Chapter 1

Introduction
 Systems Analysis and Design
 A method used by companies to create and maintain information systems
that perform basic business functions.

 The main goal is to improve organizational systems through developing or

acquiring application software.

 In this dynamic world, The subject System Analysis and Design, mainly
deals with the software development activities.

 Systems are created to solve problems. One can think of the systems
approach as an organized way of dealing with a problem.

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 SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE
CYCLE – SDLC
• The SDLC has four fundamental phases:
planning, analysis, design, and
implementation.

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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN METHODS 6th Edition Whitten Bentley Dittman

System Development Process Overview

System initiation – the initial planning for a project to define

initial business scope, goals, schedule, and budget.

System analysis – the study of a business problem domain to

recommend improvements and specify the business requirements
and priorities for the solution. ‘what the system should do?’

System design – the specification or construction of a technical,

computer-based solution for the business requirements identified
in a system analysis. ‘how to achieve it?’

System implementation – the construction, installation, testing,

and delivery of a system into production.

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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN METHODS 6th Edition Whitten Bentley Dittman

Data – raw facts about people, places, events, and things that are of
importance in an organization.

Information – data that has been processed or reorganized into a

more meaningful form for someone.

Knowledge – data and information that is further refined based on

the facts, truths, beliefs, judgments, experiences, and expertise of
the recipient.

Knowledge Asset Management

– Recognizes that data, information, and knowledge are critical business
resources
– Asks: “How can the organization manage and share knowledge for
competitive advantage?”
– Strives to integrate the data and information that can create and preserve
knowledge
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 System concept
What is a system?
 A System can be simply defined as a group of
interrelated or interacting elements forming a
unified whole.
e.g.:- Physical system of the sun and its planets
- Biological system of the human body
- Technological system of an oil refinery
- Socioeconomic system of a business
organization
 …
Systems can also be seen as collections of
people using information technology
and processes that define how people
.carry out their work

The system also includes informal

interactions that take place in an
.organization e.g. emails, phone calls
 Characteristics of a System

• A collection of components that work

together to realize some objective forms a
system. Basically there are three major
components in every system, namely input,
processing and output.

• In a system the different components are

connected with each other and they are
interdependent.
 …
Components – one part or a number of
.parts grouped together – a subsystem

Interrelated components – function of one

component is related to the function of
another component – output from one is
input for another – dependence of a part
.on one or more other parts
 …
Synergy - two subsystems working together
to produce more than the total of what
.they might produce working alone

Boundary – separates the system from

other systems
..
 …
Purpose – (or goal) – all components work
together to achieve the overall purpose of
.the system
Environment – everything outside the
Boundary that influences and/or interacts
.the system
Interfaces – the points at which the system
meets the environment, or where
.subsystems meet each other
Input - system takes input from its
.environment .
Output – system returns output to its
environment as a result of its functioning –
to achieve the purpose. Output from
individual subsystems may be inputs to
.other subsystems
Constraints – there are limits to what the
system can do (capacity, speed, capability);
some imposed within the system itself,
some by the environment (e.g. available
.resources, deadlines)
 …
System Entropy and Negative Entropy:
Systems can become run down if they are
.not maintained continuously
The process of maintaining a system is
called Negative Entropy
 Information System
– A transaction processing system (TPS) is an
information system that captures and processes data
about business transactions.

– A management information system (MIS) is an

information system that provides for management-
oriented reporting based on transaction processing
and operations of the organization.

– A decision support system (DSS) is an information

system that either helps to identify decision making
opportunities or provides information to help make
decisions.
 Information System…
An Executive Information System (EIS) is an information system
designed for top-level managers that integrates data from all over the
organization into “at-a-glance” graphical indicators and controls.

An expert system is an information system that captures the expertise of

workers and then simulates that expertise to the benefit of nonexperts.

A communications and collaboration system is an information system

that enables more effective communications between workers, partners,
customers, and suppliers to enhance their ability to collaborate.

An office automation system is an information system that supports the

wide range of business office activities that provide for improved work
flow between workers.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN METHODS 6th Edition Whitten Bentley Dittman

Technology Drivers for Today’s Information Systems

• Networks and the Internet

• Mobile and Wireless Technologies
• Collaborative Technologies
• Enterprise Applications

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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN METHODS 6th Edition Whitten Bentley Dittman

Enterprise Applications

Irwin/McGraw-Hill Copyright © 2004 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights reserved

 systems analyst
• A systems analyst(s) facilitates the
development of information systems and
computer applications.
• This person develops ideas and suggestions for
how IT can improve business processes,
designs the new business processes with help
from the business analyst, …designs the new
information system, and ensures that all IS
standards are maintained.
• The systems analyst likely will have significant
training and experience in analysis and design,
programming, and even areas of the business.
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• . .
Steering committee

User 1 Information
technology
vendors

User 2

Systems Applications
analyst
programmers

User N

Network
administrator

Management/ Database Interface

system owner administrator design expert

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