CMP 315 – SYSTEM ANALYSIS & DESIGN

LECTURE NOTES

BY

CHARLES OKONJI
OUTLINE
 Introduction to System Design

 Analysis tool

 Systems Development and the Systems Analyst

 Systems Development Methodologies, Model, Tools and Techniques

 Project Management and the Unified Process

 The Requirements Discipline

 Detailed Requirements Modelling

 Determining System Alternatives

 Physical Design of Computer Sub-system

 Physical Design of Manual Sub-system Special Design of Feature

 Introduction
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.”
• A System is a collection of components that work together to realize some objectives. Every system has 3 major components, namely input,
processing and output.

 The objective of the system demands that some output is produced as a result of processing the suitable inputs. A well-designed system also
includes the ‘Control’, that provides a feedback to achieve desired objectives of the system.

Constraints of a System

• A system must have 3 basic constraints:

o A system must have some structure and behavior which is designed to achieve a predefined objective.
o Interconnectivity and interdependence must exist among the system components.
o The objectives of the organization have a higher priority than the objectives of its subsystems.

• Example… traffic management system, payroll system, automatic library system, human resources information system.
 Introduction
Properties of a System

• A system has the following properties:

o Organization

• Organization implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of components that helps to achieve predetermined objectives.

o 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.

o 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.

o 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.

o 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.
 Introduction
Components of a System

• A system is an orderly grouping of interdependent components linked together according to a plan to achieve a specific goal. It is made of the
following components:

 Outputs and Inputs

 The main aim of a system is to produce an output which is useful for its user. Thus, Output is the outcome of processing.

 Inputs are the information that enters into the system for 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.
 Introduction
 .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 behaviour of a computer 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, while Negative feedback provides the controller
with information for action.

 Environment

 The environment is the “super-system” 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 is 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.
 Introduction
Categories of Information

• There are 3 categories of information related to managerial levels and the decision managers make.

• Strategic Information
o This information is required by topmost management for long range planning policies for next few years. For example, trends in
revenues, financial investment, and human resources, and population growth.
o This type of information is achieved with the aid of Decision Support System (DSS).

• Managerial Information
o This type of Information is required by middle management for short and intermediate range planning which is in terms of months. For
example, sales analysis, cash flow projection, and annual financial statements.
o It is achieved with the aid of Management Information Systems (MIS).

• Operational information

o This type of information is required by low management for daily and short term planning to enforce day-to-day operational activities.
For example, keeping employee attendance records, overdue purchase orders, and current stocks available.
o It is achieved with the aid of Data Processing Systems (DPS).
 Introduction
Systems Analysis
• It is the process of collecting and interpreting facts, identifying the problems, and the decomposition of a system into its components.

• It is conducted for the purpose of studying a system or its parts in order to identify its objectives. It aims to improve the system and ensures that all
the components of the system work efficiently and effectively.

• Major objectives of Systems Analysis are to find answers, for each business process, to the following questions:

 What is being done?

 How is it being done?
 Who is doing it?
 When is he doing it?
 Why is it being done?
 How can it be improved?

 Thus, System Analysis specifies what the system should do.

 Introduction
System Analyst

• The System Analyst is, in some ways, the overseer for the entire system, as he/she should be totally aware of the system and all its moving parts and
help guide the project by giving appropriate directions.

• A System Analyst is a person who analyses the requirement of a proposed system and ensures that requirements are conceived and documented
properly and accurately. It is the responsibility of the Analyst to ensure the developed software meets the requirements of the client or end users.

• The System Analyst should be:

o An expert in any technical skills required for the project

o A good communicator to help command his or her team to success

o A good planner so that development tasks can be carried out on time at each phase of the development cycle

• Thus, Systems Analysts should have an even mix of interpersonal, technical, management, and analytical skills altogether. They’re versatile
professionals that can make or break an SDLC.
• Their responsibilities are quite diverse and important for the eventual success of a given project, as they often expected to:

o Gather facts and information

o Make command decisions about which bugs to prioritize or what features to cut

o Suggest alternative solutions

o Draw specifications that can be easily understood by both users and programmers

o Implement logical systems while keeping modularity for later integration

o Be able to evaluate and modify the resulting system as is required by project goals

o Help to plan out the requirements and goals of the project by defining and understanding user requirements
 Introduction
• A System Analyst should possess the attributes that include, but not limited to, the following:

 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 common sense

 Ability to access trade-off

 Curiosity to learn about new organization

 Introduction
 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.

Systems Design

• It is a process of planning a new business system or replacing an existing system by defining its components or modules to satisfy the specific
requirements. Before planning, you need to understand the old system thoroughly and determine how computers can best be used in order to
operate efficiently.

• Thus, System Design focuses on how to accomplish the objective of the system.