INFS 328
Systems Analysis and Design
Session 3 – Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Lecturer: Prof. Ellis Edwin Badu, Dept. of Information Studies
Contact Information: eebadu@[Link]
College of Education
School of Continuing and Distance Education
2017
Session Overview
This session explains systems analysis and design as a
concept. It also discusses the major stakeholders who are
responsible for systems development, their individual role,
skills required and expertise.
Slide 2
Session Outline
The key topics to be covered in the session are as follows:
• Systems Analysis and Design – The Concept
• Information Workers and Systems Analysis and Design
Slide 3
Topic One
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN AS A
CONCEPT
Slide 4
Systems Analysis and Design as a
Concept
Introduction
This section explains systems analysis and design as a
concept.
Slide 5
System Analysis and Design – the
Concept
Systems Analysis and Design
The term systems analysis and design is usually reserved
for the process of analyzing business procedures with a
view to using a computer as a tool for improving efficiency
and effectiveness. The concept is therefore made up of
two components;
• Systems Analysis
• Systems Design
Slide 6
System Analysis and Design – the
concept
• Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis may be considered as a problem solving
methodology. It decomposes a system into its component
pieces for the purposes of studying how well the
component parts work and interact to accomplish their
purposes.
Slide 7
System Analysis and Design – the
concept
• Systems Design
Systems Design on the other hand is defined as a problem
solving techniques that reassembles a system component
pieces into an improved system.
The concept has evolved from the classical approach
(system life cycle) to the use of structured system analysis
and design approach to provide effective and efficient
information systems. These techniques are used by
different information workers to develop new information
systems
Slide 8
Questions
Individual Assignment:
Relate your study of the System theory to System Analysis
and Design.
Forum Question
Discuss systems analysis and design as a concept.
Slide 9
Topic Two
INFORMATION WORKERS AND SYSTEMS
ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
Slide 10
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Introduction
This topic discusses the major stakeholders who are
responsible for systems development
Slide 11
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Information Workers
Information Workers responsible for the development of
system projects are; system owners, system users, IT
vendors and consultants, system designers, system builders
and systems Analysts
Slide 12
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
System Owners
They pay for the system to be developed and maintained.
They are the owners of the system and they determine the
working framework and design policies for the use of it.
Owners also participate in system design and analysis.
They usually initiate the systems process and do provide
information for the fact finding stage of the analysis.
Slide 13
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
SYSTEM USERS - these actually use the system to perform
or support the work to be completed. System users also
participate in the system project by defining business
requirements and performance expectations for the system
to be built.
IT Vendors and Consultants – these sell hardware,
software and services to businesses for incorporation into
their information systems but are useful when it comes to
selecting hardware and software for the organization.
Slide 14
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
System Designers – design the system to meet the user’s
requirements. Examples are Database administrators,
Network architects, Security experts.
System Builders - Construct, test and deliver the system
into operation . Examples are Application programmers,
Network programmers, Security Administrators, System
programmers, Software integrators.
Slide 15
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
System Analysts
these facilitate the development of an information system
and computer applications by bridging the communication
gap that exists between non-technical system owners and
users on one hand and the technical system designers and
builders on the other. Most of the mainstream textbooks
assign all these responsibilities to one person called the
Systems Analyst but for large information systems the
divisions are necessary.
Slide 16
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
System Analysts
They facilitate the development of information systems
through the interaction of their information workers. They
understand both business and computing. They solve
business problems and opportunities and then transform
business and information requirements into specifications
for information systems that will be implemented by
various technical specialists including computer
programmers.
Slide 17
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Skills of a System Analysts
In addition to formal system analysis and design skills a
Systems Analyst must also have the following knowledge,
skills and traits:
• System analyst is an agent of change. He shows users
and management how the new technologies can benefit
their business and their operations. Analyst must be
fully aware of both existing and emerging information
technology.
Slide 18
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Skills of a System Analysts
• Computer Programming Experience and Expertise - A System
Analyst must have programming experience in order to
appropriately prepare adequate business and technical
specifications for a programmer.
• General knowledge of business processes and terminology - The
System Analyst must be able to communicate with business
experts to understand business problems. The skill may be
acquired through basic business literacy courses in college. Such
courses may include financial accounting, management or cost
accounting, finance, marketing, business law, economics, quality
management etc.
Slide 19
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Skills of a System Analysts
• General problem-solving skills – these are skills acquired
in college philosophy courses whose content may
include problem solving skills, critical thinking and
reasoning. These skills will enable one to take a large
business problem, break it down and determine problem
causes and effects in order to recommend a solution.
Slide 20
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Skills of a System Analysts
• Interpersonal Communication Skills - The Analyst must be able to
communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
Communication skills may be learned in college. These skills will
be in technical speaking, interviewing and listening.
• Good Interpersonal relations Skills – the job of a System Analyst
involves an interaction with all stakeholders therefore it requires
effective interpersonal skills that allow the analyst to deal with
group dynamics, business politics, conflict and change.
Interpersonal skills development courses in subjects such as
teamwork, principles of persuasion, managing change and conflict
and leadership are very useful.
Slide 21
Information Workers and Systems
Analysis and Design
Skills of a System Analysts
• Flexibility and adaptability – A System Analyst must be
flexible and must adapt to unique challenges and situations
as no two projects are alike.
• Character and Ethics – A System Analyst must be able to
discern between right and wrong. Must abide by standards
for computer ethics. He has to be discreet about confidential
information of the organization he is working for. He/she
must follow the Ten commandments of computer ethics as
outlined by Computer Ethics Institute of USA. Eg. 1. Thou
shall not use computer to harm others. 2. Thou shall not
interfere with other people’s computer work etc.
Slide 22
Questions
Individual Assignment:
Relate your study of the System theory to System Analysis
and Design.
Forum Question
Discuss the skills of s successful Systems Analyst
Slide 23
References
• Checkland, P. (1999). System Thinking, System Practice. Chiches:
John Wiley.
• O’Brien, J. A. (2003). Introduction to Information Systems:
Essentials for E-Business Enterprise. Boston: Irwin.
• O’Leary, I. and O’leary, T. I. (2004). Computing Today. Boston: Mc
Craw-Hill.
• Rowley, J. (1990). The Basics of Systems Analysis and Design for
Information Managers. Ludin: Clive Bingley.
• Whitten, J. et al (2000). Systems Analysis and Design Methods. 6th
ed., Boston: Mc Craw-Hill.
Slide 24