Modern Systems Analysis and Design

Third Edition

Jeffrey A. Hoffer Joey F. George Joseph S. Valacich

Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment

1.1

Copyright 2002 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Learning Objectives
Define information systems analysis
and design Discuss the modern approach to systems analysis and design Describe the organizational roles involved in information systems development
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Learning Objectives
Describe four types of information systems:
Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) Management Information Systems (MIS) Decision Support Systems (DSS) Expert Systems (ES)

Describe the information systems development life cycle (SDLC)

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Learning Objectives
Discuss alternatives to the systems
development life cycle Discuss the role of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools in systems development

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Introduction
Information Systems Analysis and Design
n

Complex process whereby computerbased information systems are developed and maintained Result of systems analysis and design Designed to support specific organizational functions or processes

Application Software
n n

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Introduction
Software engineering processes have been developed to assist in analysis and design
n

Methodologies
w Comprehensive, multi-step approaches to systems

development
n

Techniques
w Processes that are followed to ensure that work is well

thought-out, complete and comprehensible to others on the project team

n

Tools
w Computer programs to assist in application of techniques

to the analysis and design process

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Introduction
Information Systems Analysis and Design
n

A method used by companies to create and maintain systems that perform basic business functions Main goal is to improve employee efficiency by applying software solutions to key business tasks A structured approach must be used in order to ensure success

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Introduction
Systems Analyst performs analysis and design based upon:
n

Understanding of organizations objectives, structure and processes Knowledge of how to exploit information technology for advantage

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Software Engineering Process

A process used to create an information system Consists of:
n

Methodologies
w A sequence of step-by-step approaches that help

develop the information system

n

Techniques
w Processes that the analyst follows to ensure thorough,

complete and comprehensive analysis and design

n

Tools
w Computer programs that aid in applying techniques

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Data and Processes

Three key components of an information system
n n n

Data Data Flows Processing Logic Data

w Raw facts

Data vs. Information

n

Information
w Derived from data w Organized in a manner that humans can

1.

understand.

Data and Processes

Data
n

Understanding the source and use of data is key to good system design Various techniques are used to describe data and the relationship amongst data Groups of data that move and flow through the system

Data Flows
n

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Data and Processes

Data Flows (Continued)
n

Include description of sources and destination for each data flow Describe steps that transform data and events that trigger the steps

Processing Logic
n

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Differences among data, data flow, and processing logic

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Approaches to Systems Development

Process-Oriented Approach
n

n n

Focus is on flow, use and transformation of data in an information system Involves creating graphical representations such as data flow diagrams and charts Data are tracked from sources, through intermediate steps and to final destinations Natural structure of data is not specified Disadvantage: data files are tied to specific applications

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Approaches to Systems Development

Data-Oriented Approach
n

Depicts ideal organization of data, independent of where and how data are used Data model describes kinds of data and business relationships among the data Business rules depict how organization captures and processes the data

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Databases and Application Independence

Database
n n

n n

Shared collection of logically related data Organized to facilitate capture, storage and retrieval by multiple users Centrally managed Designed around subjects
w Customers w Suppliers

Application Independence
n

Separation of data and definition of data from applications

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Traditional relationship between data and applications, With redundant data, versus the database approach
(a) Traditional approach

(b) Database approach

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1.18

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development

Systems Analysts work in teams n Project Based n Includes
w w w w

IS Manager Programmers Users Other specialists

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Organization chart for typical IS department

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Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development IS Manager

n

May have a direct role in systems development if the project is small Typically involved in allocating resources to and overseeing system development projects. Key individuals in the systems development process

Systems Analyst
n

Typical job for a systems analyst

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Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development

Skills of a Successful Systems Analyst
n

Analytical
w Understanding of organizations w Problem solving skills w System thinking n Ability to see organizations and information systems as systems

Technical
w Understanding of potential and limitations of technology

Management
w Ability to manage projects, resources, risk and change

Interpersonal
w Effective written and oral communication skills

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Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development Programmers

n

Convert specifications into instructions that the computer understands Write documentation and testing programs Have power to fund projects and allocate resources Set general requirements and constraints for projects

Business Managers
n

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Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development

Other IS Managers/Technicians
n

Database Administrator
w Involved in design, development and maintenance of

databases
n

Network and telecommunications experts

w Develop systems involving data and/or voice

communications
n

Human Factors Specialists

w Involved in training users and writing documentation

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Types of Information Systems and Systems Development

Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
n

Automate handling of data about business activities (transactions) Converts raw data from transaction processing system into meaningful form Designed to help decision makers Provides interactive environment for decision making

Management Information Systems (MIS)

n

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

n n

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Types of Information Systems and Systems Development

Expert Systems (ES)
n n

Replicates decision making process Knowledge representation describes the way an expert would approach the problem

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Systems Development Life Cycle

System Development Methodology
n

Standard process followed in an organization Consists of:

w Analysis w Design w Implementation w Maintenance

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Systems Development Life Cycle

Series of steps used to manage the phases of development for an information system Consists of six phases:
n n n n n n

Project Identification and Selection Project Initiation and Planning Analysis Design Implementation Maintenance

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The system development life cycle

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Systems Development Life Cycle

n n

Phases are not necessarily sequential Each phase has a specific outcome and deliverable Individual companies use customized life cycles

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Phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle

Project Identification and Selection
n

Two Main Activities

w Identification of need w Prioritization and translation of need into a development

schedule
n

Helps organization to determine whether or not resources should be dedicated to a project. Two Activities
w Formal preliminary investigation of the problem at hand w Presentation of reasons why system should or should not

Project Initiation and Planning

n

be developed by the organization

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Systems Development Life Cycle

Analysis
n

Study of current procedures and information systems

w Determine requirements
n n

Study current system Structure requirements and eliminate redundancies

w Generate alternative designs w Compare alternatives w Recommend best alternative

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Systems Development Life Cycle

Design
n

Logical Design
w Concentrates on business aspects of the system

Physical Design
w Technical specifications

Implementation
n

Implementation
w w w w

Hardware and software installation Programming User Training Documentation

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Systems Development Life Cycle

Maintenance
w System changed to reflect changing conditions w System obsolescence

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Approaches to Development
Prototyping
n

Building a scaled-down working version of the system Advantages:

w Users are involved in design w Captures requirements in concrete form

Rapid Application Development (RAD)

n

Utilizes prototyping to delay producing system design until after user requirements are clear

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Rapid application development SDLC

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Evolutionary model SDLC

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Approaches to Development
Joint Application Design (JAD)
n

n n

Users, Managers and Analysts work together for several days System requirements are reviewed Structured meetings

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Improving IS Development Productivity

Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools
n

Facilitate creation of a central repository for system descriptions and specifications

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Summary
Information systems analysis and design
n

Process of developing and maintaining an information system Process-Oriented Data-Oriented

Modern approach to systems analysis

n n

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Summary
Four types of information systems
n n n n

Transaction Processing (TPS) Management Information Systems (MIS) Decision Support (DSS) Expert Systems (ES)

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Summary
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
n n n n n n

Project Identification and Selection Project Initiation and Planning Analysis Design Implementation Maintenance

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Summary
Alternatives to Systems Development Life Cycle
n n n

Prototyping Rapid Application Development (RAD) Joint Application Design (JAD)

Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools

1.