Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design

Course Introduction

  • Instructor: Mr. MA Makome
  • Email: armstrong.Makome@ump.ac.za
  • Office Location: Archives Building, 003

Chapter 1: Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design

Objectives

  • Understand software engineering importance.
  • Different software engineering techniques for different software systems.
  • Ethical and professional issues in software engineering.

Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS)

  • IT involves use of computers for data creation, processing, storage, retrieval, and exchange.
  • IS: Interrelated components for collecting, processing, storing, and providing needed information.
  • Businesses use IS to manage operations and compete.

Components of an Information System

  • Five components:
    • Computer hardware
    • Computer software
    • Telecommunications (network)
    • Databases
    • Human resources and procedures

Data vs Information

  • Data: Raw, unorganized facts.
  • Information: Processed, organized, and contextualized data.

Importance of Information Systems in Business

  • Analyze and organize workflows.
  • Store operational data and revision histories.
  • Facilitate decision-making and improve communication.

User Information Needs by Organizational Level

  • Top Managers: Long-range strategic plans, economic forecasts, competitive threats.
  • Middle Managers: Direction and feedback, require detailed information.
  • Supervisors: Decision support and knowledge management.
  • Operational Employees: Transaction processing systems for daily tasks.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Phases

  • Planning Phase: Project review, prioritization, resource allocation, feasibility analysis.
  • Requirements Phase: Investigate current system, business requirements, feasibility study.
  • Design Phase: Assess solution feasibility, architecture, and program design.
  • Implementation Phase: Program development, system testing, staff training, support plans.
  • Support Phase: Monitor system performance, conduct post-implementation reviews.

Application Development Methodologies

  • Waterfall: Sequential, structured planning; requirements must be clear.
  • Rapid Application Development (RAD): Prototyping, customer collaboration, flexible to changes.
  • Agile: Iterative, feature-focused development with customer involvement.

The Systems Analyst Role

  • Investigates and analyzes business needs; translates requirements into IT projects.
  • Essential activities: scope definition, problem analysis, requirements analysis, logical design, decision analysis.