The goal of ISYS 463 is to impart System Analysis and Design literacy
to
enhance a graduateís ability to succeed in the complex world of requirements
analysis and system design.
Systems Analysis and Design is the art of problem solving. Systems analysis
is the study of a current business system and its problems, the determination
and definition of business needs and information requirements, and the
evaluation of alternative solutions. Systems design is the general and
detailed specification of a computer and human solution that meets the
requirements determined during systems analysis. During the life of a system,
a systems analyst may monitor or evaluate its ability to continue to meet
business requirements, and will design and implement modifications and
enhancements in response to end-user requests and environmental changes.
In programming courses, program specifications for programming assignments
are typically supplied by the instructors.In actual practice, program specifications
such as these are provided by a systems analyst, who prepares the specifications
in response to business requirements. An appropriate job description for
a systems analyst might be:
A systems analyst will analyze the business situation, identify opportunities
for improvement, and design an information system to implement them. The
system analyst's primary goal is to create systems that enable the organization
to perform better and add value to the enterprise.
Systems planning, systems analysis, systems design, and systems implementation
are the primary activities of the systems analyst. Systems planning is
the identification and prioritization of those technologies and applications
that will return the most value to the business. Systems analysis involves
defining the scope and planning the project, study of a current business
system and its problems, and defining business needs and requirements for
the new system. Systems design is evaluating and selecting alternative
technical problem solutions, acquiring needed hardware and software, and
the general and detailed specification of the solution.Systems implementation
is placing the system into production.
The primary theme of the course is the use of systems analysis and design
techniques to develop and document effective computer based information
systems. You will be exposed to the entire systems analysis and design
process. You will learn how to use a wide variety of systems analysis
and design tools and techniques. These tools and techniques are used to
communicate business needs, document the information systems that are built
by systems analysts and programmers, and allow us to create intelligent
and friendly computer based solutions for business problems.
The value of this course will include:
-
A much better understanding of the entire information system development
process, from the identification of the business problems and needs to
the design of an improved system to the writing of computer programs.
Perhaps for the first time, you will truly understand the whole process
and where you might fit in.
- Improved technical communications skills. Your ability to communicate
with both technical and non-technical people should be improved through
the proper use of the tools. Your writing and speaking skills will also
be enhanced as you present your documented ideas to your instructor and
classmates.
- A better understanding of information systems in general. You will
learn many capabilities and characteristics of good information systems.This
will help you design more effective systems during your career.
