computing ESSENTIALS 

CHAPTER
Systems
Analysis and
3
Design
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Competencies

Phases of systems life cycle

Needs and solutions

Analyze and evaluate

Acquire and testing

Switch over

Audits and periodic evaluations

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System Analysis and Design

 Collection of activities and elements
organized to accomplish a goal
 Periodic review of current systems

 Systems become obsolete or ineffective

 Organization growth

 Mergers

 New opportunities

 Government regulations

 New technology

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Systems Analysis and Design

Phases
 Systems life cycle
 Preliminary investigation
 Analysis
 Design
 Development
 Implementation
 Maintenance
 Systems analysts study and
determine actions.
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Phase 1 - Investigation
 Need requested by end user or manager
 Three tasks performed

 Define the problem

 Interview and observe

 Suggest alternative solutions

 Prepare a report

 Summarize results

 Management can decide to continue or

not
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Phase 2 – Analysis

 Gather data about present system

 Analyze data

 Determine requirements for the new system

 Document systems analysis for review

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Gather Data
 Expands on data
gathered in the
preliminary report
 Data sources
 Interviewing end
users
 Questionnaires

 Observing
procedures
 Study documents

 Organization chart
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Analyzing Data
 Learn how information flows
 Pinpoint why it isn’t flowing properly

 Tools used in analyzing data

 Checklists

 Top-down analysis method

 Grid charts

 Decision tables

 System and data flowcharts

 Automated design tools

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Phase 3: Design
 Design alternative systems
 Feasibility

 Economic, technical, operational

 Select best system

 Will it fit in current organization?

 Is it flexible to modifications?

 Is it secure?

 Benefits worth costs?

 Write comparative design report

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Phase 4: Development
 Acquire software
 Off-the-shelf
 Custom written
 Acquire hardware
 May need hardware upgrades
 Can be costly in equipment and training
 Testing the new system
 Very critical step
 May take months depending on
complexity
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Phase 5: Implementation
 Conversion from old to new system
 Four approaches

 Direct

 Parallel

 Pilot

 Phased

 Training

 Commonly overlooked, but crucial

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Phase 6: Maintenance
 Ongoing activity
 Consists of

 Systems audit

 Performance compared to design

specifications
 Determine if further design required

 Periodic evaluation

 Make sure system still performs

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Systems Development
Alternatives
 Faster alternatives to the systems
development life cycle approach
 Prototyping
 Build a model that can be modified
 Implement it after end users test it
 Rapid Applications Development (RAD)
 Powerful development software
 Specialized teams

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A Look to the Future

 Pace of business rapid

 Increased use of RAD and prototyping
 Increased use of outside consulting

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