Introduction to Business Systems Analysis Student Study Guide
Introduction to Business Systems Analysis
Student Study Guide
Section Two Analysis
Section Overview
1. List of Objectives
• Conducting a system investigation
The purpose of the system investigation is to understand the existing system and, based on that understanding, prepare the requirements for the system. Generally the systems analyst will begin by gathering data, and then analyzing collected data. There is no standard procedure for gathering data because each system is unique. But there are certain techniques that are commonly used: written materials, interviews, questionnaires, observation, and measuring.
• Determining systems requirements
This is the beginning sub-phase of analysis. Techniques used in requirements determination have evolved over time to be more structured and, as we will see in this section, current methods increasingly rely on the computer for support. We will first study the more traditional requirements determination methods and progress to more current methods for collecting system requirements.
• Traditional and Modern methods for determining system requirements
Traditional requirements determination methods include interviewing, using questionnaires, observing users in their work environment, and collecting procedures and other written documents.
Modern requirements determination methods are led by the Joint Application Design (JAD) technique. Other new methods are based upon group support systems, computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tools and prototyping.
• Radical methods for determining system requirements
In some organizations, management is looking for new ways to perform current tasks. These new ways may be radically different from how things are done now, but the payoffs may be enormous; fewer people may be needed to do the same work, relationships with customers may improve dramatically, and processes may become much more efficient and effective, all of which can result in increased profits. The
Student Study Guide
Section Two Analysis
Section Overview
1. List of Objectives
• Conducting a system investigation
The purpose of the system investigation is to understand the existing system and, based on that understanding, prepare the requirements for the system. Generally the systems analyst will begin by gathering data, and then analyzing collected data. There is no standard procedure for gathering data because each system is unique. But there are certain techniques that are commonly used: written materials, interviews, questionnaires, observation, and measuring.
• Determining systems requirements
This is the beginning sub-phase of analysis. Techniques used in requirements determination have evolved over time to be more structured and, as we will see in this section, current methods increasingly rely on the computer for support. We will first study the more traditional requirements determination methods and progress to more current methods for collecting system requirements.
• Traditional and Modern methods for determining system requirements
Traditional requirements determination methods include interviewing, using questionnaires, observing users in their work environment, and collecting procedures and other written documents.
Modern requirements determination methods are led by the Joint Application Design (JAD) technique. Other new methods are based upon group support systems, computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tools and prototyping.
• Radical methods for determining system requirements
In some organizations, management is looking for new ways to perform current tasks. These new ways may be radically different from how things are done now, but the payoffs may be enormous; fewer people may be needed to do the same work, relationships with customers may improve dramatically, and processes may become much more efficient and effective, all of which can result in increased profits. The