01_-Introduction_to_System_Developement_

Introduction to System Development

  • Instructor: Jay Patel

  • Course Code: 420-940-VA Sect 87414

What is a System?

  • Definition: A system is a set of interrelated components working together toward a common goal.

    • Example: A car engine is a system of parts that work together to move the vehicle.

  • Key Characteristics of a System:

    • Components: Individual elements that make up the system.

    • Interrelationships: Dynamics of how components collaborate.

    • Boundary: Limits of what is included in the system.

    • Purpose: A system is designed to achieve a particular goal.

    • Input & Output: Systems take inputs and produce outputs as results.

What is an Information System?

  • Definition: An Information System (IS) is a structured system that collects, processes, stores, and distributes information to aid decision-making and organizational functions.

  • Components: Integrates technology, people, and processes to manage data and convert it into meaningful information.

Components of an Information System

  • Hardware:

    • Physical devices such as computers, servers, and storage used for data management.

  • Software:

    • Programs that run on hardware, including operating systems and applications for data manipulation.

  • Data:

    • Raw facts processed into useful information. Examples include customer details and financial records.

  • People:

    • Users of the system, including IT staff, management, and end-users.

  • Processes/Procedures:

    • Methods for data collection, processing, and analysis.

  • Networks:

    • Systems that connect components for data exchange.

Functions of Information Systems

  • Data Collection and Storage:

    • Collects and stores data from multiple sources.

  • Data Processing:

    • Transforms raw data into meaningful information (e.g., sales reports).

  • Information Distribution:

    • Shares processed information for decision-making via reports and dashboards.

  • Support for Decision-Making:

    • Tools for data analysis to assist management.

  • Automation of Business Processes:

    • Automates tasks to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Types of Information Systems

  • Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

  • Office Automation Systems (OAS)

  • Knowledge Work Systems (KWS)

  • Management Information Systems (MIS)

  • Decision Support Systems (DSS)

  • Expert Systems

  • Executive Support Systems (ESS)

  • Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS)

  • Computer-Supported Collaborative Work Systems (CSCWS)

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

  • Purpose: Automates routine business transactions (e.g., payroll, inventory).

  • Key Role: Functions at the operational level of organizations.

  • Characteristics:

    • Boundary-Spanning: Interacts with external environments.

    • Essential for Operations: Vital for daily business operations.

Examples of Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

  • Point of Sale (POS):

    • Registers sales transactions and updates inventory.

    • Example: Square POS, Walmart's POS system.

  • Online Banking Systems:

    • Processes transactions for bank customers.

    • Example: Bank of America, Chase Bank.

  • Payroll Systems:

    • Automates payroll processing and tax deductions.

    • Example: ADP Payroll System, Workday.

Office Automation Systems (OAS) and Knowledge Work Systems (KWS)

  • OAS:

    • Supports data workers (e.g., spreadsheets, emails).

  • KWS:

    • Aids professional workers in creating and sharing knowledge.

Examples of Office Automation Systems (OAS)

  • Microsoft Office Suite: Productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

  • Google Workspace: Cloud tools for collaborative document editing.

  • Email Platforms:

    • Examples include Microsoft Outlook and Google Mail.

  • Video Conferencing Tools:

    • Zoom, Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings.

  • Scheduling Tools:

    • Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook Calendar for managing appointments.

  • Document Management:

    • DocuSign for electronic signatures.

Examples of Knowledge Work Systems (KWS)

  • AutoCAD:

    • Used for creating engineering designs.

  • MATLAB:

    • Data analysis and algorithm development tool.

  • SAS:

    • Advanced analytics and business intelligence software.

  • IBM Watson:

    • AI system for data analysis.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

  • Function: Supports management-level tasks by integrating data across business functions.

    • Provides reports and information to manage operations effectively.

Examples of Management Information Systems (MIS)

  • Inventory Management Systems:

    • Tracks inventory levels and orders.

    • Example: Oracle NetSuite, SAP ERP.

  • Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS):

    • Manages employee data and performance reviews.

    • Example: BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors.

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

  • Function: Aids in making complex decisions by providing analysis tools.

  • Key Users: Typically executives and higher-level managers.

Examples of Decision Support Systems (DSS)

  • Business Intelligence Systems:

    • Tools for analyzing data and visualizations.

    • Example: Microsoft Power BI.

  • Supply Chain Management Systems:

    • Optimizes supply chain operations for efficiency.

    • Example: SAP SCM.

Expert Systems

  • Purpose: Solves structured problems using expert knowledge.

    • Components include a knowledge base, inference engine, and user interface.

  • Examples:

    • MYCIN: Medical diagnosis expert system.

    • DENDRAL: Helps identify chemical structures.

Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) and CSCWS

  • GDSS:

    • Facilitates group decision-making with collaborative tools.

  • CSCWS:

    • Supports group collaboration across organizations.

Examples of GDSS and CSCWS

  • GDSS: GroupSystems, ThinkTank.

  • CSCWS: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace.

Executive Support Systems (ESS)

  • Purpose: Supports strategic decision-making using graphics and communication tools.

  • Examples:

    • BOARD: Performance management decision platform.

    • SAP BusinessObjects: BI platform providing executives with reports.

Hierarchy of Information Systems

  • Operational Level: TPS

  • Knowledge Level: OAS, KWS

  • Management Level: MIS, DSS

  • Strategic Level: ESS, GDSS, CSCWS

System Analysis

  • Definition: Examining and understanding organizational needs through analyzing inputs, outputs, and processes.

  • Goal: Identify problem areas and evaluate practices to inform system design.

Who is a System Analyst?

  • Definition: A professional who analyzes, designs, and implements information systems.

  • Key Roles: Requirement gathering, design, feasibility analysis, implementation, problem solving, project management, training and documentation.

What is System Development?

  • Process: Creating or improving systems to achieve user needs and organizational goals.

  • Goal: Deliver efficient, functional, and scalable solutions through:

    • Planning, analyzing, designing, implementing, maintaining.

Importance of System Development

  • Reasons:

    • Automates processes, improves efficiency, reduces errors, enhances user satisfaction.

  • Real-World Examples: Hospital management, banking systems, inventory management.

SDLC (System Development Life Cycle)

  • Definition: A structured approach to designing, developing, and maintaining information systems.

  • Goal: Ensure systems meet requirements efficiently and effectively.

Phases of SDLC

  • Common Phases:

    • Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance.

Benefits of Using SDLC

  • Advantages:

    • Structured process, risk identification, improved quality, stakeholder involvement.

SDLC Phases Overview

  • Phase 1: Planning

  • Phase 2: Analysis

  • Phase 3: Design

  • Phase 4: Implementation

  • Phase 5: Testing

  • Phase 6: Maintenance

Phase 1: Planning

  • Activities:

    • Feasibility study, stakeholder identification, requirement gathering, PESTLE/SWOT analysis, risk management, project plan creation.

Phase 2: Analysis

  • Activities:

    • Detailed requirement analysis, creating use cases/user stories, data modeling, validating specifications.

Phase 3: Design

  • Focus: Define how the system will operate.

  • Key Deliverables: HLD, LLD, database schema, UI design, security design, prototypes.

Phase 4: Implementation

  • Description: Build system components based on specifications; crucial phase for functionality.

Phase 5: Testing and Deployment

  • Testing Phase: Rigorous testing to confirm requirements and functionality.

  • Deployment Phase: System goes live for end-users with training and monitoring.

Phase 6: Maintenance

  • Description: Post-deployment support including updates, bug fixes, and enhancements.

Phases of SDLC in Course Outline

  • Week 1: Planning Phase

  • Week 2-5: Planning and Analysis Phase

  • Week 6-8: Design Phase

  • Week 9-11: Implementation Phase

  • Week 12: Testing & Deployment

References

  • Azal University (2020). Software Development Life Cycle [PDF file].

  • Image from Devox Software (n.d.). Software Development Life Cycle [Blog post].

  • SDLC Content contributions: ChatGPT-4.