Lecture 1: Project Initiation SYS366

Definition of a Project A Project is a sequence of unique, complex, and connected activities having one goal or purpose and that must be completed by a specific time, within budget, and according to specification. ( p. 65)

Systems that Solve Business Problems Information systems Collection of interrelated components that collect, process, store, and provide as output the information needed to complete business tasks

Types of Information Systems

Information Systems Super systems: Made up of large, stand-alone systems Example: the system for the Canada Games 2009 Large systems are often further divided into subsystems through Functional decomposition Dividing a system into components based on subsystems that in turn are further divided into subsystems (based on the Use Case Diagrams)

Information Systems and Subsystems

System Boundary vs. Automation Boundary

Information Systems and Component Parts

Information systems are crucial to modern business Key to success is thorough systems analysis and design Systems analyst is a key individual in these activities Information Systems

The Analyst  Business problem solver Practical knowledge Computers Computer programming Databases Understand business problems Use logical method for solving problems

Required Skills of the Systems Analyst Technical knowledge and skills Computer hardware, software, databases, and related devices Tools to help develop analysis or design specifications Techniques for completing specific development activities Business knowledge and skills Organizational structure Functional work processes

Required Skills of the Systems Analyst People knowledge and skills Communication Team Management Ethics and integrity CIPS

Participants in a Systems Development Project

Analyst’s Approach to Problem Solving Research problem Verify benefits outweigh costs Develop solutions Recommend best solution Define solution Implement solution Monitor results

Environment Surrounding the Analyst Information system configurations encountered will range from PC to large mainframe systems Job titles of the systems analyst vary greatly Places of employment vary from small businesses to large corporations

Time Frame for the implementation of a Retail Store’ s Super System First: Customer support system Second: Inventory management system Third: Retail store systems with inventory management Fourth: Human resources and accounting/finance

Major Subsystems within the Customer Support System Order entry Customer service/catalog Order tracking Shipping Back orders Returns Sales analysis

Assignment Each team is to decompose the super system necessary to run the Canada Games 2009 into major systems based on category. For example, Volunteer System Then you are to further decompose each of those systems into subsystems. For example, uniforms, Identification, staffing. Note: The team that present the most complete decomposition will receive 2 bonus marks for the semester. This winner will be decided by the classes’ evaluation.