[BA 186] Class Notes

Systems Analysis

A process that involves collecting factual data, understanding processes, identifying problems, and recommending improvements for an organization.

Objectives of Systems Analysis

To answer questions about business processes and design an efficient system that satisfies current user needs and supports future growth.

System Design

A phase that is based on user requirements and detailed analysis of the current system.

Characteristics of a System

Includes components, interrelated components, boundary, purpose, environment, interfaces, constraints, input, and output.

Decomposition

The process of breaking down a system into smaller, manageable components.

Modularity

Dividing a system into modules of relatively uniform size that work independently but contribute to the overall strategy.

Coupling

The relationship among subsystems where they are dependent upon each other.

Cohesion

The extent to which a subsystem performs a single function effectively.

Qualities of a Systems Analyst

Includes being a problem solver, communicator, and possessing strong ethics, self-discipline, and motivation.

Project Selection Criteria

Conditions that must be met for a project to be selected, including management backing, timing, practicality, importance, and alignment with goals.

Traditional Waterfall Model

A systems development approach where one phase begins only after the previous one is completed.

Prototyping

An interactive development process that allows continual revisions based on user feedback.

Joint Application Design (JAD)

A structured approach involving users, analysts, and managers to review system requirements over a series of workgroup sessions.

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

A methodology that focuses on speed and flexibility in software development.

Agile Methodologies

An approach that emphasizes adaptive planning, evolutionary development, and delivery, with a focus on customer collaboration.

Decision Support System (DSS)

A system that helps identify problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and assist in decision-making.

Transaction Processing System (TPS)

A system designed to handle high volume data capture and ensure efficient data processing.

Management Information System (MIS)

A system that aggregates and summarizes data for managerial decision-making.

Maintaining Systems

An ongoing process that involves correcting software errors and enhancing existing systems.

Interview Types

Can be categorized into open-ended and closed questions, each serving different purposes in data gathering.

Open-ended Questions

Questions that allow interviewees to express their thoughts in their own words.

Closed Questions

Questions that limit responses, useful for obtaining precise data.

Observation as a Data Collection Method

A technique involving watching users perform their tasks to gather information about system interaction.

Document Analysis

A review of existing business documents to understand system requirements and organizational dynamics.