Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis
Systems Analysis is an aspect of computer science that involves studying a system to understand its components and their relationships. This is particularly helpful when designing a new system or diagnosing problems in an existing one.
-
Purpose of Systems Analysis: It helps to understand the system’s operation, identify problems, and determine what changes can be made to improve output or efficiency.
-
Feasibility Study: A process intended to determine if a new or revamped system is possible and manageable from a financial, technical, and organisational standpoint.
-
Requirement Analysis: This involves understanding the essential requirements of a computer-based system. This would include the functions the system must perform and the constraints within which it needs to operate.
Key Concepts in Systems Analysis
-
Input: This refers to what you put into the system. It could be data, resources, time, etc.
-
Process: The operation or series of operations the system performs. This could be calculations, transactions, simulations, etc.
-
Output: This is the result or product of the system. It’s produced by the process/component of the system.
-
Feedback: Information about the output of a system that can be used to make adjustments to the input or process.
Tools Used in Systems Analysis
-
Data flow diagrams (DFDs): These are graphical representations of a system or process, and they visually signify how information moves through and interacts with a system.
-
Flowcharts: These are diagrammatic representations of an algorithm or process, showing the steps as boxes of different types, and their order by connecting them with arrows.
-
Pseudocode: This is a detailed yet readable description of what a computer program or algorithm must do, expressed in a formally-styled natural language rather than in a programming language.
-
Structure charts: These are visual representations of a system’s physical components and their interrelationships.
The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
This is a framework which describes the activities performed at each stage of a software development project. The main stages include:
- Initiation
- System Concept Development
- Planning
- Requirement Analysis
- Design
- Development
- Integration and Testing
- Implementation
- Operations and Maintenance
Remember to understand the key purpose and activities performed at each of these stages!