BIS310: Structured Analysis and Design Introduction and Systems Planning Week 1

Outline Introduction to the Information Systems Analysis and Design Systems Development Environment Determining Requirements SDLC Overview Identifying and Selecting IS Development Projects Initiating and Planning System Development Projects

Introduction Information Systems Analysis and Design –Complex process whereby computer-based information systems are developed and maintained Application Software –Result of systems analysis and design –Designed to support specific organizational functions or processes

Data and Processes Three key components of an information system –Data –Data Flows –Processing Logic Data vs. Information –Data Raw facts –Information Derived from data Organized in a manner that humans can understand.

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development Systems Analysts work in teams –Project Based –Includes IS Manager Programmers Users Other specialists –Characteristics of Successful Teams Diversity of backgrounds Tolerance of diversity Clear and complete communication Trust Mutual Respect Reward structure that promotes shared responsibility

Skills of a Successful Systems Analyst Analytical –Understanding of organizations –Problem solving skills –System thinking Ability to see organizations and information systems as systems Technical –Understanding of potential and limitations of technology Management –Ability to manage projects, resources, risk and change Interpersonal –Effective written and oral communication skills

Approaches to Development Joint Application Design (JAD) –Users, Managers and Analysts work together for several days –System requirements are reviewed –Structured meetings Prototyping –Building a scaled-down working version of the system Rapid Application Development (RAD) –Utilizes prototyping to delay producing system design until after user requirements are clear

Systems Development Life Cycle and Methodologies Methodology: the process used to develop information systems. A systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a logical process by which systems analysts, software engineers, programmers, and end-users build information systems and computer applications to solve business problems and needs.

Systems Development Life Cycle Series of steps used to manage the phases of development for an information system Consists of five phases: –Planning –Analysis –Design –Implementation –Maintenance

Configuration Phase

Problems, opportunities, or directives  Problems  Problems are undesirable situations that prevent the organization from fully achieving its purpose, goals, and objectives. opportunity  An opportunity is a chance to improve the organization even in the absence of specific problems. directive  A directive is a new requirement that's imposed by management, government, or some external influence.

Identifying and Selecting IS Development Projects Sources of projects –Management and business units –Managers who want to make a system more efficient or less costly –Formal planning groups Top-Down Identification –Senior management or steering committee –Focus is on global needs of organization Bottom-up Identification –Business unit or IS group –Don’t reflect overall goals of the organization

Corporate and Information Systems Planning Need for planning –Improperly planned projects result in systems that cannot be shared across an organization –As business processes change, lack of integration will hamper strategy and business process changes

Corporate and Information Systems Planning Corporate Strategic Planning –Process of developing and refining models of the current and future enterprise as well as a transition strategy –Three-step process Current Enterprise Future Enterprise Strategic Plan (Competitive Strategy)

Corporate and Information Systems Planning Information Systems Planning (ISP) –An orderly means of assessing the information needs of an organization and defining the systems, databases and technologies that will best satisfy those needs –Three key activities: Describe the Current Situation Describe the Target (or Future) Situation Develop a Transition Plan and Strategy

Corporate and Information Systems Planning ISP must look at information systems and technologies in terms of how they help the business achieve its objectives defined during corporate strategic planning. Parallel activities of CSP and ISP

Initiating and Planning System Development Projects Project Initiation –Establishment of project team –Development of relationship with customer –Project Initiation Plan –Establishment of Management Procedures –Establishment of Project Workbook and Project Management Environment Project Planning = Survey Phase –Defining clear, discrete activities and the work needed to complete each activity

Initiating and Planning System Development Projects Deliverables and Outcomes –Baseline Project Plan (BPP) Scope Benefits Costs Risks Resources –Statement of Work (SOW) Describes deliverables Outlines work needed to be performed

Group Project Check Group Assignment –Go to “Communication” -> “Group” page –If you don’t see your name in the group section, let the instructor know ASAP –Try communicating with other members of the group –Check the first group exercise posted in the “Assignment” Area.