data
 e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, electronic scheduling, and
communication through voice mail, email (electronic mail), and teleconferencing.
Management Information Systems (MIS)
 designed to provide information to management for implementation and control.
 A key element of MIS is the database – a non-redundant collection of interrelated data items
that can be processed through application programs and available to many users.
 E.g. financial reporting, sales reporting, budget forecasting and analysis,
Decision Support Systems
 designed to assist management in making decisions.
Executive Support System

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 What is Systems Analysis?
Systems Analysis: the study of the existing system to find &
eliminate drawbacks by proposing and adopting the new
system.

: a structured technique for handling large, complex

problems to lead to an efficient allocation of resources to meet
well defined goals and objectives.

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 Processes in Systems Analysis
 Examining existing system(what the system is doing)
-inputting of data & outputting of info
-processing data
-users
 Identifying problems
 Identifying requirements
 Specifying solutions

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 What is Systems Design?
Systems Design: a process of identifying input, output
requirements preparing forms, database design, file
design and software design

: is simply is a process of planning the new

business information system

 System Analysis and Design refers to the process of

examining a business situation with the intent of
improving it through better procedures and methods.

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 Systems Analyst
A person who studies the problems and needs of an organisation to determine
how people, data, processes, communications, and information technology
can best accomplish improvements for the business.
A Systems Analyst facilitates the development of information systems and
computer applications by bridging the communications gap that exists
between nontechnical system owners and users and technical system
designers and builders.
Systems Analysts study the existing system, identify problems, identify new
requirements and specify new solutions.

 The systems analyst systematically assesses how users interact with

technology and how businesses function by examining the inputting and
processing of data and the outputting of information with the intent of
improving organizational processes.

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 Activities of a Systems Analyst
A systems analyst has a range of activities, including:
 Identify problems
 Analyze and understand problems
 Planning of solutions
 Recommendation of systems and software
 Design and implement the best solution
 Coordination of developments necessary to meet business and
other requirements.

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 Other Responsibilities
In addition, Systems Analysts are responsible for:
1. design considerations
2. translation of user specific requests into technical
specifications
3. cost analysis and development
4. as well as implementation time lines

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 Roles of a Systems Analyst
There are three primary roles of a Systems Analyst in which the above
activities are carried out. These are:
1. Consultant
may be hired specifically to address information systems issues within a
business.
2. Supporting expert
providing support to those who are managing the project
3. Agent of change
serves as a catalyst for change, develops a plan for change, and works with
others in facilitating that change.

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 Attributes and Skills of a Systems Analyst

 Interpersonal skills
 Technical skills

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 Interpersonal Skills
Deal with relationships and the interface of the analyst with
people in business. Include the following:
 Communication
 Understanding (identifying problems)
 Teaching (educating people in various programmes)
 Selling (ideas and promoting innovations)
 Team player
 Ability to lead and motivate

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 Technical Skills
 Creativity
 Problem solving,
 Project management
 Dynamic interface
 Questioning attitude and inquiring mind
 Knowledge of the basics of the computer
 Business Skills-including knowing about organizational
structures, and management techniques; traditions, plans,
strategies and values of an organization and functional work
processes.

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 Continued
As a Systems Analyst you should be familiar as possible with information
technology:
 Microcomputer, micro station, workstation, mainframe computers
 Programming languages
 Operating systems
 Database and file management systems
Data communication standards
Software for local and wide networks
Web developing tools
Decision support system generators
Data analysis tools
Data design tools

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