...The Role of a Systems Analyst John Willis IT510-01 June 17th, 2013 Prof: Michael H. McGivern The Role of a Systems Analyst The system development life cycle (SDLC) is a seven phased approach to augment a gap in business capabilities (Kendall & Kendall, 2011). Throughout these seven phases from initial problem identification to overall integration it is important to have a system analyst. The system analyst will be the person driving the project through each phase, ensuring that each phase is accomplished, and the acquiring business is happy. The analyst acts as the main focal point of the project, dealing with businesses as a consultant and the design workforce as a technical expert. Interacting with all spectrums of business a system analyst will find they need to have a wide range of qualities. If implementing an e-commerce business strategy a system analyst will find they need an even wider skillset to address the increased complexities. Qualifications for E-commerce Today’s ubiquitous computer/internet society has caused a surge in e-commerce and m-commerce. To implement an e-commerce business strategy a system analyst must be knowledgeable of all stages of the e-commerce multistage model. The model has five stages: search, negotiation, purchasing, product delivery, and after sales delivery (Stair & Reynolds, 2012). To successfully design the interaction of these stage the system analyst must be familiar with databases, supply chain management (SCM), online...
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...The Roles of a System Analyst 1. What qualifications should a system analyst have in today’s ecommerce development industries? “A System Analyst systematically assesses how users interact with the technology and how businesses function by examining the inputting and processing of data and the outputting of information with the intent of improving organizational processes” (Kendall & Kendall, 2011, p. 6). The basic qualification that a System Analyst should have is a bachelor’s degree in business. In addition, other skills include: computer system knowledge, problem solving skills, analytical skills, a broad knowledge of hardware and software applications, and a working knowledge of programming. The ability to communicate and have good interpersonal skills is also an important qualification (McKay, 2013). An e-commerce analyst combines business with the Internet to take advantage of the opportunities to expand their company globally. In today’s ecommerce development industries a System Analyst should have several qualifications which include: a bachelor’s degree in e-commerce and a master’s with a specialization in marketing. Also, a System Analyst should have knowledge of e-commerce software and interface design, and the ability to work with technicians and developers to create websites. Most employers require a certain amount of experience as an e-commerce system analyst (Linton, 2013). 2. What personality charter traits are desirable in a system analyst who will be working...
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...The role of a systems analyst is vital to the success of any organization. In this role, the systems analyst is responsible for being the “liaison” between the technology department and all other departments within the company (Laudon & Laudon, 2011, p. 68). There are several key skills and characteristics necessary to be an effective systems analyst. The person performing this role needs to have excellent communication skills, planning and organizational skills, and managerial skills. While the systems analyst must constantly continue his education as it pertains to new software and hardware systems, there are other roles an analyst is expected to fill. The analyst needs to establish a working relationship with other departments. This allows the analyst to obtain data to assist with the department’s information technology needs. A characteristic that would be demonstrated in this area is that of teamwork. The analyst has to put the needs of the company first and be able to interact with all types of people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d., p. 5). The position relies on the ability to solve problems within the business. Therefore, the analyst needs to have a clear understanding of how the business operates. By meeting with the various departments, the analyst is able to understand what problem exists and what options are available to resolve the problem (Laudon & Laudon, 2011, p.381). The analyst needs to decide which option will work best for the department...
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...situations. When a high tech company is experiencing unprecedented growth, and needs to ensure that its systems can help it grow, it turns to business analysis. When a struggling US-based manufacturing firm is facing whether or not to outsource its production facilities to India -- it turns to business analysis. When an entrepreneur is considering launching a product idea and is evaluating the feasibility -- it turns to business analysis. Simply put, business analysis, whether implicit or explicit, plays a role in virtually all decision-making in an organization. Topic 1.2: What is the role of the Business Analyst? Business analysts are often more closely defined by function, not by role, as the role of a business analyst might take a variety of forms. For example, business analysts might reside internal or external to an organization. A strategic group within a company might employ several dedicated business analysts who work on ongoing projects and areas of interest. Alternatively, a company might contract with business analysts, in the form of outside consultants, to work on specific issues and isolated projects. Or, often, a company might do both. What distinguishes business analysis from related fields such as systems analyst, project management, product management, and management consulting is the breadth of knowledge and generalized thinking that a business analyst brings to the table. Business...
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...BUSINESS ANALYSIS Second Edition Debra Paul, Donald Yeates and James Cadle (Editors) Second Edition BUSINESS ANALYSIS BCS The Chartered Institute for IT Our mission as BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is to enable the information society. We promote wider social and economic progress through the advancement of information technology science and practice. We bring together industry, academics, practitioners and government to share knowledge, promote new thinking, inform the design of new curricula, shape public policy and inform the public. Our vision is to be a world-class organisation for IT. Our 70,000 strong membership includes practitioners, businesses, academics and students in the UK and internationally. We deliver a range of professional development tools for practitioners and employees. A leading IT qualification body, we offer a range of widely recognised qualifications. Further Information BCS The Chartered Institute for IT, First Floor, Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1FA, United Kingdom. T +44 (0) 1793 417 424 F +44 (0) 1793 417 444 www.bcs.org/contact Second Edition BUSINESS ANALYSIS EDITED BY Debra Paul, Donald Yeates and James Cadle © 2010 British Informatics Society Limited All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted by the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored...
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...Written Assignment: 1. Chapter 1 – Introduction to System Analysis and Design Answer questions 1, 2, 3, found on page 34 of the reading, and answer minicase 1 Learning Outcomes: LO1, LO2, LO3) a. What are the six general skills all project team members should have? Six general skills all project team members should have are technical, business, analytical, interpersonal, management, and ethical. b. What are the major roles on a project team? There are five major roles on a project team that have to work together to succeed. The five roles that are needed is a business analyst, systems analyst, infrastructure analyst, change management analyst, and a project manager. c. Compare and contrast the role of a systems analyst, business analyst, and infrastructure analyst. The roles of systems analyst is to identify how technology can improve business processes, design new business processes, design the information system, and ensuring that the system conforms to information systems standards. The roles of a business analyst is to analyze the key business aspects of the system, identify how the system will provide business value, and design the new business process and policy. The roles of an infrastructure analyst is to ensure that the system conforms to infrastructure standards and identify infrastructure changes needed to support the system. d. Minicase 1 i. LO1 Follow the original plan given to you by the IS experts. ...
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...To Buy: http://hwcampus.com/shop/itm-5400-chapter-7-homework/ 1. Would the new reservation and booking system be a horizontal or a vertical application? Explain your answer. 2. What software development and acquisition strategies should Sandy Shores consider? 3. Conduct an Internet search for online reservation systems, software, and services that Sandy Shores might consider. Describe your findings. 4. As a systems analyst, what would your role be in helping Sandy Shores develop a new system? Would the acquisition strategy affect your role? Why or why not? ITM 5400 Chapter 7 Homework Click Link Below To Buy: http://hwcampus.com/shop/itm-5400-chapter-7-homework/ 1. Would the new reservation and booking system be a horizontal or a vertical application? Explain your answer. 2. What software development and acquisition strategies should Sandy Shores consider? 3. Conduct an Internet search for online reservation systems, software, and services that Sandy Shores might consider. Describe your findings. 4. As a systems analyst, what would your role be in helping Sandy Shores develop a new system? Would the acquisition strategy affect your role? Why or why not? ITM 5400 Chapter 7 Homework Click Link Below To Buy: http://hwcampus.com/shop/itm-5400-chapter-7-homework/ 1. Would the new reservation and booking system be a horizontal or a vertical application? Explain your answer. 2. What software development and acquisition...
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...1. Principle roles for a system analyst a. Consultant i. Frequently acts as a systems consultant to humans and their businesses and may be hired specifically to address information systems issues within a business. This can be advantageous because an analyst can bring a a fresh perspective that people within the organization may not possess. One disadvantage is that an analyst may never know the organizations true culture. b. Supporting Expert ii. An analyst may play a supporting expert from within the business. These analysts are employed by the company and have at least some capacity in the systems of the organization. The analyst would draw on professional expertise concerning computer hardware and software and their principle uses within the business. c. Agent of Change iii. This is the most comprehensive and responsible role. This role can be filled internal or external to the business. An analyst is an agent of change whenever he performs any of the activities in the systems development life cycle. The agent of change is also present and interacting with users and the business for an extended period. An agent of change is a person who serves as a catalyst for change, develops a plan for change, and works with others in facilitating that change. 2. Involving individuals with various perspectives in system analysis and design activities d. Identifying Problems, Opportunities, and Objectives ...
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...Rollason, Turner, Yeates, (2014). Business analysts play a crucial role in the life of any organization. The job description of business analysts varies from organization to organization and also from one project to another. There are many titles of business analysts that is, business process analyst, IT business analyst, Business system analyst and functional architect just to name a few. Business analyst are involved in the identification of potential problems, needs and opportunities at all levels of an organization. Their primary task is to make sure that solutions are found to tackle the needs or business problems and in turn help the organization to achieve its goals. Therefore, the roles of a business analyst in an organization are: to clearly understand what the business entails and how it operates. Secondly, they determine and come up with ways of how to improve and optimize the existing business processes. Analyst identify opportunities for improvement in business operation and processes by researching, documenting and analyzing business needs and requirements (Blais, (2012)). Business analysts solve business problems. They are the one who determine which process or tasks to concentrate on so that the organization attains its goals and objective with low operation cost. Business analysts structure and design IT systems to create functional specification depending on the kind of job process they are dealing with. Finally, the analyst interacts with business stakeholders and...
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...Value of the Systems Development Life Cycle Lisa Larkin BSA/376 March 30, 2015 Deborah Marshall Value of the Systems Development Life Cycle Every organization can benefit from the use of a formal Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to develop and manage projects. This paper will describe the components of the formal SDLC process, and discuss how each component is used to provide a framework for a project. The SDLC process involves the project manager, system analyst, and developer. Their roles are an integral part of the SDLC process and will determine whether a solution is developed or discarded. There are four basic elements which comprise the SDLC process; project planning, analysis, design, and implementation. Regardless of the scope or size of a project the SDLC provides a guide to develop a solution to a problem using technology (Satzinger, Jackson & Burd, 2009). Project planning defines the specific problem and identifies the scope the new system will address. During the project planning phase feasibility of the project is determined. A schedule or timeline, as well as a staff will also be developed. Resources will be organized, milestones will be identified, and control procedures will be put in place during this phase. Budgets for the project will also be determined at this time. The next element of the SDLC process is analysis. The analysis phase of the SDLC is used to gather information from the end users and learn as much as possible about...
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...work entitled “Responsibilities of the Technical System analyst in the InfoTech dept. of the LPU” submitted to the “LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY”, is a record of an original work done by me under the guidance of “Mr HARSIMRAN SINGH”, and this project work has not performed the basis for the award of any Degree or diploma/fellowship and similar project if any. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have made the completion of this project titled “Responsibilities of the Technical System analyst in the InfoTech dept. of the LPU” possible. I am very grateful for the cooperation and interest of our respected teacher “Mr. HARSIMRAN SINGHwho helped a lot in the completion of my project. It would not have been possible without his help. In addition to the above, I would also like to thank the management and the authorities of ‘Lovely Professional University’ who provided us with all the facilities required to accomplish the task. PRABHJEET SINGH INDEX • INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION The system analyst definition is derived from the term system analysis. A system analysis is a person, who studies the information systems components and interactions, and uses his expertise to coordinate and gives advices during its project. The system analyst is the person (or persons) who guides through...
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...SOFTWARE ENGINEERING ROLES IN THE UNITED STATES Software Engineering Roles for Displaced Computer Programmers R. B. Blinder ENG-201-OL December 10, 2011 Thomas Edison State College Table of Contents SOFTWARE ENGINEERING ROLES IN THE UNITED STATES 1 Abstract 3 Software Engineering for Displaced Computer Programmers 4 Purpose 5 Education and Training Requirements 8 Sources of data 9 Figure 1 Projections Data 9 Figure 2 ESTIMATED WAGES 10 Summary 10 References 12 Appendix A 13 Job Summary 1 - Senior Embedded Engineer 14 Job Summary 2 - Android Software Programmer 16 Abstract This paper focuses on the field of software engineering, with a focus on the specific job role of a systems analyst, an area that has undergone rapid changes in the past decade. In many ways, yesterday’s software professionals have engineered their own obsolescence by streamlining technologies that allow users to do much of the work themselves (U.S. Department of Labor, 2008). Systems analysts begin the computer application design process. They work with clients to understand requirements and map out solutions. This requires problem solving skills, mathematics and programming knowledge— traditional practices which systems analysts have always undertaken. What has changed is the need for analysts with excellent communication skills, capable of serving as the intermediary between the client and the programmers, in order to develop solutions that meet the customer’s...
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...SDLC Value Paper A systems development life cycle (SDLC) is more or less the life of a business. An SDLC is one of the key elements that support an organization’s information system. According to Satinzer etal, 2009, “the life of an information system, it is first conceived as an idea; then it is designed, built, and deployed during a development project; and finally it is put into production and used to support the business.” There are numerous approaches used during the life cycle development. One approach is a more definitive method with risks that are relatively low, this approach is predictive. Meanwhile, on the other hand another approach that is more undefined, with risks that are much higher technically, because there is no well-defined understanding of what the user needs are, this approach is known as adaptive. There are many employees (project manager, system analyst, developer), as well as others (customers, investors, and even suppliers) who have a stake in and are involved in the SDLC process, their roles differ largely as well. The role of the Project Manager is central to the entire SDLC process, this individual is involved closely, and is very much needed, and without management being heavily involved it is likely the process will fall apart. Project managers ensure that there are no resource shortages, such as staff, budgetary requirements, and other necessary elements that may hinder the project. Management plays a pivotal role in the initiation process...
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...Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design, 5e (Valacich/George/Hoffer) Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 1) The end user is not the person in the organization most involved in the systems analysis and design process. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 3 2) Systems analysis is the second phase of the systems development life cycle. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 3 3) The main goal of systems analysis and design is to improve organizational systems, typically through applying software that can help employees accomplish key business tasks more easily and efficiently. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4 4) Components are parts, or aggregation of parts of the system. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7 5) A boundary is the point of contact where a system meets its environment or where subsystems meet each other. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7 6) An information system interacts with its environment when it processes data. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7 7) An interface separates a system from other systems. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7 8) A system's environment is everything outside a system's boundary that influences the system. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7 9) Interfaces exist between subsystems. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7 10) A system's capacity can be viewed as a system constraint. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7 11) Cohesion is the process of...
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...Systems Analysis and Design, 9e (Kendall/Kendall) Chapter 1 Systems, Roles, and Development Methodologies 1.1 Multiple Choice 1) Which of these software packages are not open source software (OSS)? A) Microsoft Windows B) Mozilla Firefox Web browser C) Apache Web server D) a Linux operating system Answer: A Diff: 1 Page Ref: 15 2) Which of these characteristics is most important to a systems analyst? A) communicator B) problem solver C) programmer D) project manager Answer: B Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4 3) Which of these statements concerning the systems development life cycle is true? A) Designing the system is the first step in the SDLC. B) No phase can occur until the previous phase is completed. C) Although each phase is presented discretely, it is never accomplished as a separate step. D) There is widespread agreement that the SDLC is composed of seven phases. Answer: C Diff: 1 Page Ref: 4 4) System maintenance must be performed to: A) correct software errors. B) add new features that have never been requested before. C) remove features that none of the users are using. D) keep programmers employed. Answer: A Diff: 3 Page Ref: 9 5) Which of these is not used by analysts when adopting CASE tools? A) communicating more effectively with users B) expediting the local area network C) increasing productivity D) integrating the work done during life cycle stages Answer: B Diff: 1 Page Ref: 10 6) An encyclopedia...
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