UNIT- 4

SYSTEM ANALYSIS

System analysis refers to the process of gathering data, interpreting information, identifying
issues and using the results to recommend or develop possible system improvements. During
this stage, companies may also evaluate future business needs and how improvements may
answer them.

It is a process of collecting and interpreting facts, identifying the problems, and decomposition of
a system into its components.

System analysis is conducted for the purpose of studying a system or its parts in order to
identify its objectives. It is a problem solving technique that improves the system and ensures
that all the components of the system work efficiently to accomplish their purpose.

System Development Life Cycle

An effective System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) should result in a high quality system that
meets customer expectations, reaches completion within time and cost evaluations, and works
effectively and efficiently in the current and planned Information Technology infrastructure.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model which includes policies and
procedures for developing or altering systems throughout their life cycles.

SDLC is used by analysts to develop an information system. SDLC includes the following
activities −

requirements
design
implementation
testing
deployment
operations
maintenance

Phases of SDLC
Systems Development Life Cycle is a systematic approach which explicitly breaks down the
work into phases that are required to implement either new or modified Information System.
SDLC Phases
Feasibility Study or Planning
Define the problem and scope of existing system.

Overview the new system and determine its objectives.

Confirm project feasibility and produce the project Schedule.

During this phase, threats, constraints, integration and security of system are also considered.

A feasibility report for the entire project is created at the end of this phase.

Analysis and Specification

Define the requirements and prototypes for new system.

Evaluate the alternatives and prioritize the requirements.

Examine the information needs of end-user and enhances the system goal.

A Software Requirement Specification (SRS) document, which specifies the software, hardware,
functional, and network requirements of the system is prepared at the end of this phase.

System Design
Includes the design of application, network, databases, user interfaces, and system interfaces.
Transform the SRS document into logical structure, which contains detailed and complete set of
specifications that can be implemented in a programming language.

Create a contingency, training, maintenance, and operation plan.

Review the proposed design. Ensure that the final design must meet the requirements stated in
SRS document.

Finally, prepare a design document which will be used during next phases.

Implementation
Implement the design into source code through coding.

Combine all the modules together into training environment that detects errors and defects.

A test report which contains errors is prepared through test plan that includes test related tasks
such as test case generation, testing criteria, and resource allocation for testing.

Integrate the information system into its environment and install the new system.

Maintenance/Support
Include all the activities such as phone support or physical on-site support for users that is
required once the system is installing.

Implement the changes that software might undergo over a period of time, or implement any
new requirements after the software is deployed at the customer location.

It also includes handling the residual errors and resolve any issues that may exist in the system
even after the testing phase.

Maintenance and support may be needed for a longer time for large systems and for a short
time for smaller systems.

Life Cycle of System Analysis and Design

He pursues to match the objectives of information system with the organization goal.

Main Roles
Defining and understanding the requirement of user through various Fact finding techniques.

Prioritizing the requirements by obtaining user consensus.

Gathering the facts or information and acquires the opinions of users.

Maintains analysis and evaluation to arrive at appropriate system which is more user friendly.

Suggests many flexible alternative solutions, pick the best solution, and quantify cost and
benefits.

Draw certain specifications which are easily understood by users and programmer in precise
and detailed form.

Implemented the logical design of system which must be modular.

Plan the periodicity for evaluation after it has been used for some time, and modify the system
as needed.

Attributes of a Systems Analyst

Attributes of Analyst
Interpersonal Skills
Interface with users and programmer.
Facilitate groups and lead smaller teams.
Managing expectations.
Good understanding, communication, selling and teaching abilities.
Motivator having the confidence to solve queries.
Analytical Skills
System study and organizational knowledge
Problem identification, problem analysis, and problem solving
Sound commonsense
Ability to access trade-off
Curiosity to learn about new organization
Management Skills
Understand users jargon and practices.
Resource & project management.
Change & risk management.
Understand the management functions thoroughly.
Technical Skills
Knowledge of computers and software.
Keep abreast of modern development.
Know of system design tools.
Breadth knowledge about new technologies.