Fundamentals of Systems Analysis

and Design

Topic & structure of the lesson

What is a system?
Definition
Characteristics
Examples

Types of information systems

Need for Systems Analysis and Design

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 2 (of 15)

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lecture, YOU should be
able:
Identify and explain characteristics of system
Identify and explain types of information
system

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 3 (of 15)

Key terms you must be able to use

If you have mastered this topic, you

should be able to use the following terms
correctly in your assignments and exams:

systems
interfaces
boundary
environment
constraint

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 4 (of 15)

What is a system?
Definition
A set of inter-related objects or elements
which are viewed as a whole and designed to
achieve a common purpose
(Britton and Doake, 1996)

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 5 (of 15)

What is a system?
Characteristics of a system
components : An irreducible part or aggregation of
parts that make up a system, also called a
subsystem
inter-related components: Dependence
subsystem on one or more subsystems

of

one

a boundary: The line that marks the inside and

outside of a system and that sets off the system from
its environment
a purpose: The overall goal or function of a system
CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 6 (of 15)

What is a system?
- an environment: Everything external to a system that
interacts with the system
-Interfaces: Point of contact where a system meets its
environment or where subsystems meet each other
-Input: Whatever a system takes from its environment in
order to fulfill its purpose
-Output: Whatever a system returns to its environment
in order to fulfill its purpose
CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 7 (of

What is a system?
Examples:
Payroll system
Central heating system
Digestive system

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 7 (of 15)

Quick Review Question

Give an example of a system which

you believe has some of the
characteristics listed earlier.

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 8 (of 15)

Types of Information Systems

Transaction Processing Systems

Management Information Systems
Decision Support Systems
Executive Information Systems
Expert Systems

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 9 (of 15)

Types of Information Systems

Transaction Processing Systems
Automate the handling of data about business
activities or transactions

Management Information Systems

Computer-based system that takes the raw data
available through a TPS and converts them into a
meaningful aggregated form

Decision Support System

Designed to help decision makers with decisions.
Provides an interactive environment where
decision makers can quickly manipulate data and
models of business operations.
CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 11 (of

Types of Information Systems

Executive Information Systems

supports unstructured decision (which cannot be

predicted and whose information needs cannot be
predefined) making needs of top management

Expert Systems
made up of the combined subject knowledge of
human experts, knowledge base, and the inference
rules that determine how the knowledge is used to
reach decisions

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 12 (of

Quick Review Question

List FIVE (5) types of information

systems

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 10 (of 15)

Need for
Systems Analysis and Design
To analyze

Data input or data flow systematically

Processing or transforming data
Data storage
Information output

within the context of a particular business

To analyze, design and implement computerized
information systems to improve the functioning
of businesses
To install a system with proper planning to avoid
dissatisfaction
CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 11 (of 15)

Follow Up Assignment
Within your project groups identify a
system.
Then, list and identify all the
characteristics within this system.

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 12 (of 15)

Summary of Main Teaching Points

What is a system?
Definition
Characteristics
Example

Types of Information Systems

Need for Systems Analysis and Design

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 13 (of 15)

Question and Answer Session

Q&A
CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 14 (of 15)

Next Session
Resistance to change
The roles of a Systems Analyst
Skills of a Systems Analyst
Resistance to change :
Reasons
Effects
Methods to overcome

CT026-3-1 Systems Analysis and Design

Fundamentals of SAAD

Slide 15 (of 15)