Introduction of Systems Analysis & Design
Systems analysis refers to the process of disintegrating a system into various components and determining how these components can interact and function. On the other hand, system design refers to the process of configuring necessary software and hardware components which can be used to solve a problem . System analysis and design is employed in different entities including manufacturing, business, and processing entities . In a business entity, system analysis is used to planning viable projects, defining requirements, and setting priorities for changing or improving existing systems. A business environment is dynamic in nature and full of uncertainties. Therefore, firms have to strategically plan in order to gain a competitive edge. There are various plans through which a business entity can employ to ensure it acquires competitive advantage over its competitors. One such plan is improving technology through the use of system analysis and design.
Therefore, system analysis and design is carried out with an aim of enhancing productivity and efficiency. There are various strategies that can be employed in systems analysis and design. These include information engineering, object oriented analysis, modern structured analysis, and prototyping. Currently, most businesses use system analysis and design in business process redesign. This refers to application of analysis and design in an organization with an aim of changing all the existing business processes. This paper discusses the use information systems, system development tool, techniques, and methods. Further, it talks about data and information flow diagrams and how they are used in planning and modelling a systems development project.
How Businesses use Information Systems
An information system includes data, people, information technology, and processes that work together to provide information that is required to run an organization effectively. Businesses make use of various information systems such as management information system, decision information system, decision support system, transaction processing system, and executive support system .
The information systems are related and this can be represented through the following diagram:
Figure 1
King, 2009
The transaction processing system is record and track daily transactions in a business. It is mainly used by operational mangers to monitor internal activities and to produce information for other departments . On the other hand, management information system is used by middle level managers to produce reports on how a firm is performing. Data acquired from transactions processing system is used to generate reports on various operations. Reports generated by management information systems range from daily to annual results. Nevertheless, management information systems are not flexible and have less analytical capacity. Decision support systems are used by managers to provide professional solutions to existing challenges. However, they are only employed in evaluating low volumes of data. On the other hand, executive support systems are used by senior managers. Executive support systems are used to address strategic issues . Strategic issues are long term in nature and they are used to make a firm acquire competitive advantage in the market. Therefore, executive support systems address non-routine issues which are rarely experienced. Executive managers use data from management information system, decision support system, and external sources such as customer responses. Executive support systems use web interface in presentation of contents. Supply chain management systems are used in managing customer orders and integrating supply chains . Information systems are extremely essential as they enhance efficiency and productivity. This is because information systems enhances speed through elimination of paper work, educes errors, and increases the speed at which supply process is conducted. In addition, it enables sharing of data which makes people more knowledgeable of current trends and emerging issues. In general, businesses use information systems to generate reports, make viable decisions, and integrate supply chains, and share data and relevant information across departments.
Systems Development Tools & Techniques
System development has five steps which include analysis, designing, implementation, maintenance, and planning . This can be illustrated through the diagram below:
Figure 2
Avison & Fitzgerald, 2006
System development makes use of various techniques and tools. Firstly, computer aided systems is used by system analysts in development and maintenance of an information system . Computer aided system provides a framework that is used for system development. In addition, computer aided system provides support to design methodologies such as object oriented methodology. Other tools used in system development include upper and lower case tools . Upper case tools are used in the production of logical designs used to develop information systems. Upper case tools are also used to offer adequate support to modelling processes. On the other hand, lower case tools generate source codes depending on the model used. Source codes increase the speed of the development process. The techniques used in system development include JAD and RAD. JAD refers to the use of fact finding techniques which are team based . On the other hand, RAD generates source codes which are used to increase development process.
Systems Development Methods
System development methods are the techniques used to come up with a system. There are various types of system development methods which include structured analysis and design, object oriented methods, and prototyping . Structured analysis and design method perceives information through a flow diagram. On the other hand, prototyping refers to building a model that resembles a system. Prototyping is entailed in the analysis phase of system development. Prototyping is beneficial as it reduces costs, time, facilitates system implementation, and increases involvement of users . Nevertheless, prototyping at times lead to incomplete recording and insufficient analysis. Prototypes can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical prototypes have fewer features whereas horizontal prototypes are well-developed. Object oriented system development method entails various objects which correspond to complex data that requires adequate management. System analysts use object oriented methods to model both processes and data. This is because object oriented method includes both behaviour and data .
Soft Systems Methodology
Soft systems methodology refers to the process of solving problematic issues through systematic approach . Soft systems methodology entails seven stages through which a problem is solved. Firstly, gets into a problematic situation. Secondly, one needs to express the problematic situation. Thirdly, there is a significant need to formulate relevant systems. Fourthly, conceptual models which contain activity systems are built. Fifthly, the conceptual models are compared to realistic situations. Sixthly, changes are defined. These changes should must be feasible and desirable. Seventhly, actions which aim to improve a realistic situation are undertaken .
Data Flow Diagramming
Data flow diagram is used to represent how information flows through a system. They are used to enhance visualization . This is essential as it eases comprehension of information systems and data processing. In addition, data flow diagrams are used to illustrate the sources of information, the kind of information that will be used, and how data will be stored. A data flow diagram can be illustrated using the diagram below:
Figure 3
Sharp, 2010
On the other hand, an information flow diagram refers to the flow of information in an organization. Information flow diagrams are used to illustrate the relationship between internal and external information . Information flow diagrams are used by public corporations, business as they illustrate a whole system in a single diagram. Therefore, information flow diagrams are essential as document information flow in a firm, and to find facts within an organization. In addition, information flow diagrams are used illustrate functional activities in an organization. The diagram below show an information flow diagram:
Figure 4
Sharp, 2010
Planning & Modelling a Systems Development Project
A system development project passes through various stages which include planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance . Planning entails identifying the firm`s information system needs. Analysis involves determining the system`s requirements. This is important as it facilitates proper structuring . The next step entails designing of the recommended solution. Designing is done through converting a solution into a specification. After designing, the system development plan is then implemented. Relevant information is tested, coded, and installed in the firm. Lastly, an information system is maintained by repairing it when necessary and making improvements.
Conclusion
In summary, systems analysis refers to the process of disintegrating a system into various components and determining how these components can interact and function whereas system design refers to the process of configuring necessary software and hardware components which can be used to solve a problem. There are various information systems which are used by businesses. These include management information system, decision information system, decision support system, transaction processing system, and executive support system. Information systems are essential as they enhance efficiency and productivity. System development methods are the techniques used to come up with a system and include structured analysis and design, object oriented methods, and prototyping. Information flow diagram refers to the flow of information in an organization whilst data flow diagram is used to represent how information flows through a system. Data flow diagrams enhance visualization whereas information flow diagrams are used to illustrate various functional units in a firm.
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