Systems Analysis

What is a systems analyst?

A Systems Analyst is somebody who performs analysis and design based upon:

• Understanding of organization's objectives, structure and processes
• Knowledge of how to exploit information technology for advantage

The systems analyst will systematically assess how users interact with technology and business function by examining how information is created and used with the goal of improving organizational processes. The analyst needs to play many roles, often balancing several at the same time. These might include consultant, supporting expert and agent of change:

Systems Analysts usually work in project-based teams with other members of the organization. These might include:

• IS Managers
• Programmers
• Users
• Other specialists

What do they do?

The key activities of a systems analyst are:

• Determining Information Requirements
• Analyzing System Needs

Determining Information Requirements

The first step involves gathering data about what the current situation is and what is required in the future. This data might include:

• Any exception conditions
• Any new or existing constraints
• Any problems of the present working methods
• The functional and non functional requirements of the existing system
• The range and volume which has to be processed
• The requirements of the new system

This information is obtained through interviews, questionnaires, direct observation, by sampling and by looking at written records and other material.

Analyzing System Needs

Once the requirements have been gathered, the systems analyst moves to the systems analysis phase and analyses the present system by asking such questions as:

• Why do the problems exist?
• Why were certain methods of work adopted?
• Are there alternative methods?
• What are the likely growth rates of data?

The aim here is to attempt to understand all aspects of the present system: why it is in its current form and how the situation might be improved by any new system. The ultimate goal of systems analysis is to provide systematic and factual information that can be used as guidance for a new design.

References

• D. Avison and G Fitzgerald. Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2002