IS2210: Systems Analysis, Systems Design and Change Twitter: Website:

How Do We Build an IS?

Technology is Ever Evolving O New technology = new learning O Difficult for someone to know everything about every technology O How we interpret a technology will impact how we apply it

Who Builds the IS? O Organisations look to update/invest in information systems O IS users use the IS to achieve their goals O Systems Analysts look at both these scenarios and make the IS happen

Definition O A person who analyses a complex process or operation in order to improve its efficiency, especially by applying a computer system. (Google) O A systems analyst researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, at least at the functional level, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements. (Wikipedia)

O An individual in charge of designing, modifying, or analyzing various systems to ensure compatibility and user effectiveness. O System analysts may work independently, but are often part of a larger information technology unit that keeps technical aspects of a company running smoothly. O System analysts do not focus on hard-coding, but more on evaluating the code and making suggestions. (Business Doctionary)

What Are They Saying? O Systems analysts utilise an organisations IT systems to achieve strategic business goals O This might include designing and developing new systems O Or it might involve configuring current IS in new ways to achieve different goals

What is the Role of an SA?

O Systems Analysis O Understanding and specifying in detail WHAT an information system does/can do for a particular customer/organisation

O Systems Design O Specifies HOW the parts of an IS should be implemented O Logical design and physical design

Skills of a Systems Analyst O An analysis requires many skills: O Analytical skills O Management skills O Technical skills O Interpersonal skills

Analytical Skills O To understand problems, and propose solutions, it is important to possess analytical skills O Some of these include: O Current Systems Review O Problem Identification O Problem Analysis O Problem Solving

Management Skills O As they often lead project teams, management skills are some of the most important required O Some of these include: O Resource Management O Project Management O Risk Management O Change Management

Technical Skills O Systems analysts are required to know how a system work O Some of these include: O Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical people O Understand technology O Have some understanding of code

Interpersonal Skills O Interacting with many people on a daily basis requires a number of skills O Some of these include O Communication skills O Working alone, and in a team O Managing expectations O Facilitator

Typical Duties O Understand current organisation, and its business functions O Understand current IS (bakery example) O Understand the business processes

Thanks O Any questions?