IT System Analyst Career
IT system analyst is responsible for examination of an organization’s IT systems and processes, designing of new IT solutions for the purposes of improving efficiency and implementing the systems to achieve the desired objectives. System analyst is as well responsible for providing training to the system users. According to Shelly and Harry (2012), a system analyst is tasked with the function of planning, development and the maintenance of information systems in an organization. The system analyst liaises with the system client to determine the system requirements from the prevailing business processes and data flows. Recommendations are made to the client about the findings of the businesses processes and then the system analyst produces the system design prototype, operational specifications, the appearance of data at the end-user interface and the cost implications. Once the system client is satisfied with the system properties, the system analyst implements the system solutions in close relation with the other team members. The following are the functions that a system analyst performs on a daily basis:
- The system analyst is involved in writing manuals on how to use the system
- Providing constant training to system users as new people join the team
- The system analyst does regularly carry out studies to establish feasibility of proposals
- Liaises with software development and programming entities in building a system
- The system analyst follows what is happening in the information technology industry so as to get new developments as they occur
- The system analyses the existing system on a continuous basis to ensure compatibility with and relevance to business processes as they evolve.
A system analyst should have the following qualifications:
- Be qualified in the computer science studies
- Should be very conversant with management and business information systems
- Should be conversant with programming skills and methods such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, SQL and Unified Modeling Language
- Should be innovative in solving problems
- Should be an excellent team player, a good budgeter, and a sharp negotiator
The extent to which a system analyst utilizes Porter’s five forces
Porter’s Five Forces as explained by McIvor (2005) is a useful tool in analyzing the nature of an industry in light of profitability index. According to Schermerhorn (2010) the mechanism for analysis involves evaluation of the five factors that drive competition which include:
- Rivalry amongst existing entities
- Substitution threat
- Threat from new entrants
- Power of buyers to bargain
- Power of suppliers to bargain
A person in the IT system analyst career will utilize the Porter’s five forces analysis in analyzing the growth potentials in the industry in a number of aspects. The person will look at the current competition status by establishing the demand for the services in the industry and the remuneration levels as at present. This will give a picture as to how competitive the career is. By looking at the statistics of the available qualified system analysts in the market and the number of organizations looking for the system analyst services, this will give information on the future of the career with regard to demand and supply forces. Analysis about the nature of system services outsourcing will help the system analyst to establish the extent of substitution threat from outsourcing companies. Information about threat from new entrants shall be analyzed from advertising activities of companies offering system analysis services based on profitability reputation of the industry.
References
McIvor, Ronan. (2005) The outsourcing process: strategies for evaluation and management. Cambridge New York: Cambridge University Press.
Schermerhorn, John R. (2010). Exploring management. Hoboken, N.J. Chichester: Wiley John Wiley distributor.
Shelly, B., and Harry J. (2012) Systems analysis and design. Boston: Course Technology Cengage Learning.
