Assuming The Role of The System AnalystLecture 1MSCH 241Wid Yamani

Agenda Information System Types of Systems Technologies for Systems Roles of System Analyst

Information Information is a data that have been processed and

analyzed, so that the results are directly useful to those in operation and management.

Information is derived from data by interpretation Information is an organizational resource, which

must be managed as carefully as other resources. Costs are associated with information processing.

System Definition: The supervisor program or operating system on a

computer. The entire computer system, including input/output

devices Any large program. Any method or algorithm. Any collection of components that work together to

perform a task. An organized method of achieving a goal. A set of components that function together in a

meaningful way to accomplish a certain set of objectives

System A collection of subsystems that are interrelated and

interdependent, working together to accomplish predetermined goals and objectives. All systems have input, processes, output, and feedback. One example is a computer information system; another is an organization.

InputSystem

OutputProcessing

Types of Systems:Information systems fall into one of the following eight

categories: Transaction processing systems (TPS). Office automation systems (OAS). Knowledge work systems (KWS). Management information systems (MIS). Decision support systems (DSS). Expert systems (ES) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Group decision support systems (GDSS) and

Computer-Supported Collaborative Work Systems. Executive support systems (EES).

Transaction Process System (TPS) Operational level Developed to process large amount of data for

routine transaction. Reduces time People still must input data to computerized

systems Up-to-the-minute information about the

companiesExample: Payroll , Inventory.

Office Automation Systems (OAS) Knowledge level Support data workers who analyze

information as to transform data or manipulate it before sharing it with organization

Word processor, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, E-mail, video conferencing, voice mail.

Knowledge work System (KWS) Knowledge level Support professional workers such as

scientists, engineers, doctors. Aiding professional to create new knowledge

Management information System (MIS) Definition: a computer-based system composed of

people, software, hardware, and procedures that share a common database to help users interpret and apply data to the business

Higher level Do not replace TPS , but it Includes TPS Users share common data base ( Data & Models) Output information that is used in decision making Help unite functions of a business Does not exist as a singular structure

Decision support system Higher level class Depends on a database as a source of data support the decision making, but leave the

ultimate decision to decision maker Closely tailored to the person or group using

them

Expert Systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) machines behave intelligently by:

Understanding natural language Reason through problems to its logical conclusion

Expert system use the approach of AI reasoning to solve problem put to them by business users

Expert system = knowledge-based system Select the best solution to a problem component of expert system:

Knowledge base (SQL) user interface

Group Decision Support System Permit groups to interact with electronic specialized

software and special group facilitator Bring group together to solve problem ex. polling,

questionnaires, brain storming. Minimize negative group behavior

Lack of participation due to the fear of expressing unpopular viewpoint

Domination by vocal group member Group thinking.

Computer-supported collaborative work system is another general term for GDSS but include team collaboration via networked computers

Executive Support System Help executives organize their interactions

with the external environment by providing graphics and communication support in boardrooms or personal offices

Relay on information generated by TPS and MIS

Integrating Technologies for SystemsE-Commerce application and web systemsEnterprise resource planning systemsSystem for wireless and handheld devicesOpen source software

Ecommerce applications and web systems Increase awareness of availability of a

service, product, industry, person, or group.The possibility of 24 hour access for usersStandardizing the design of the interfaceCreating a system that can extend globally

rather than remain local, thus reaching people in remote locations without worry of the time zone in which they are located.

Enterprise resource planning systems Integrate many information systems existing

on different management level and within different functions

Requires enormous commitment and organizational change

Software: SAP, PeopleSoft, and packages from oracle.

Requires vender training for maintenance, install , update and use.

Systems for wireless and handheld devices Designing systems for wireless devises and

handheld computers. (Palm , PDAs) Designing standard or wireless communication

network (voice, video, and email) Wireless ecommerce is referred to as mcommerce. Designing wireless local area network ( WLANs) Designing intelligent agent software. (amazon.com)

Open Source Software Software development in which proprietary code is

hidden from users. Distributing software free and publishing its source code Code can be studied, shared and modified by many users

and programmers. Large problems may solved through extensive collaboration.

How companies make money?Providing support, customizing programs for users

Useful for handheld devices and communication equipment.

Need for System Analysis and DesignAnalyze, design , and implement

improvements in the functioning of business through the use of computerized information system

Installing a system without proper planning will lead to great dissatisfaction and frequently causes the system to fall.

Roles of System AnalystSystems analysts act as:

Outside consultants to businesses. Supporting experts within a business. As change agents.

System Analyst as Consultant Analyst are hired to address information systems

issues within a business Analyzing and designing appropriate information systems Rely on info sys users to understand the org. culture from

others viewpoint. Advantage: Bring with them a fresh prospective

that other member of an organization do not posses Disadvantage: True organization culture can never

be known to an outsider

System Analyst as support expertDraws on professional expertise concerning

the computer hardware and software and their uses in business.

They are not managing the project but serving as a resource for those who are.

System analyst as Agent of Change Perform any activity in the system development life cycle. Develops a plan for change and works with others in facilitating the

change Interact with users and management from the very beginning in

order to understand what is happening in the organization. If change seems reasonable after analysis the next step is to develop

a plan for the change with people who must enact the change Support a particular avenue of change involving the use of

information system. Teach users the process of change, because changes in the

information system do not occur independently , but cause change in the rest of the org.

Qualities of the System Analyst Problem solver, view and analyze problems as a

challenge and enjoy devising workable solutions. Communicator, relate to people over extended

periods of time. Computer experience Have strong personal and professional ethics to help

shape the relations with clients. Self disciplined and self motivated who can manage

numerous projects.

Homework Define the term expert system. How expert system

differ from decision support system.(q5, p. 23) List the problem of group interaction that group

decision support system (GDSS) and computer-supported collaboration work system (CSCWS) were designed to address ( q.6, p. 23)

List three roles that the system analyst is called upon to play. Provide a definition for each one.(q13 ,p.23)