Unit 2: Systems Analysis Lecture 1

Learning hours: 60 NQF level 4: BTEC Higher National H2

Description of unit
This unit will provide learners with a detailed insight into the systems analysis life cycle modeling tools and techniques, testing procedures and the need for systems evaluation. This unit will examine the requirements of analysis for both commercial and technical applications. It will also introduce the data and functional modeling techniques which learners can be expected to use.

Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Understand the systems analysis life cycle 2 Use systems analysis tools and techniques 3 Perform a system investigation 4 Investigate functional and data modeling.

1.systems analysis life cycle

Systems lifecycle:
the stages of a chosen cycle
Feasibility Analysis Specification Design, Detailed Design, Code Unit test Integrate and test maintenance), the purpose of

each stage, differentiation between validation and verification Evaluation of other lifecycle models: comparison of a chosen model with other models (eg prototyping, dynamic systems development, waterfall, spiral, rapid applications design)

 What is System Analysis & Design What is Systems Development Life Cycle
History of SDLS Waterfall

Evaluation of lifecycle models

Prototyping Dynamic systems development Spiral Rapid applications design

System Analysis & Design

System Analysis & Design involves
Study the present system and Sketch a blueprint
To develop a new system or To modify the present system

First introduced by Industrial Engineers

EVOLUTION
In 1950s
Batch systems

In 1960s
Change of technology Debugging, maintenance & reliability Structured programming

EVOLUTION (Cont.,)
In 1970s
Brilliant systems for wrong problem Reasons
Lack of user involvement Poor user-analyst communication Tendency to move into physical design too soon

Structured System Analysis & Design

Framework Set of techniques Top down approach Customized solutions
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EVOLUTION (Cont.,)
In 1980s
Structured System Analysis & Design Methodology (SSADM)
One of the Structured Methods Adopted as a British standard Suited for database-oriented systems where requirements are clear & stable

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EVOLUTION (Cont.,)
In 1990s
Release of SSADM version 4+
Object Oriented Methodology
Makes systems much closer to real world
Requires a higher level of expertise Unified Modeling Language (UML)

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SYSTEMS ANALYST
Person who plays the main role in SAD Requires four skills to succeed
Analytical Technical Managerial Interpersonal

Should undertake to follow code of professional conduct and code of ethics

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Waterfall

Requirement Analysis & Definition

Requirement Analysis & Definition: All possible requirements of the system to be developed are captured in this phase. Requirements are set of functionalities and constraints that the end-user (who will be using the system) expects from the system. The requirements are gathered from the end-user by consultation, these requirements are analyzed for their validity and the possibility of incorporating the requirements in the system to be development is also studied. Finally, a Requirement Specification document is created which serves the purpose of guideline for the next phase of the model.

System & Software Design

Before a starting for actual coding, it is highly important to understand what we are going to create and what it should look like? The requirement specifications from first phase are studied in this phase and system design is prepared. System Design helps in specifying hardware and system requirements and also helps in defining overall system architecture. The system design specifications serve as input for the next phase of the model.

Implementation & Unit Testing

On receiving system design documents, the work is divided in modules/units and actual coding is started. The system is first developed in small programs called units, which are integrated in the next phase. Each unit is developed and tested for its functionality; this is referred to as Unit Testing. Unit testing mainly verifies if the modules/units meet their specifications.

Integration & System Testing

As specified above, the system is first divided in units which are developed and tested for their functionalities. These units are integrated into a complete system during Integration phase and tested to check if all modules/units coordinate between each other and the system as a whole behaves as per the specifications. After successfully testing the software, it is delivered to the customer.

Operations & Maintenance

This phase of "The Waterfall Model" is virtually never ending phase (Very long). Generally, problems with the system developed (which are not found during the development life cycle) come up after its practical use starts, so the issues related to the system are solved after deployment of the system. Not all the problems come in picture directly but they arise time to time and needs to be solved; hence this process is referred as Maintenance.

INTRODUCTION to SADM
One of the Structured Methods Introduced in early 1980s Adopted as a British standard An examinable qualification to be a systems consultant Covers most of the SDLC from Feasibility Study to System Design Well suited for database-oriented systems where requirements are clear & stable

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INTRODUCTION (Cont.,)
SADM
Framework & set of techniques for SAD Higher degree of user involvement Three different but independent perspectives Functional Data Event A top-down approach Separation of Logical & Physical models Systems documentation

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INTRODUCTION (Cont.,)
SADM is NOT
A project estimation & control method A mechanism for generating perfect systems A self-contained methodology for SAD

Other essential skills

Facts gathering Process & procedure design GUI & report design Hardware & software selection Creative thinking
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SCOPE OF SADM
Strategy Planning Feasibility Study System Analysis System Design Implementation Maintenance

SSADM
Module 0 - Feasibility Study Module 1 - Requirements Analysis Module 2 - Requirement Specification Module 3 - Logical System Specification Module 4 - Physical Design

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STAGES IN SADM
Stage 0 - Feasibility Study Stage 1 - Investigation of Current Environment Stage 2 BSOs Stage 3 - Definition of Requirements Stage 4 - TSOs Stage 5 - Logical Design Module 0

Module 1

Module 2
Module 3

Stage 6 - Physical Design

Module 4

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Summary of learning outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:
1 Understand the systems analysis life cycle 2 Use systems analysis tools and techniques 3 Perform a system investigation 4 Investigate functional and data modeling.

Assessment criteria for pass

To achieve each outcome a student must demonstrate the ability to

Identify the functions and purpose of each stage of a systems life cycle Provide evidence to support an understanding of the lifecycle Compare different life cycle models