Systems Development

& TOGAF Explained

Leading Qualifications and Training for those involved in Systems
Development and IT Architecture

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Systems Development & Architecture

Development of the IT solutions which underpin todays organisations embraces a wide
range of roles - from business analysts and enterprise architects through to software
developers and testers. The skill sets needed range from an understanding of business
processes through to technical knowledge of different software languages and hardware
platforms.
The most widely recognised training and certification for those needing generic systems
development skills is from the BCS with their range of Solutions Development
qualifications from their examination arm - the ISEB. Those wishing to achieve the
International Diploma in Solution Development need to complete a series of modular
certificates as well as an oral exam.
TOGAF is the most widely used framework for IT Architecture. Certified TOGAF
practitioners play a central role in developing and managing the IT systems of major
organisations worldwide.

Prepared by:
Rex Gibson
Development Director

About:
Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the fields
of IT and Project Management. A comprehensive range of ITIL, ISEB, Microsoft,
PRINCE2, and other training courses from leading accredited training organisations
can be booked at its website:
www.focus-on-training.co.uk

Rex Gibson leads the IT Service Management team at Focus. He has successfully
executed major business change and IT projects, and has managed international
engineering companies with significant IT dependency.
info@focus-on-training.co.uk

Version 1.03 October 2010

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Contents
1. What is Systems Development?
2. Where does Architecture Fit?
3. ISEB Solution Development Diploma Explained
3.1.

Qualification Structure

3.2.

Training, Exams and Resources

3.3.

FAQs

4. ISEB Core Modules What will I Learn?

4.1.

Systems Development Essentials

4.2.

Systems Modelling Techniques

5. ISEB Specialist Practitioner Modules What will I Learn?

5.1.

Business Analysis Essentials

5.2.

Systems Design Techniques

5.3.

Integrating off the Shelf Software Solutions

5.4.

Enterprise & Solutions Architecture (Practitioner)

6. ISEB Specialist Foundation Modules What will I Learn?

6.1.

Systems Development Foundation

6.2.

Software Testing Foundation

6.3.

ITIL Foundation v3

6.4.

Enterprise & Solutions Architecture (Intermediate)

7. TOGAF

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1. What is Systems Development?

The relationship between business and IT has evolved rapidly and is critical to business
success. IT roles have often fragmented as the scale of the task has increased. The
importance of developing specialist skills along with best practice methodologies has
become vital.
At the interface with organisational objectives the Business Analyst (and Enterprise
Architect) needs broad knowledge of business objectives and processes in order plan
and direct the development process.
Systems Development encompasses the more IT centric aspects of Implementation and
Delivery. Software testing forms part of the development cycle but As with Business
Analysis it is the subject of a separate Focus training and qualifications guide.

The job roles and titles covered by Systems Development include:

- Systems Analyst
- Systems Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Software Architect
- Systems Developer
- Software Developer
- Development Leader
- Software Test Analyst
- Software Test Manager
- Systems Delivery Manager
- Project Manager
Sometimes the same individual will perform a variety of the development tasks. On
other occasions there may be a team of highly specialised, software specific developers.
Increasingly, certain elements (or all) of the systems development process will be
undertaken by individuals or teams outside the target organisation introducing a
further interface which needs careful management.

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Basic competencies for Systems Developers centre on systems investigation and quality
assurance. They must be able to:
- interpret defined business requirements
- translate these requirements into effective IT specifications
- apply people and tools to deliver the required system
- deploy the solution with appropriate training and quality assurance
A knowledge of when and how to use alternative development lifecycles and
methodologies is required as is familiarity with key techniques such as systems
modelling and release management.

2. Where Does Architecture Fit?

The term architecture is used at different levels within the Information Systems
hierarchy. At lower levels, software architecture can describe the structure and design
of specific systems or individual software programmes. The Enterprise and Solution
Architecture we are referring to in this document is at a higher level looking at the
interfaces and interdependencies between multiple systems. In particular it relates to
the alignment of multiple systems with the needs and constraints of a given
organisation.
Once the preserve of complex IT dependent organisations such as banks, IT Architects
are increasingly common across both public and private sector. They are often amongst
the highest paid IT staff reflecting the breadth of vision and depth of technical
knowledge required.
The ISEB Enterprise & Solutions Architecture courses introduce generally applicable
concepts and techniques. Many will also want to learn about specific widely adopted
architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.

3. ISEB Solution Development Diploma Explained

3.1

Qualification Structure

ISEB is the examination board of the British Computer Society and it specialises in
training and exams for IT professionals. ISEB exams cover 8 major IS areas and over
250,000 exams have been delivered globally.
Business Systems Development is one of the most popular ISEB categories. There are a
series of short courses with exams which can be selected according to training
requirement.
Courses involve 3 to 5 days of training and an exam can be taken either as part of the
course or at a separate session later. The benefit of this modular approach is:
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Flexibility to concentrate on the topics you require

Training inputs run alongside your work based experience

Each module provides a well regarded certification

Those pursuing a career as a Systems Developer or Solutions Architect are likely to seek
the ISEB Solutions Development Diploma. This requires completion of 2 core modules
and 2 specialist options. The compulsory courses are Systems Development Essentials
and Systems Modelling Techniques. The specialist modules are divided into two groups
and candidates choose one from each. Candidates will then sit an oral exam with the
ISEB which tests their ability to communicate effectively and to apply knowledge to
their own work environment.

A change in the structure of the Solutions Development Diploma was introduced in

November 2009 (previously Diploma in Systems Development). This will not impact
anyone who is already in the process of studying for the qualification. The new structure
means that the Systems Design Techniques course is no longer compulsory and there
are more specialist options.

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3.2

Training, Exams and Resources

Training is delivered by specialist providers who have been accredited by the ISEB. The
courses are delivered in a conventional instructor led classroom environment. Both
public scheduled and company specific on-site training is available. Focus offers ISEB
Systems Development and Architecture training from most of the UKs accredited
trainers, enabling you to find and book the course most convenient for you.
ISEB accreditation for Solutions Development allows training providers flexibility in
the style of course materials and course formats. Call Focus if you are looking for
advice on which course is likely to be most suitable.
Sections 4 and 5 of this paper provide an overview of each of the Solutions
Development modular courses.
There is a one hour open book exam associated with most of the courses. The exams
are based on a business scenario and 15 minutes reading time is allowed. The pass
mark for these written exams is 50%.
The knowledge based Foundation courses involve a one hour closed book multiple
choice exam with pass mark of 65%.
The oral exam for the Diploma is arranged directly with the ISEB. It comprises a 50
minute session, conducted by 2 examiners. The oral exam must be taken no later than
12 months after notification of the final modular exam result.
The courses do not use a definitive manual but you will receive copies of course
materials. In addition, the ISEB has a recommended reading list for each course which
is available on their website. The following book is a useful introductory guide providing
workable skills and techniques, underpinned with academic theory.

Introducing Systems Development

Steve Skidmore and Malcolm Eva, Palgrave Macmillan
ISBN 978-0333973690
Buy Now from Focus on Books:
http://books.focus-ontraining.co.uk/catalog/browse.asp?id=101241&group=8009&subcat=14&cat=B

3.3

ISEB Systems Development FAQs

Do I need to pass multiple exams to obtain my Certificate?

No. Each module provides its own ISEB certification. It is only if you want the ISEB
Diploma in Solution Development that you need to pass four modules and sit the oral
exam.
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Which order should I take the modules?

It is not essential to take the modules in a given order.
Why is there a Foundation AND an Essentials Course?
The Foundation is a new course aimed at providing newcomers with an introductory
overview. At present there are few training options. It is not required as a pre-requisite
for other courses.
Are there fast track routes to obtaining the ISEB Diploma?
Yes. Focus offers a 10 day residential course which covers all 4 modules and the price
includes the exam fees for the four written exams.
Is it cheaper to book a package of courses to obtain the Diploma?
Yes. You will significantly reduce the cost of your training and exams if you are able to
book and pay for a series of modular courses in advance. The package price, course
dates and scope will vary by provider. Contact Focus on enquiries@focus-on-training.co.uk
to find out what options are available.
Why does the course duration differ for the same modular course?
The ISEB recommends a minimum number of hours training for a given syllabus but it
is up to training providers to set the course length according to the needs of delegates.
This means that course durations vary; the course content will be consistent and we
recommend that if you have a choice, you select according to your confidence level in
the subject matter.
When is the exam taken?
The exam is often taken on the final day of the course. There are however some
trainers who prefer to arrange the exam as a separate event a few weeks after the
classroom training. Check the course details on the Focus website.
Is the exam fee included in the price of a course?
Take care. Trainers will often present the exam as an optional extra. Because we find
that nearly all our delegates wish to sit the exam Focus prices include the exam fee
(except where the exam is arranged as a separate event).
Are there any pre-requisites?
There are few absolute pre-requisites for the Solutions Development course but the
Focus website will indicate the target audience for which the training is most suited. To
obtain the Diploma it is necessary to attend the ISEB oral exam within 12 months of
completing the 4 required modules.
Do previous version ISEB Certificates count towards the Diploma?
They may do. The ISEB publishes an equivalence chart on its website
Can Certificates used towards another Diploma count again?
Yes. You will find that if you have already been awarded the Business Analysis Diploma
then you will have completed at least one (and possibly three) of the modules you need
for the Solutions Development Diploma.

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4. Core Modules What will I Learn?

4.1. Systems Development Essentials
Interpret business requirements and produce systems requirements
Quality assure systems requirements and design test cases
Understand commonly used development lifecycles and be able to
describe the detailed structure and activities of at least one
Identify different architectures for systems development solutions
Explain how CASE tools might be used to support the development
methodology

4.2. Systems Modelling Techniques

Justify the need for IT systems modelling and modelling techniques
Develop models of systems functionality
Develop models of systems data
Develop a dynamic model
Evaluate models against business objectives and systems requirements
and appreciate their interrelationships

5. Specialist Practitioner Modules What will I Learn?

5.1. Business Analysis Essentials
Demonstrate understanding of business strategy and strategic analysis
techniques
Explain techniques to investigate an organisations business systems
Make recommendations for business improvement
Understand the contents of a rigorous business case
Identify how business requirements may be supported by IT systems

5.2. System Design Techniques

[Formerly known as Systems Design & Implementation Techniques]
Explain the roles and objectives of systems design

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Normalise a restricted set of inputs and outputs

Understand all aspects of an effective user interface
Apply the principles of physical design
Understand security, confidentiality, privacy principles

5.3. Integrating off the Shelf Software Solutions

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of off-the-shelf software
Define a framework for selection and integration
Define functional and non functional requirements
Prepare proposal requests and evaluate proposals
Identify implementation and support issues

5.4. Enterprise & Solutions Architecture (Practitioner)

[Pre-requisites include the ISEB Intermediate or TOGAF Certificate]
A knowledge of roles, concepts & techniques is assumed. The
Practitioner certificate focuses on practical application
Apply concepts and techniques to a case study
Project management and migration to achieve Architecture objectives
Understand Architecture change management and governance issues

6. Specialist Foundation Modules What will I Learn?

6.1. Systems Development Foundation
[This is a new syllabus and at time of writing courses are not yet available]
A wide ranging introduction to Systems Development concentrating on
building awareness
Business Analysis and Requirement Engineering
Development Lifecycles, Programming & Development Approaches
Systems Modelling, Design and Architecture
Quality and Testing

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6.2. Software Testing Foundation

Perform effective testing of software
Be aware of software testing techniques and standards
Be aware of what testing tools can achieve
Understand where to find more information
Establish the basic steps of the testing process

6.3. ITIL Foundation v3

Explain the concept of Service Management and the objectives and
business value for each phase of the Service Lifecycle
Define key ITIL terminology
Understand how key ITIL processes contribute to the Service Lifecycle
Explain the role, objectives, organisational structures, staffing and
metrics of the Service Desk function
List generic requirements for a set of Service Management technologies
and understand how service automation can assist

6.4. Enterprise & Solutions Architecture (Intermediate)

Understand different kinds of architecture and roles
Understand concepts & techniques relating to business, data and
applications architecture
Solution design to meet non functional requirements
Use of infrastructure architecture to support applications architecture

Visit the Focus website where you can browse and book
accredited Systems Development training throughout the UK
http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/systems-development-andarchitecture/courses/skillarea/14/

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7. TOGAF
The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) is a framework - a detailed method and a set of
supporting tools - for developing an enterprise architecture. It may be used freely by any
organisation wishing to develop an enterprise architecture for use within that organisation.
TOGAF is developed and maintained by members of The Open Group, working within the
Architecture Forum (refer to www.opengroup.org/architecture). The original development of
TOGAF Version 1 in 1995 was based on the Technical Architecture Framework for Information
Management (TAFIM), developed by the US Department of Defense. Starting from this sound
foundation, the members of The Open Group Architecture Forum have developed successive
versions of TOGAF and published each one on The Open Group public web site.
Enterprise Architecture is defined as architecture that crosses multiple systems, and multiple
functional groups within an enterprise. An enterprise" is seen as a collection of organisations,
divisions or departments with a common set of goals.
The latest version is TOGAF 9, launched in February 2009. There is a comprehensive manual
structured to reflect the TOGAF approach (see diagram below).
The TOGAF 9 Certification for People Program is a market-driven education and certification
program to support TOGAF 9. There are two levels to certification, denoted Level 1 and Level 2.

Level 1 is known as TOGAF 9 Foundation.

To provide validation that the candidate has gained knowledge of the terminology
and basic concepts of TOGAF 9 and understands the core principles of Enterprise
Architecture and TOGAF
The exam format is 1 hour closed book with 40 questions

Level 2 is known as TOGAF 9 Certified.

To provide validation that in addition to knowledge and comprehension, the
candidate is able to analyze and apply knowledge of TOGAF
The exam format is a 90 minute open book 8 scenario-based questions
A single combined Level 1 and Level 2 exam is available to make it simpler to go direct to TOGAF
9 Certified.
You will find 4 and 5 day TOGAF - IT Architecture courses on the Focus website. These cover all
you need to achieve Level 2 certification.

TOGAF books and study guides are available from Focus on Books
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There are seven main parts to the TOGAF document:

PART I (Introduction) A high-level introduction to the key concepts of enterprise architecture and in particular
the TOGAF approach. It contains the definitions of terms used throughout TOGAF
PART II (Architecture Development Method) This part is the core of TOGAF. It describes the TOGAF Architecture
Development Method (ADM) - a step-by-step approach to developing an enterprise architecture.
PART III (ADM Guidelines and Techniques) This part contains a collection of guidelines and techniques available
for use in applying TOGAF and the TOGAF ADM.
PART IV (Architecture Content Framework) The TOGAF content framework, including a structured metamodel
for architectural artifacts, the use of re-usable building blocks, and an overview of typical deliverables.
PART V (Enterprise Continuum & Tools) This part discusses appropriate taxonomies and tools to categorize and
store the outputs of architecture activity within an enterprise.
PART VI (TOGAF Reference Models) A selection of architectural reference models, which includes the TOGAF
Foundation Architecture, and the Integrated Information Infrastructure Reference Model (III-RM).
PART VII (Architecture Capability Framework) This part discusses the organisation, processes, skills, roles, and
responsibilities required to establish and operate an architecture function within an enterprise.
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