Systems Analysis and Design Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

To determine how an information system can support business needs, design the system, build it, and deliver it to users.

The key person in the SDLC is the __________.

systems analyst

Which of the following is NOT a skill necessary for a systems analyst?

Creative writing skills (correct)

Technical skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

What are the four fundamental phases of the SDLC?

Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation Signup and view all the answers

The analysis phase of the SDLC deals with defining how the system will operate.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a project manager in the SDLC?

To ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, and that the system delivers the expected value to the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phases of the SDLC with their descriptions:

Planning = Understanding why a system should be built Analysis = Determining user needs and system functions Design = Deciding how the system will operate Implementation = Developing and installing the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a system request?

To describe the business reasons for building a system and the expected value it should provide. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three areas typically assessed in a feasibility analysis?

Technical, Economic, Organizational Signup and view all the answers

Economic feasibility analysis is also known as a cost-benefit analysis.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does ROI stand for in the context of project evaluation?

Return on Investment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Systems Analyst

Central figure in Information Systems (IS) development, pivotal in the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Analyzes business situations to identify improvement opportunities and designs solutions using technology.
Acts as a change agent, facilitating organizational improvement and system use.

Skills of Systems Analysts

Technical: Knowledge of technical environments and solutions.
Business: Understanding of IT applications in business contexts.
Analytical: Strong problem-solving abilities.
Interpersonal: Effective communication skills are essential.
Management: Capable of managing people, pressure, and risks.
Ethical: Must engage fairly and honestly with all stakeholders.

Roles within Systems Analysis

Systems Analyst: Focus on IS issues.
Business Analyst: Concentrates on business concerns.
Infrastructure Analyst: Deals with technical aspects.
Change Management Analyst: Manages human and organizational issues.
Project Manager: Ensures project completion on time and budget.

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Structured process comprised of four main phases: Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation.
Each phase involves specific steps and deliverables that guide project success.

Planning Phase

Establishes the need for a new system and outlines the approach for project development.
Project Initiation: Identifies business value (cost reduction, revenue increase).
Project Management: Develops work plans, accountability, and control mechanisms for the project.

Analysis Phase

Defines user roles, system functionality, and operational details.
Involves examining current systems, spotting improvement areas, and conceptualizing a new system.
Steps include:
- Analysis Strategy: Guides team in reviewing current systems.
- Requirements Gathering: Develops a concept for new systems.
- System Proposal: Presented to decision-makers for project approval.

Design Phase

Outlines system operation specifics, including hardware, software, and user interface.
Steps include:
- Design Strategy: Determines internal or external development.
- Architecture Design: Specifies needed technology infrastructure.
- Database and File Specifications: Clarifies data storage needs.
- Program Design: Lays out programming needs.

Implementation Phase

Involves developing or installing the system and ensuring it meets designs.
Steps include:
- System Construction: Building and testing the system.
- Installation: Transitioning from old to new systems.
- Support Plan: Includes reviews and change management processes.

Project Identification and Initiation

Initiated when a business need for a new system is recognized.
May stem from competitive IT opportunities and advancing technologies (e.g., cloud computing).

Business Process Management (BPM)

A methodology for continuously improving business processes, leading to new IS projects.
BPM Tasks:
- Define, improve, and streamline processes.
- Innovate through Business Process Automation (BPA), Improvement (BPI), or Reengineering (BPR).

Individual or group invested in system success who guides project alignment with business objectives.
Supports project decisions and facilitates communication among stakeholders.

System Request

Formal document outlining the need for the system and expected benefits.
Key elements include business need, requirements, value, and relevant issues.

Feasibility Analysis

Assesses whether to proceed with a project, highlighting associated risks.
Evaluates three feasibility areas: Technical, Economic, and Organizational.

Technical Feasibility

Analyzes system design, development, and installation feasibility, focusing on technical risks.

Economic Feasibility

Cost-benefit analysis determining whether the system should be built by evaluating financial factors.

Organizational Feasibility

Assesses user acceptance and integration into existing processes, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Summary

The Systems Analyst is crucial in IS development through the SDLC, encompassing Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation.
Effective project identification leverages technology for addressing business needs.
Comprehensive feasibility analysis is vital for managing project risks and enhancing success potential.

Description

This quiz covers the role of a systems analyst, the systems development life cycle, information system project identification, and feasibility analysis from the 5th edition of Systems Analysis and Design.