Chapter 4

The Tools of the

Analyst
 System Modeling
System Model

-is a representation of an in
place or proposed system that
describes the data flow throughout the
structure.
 System Modeling (cont.)

The model describes the points where

data or information enters a system and
the places where it will be processed, as
well as the actions taken and the points
where data will be output.
 System Modeling (cont.)

Design Diagram
-is a graphic or visual
representation of a structure. Design
diagrams include data flow diagrams,
structured charts, decision trees, and
other items.
 Advantages of Design Diagrams

1.) Serves as a communication tool.

2.) Serve as a planning tool.
3.) Provide an overview of a
system.
4.) Define roles.
5.) Demonstrate relationships.
 Advantages of Design Diagrams
(cont.)

6.) Promote logical procedures.

7.) Facilitate troubleshooting.

8.) Document a system.

 Traditional Design Tools

For many decades, systems designers

have relied upon various traditional tools to
illustrate the flow of information throughout a
system. These include Gantt charts, system
flowcharts, and decision tables. You should
be aware of these tools because they are
often used by analysts.
 The Gantt Chart
Gantt Chart
- introduced by Henry L. Gantt.
- is a fundamental planning tool of the
analyst.
- is based upon intervals and does not
show the logical flow of information
throughout the system. It remains a useful
tool for documenting a system.
 UniTrans Company

Planning

Problem Definition

System Analysis

Interviews

Direct observation

System Design

Prototype terminals

Output design

File Design

System Development

Select vendors

Train staff

Prepare documentation

System Implementation

Change over

System Evaluation

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
 Decision Trees
Decision Tree
- is a tool that is particularly well suited for
illustrating such system.
- It is read from left to right, showing decisions
to be made.
- Task such as granting credit, approving a
purchase, or handling a customer complaint, which
involve making decisions, can be illustrated on this
type of chart.
Decision Tree: The tree is read from left to right.

Air Freight

Prepare How to ship?

Invoice Truck

Customer Pickup
Goods in stock Yes

Manufacture
Goods Prepare Invoice
No

Yes

No
Raw Materials Order Raw
Materials Manufacture Goods
Available?
 Decision Tables
Decision Tables
- are charts in the form of matrices that
graphically display conditions, options, and
alternatives to be dealt with when making business
decisions.

Parts of a Decision Table:

Condition Stub Condition Entry

Action Stub Action Entry

 Decision Tables (cont.)
Condition Stub
- lists all possible conditions that could arise in
making a decision.
Action Stub
- lists all possible actions that they may be
taken.
Condition Entry
- lists all possible combinations of conditions
that may occur.
Action Entry
- describes what actions will be followed for
each set of conditions
 Printer troubleshooter

Rules

Printer does not print Y Y Y Y N N N N

Conditions A red light is flashing Y Y N N Y Y N N

Printer is unrecognised Y N Y N Y N Y N

Check the power cable X

Check the printer-computer cable X X

Actions Ensure printer software is installed X X X X

Check/replace ink X X X X

Check for paper jam X X