Homework Assignment 2

1. There are four phases in the systems development life cycle (SDLC). These phases include systems planning and selection, systems analysis, system design, and system implementation and operation. The first phase is system planning and selection, which identifies the need for building information systems. This phase also covers the scope, cost, and schedule of building information systems. The second phase is the systems analysis phase, which is the actual study of the current procedures and the requirements needed. The third phase is system design, which is broken into two parts called the logical design and physical design. The logical design concentrates on the business aspect of the system, whereas the physical design pertains to the technical specifications. Finally, the fourth phase is the system implementation and operation phase. This phase implements the system by installing the hardware or software of the system. Other forms of implementation include programming, user training, and documentation.

2. If someone at a party asked me what a business/systems analyst was and why anyone would want to be one, I would first explain what a business/systems analyst is. I would tell them that a business analyst studies the problems and needs of an organization and determines the best approach to solving those needs. I would also tell them it is a job worth wanting because it is one of the best technology jobs in the field today.

3. It is important to use systems analysis and design methodologies when building a system because you need to understand the organization’s problems, objectives, structure, and processes. In other words, you need to “know the patient” in order to prescribe the right medicine. Every organizations system may be different, so a different design might be needed depending on the organization. If the “quick and easy” route was taken, it might not fulfill what the organization needs. Making sure to analyze and design when building a system can fulfill the organization’s needs. The value that is provided while using the waterfall approach is that the company can customize the life-cycle to their individual needs. A methodical approach can help each company plan and design a system that fulfills their individual needs.

4. Key limitations of SDLC are that it requires big design up front and it does not deal well with change. It requires a large investment up front for the designing and planning models that are created. However, there are alternative approaches that overcome these limitations, such as agile. The agile methodology focuses on people instead of roles and creates a self-adaptive development process. The agile method has three times the success rate of the waterfall method. This makes the agile method the more successful method and creates a great alternative approach.

5. 1. The key duties and responsibilities of computer systems analysts are to research emerging technologies, prepare an analysis of costs and benefits, devise ways to add new functionality to existing computer systems, oversee the installation and configuration of new systems, train the system’s end users, and write instruction manuals. Overall, a computer systems analyst comes up with new procedures and designs to help the operation of the organization become more efficient and effective.

2. I think there will be a growth in systems analyst positions due to the fact that companies are always trying to find new ways to operate more effective and efficiently. The more effective and efficient an organization becomes, the more profit they can make, and the more likely they are to grow.