BIS214 Systems Analysis and Design Quiz

Systems Analysis and Design Course (BIS214)

• The course is about Systems Analysis and Design (BIS214) at Suez Canal University
• The course focuses on topics like structuring system requirements, process modeling, data-flow diagrams (DFDs) and logic modeling to improve system design
• The course also covers the systems development lifecycle (SDLC), including systems planning and selection, systems analysis, systems design, systems implementation and operation

Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design (Fifth Edition)

• The textbook is titled "Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design" Fifth Edition written by Joseph S. Valacich, Joey F. George, and Jeffrey A. Hoffer
• Chapter 6 focuses on structuring system requirements: process modeling
• Learning objectives for the chapter include explaining process modeling, data-flow diagramming techniques, using diagrams for analysis, and decision tables used to plan processes

Process Modeling

• Process modeling graphically represents actions, data storage, workflow, and interactions within and outside a system
• Data-Flow Diagrams (DFD) graphically illustrate the flow of data between external entities, processes, and data stores in a system. Key components of a DFD include data flow, data stores, processes, and external entities or sources/sinks
• DFDs are vital for visualizing data movement in a given system

Deliverables and Outcomes

• Key deliverables from process modeling include context data-flow diagrams, detailed diagrams of the system, and the technology used to support the system
• The diagrams used are technology-independent and clarify data flow, structure, and requirements of new systems

Data-Flow Diagramming Mechanics

• Data flows are represented by arrows that indicate data movement
• Data stores are drawn as rectangles
• Processes are visually represented by rectangles with rounded corners
• Sources and sinks are drawn as squares, signifying the start and end points of data flow

Data-Flow Diagram Definitions

• Context Diagrams outline the scope of an organizational system, showing its boundaries, the external entities interacting with it, and the main information flows
• Level-0 Diagrams represent the system's core processes, data flows, and data stores at a high level

Developing DFDs: An Example (Hoosier Burger's Automated Food Ordering System)

• The example uses the Hoosier Burger's system for modeling data flows and process descriptions

Data-Flow Diagramming Rules

• Inputs and outputs of processes are always distinct
• Each element on a diagram must have a unique name
• Data stores and flows can be repeated to keep a diagram clean and clear
• Data cannot directly move from one store to another or from one data store to an outside data flow
• A data flow to a data store means update; a data flow from a data store means retrieving or using data

Decomposition of DFDs

• Functional Decomposition breaks down a complex system into smaller, more manageable components or sub-processes
• The lowest level of decomposition is called a primitive DFD
• Level-n Diagrams are the result of various decompositions

Balancing DFDs

• Balancing DFDs ensures inputs and outputs are appropriately tracked and accounted for as a system breaks down into sub processes
• A good example includes the Hoosier Burger's ordering system, where the input is the customer order and outputs include the receipt, food order, and management report

Balancing DFDs: An Unbalanced Example

• An unbalanced example would illustrate when inputs do nor match the outputs.

Using DFDs as Analysis Tools

• Gap Analysis helps identify discrepancies between different DFDs, or within a single diagram
• Inefficiencies in systems can often be revealed and corrected by examining data flows and relationships using DFDs

Using DFDs in Business Process Reengineering (BPR)

• Examples shown include credit approval processes using DFDs to identify how to improve efficiency
• Process engineering using DFDs allows for greater efficiency, producing quicker and more accurate outcomes

Logic Modeling

• Data-flow diagrams do not show internal logic
• Logic modeling represents the structure and functions
• Decision Tables are used to represent complex decision logic using a simplified method

Modeling Logic with Decision Tables

• Decision Tables use a matrix format to specify conditions, actions, and rules based on those conditions
• Indifferent Conditions are conditions whose values affect the decision in the same way.

Guidelines for Drawing DFDs

• DFDs must include necessary components fully described, following defined procedures
• The information in DFDs must be consistent throughout various levels
• Time is not usually included on DFDs but it can be used to trace data flows at varying points in time
• Iterative improvements are often used with models to give the best representation of complex systems and create useful representations of possible issues

Additional Considerations

• These models are essential for electronic commerce system design and business processes.
• Understanding these principles and the accompanying diagrams is important in the system design and development stages.

Test your knowledge on Systems Analysis and Design (BIS214) topics, including structuring system requirements, process modeling, and data-flow diagrams. This quiz is based on Chapter 6 from the textbook 'Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design'. Challenge your understanding of the systems development lifecycle and diagramming techniques.