Business Systems Analysis
4. What is Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
This is a conceptual project development model that can be used to describe the various stages through which the development of information systems goes. Such include the initial feasibility studies, the maintenance stages as well as the completion states.
In the first phase, the existing systems are evaluated in order to establish any deficiencies. In the second stage, the requirements of the new systems are defined the shortcomings of the current systems especially. Then plans are designed for the proposed system showing the relevant physical constructions, the necessary hardware, the expected operating system, programming as well as both communication and security issues. In the fourth state, the development of the new system takes palace. Here, the new systems components are sourced and installed. In the fifth stage, the new system is incorporated into use. For example, it could be phased into the existing systems based on its application and eventually replace the old system. The last stage of systems development life cycle involves a thorough evaluation of the new system once it gets operational. Here maintenance if kept up to date, as well as the new system kept up to date regarding the latest systems modification and procedures.5.0 What is a KPI?
This is a key performance indicator. It is essentially a business metric that is used for purposes of evaluating different factors that are core or integral to the success of the organization. As a result, it varies from group to organization. For example in some organizations, it is the net revenue while for others it could be the customer royalty. However, in most cases for the governments, it could be the prevailing rate of unemployment in the country.
In business processes, KPIs are used in measuring as well as monitoring the business performance through a strategic or operational level. For example, KPIs can be applied in a business organization as a key leader indicator. This helps the organization to predict happenings in advance. In addition, KPIs can be used by making a comparison between the actual KPI values and the target values in order to identify any shortcomings, as well as predict relevant improvement.6.0 How do you research a potential software vendor and solution?
In order to choose the right software, one needs to start by identifying what they need. This will enable one to narrow down their search from a must have a notion to an excellent to have mentality thus help them to decide which software fits their needs well. In addition, one should also the credentials of the provider in order to determine their focus, as well as experience in the field.
The relevant information in the search for compatible software includes the ability for your systems to integrate with the new software that you want to acquire. This will allow you to avoid time wasted on applications that fail to function. One should also consider other factors such as how easy or hard it is to train the users, the possibility of the after sale supports, as well as their implications.7.0 What is an enterprise system?
Enterprise system entails the complete amalgamation of the computer hardware systems and software that an entity applies in the organization and running of its operations.
This is a large-scale software system that is used for support purposes in business processes. It can also be applied in reporting data analytics within the complex organization as well as for information flows. It is based on packaged applications software, which can also be bespoke, and custom developed in order to create a specific support to the organizations systems.
Enterprise software s is a purposefully designed computer application or software that is used in the process of satisfying an organization needs as opposed to those of an individual. Such needs vary from business, schools retailers, governments as well as other interest groups. It forms a core part of organization computer-based information systems such as website software production. It is also referred to as the enterprise application software (EAS).What are the benefits of enterprise systems?
They have the potential to help an organization to integrate their core functions through technological advances. For example, they facilitate organizational integration into single software architecture with the ability to link all the organizational, functional areas into one unit.
In addition, they provide the organization with managerial benefits that make it easier to achieve core business objectives through a centralized system. For example, different core function areas managers can access the information from other functional areas quickly. In addition, they benefit the organization through synchronizing all the functions of various departments. This creates an integrated system thus reducing time spent processing documents.What are the challenges of enterprise systems?
Business systems are costly. For example incorporation of such ES such as customer relation management or enterprise resource, planning leads to exorbitant costs in terms or purchasing as well as training the staff or implementing the programs. This takes both funds as well as consumes time. Moreover, they may fail to yield the desired results leading to a situation of double loss or the maturity period may take long before the benefits can be realized.
In addition enterprise systems have a significant challenge in terms of storage. For example, they have a life span of ten to twenty years after which they need to be upgraded. This leads to a massive accumulation of data within the organization systems that may be hard to manage through a single software. As a result, the group may run into slowed data flows in some departments, and this may cause a ripple, effect over the other functions of the body.
8.0 Describe the process of performing a systems analysis. Identify key activities and some of the difficulties that may be encountered.
The stage entails precise identification and characterization of specific problem and its scope. The problem must be unique to the organization and well defined. Dealing with the symptoms as opposed to the real issue may lead to focus on a wrong problem,
Stage 2: Feasibility Study
The stage entails execution of a study or a research to determine the practicality and feasibility of the proposed project to solve the problem. A preliminary analysis must be carried out to determine the requirements of the project and its outcome. In the stage, a challenge may arise when the problem identified is not easy to define or too wide to study sufficiently.
Stage 3: System definition
This is a detailed study of the problem. The activities entail clear, succinct and confined definition of the problem. There will be examination of the current system, scrutiny of the study results, and documentation of the current system’s problems. The stage is costly and cumbersome. A lot of skills and resources are required.
Stage 4: Systems Design
The phase entails suggestion possible changes to address the current system to solve the identified problems. The stage requires effective user analysis. If the user needs are not taken into account, some resistance and redundancy may occur
Stage 5: System Implementation
This is where the analysis implements the solution. If the process takes place without user training, they may not understand its use.
Stage 6: System Evaluation
This is where the system is evaluated against set objectives. The process entails survey of performance, user reception and needs for improvements. The stage is characterized by problems like poor evaluation tools design and halo effects. 10. What is the purpose of systems analysis? What does the systems analyst do to achieve these goals?
The main purpose of any system analysis is to assist the management in making strategic decisions to resolve the identified problems within short or medium, and long terms. System analysis is carried to manage costs, avoid risks and ensure efficiency. Proper analysis helps minimize errors and limit future IT solutions to fix the problems. Through analysis, the potential threats and risks are recognized. This helps in the evaluation of all the negative impacts of a system to allow making of effective decision accordingly. In overall, it helps in planning effective management and competitiveness.
