Week 2: SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW
1) What are the skills and knowledge that a good systems analyst requires?
All organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate more efficiently. The rapid spread of technology across all industries has generated a need for highly trained workers to help organizations incorporate new technologies. The tasks performed by workers known as computer Systems Analysts. System analyst evolves rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology, as well as the preferences and practices of employers.
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. They help an organization to realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel, and business processes. Systems analysts may plan and develop new computer systems or devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional operations. They may design new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a new software application to harness more of the computer’s power. Most systems analysts work with specific types of systems—for example, business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Some systems analysts also are known as systems developers or systems architects.
Systems analysts begin an assignment by discussing the systems problem with managers and users to determine its exact nature. Defining the goals of the system and dividing the solutions into individual steps and separate procedures, systems analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting to plan the system. They specify the inputs to be accessed by the system, design the processing steps, and format the output to meet users’ needs. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology will be financially feasible.
When a system is accepted, systems analysts determine what computer hardware and software will be needed to set the system up. They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow; then, they work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate, errors from the system. Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing of products may be referred to as software quality assurance analysts. In addition to running tests, these individuals diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met.
In some organizations, programmer-analysts design and update the software that runs a computer. Because they are responsible for both programming and systems analysis, these workers must be proficient in both areas. (A separate statement on computer programmers appears elsewhere in the Handbook.) As this dual proficiency becomes more commonplace, these analysts are increasingly working with databases, object-oriented programming languages, as well as client–server applications development and multimedia and Internet technology.
One obstacle associated with expanding computer use is the need for different computer systems to communicate with each other. Because of the importance of maintaining up-to-date information—accounting records, sales figures, or budget projections, for example—systems analysts work on making the computer systems within an organization, or among organizations, compatible so that information can be shared among them. Many systems analysts are involved with “networking,” connecting all the computers internally—in an individual office, department, or establishment—or externally, because many organizations rely on e-mail or the Internet. A primary goal of networking is to allow users to retrieve data from a mainframe computer or a server and use it on their desktop computer. Systems analysts must design the hardware and software to allow the free exchange of data, custom applications, and the computer power to process it all. For example, analysts are called upon to ensure the compatibility of computing systems between and among businesses to facilitate electronic commerce.
System Analyst Assists users in developing database application requirements and determines if needs can be met with existing, commercial software or would need custom programming.
Collaboratively develops, maintains, and tests new and enhanced networked and stand-alone applications using a database programming language.
Provides technical assistance and documentation to end-users.
Writes and maintains technical documentation for all applications.
Provides end-user support for the Association Management System (AMS), including requests for advanced database queries and reports.
Converts data and creates data integration interfaces and DTS packages.
How do you plan to develop those skills?
Attainment Levels
Application Design
Define basic terminology
Document the sequence in which processing is performed and how data is passed between processes.
Develop program design specifications
Design and document logical databases, program modules, describing purpose and
Programming
Identify and describe programming concepts
Explain programming standards
Apply programming standards
Translate technical design specifications into concise code
Apply programming concepts, coding in at least two programming languages and at least one
Data Management
Explain data design terms relevant to this domain
Explain the difference between conceptual, logical and physical design
Explain the differences between network, relational and hierarchical and other relevant data models
Design and develop relational data models
Use normalization techniques
Use Data Modeling
Platform Management
Define generic systems architecture components such as hardware, physical network, system software and infrastructure
Perform resolution of hardware problems, including configuration errors and equipment failures
Perform configuration of a complete workstation or server
Analyze workstation or server storage, CPU and memory resources for performance and adequacy on an ongoing basis and perform system tuning
Networking
Define basic networking terms such as LAN, WAN, Internet/intranet/extranet, networking protocols, directory services
Describe the logical and physical layout of networks
Analyze and diagnose hardware, communications and application problems
Perform configuration/reconfiguration and maintenance of various network and communications
hardware (e.g. servers, routers, controllers) using available resources (manuals, instructions, etc.)
Perform communications and network support for clients
Perform planning, installation and maintenance of both a peer-to-peer and a server based network
Perform planning and installation of an Internet connection for a local area network
Solutions Implementation
Identify and describe basic testing, acceptance and conversion concepts and terminology
Use installation strategies
Develop and perform test plans, acceptance testing and conversion plans
Verify accuracy, acceptability and integrity of implementation
Develop and use corrective measures
Develop and apply deployment strategies
Technical Security Management
Define key generic security concepts such as authentication, authorization and public key
Infrastructure
List the key characteristics of a disaster recovery plan
Explain the threats posed by the computer virus and other malicious code and identify prevention measures.
Explain the various security strategies
Discuss the security strategies applied to applications and their suitability and limitations for different business purposes
Apply appropriate security strategies in applications
Use methods of maintaining current awareness of virus and security issues and exploits, and prevention and countermeasure Perform security management Perform communication of security practices
Operating Systems
Identify and list the characteristics of operating systems Perform installation, configuration and management of at least one desktop operating system Generic IT Career Elements
Customer/Client Contact/Service
Explain the importance of common ethical policies and procedures and relate policies and procedures to clients
Demonstrate accuracy and courtesy in responses to customer inquiries, questions or requests
Identify/adapt/integrate with customer and corporate culture where appropriate
Demonstrate customer relationship skills
Demonstrate customer follow-up skills
Communication
Perform writing of business communications (letters, memos, e-mail, business reports)
Use technical communications (flowcharts, diagrams, specifications, and diagnostics)
Use projectors, graphics and multimedia in making presentations
Use Oral Communications (listening, interviewing, speaking, and telephone/teleconferencing)
Demonstrate professional conduct in communications
Demonstrate understanding of individual’s roles and responsibilities as part of a team
Demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with technical and non-technical counterparts
Demonstrate the ability to participate in-group work towards common goals (deadlines, budgets, and workload distribution)
Demonstrate openness and integration of different points of view
Independence
Demonstrate responsibility for one’s own work
Perform work independently with minimal supervision
Develop work ethics and provide continuous learning
Personal Productivity / Organizational Skills
List concepts of personal time management
Demonstrate acceptable time management skills and use time management tools to meet deadlines, be on time, etc.
Understand and use filing systems (e.g. central filing)
Project Management
Use tools of project management in a major assignment to:
· Develop estimates for key activities
· Plan work in terms of time, budget and resources required (set targets, plan simple projects)
· Monitor progress against plan
· Adjust course of action as plan is implemented
· Manage change
· Report on progress
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Follow a problem solving methodology that:
· Documents the problem
· Generates alternatives to solving the problem
· Develops decision making criteria
· Evaluates the alternatives
· Recommends the preferred course of action
· Prepares appropriate documentation at all points in the decision making process
