SYSTEM ANALYSIS

AND DESIGN
LESSON 4
What is a System?

 The term system is derived from the Greek word ‘Systema‘

which means an organized relationship among functioning
units or components.
 A system is an orderly grouping of interdependent
components linked together according to a plan to achieve a
specific objective.
 A system is a regularly interacting or interdependent group
of elements forming a unified whole.
Implications

 The study of system has some basic implications:

1. A system must be designed to achieve a predetermined
objective.
2. Interrelationship and interdependence must exist
among the components.
3. The objectives of the organization as a whole have a
higher priority than the objectives of its subsystems –
“the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.
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Examples of Systems

 water supply/distribution system

- pipelines, storage facilities, pumps, pipes, and other accessories

 ecological system
- plants, animals, microbes, soil, etc.

 the human body

- subsystems: digestive, nervous, skeletal, circulatory, reproductive, etc.

Kendall &
2005 Pearson Prentice Hall
Kendall
Characteristics of a System

1. Organization
2. Interaction
3. Interdependence
4. Integration
5. Central Objective
Characteristics of a System

1. Organization
- It implies structure and order. It is the arrangement
of components that helps to achieve objectives.
2. Interaction
- It refers to the manner in which each component
functions with other components of the system.
3. Interdependence
- It means that parts of the organization or computer
system depend on one another. They are coordinated and
linked together according to a plan. One subsystem
depends on the output of another subsystem for proper
Characteristics of a System

4. Integration
- It refers to the holism of systems. It is concerned
with how a system is tied together.
5. Central Objective
- A system should have a central objective.
Objectives may be real or stated. Although a stated
objective may be the real objective, it is not uncommon
for an organization to state one objective and operate to
achieve another. The important point is that users must
know the central objective of a computer application early
in the analysis for a successful design and conversion.
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System Fundamentals

 A system is usually composed of many parts or elements

called subsystems.

 A subsystem performs a specified task that is compatible

with the goals of the larger system of which it is a part.

Kendall &
2005 Pearson Prentice Hall
Kendall
Elements of a System

ENVIRONMENT
1. Outputs and Inputs
2. Processor
3. Control input system output
4. Feedback
5. Environment
6. Boundaries and Interface boundary
Elements of a System

OUTPUTS and INPUTS

The major objective of the system is to produce an output that has
value to its user/s.

 Inputs - are the elements that enter the system for

processing.
 Outputs - are the result or product of processing.
 A system feeds on inputs to produce outputs in the much same
way that a business brings a human, financial, and material
resources to produce goods and services.
Elements of a System…

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. The processor may modify the input totally or partially,
depending on a specification of the output. This means that as the
output specifications change, so does the processing.

Processing is the manipulation of an input to produce an output.

For example: calculating, sorting, classifying, etc.
Elements of a System…

CONTROL

The control element guides the system, It is the decision-making

subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input,
processing and output.
Elements of a System…

FEEDBACK

Control in a dynamic system is achieved by feedback. Feedback

measures output against a standard in some form of cybernetic
procedure that includes communication and control. The output
information is fed back to the input and/or to management for
deliberation. After the output is compared against performance
standards, changes can result in the input or processing and
consequently, the output. Feedback may be positive or negative,
routine or informational.
Elements of a System…

ENVIRONMENT

The environment is the “suprasystem” within which an

organization operates. It determines how a system should work. A
system cannot exist in isolation. The system is covered by the
environment with a boundary in between the two.
Elements of a System…

BOUNDARIES and INTERFACE

A system should be defined by its boundaries - the limit that

identify its components, process, and interrelationships when it
interfaces with another system. Each system has boundaries that
determine its sphere of influence and control
The interconnections and the interactions between the sub-systems
is known as the interfaces. They may be inputs and outputs of the
systems.
Types of System

 Physical Permanent
 Abstract Temporary
 Deterministic Adaptive
 Probabilistic Non-adaptive
 Social Open
 Human Machine Closed
 Machine
 Natural
 Manufactured
 Types of System

 Physical System – These are tangible entities that may be static or

dynamic in operation.
For example: parts of a computer center are the desks, chairs etc. that
facilitate operation of the computer. They are static and a programmed
computer is dynamic.

 Abstract System – These are conceptual or non physical entities.

For example: the abstract conceptualization of physical situations. A model
is a representation of a real or planned system. A model is used to visualize
relationships.
 Types of System…

 Deterministic System – It operates in a predictable manner and the

interaction between parts is known with certainty.
For example: Two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen make
water.
 Probabilistic System – It shows probable behavior. The exact output is not
known.
For example: weather forecasting, mail delivery.
 Social System- It is made up of people. For example: social clubs, societies
Types of System…

 Human Machine System – When both human and machines are

involved to perform a particular task to achieve a target.
For example: design-layout unit of a magazine company using a
publishing system
 Machine System – Where human interference is neglected. All the tasks
are performed by the machine.
 Natural System – The system which is natural.
For example: Solar system, Seasonal System.
 Manufactured System – System made by man is called manufactured
system.
For example: Rockets, Dams, and Trains.
Types of System…

 Permanent System – Which persists for a long time.

For example: policies of a business.
 Temporary System – Made for specified time and after that they are
dissolved.
For example: setting up a DJ system.
 Adaptive System – responds to change in the environment in such a
way as to improve their performance and to survive.
For example: Human beings, animals.
 Non-Adaptive System – The system which does not respond to the
environment.
For example: machines
Types of System…

 Open System – It has many interfaces with its environment. It

interacts across its boundaries, it receives inputs from and delivers
outputs to the outside world. It must adapt to the changing demands of
the user.
For example: HR
 Closed System – It is isolated from the environmental influences.
It has no interaction with any elements outside the system itself. A
completely closed system is rare.
For example: R&D
Questions…

 Assignment
ASSIGNMENT #2

 Discuss the following:

1. Case tools
2. Flowcharts
3. Decision Trees
4. Decision Tables
5. Data Flow Diagrams (DFD)
6. Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD)
7. Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD)
8. Unified Modeling Language (UML) Diagrams
Note: - Discussion may include definition, types, advantages,
disadvantages, symbols used, examples, etc.