CNIT 182 - Chapter 1 Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design

Comprehensive Key Terms in Systems Analysis and Design

agile methods

Systems development methods that attempt to develop a system incrementally by building a series of prototypes and constantly adjusting them to user requirements.

app

A software application that runs on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

application lifecycle management (ALM)

Activities that cover the entire SDLC, including requirements, design, development, testing, and deployment and management of software applications.

application software

Software programs, such as email, word processors, spreadsheets, and graphics packages, used by employees in typical office scenarios.

artificial intelligence

The attempt to recreate natural intelligence through software in machines.

B2B (business-to-business)

A commercial exchange (e.g., products or services) between businesses, typically enabled by the Internet or electronic means.

B2C (business-to-consumer)

A commercial exchange (e.g., products or services) between businesses and consumers conducted over the Internet.

big data

Extremely large datasets (e.g., petabytes) requiring nontraditional approaches to deal with them. Sometimes characterized by three terms: volume, variety, and velocity.

bring your own device (BYOD)

An equipment management model where employees are in charge of their devices (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones) at work, not the IT department.

business model

A graphical representation of business functions that consist of business processes, such as sales, accounting, and purchasing.

business process

A description of specific events, tasks, and desired results.

business process model (BPM)

A graphical representation of one or more business processes.

business process modeling notation (BPMN)

A standard set of shapes and symbols used to represent events, processes, and workflows in computer-based modeling tools.

business profile

A definition of a company's overall functions, processes, organization, products, services, customers, suppliers, competitors, constraints, and future direction.

business rules

How a system handles data and produces useful information. Business rules, also called business logic, reflect the operational requirements of the business.

business support systems

Provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company.

CASE tools

Powerful software used in computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) to help systems analysts develop and maintain information systems.

certification

A credential an individual earns by demonstrating a certain level of knowledge and skill on a standardized test.

class

A term used in object-oriented modeling to indicate a collection of similar objects.

computer-aided software engineering (CASE)

A technique that uses powerful programs called CASE tools to provide an overall framework for systems development.

corporate culture

A set of beliefs, rules, traditions, values, and attitudes that define a company and influence its way of doing business.

critical thinking skills

The ability to compare, classify, evaluate, recognize patterns, analyze cause and effect, and apply logic.

data

The raw material or basic facts used by information systems.

data center

A large concentration of networked computers working together.

data flow diagram (DFD)

Graphical representation of the system, showing it stores, processes, and transforms data into useful information.

data science

Interdisciplinary field that blends computer science, math and statistics, and business methods to analyze large datasets.

deliverable

A polished, final product, suitable for its intended use.

e-commerce (electronic commerce)

Transactions (e.g., buying and selling of goods and information) that occur on the Internet.

electronic data interchange (EDI)

A process that involves computer-to-computer transfer of data between companies.

empowerment

A business practice that places more responsibility and accountability throughout all levels of an organization.

enterprise applications

Company-wide applications, such as order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communications networks.

enterprise computing

Information systems that support company-wide data management requirements.

enterprise resource planning (ERP)

A process that establishes an enterprise-wide strategy for IT resources.

feasibility study

An initial investigation to clearly identify the nature and scope of the business opportunity or problem.

groupware

Programs that run on a network that enable users to share data, collaborate on projects, and work in teams.

hardware

The physical layer of the information system, to include computers, networks, communications equipment, and other technology-based infrastructure.

help desk

A centralized resource staffed by IT professionals that provides users with the support they need to do their jobs.

horizontal system

A basic system, such as an inventory or payroll package, that is commonly used by a variety of companies.

inference rules

Instructions that direct a knowledge management system to identify data patterns and relationships.

information

Data that has been changed into a useful form of output.

information system

A combination of information technology, people, and data to support business requirements.

information technology (IT)

A combination of hardware, software, and telecommunications systems that support business operations, improve productivity, and help managers make decisions.

integrated development environments (IDE)

An application for building other software applications.

iterative

An adaptive method typically uses a spiral development model, which builds on a series of iterations.

knowledge base

A popular systems development technique that uses a group of users, managers, and IT professionals who work together to gather information, discuss business needs, and define the new system requirements.

legacy system

An older system that is typically less technologically advanced than currently available systems.

machine learning

An application of computer science and artificial intelligence that uses automated approaches to pattern recognition and predictive analytics based on large datasets.

management information system (MIS)

A computer-based information system used in business planning, control, decision making, and problem solving.

mission-critical system

An information system that is vital to a company's operations.

model-based systems engineering (MBSE)

An approach to systems engineering that relies on domain models, rather than traditional documents, to design large-scale systems and convey information between engineers.

modeling

A process that produces a graphical representation of a concept or process that systems developers can analyze, test, and modify.

Moore's law

A prediction that computing power would double every 18 to 24 months due to increased miniaturization of electronic components.

NoSQL databases

Database systems that use a flat, nontabular (nonrelational) structure to store and process large-scale datasets.

object

In object-oriented analysis or programming, an object represents a real person, place, event, or transaction.

object-oriented (O-O) analysis

The act of understanding an information system by identifying things called objects.

personal digital assistant

A program that responds to user requests through a natural interface, such as regular speech, to provide assistance to general-purpose queries.

preliminary investigation

An initial analysis to clearly identify the nature and scope of the business opportunity or problem.

process

Procedure or task that users, managers, and IT staff members perform.

product lifecycle management (PLM)

See application lifecycle management (ALM).

project management

The process of planning, scheduling, monitoring, controlling, and reporting upon the development of an information system.

properties

In object-oriented (O-O) analysis, characteristics that objects inherit from their class or possess on their own.

prototype

An early, rapidly constructed working version of the proposed information system.

radio frequency identification (RFID)

Technology that uses high-frequency radio waves to track physical objects.

requirements engineering

Used in the systems planning phase of the SDLC.

scalable

The ability of a system to expand to meet new business requirements and volumes.

service-oriented

A company that primarily offers information or services or sells goods produced by others.

software

A program run by computers for a specific function or task.

spiral model

A development model with a series of iterations, or revisions, based on user feedback.

stakeholder

Anyone who is affected by the company's performance, such as customers, employees, suppliers, stockholders, and members of the community.

strategic plans

The long-range plans that define the corporate mission and goals.

structured analysis

A traditional systems development technique that uses phases to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information system.

supply chain

A traditional systems development technique that uses phases to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information system.

supply chain management (SCM)

The coordination, integration, and management of materials, information, and finances as they move from suppliers to customers.

system

A set of related components that produces specific results.

system design specification

A document that presents the complete design for the new information system, along with detailed costs, staffing, and scheduling for completing the next SDLC phase.

system requirements document

A document that contains the requirements for the new system, describes the alternatives that were considered, and makes a specific recommendation to management.

system software

Programs that control the computer, including the operating system, device drivers that communicate with hardware, and low-level utilities.

systems analysis and design

The process of developing information systems that effectively use hardware, software, data, processes, and people to support the company's business objectives.

systems analysis phase

The second SDLC phase. The purpose of this phase is to build a logical model of the new system.

systems analyst

A person who plans, analyzes, and implements information systems.

systems design phase

The third SDLC phase. The purpose of systems design is to create a blueprint for the new system that will satisfy all documented requirements.

systems development life cycle (SDLC)

Activities and functions that systems developers typically perform, regardless of how those activities and functions fit into a particular methodology.

systems implementation phase

The fourth phase of the SDLC. During this phase, the new system is constructed, programs are written, tested, and documented, and the system is installed.

systems planning phase

The first phase of the SDLC. During this phase, the systems project gets started.

systems request

A formal request to the IT department that describes problems or desired changes in an information system or business process.

systems support and security phase

During this phase, the IT staff maintains, enhances, and protects the system.

technical support

Technical support is necessary to support the wide variety of IT systems and users.

transaction processing (TP) systems

Operational systems used to process day-to-day recurring business transactions, such as customer billing.

user productivity systems

Applications that provide employees of all levels a wide array of tools to improve job performance.

users

Stakeholders inside and outside the company who will interact with the system.

vertical system

A system designed to meet the unique requirements of a specific business or industry.

waterfall model

The traditional model of software development. A graph that depicts the result of each SDLC phase flowing down into the next phase.