World of Modern Systems Analyst

ByBob Larson

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Overview

Systems analysis Comprehend information system

functions Systems design

Specify physical implementation Systems analyst

Develops information systems Unified Process

Object-oriented analysis and design

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Two Basic Assumptions

Analysts works on information systems

Information systems solve business problems

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Analyst as Business Problem Solver

Analyst typical background Computer technology Object-oriented analysis and design Curios nature  

Chief task Define problem and outline solution

Challenge Develop alternatives consistent with:

Corporate strategic planning Corporate culture

Develop system requirements and design models Systems design models

Databases, user interfaces, networks, operating procedures, conversion plans and software classes

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Analyst’s Approach to Problem Solving

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Solving Business Problems

System purpose Solve business problems

System make-up Set of interrelated components

System tools Functions or modules

Functional decomposition Divide system into components to simplify

analysis

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Information Systems Terms

Information system Collects, processes and stores data Outputs information

Subsystem Components of another system

Components Hardware, software, inputs, outputs, data, people, and

procedures Supersystem

Collection of systems Automation boundary

Separates automated part of system from manual (human)

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Information Systems and Subsystems

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Information Systems & Component Parts

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System Boundary vs Automation Boundary

System boundary – between system and it’s environment Any inputs or outputs must cross the system boundary

Automation boundary – separates Automated part of the system – where work is done by

computers Manual part of the system, where work is done by people

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Common Information Systems

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Systems Analyst Skills

Manage issues from technical to interpersonal

Must commit to lifelong learning Must adapt to changing technology

Better to be on the front of the curve

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Systems Analyst Required Skills

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Technical Knowledge & Skills

Should grasp many types of technology Computers and how they work Devices that interact with computers, including:

Input devices Storage devices Output devices

Communications (data) networks and protocols Operating systems and utilities Databases and database management systems

Object-oriented programming languages and class libraries

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Technical Knowledge & Skills

Common software tools: Integrated development environments (IDEs)

Sun ONE Studio for Java Microsoft Visual Studio .NET

Computer-aided system engineering (CASE) Rational XDE Modeler Borland Together Embarcadero Describe

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Technical Knowledge & Skills

Techniques and skills used in systems development Project planning Cost/benefit analysis Interviewing Requirements modeling Architectural analysis Network configuration Database design

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Technical Knowledge & Skills

Continuing Ed and Certification Options Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBA) Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSE) Cisco Networking Certifications (CCNA/CCNP/CCIE) (ISC)²’s Certified Information Systems Security

Professional (CISSP) CompTIA Certified Document Imaging Architect ( CDIA+)

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Business Knowledge and Skills

What does the business do What makes it successful

What are its competitive advantages What are its competitive

vulnerabilities Is it an industry leader or follower

What are its strategies and plans What are its traditions and values

Be sure to understand the organization, its culture, its mission and its objectives before jumping to conclusions about system solutions

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Business Knowledge and Skills

Many analysts study business administration CI/MIS majors in business colleges Business courses in other schools

Continuing Ed and Certification Options Most Universities and CCs offer

UW Extension – developing a 3-course Analyst Cert Project Management Professional (PMP) Certified Associate in Project Management

(CAPM) CompTIA Project+ CompTIA e-Biz+

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People Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of people centers around thinking and feeling

People knowledge is used to adapt systems to users Forcing users to fit a system can be

rough Most critical skill

Ability to listen empathetically People are often afraid of change

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The Analyst’s Environment

Often the environment is not fixed Includes many types of technology Work arrangements

In-house, consultant, independent contracting, representing application service provider

May work in many locations Travel can be local or international

Reporting relationships vary with organization

Compensation and authority can vary Variety job titles and descriptions

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Types of Technology Used

Desktops to large scale information systems Don’t forget PDAs, Blackberries and cell phones

Devices often connected by complex networks Some technologies have competing objectives

Security objectives/technologies can restrict others Technology change is continuous Innovation often drives information system

change With change comes opportunities Can dramatically change barriers to entry in a

market Regular upgrades of knowledge and skills

essential

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Some Analyst Job Titles

Programmer analyst Business systems analyst System liaison End-user analyst Business consultant Systems consultant System support analyst Systems designer Software engineer System architect Webmaster Web developer

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Integrity and Ethics

Sense of personal integrity and ethics required Analysts often work with personal information

Some protected by law (HIPPA) Analysts encounter confidential proprietary

information Business secrets are jealously guarded Non-disclosure agreements are very common

Be sure to read and understand them – they aren’t kidding Some include non-compete clauses that can limit options

Some secrets can also be covered by law (Patriot Act) Improprieties can Unauthorized release of

private information can: Damage a company’s reputation Damage a planned strategic campaign Ruin an analyst’s career or worse

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Ethics 101

Felony A serious crime that is punished more severely than

a misdemeanor Often the difference between a prison sentence and

doing time in jail In many states a minimum sentence of 1 year and a

day The business news is full of people that

probably never thought of themselves as criminals

Each one would give up an analyst in a heartbeat if it would spare them a day in jail

When in doubt – ask yourself how you would explain your actions to your mom on visiting day

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Analysts and Strategic Planning

May advise senior management on strategic issues

Strategic problems involve long-range planning Analyst’s role

Anticipate or recognize problems (or opportunities) Suggest solutions

Implement solutions (in some cases) Strategic Plans

Large plan comprised of smaller models and plans Organization model

Maps business functions Application architecture plan

Lists integrated information systems Technology architecture plan

Defines hardware, software and connecting networks

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Common Analyst Special Projects

Prototype new information systems Business process reengineering

Technique that seeks to alter the nature of the work done in a business function with the objective of radically improving performance and/or efficiency

Common activities Analyze current business processes Redesign business processes Provide computer support for new processes Help develop support for the new process

Fin…