Systems and the Systems Analyst

Information is an organizational resource which must be managed as carefully as other resources. Costs are associated with information processing. It must be managed to take full advantage of its potential.

A system is a combination of resources working together to transform inputs into usable outputs.

An information system is an arrangement of people, data, processes, interfaces, networks, and technology that interact to support and improve both day-to-day operations (data processing, transaction processing), as well as support the problem-solving and decision-making needs of management (information services, management information systems, executive support).

A computer application is a computer-based solution to one or more business problems or needs. One or more computer applications are typically contained within an information system.

Systems Analysis and Design is a systematic approach to identifying problems, opportunities, and objectives; analyzing the information flows in organizations; and designing computerized information systems to solve a problem. Systems Analysts act as outside consultants to businesses, as supporting experts within a business, and as change agents. Analysts are problem solvers, and require good communication skills.

A problem is an undesirable situation that prevents the organization from fully achieving its purpose, goals, and objectives. An opportunity is the chance to improve the organization even in the absence of specific problems. (Some might argue that any unexploited opportunity is, in reality, a problem.) A directive is a new requirement imposed by management, government, or some external influence. (Some might argue that a directive until it is fully complied with is, in reality, a problem.)

A systems analyst facilitates the development of information systems and computer applications. The systems analyst performs systems analysis and design. Systems analysis is the study of a business problem or need in order to recommend improvements and specify the requirements for the solution. System design is the specification or construction of a technical, computer-based solution as specified by the requirements identified in a systems analysis.

Personal qualities helpful to systems analysts include:

• problem-solving abilities
• communication skills
• computer/IT experience
• self-discipline and self-motivation
• Project management capabilities

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a systematic approach to solving business problems.

Systems are enhanced for a number of reasons:

• adding features to the system
• business and government requirements change over time
• technology, hardware and software are rapidly changing

CASE tools are automated, microcomputer-based (PC-based) software packages for systems analysis and design. Reasons to use CASE tools are:

• to increase analyst productivity
• to facilitate communication among analysts and users
• to provide continuity between life cycle phases
• to assess the impact of maintenance

Upper CASE (front-end CASE) tools are used to perform analysis and design. Lower CASE (back-end CASE) tools generate computer language source code from CASE design. The advantages of generating source code include:

• the time to develop new systems decreases
• the time to maintain generated code is less than to maintain traditional systems
• computer programs may be generated in more than one programming language
• CASE design may be purchased from third-party vendors and tailored to organizational needs
• generated code is free from programming coding errors