ALMENZO, JOEMEL R.

DDAT BATCH 8
SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN MARCH 30, 2024

Assignment 1.
1. What is a system?
 The word System is derived from Greek word Systema, which means an
organized relationship between any set of components to achieve some
common cause or objective. A system is an orderly grouping of
interdependent components linked together according to a plan to achieve
a specific goal.

2. What are the different constraints of a system?

 A system must have three basic constraints –

 A system must have some structure and behavior which is

designed to achieve a predefined objective.
 Interconnectivity and interdependence must exist among the
system components.
 The objectives of the organization have a higher priority than the
objectives of its subsystems.

For example, traffic management system, payroll system, automatic library

system, human resources information system.

3. What are the properties of a system?

 A system has the following properties –

 Organization - Organization implies structure and order. It is the

arrangement of components that helps to achieve predetermined
objectives.
 Interaction - It is defined by the manner in which the components
operate with each other. For example, in an organization,
purchasing department must interact with production department
and payroll with personnel department.
 Interdependence - Interdependence means how the components
of a system depend on one another. For proper functioning, the
components are coordinated and linked together according to a
 specified plan. The output of one subsystem is the required by
other subsystem as input.
 Integration - Integration is concerned with how a system
components are connected together. It means that the parts of the
system work together within the system even if each part performs
a unique function.
 Central Objective - The objective of system must be central. It may
be real or stated. It is not uncommon for an organization to state an
objective and operate to achieve another. The users must know the
main objective of a computer application early in the analysis for a
successful design and conversion.

4. What are the elements of a system?

 The following diagram shows the elements of a system -

Outputs and Inputs

 The main aim of a system is to produce an output which is useful
for its user.
 Inputs are the information that enters into the system for
processing.
 Output is the outcome of processing.

Processor(s)
 The processor is the element of a system that involves the actual
transformation of input into output.
  It is the operational component of a system. Processors may
modify the input either totally or partially, depending on the output
specification.
 As the output specifications change, so does the processing. In
some cases, input is also modified to enable the processor for
handling the transformation.

Control
 The control element guides the system.
 It is the decision–making subsystem that controls the pattern of
activities governing input, processing, and output.
 The behavior of a computer System is controlled by the Operating
System and software. In order to keep system in balance, what and
how much input is needed is determined by Output Specifications.

Feedback
 Feedback provides the control in a dynamic system.
 Positive feedback is routine in nature that encourages the
performance of the system.
 Negative feedback is informational in nature that provides the
controller with information for action.

Environment
 The environment is the “supersystem” within which an organization
operates.
 It is the source of external elements that strike on the system.
 It determines how a system must function. For example, vendors
and competitors of organization’s environment, may provide
constraints that affect the actual performance of the business.

Boundaries and Interface

 A system should be defined by its boundaries. Boundaries are the
limits that identify its components, processes, and interrelationship
when it interfaces with another system.
 Each system has boundaries that determine its sphere of influence
and control.
 The knowledge of the boundaries of a given system is crucial in
determining the nature of its interface with other systems for
successful design.
5. What are the types of a system?
 The systems can be divided into the following types –

Physical or Abstract Systems

 Physical systems are tangible entities. We can touch and feel them.
 Physical System may be static or dynamic in nature. For example,
desks and chairs are the physical parts of computer center which
are static. A programmed computer is a dynamic system in which
programs, data, and applications can change according to the
user’s needs.
 Abstract systems are non-physical entities or conceptual that may
be formulas, representation or model of a real system.

Open or Closed Systems

 An open system must interact with its environment. It receives
inputs from and delivers outputs to the outside of the system. For
example, an information system which must adapt to the changing
environmental conditions.
 A closed system does not interact with its environment. It is isolated
from environmental influences. A completely closed system is rare
in reality.

Adaptive and Non Adaptive System

 Adaptive System responds to the change in the environment in a
way to improve their performance and to survive. For example,
human beings, animals.
 Non Adaptive System is the system which does not respond to the
environment. For example, machines.

Permanent or Temporary System

 Permanent System persists for long time. For example, business
policies.
 Temporary System is made for specified time and after that they
are demolished. For example, A DJ system is set up for a program
and it is dissembled after the program.

Natural and Manufactured System

 Natural systems are created by the nature. For example, Solar
system, seasonal system.
 Manufactured System is the man-made system. For example,
Rockets, dams, trains
Deterministic or Probabilistic System
 Deterministic system operates in a predictable manner and the
interaction between system components is known with certainty.
For example, two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of
oxygen makes water.
 Probabilistic System shows uncertain behavior. The exact output is
not known. For example, Weather forecasting, mail delivery.

Social, Human-Machine, Machine System

 Social System is made up of people. For example, social clubs,
societies.
 In Human-Machine System, both human and machines are
involved to perform a particular task. For example, Computer
programming.
 Machine System is where human interference is neglected. All the
tasks are performed by the machine. For example, an autonomous
robot.

Man–Made Information Systems

 It is an interconnected set of information resources to manage data
for particular organization, under Direct Management Control
(DMC).
 This system includes hardware, software, communication, data,
and application for producing information according to the need of
an organization.

Man-made information systems are divided into three types –

 Formal Information System – It is based on the flow of information

in the form of memos, instructions, etc., from top level to lower
levels of management.
 Informal Information System – This is employee based system
which solves the day to day work related problems.
 Computer Based System – This system is directly dependent on
the computer for managing business applications. For example,
automatic library system, railway reservation system, banking
system, etc.