IMS1805 Systems Analysis Review

Analysing Analysis To Analyse: “To take to pieces; to separate, distinguish, or ascertain the elements of anything complex, as a material collection, chemical compound, light, sound, a miscellaneous list, account or statement, a sentence, phrase, word, conception, feeling, action, process, etc.” (OED online)

3 Informal analysis versus formal analysis Informal analysis Intuitive, instinctive Based on learned behaviour/previous experiences Inductive Internalised Techniques used but not explicit Formal analysis Rational, structured Based on formal logic Deductive Externalised Based on techniques

4 Key elements of analysis 1. Observation: Gathering information about the object/situation 2. Perception: Choosing what is important and what isn’t; focussing on the key factors within the context of the problem environment 3. Explanation/Comprehension: Identifying relationships and patterns; establishing causal relationships and connections 4. Representation: Describing and modelling the object of analysis

5 The need for formal analysis: Problem-related factors Complexity of the situation: Many elements; many inter-relationships, complex inter-relationships; many possible outcomes; etc Importance of getting it exactly right Need to communicate our understanding of the situation to others Changing environment; we want to make sure our current understanding will continue to be accurate Using tools to help automate parts of the analysis

6 Purposes of analysis Analysis for broad understanding: What is happening/needs to happen? Why/how/when/who/etc? Analysis for specification What is happening/needs to happen? Why/how/when/who/etc? Differences in scope and precision Implications for analytical techniques

7 Discrimination/selection in analysis People differ in the way they select things for analysis This occurs in all phases of analysis: Selective perception Selective explanation Selective representation Can ALL things be seen/explained/represented in more than one way? (Is there ANYTHING which can be seen in only one way?!) Whose way is the ‘right’ way?

The IS Analytical environment Types of situations requiring formal analysis – see newspapers for examples Need/purpose/objective of formal analysis – problem-solving/opportunities/comprehension/ persuasion/etc? Types of formal analysis – numerical, logical, historical, textual, visual, philosophical, etc Content/structure/techniques of analysis Consider case studies covered in tutes

9 Some elements of Information Systems Objectives Organisations/individuals Information needs Information Information processes Information technology Inter-relationships between elements (systems aspects) In studying IS, any of these things (or others) may be an appropriate basis for doing an analysis

10 Components of an Information System People Things Events Connections/linkages Rules/regulations/ standards Actions/activities Other systems Data/ Information

11 Technology, Information Systems and Analysis The capabilities of computers Input Storage Processing Output The limitations of computers Common sense? Judgement? Flexibility? Ability to deal with the unexpected? Implications for analysis and analytical techniques

Some ways of analysing an information system Sequence (of processes/events) Hierarchy (of processes/events/objects) Movement of data/information (between people/processes/things/events) Relationships (between things and people) Attitudes/feelings/motivations of people (towards processes/events/things)

13 Sequence Student inserts card Student ID Look for student ID In BIS student file Is student ID valid? Show green light and unlock door BIS Students Yes Display red light End No

14 Hierarchy Calculate overall result Calculate exam mark Calculate overall assignment mark Calculate first assignment mark Calculate second assignment mark Apply special consideration

15 Data movement Read student details Student BIS Students Identification details Valid student IDs Authorisation Validate Student ID ID

16 Object (and/or person) inter-relationships Student Enrols in Course UnitUnit leader comprises runs

17 Person-process inter-relationships Enrol in unit Student Admin officer Lecturer Enrol in tutorials Timetable unit Timetable exam Submit results Publish results

18 Attitudes Blah blah blah …! ??????????? Lecturer Students Lectures