Chapter 1: Introduction to System Analysis and Design
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc)
Debark University
Department of Information Technology
July 2025
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 1 / 13
Module Roadmap
Coverage Areas:
Object Technology: Principles of abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance
Modeling Concepts: UML diagrams (class, sequence, use case)
Requirements Engineering: Elicitation and specification techniques
CASE Tools: Computer-Aided Software Engineering applications
Practical Projects: Individual and team-based implementations
Expected Outcomes:
Master system modeling fundamentals
Develop proficiency in UML 2.x notation
Apply requirement gathering techniques
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 2 / 13
Learning Objectives
Conceptual Understanding: Practical Skills:
Define key system components Create UML diagrams
Differentiate SA&D approaches Conduct stakeholder interviews
Explain SDLC phases Develop system prototypes
Identify coupling vs cohesion Manage project scope
Assessment: Quizzes (20%), Project (40%), Final Exam (40%)
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 3 / 13
Defining a System
Formal Definition
A set of interrelated components working collectively toward common
objectives through defined interfaces within specific boundaries.
Key Attributes:
Purpose-Driven: Designed for specific goals (e.g., payroll processing)
Environment-Aware: Interacts with external entities
Structured: Organized components with clear relationships
Examples:
University Registration System
E-Commerce Inventory System
Hospital Patient Management
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 4 / 13
System Characteristics Framework
Structural Properties: Behavioral Properties:
Components: Input/Output: Data flows
Subsystems/elements Constraints: Operational limits
Interfaces: Interaction points Feedback: Control mechanisms
Boundary: System scope limits Entropy: Disorder resistance
Decomposition: Hierarchical
breakdown
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 5 / 13
Architectural Quality Metrics
Coupling (Interdependency): Cohesion (Functional Unity):
Low: Minimal connections High: Single-purpose focus
High: Many dependencies Low: Mixed responsibilities
Goal: Minimize coupling Goal: Maximize cohesion
Impact: Maintenance complexity Impact: Reusability and testing
Design Heuristic
”High cohesion with loose coupling enables maintainable systems”
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 6 / 13
System Analysis & Design (SA&D)
Core Purpose
Methodical process to transform business needs into effective IT
solutions through:
Analysis: Understanding current systems/problems
Specification: Defining functional requirements
Design: Creating technical blueprint
Validation: Ensuring solution fitness
Key Drivers:
1 Business process improvement
2 Competitive advantage
3 Operational efficiency
4 Regulatory compliance
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 7 / 13
SDLC Phases & Deliverables
Phase Key Activities Output
Planning Feasibility study, ROI analysis Project charter
Analysis Requirements gathering, modeling SRS document
Design Architecture, DB design Technical specs
Implementation Coding, testing Deployed system
Maintenance Updates, optimization Version releases
Characteristics:
Iterative: Backtracking allowed
Parallel: Concurrent execution
Risk-Driven: Early issue resolution
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 8 / 13
SDLC Model Selection Factors
Project Considerations: Common Models:
Requirements stability Waterfall (Structured)
Project complexity Spiral (Risk-driven)
Team size/location V-Model (Validation-focused)
Risk tolerance Agile (Adaptive)
Time constraints
Critical Success Factor
”Model alignment with project context determines 42% of success” -
CHAOS Report
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 9 / 13
Alternative Development Methods
Prototyping: Agile:
Rapid mockups for feedback Iterative delivery
Reduces requirement gaps Scrum/Kanban frameworks
Types: Throwaway/Evolutionary Adapts to changing needs
JAD/RAD: CASE Tools:
Collaborative workshops Automated diagramming
Accelerated development Code generation
User-centered design Version control integration
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 10 / 13
Project Management Framework
Four Key Domains:
1 Initiation: Stakeholder identification, scope definition
2 Planning: WBS development, risk management, scheduling
3 Execution: Team leadership, progress tracking
4 Closure: Documentation, lessons learned
Critical Artifacts:
Project charter
Gantt charts
Risk register
Status reports
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 11 / 13
Chapter 1 Summary
Core Concepts: Professional Practice:
Systems: Components + Purpose Requirements engineering
SA&D: Business-IT translation UML modeling
Modularity: Coupling/Cohesion Project management
Process Models: Agile principles
SDLC phases development Next Chapter Preview:
Approach selection Requirement gathering techniques
Use case modeling
Stakeholder analysis
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 12 / 13
Questions? Contact: mulatu.y@[Link]
Office Hours: Mon-Wed 2-4 PM
Compiled by: Abinet B. (MSc) (Debark University) System Analysis & Design July 2025 13 / 13