An Overview of Systems Analysis and Design

Information System

A set of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and provide as output the information needed to complete tasks, always including people who operate the system.

Computer Application/App

A computer software program that executes on a computing device to carry out a specific function.

Systems Analysis

Systems development activities that allow a person to understand and specify what the new system should accomplish.

Systems Design

System development activities that enable a person to describe how information will be implemented to solve a specified problem.

Development Process Steps

Understand the need, Capture the vision, Define a solution, Communicate the vision & solution, Build the solution/direct others to build it, Confirm the solution meets needs, Launch the solution.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A framework that identifies all activities required to research, build, deploy, and maintain an information system.

Agile Development

An information system development process that emphasizes flexibility and rapid responses to anticipate new and changing requirements.

Iterative Development

An approach to systems development where the system is 'grown' piece by piece through multiple mini-projects called iterations.

Benefits of Iterative Development

Allows portions of the system to be deployed sooner, identifies difficult problems earlier, fewer requirements make them easier to solve, and provides more flexibility.