1. System Development Environment 1/12/2015 © Abdou Illia MIS 4200 - Spring 2015

2. Learning Objectives Define information systems analysis and design. Define a system. Describe the role of the systems analyst in information systems development. 2

3. 3 What is Information Systems Analysis and Design?  Process of developing and maintaining an information system  Method used to create and maintain systems that perform basic business functions  Main goal is to improve employee efficiency by applying software solutions to key business tasks  Structured approach used to ensure success when: –Acquiring application software OR –Developing in-house applications Ch1:4-5

4. 4 What is a System?  A system is an interrelated set of business procedures used within one business unit working together for a purpose.  A system exists within an environment – i.e. anything outside the system that influences it  A boundary separates a system from its environment —makes the system self- contained. Ch1:6 Procedure 1Procedure 2 Procedure 3 Boundary Environment

5. The 9 characteristics of a System  Components  Interrelated Components  Boundary  Purpose  Environment  Interfaces  Constraints  Input  Output 5 Ch1:6-7

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7. 7 Your Role as a Systems Analyst  Study problems and information needs of an organization  Determine best approach to improving organization through use of: –People –Methods –Information technology  Help system users and managers define their requirements for new or enhanced information systems Ch1:11-12

8. 8 Systems Analyst’s Skills  To succeed, you need to develop four types of skills: –Analytical  System thinking: ability to see organizations and IS a systems  Understand organization and its functions  Identify opportunities and problems  Analyze and solve problems –Technical  Work with various programming languages, OS, and platforms  Understand the potential and limitations of IT –Management  Manage projects, resources, risks, changes. –Interpersonal  Work with users, managers, fellow IS professionals Ch1:11-12

9. What You Should know so far  What is information systems analysis and design  What are system’s boundary and environment  The role of a system analysts  Skills required to be a system analyst  Answering Review questions seen in class 9