Chp 1: Intro to Systems Analysis and Design

deliverable

a polished product, suitable for its intended use. Also called end products. Coincide with the completion of each SDLC phase.

horizontal system

a system, such as an inventory or payroll application, that can be adapted for use in many different types of companies

waterfall model

a type of graph that depicts the result of each SDLC phase flowing down into the next phase

iterative

an adaptive method typically uses a spiral development model, which builds on a series of iterations.

System analysis phase

build a logical model of the new system

scalable design

can expand to meet new business requirements and volumes

class

collection of similar objects

information system

combines technology, people, and data to provide support for business functions such as order processing, inventory control, human resources, accounting, and many more.

data

consists of basic facts that are the system's raw material

hardware

consists of everything in the physical layer of the information system

Application Software

consists of programs that support day-to-day business functions and provide users with the information they need.

Systems Design Phase

creates a physical model that will satisfy all documented requirements for the system

information

data that has been transformed into output that is valuable to users

System design specification

deliverable which is presented to management and users for review and approval

processes

describe the tasks and business functions that users, managers, and IT staff members perform to achieve specific results

System Requirements Document

describes management and user requirements, costs and benefits, and outlines alternative development strategies

Systems Request

describes problems or desired changes in an information system or a business process

business model

describes the information that a system must provide

vertical system

designed to meet the unique requirements of a specific business or industry, such as a web-based retailer, a medical practice, or an auto dealership.

enterprise applications

include order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communications networks

system

is a set of related components that produces specific results.

business process

is a specific set of transactions, events, and results that can be described and documented

mission-critical system

is one that is vital to a company's operations

knowledge base

large database that allows users to find information by entering keywords or questions in normal English phrases

strategic plans

long-range plans which define the company's overall mission and goals

System Software

manages the hardware components, which can include a single workstation or a global network with many thousands of clients

objects

object oriented analysis combines data and the process that act on the data into things called______. Represent actual people, things, transactions, and events

legacy systems

older systems

stakeholders

people who have an interest in an information system

System planning phase

phase that begins with a formal request to the IT department, called a systems request.

systems support and security phase

phase where the IT staff maintains, enhances, and protects the system

transaction processing (TP) systems

process data generated by day-to-day business operations.

Modeling

produces a graphical representation of a concept or process that systems developers can analyze, test, and modify

Groupware

programs enable users to share data, collaborate on projects, and work in teams

business support systems

provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company

Moore's Law

refers to an observation made by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in 1965. He noticed that the number of transistors per square inch on integrated circuits had doubled every year since their invention. Moore's law predicts that this trend will continue into the foreseeable future

enterprise computing

refers to information systems that support company-wide operations and data management requirements.

Information Technology

refers to the combination of hardware, software, and services that people use to manage, communicate, and share information.

Software

refers to the programs that control the hardware and produce the desired information or results

spiral model

represents a series of iterations, or revisions, based on user feedback

feasibility study

reviews anticipated costs and benefits and recommends a course of action based on operational, technical, economic, and time factors

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

series of phases used by structured analysis to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information an information system.

Systems analysis and design

step-by-step process for developing high-quality information systems

Agile Methods/adaptive methods

stresses intense team-based effort. Breaks development into cycles, or iterations that add functionality.

Enterprise Resource Planning

systems that provide cost-effective support for users and managers throughout the company

user productivity systems

technology that improves productivity Ex: e-mail, voice mail, fax, video and web conferencing, word processing, automated calendars, database management, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, presentation graphics, company intranets, and integrated mobile computing systems

system implementation phase

the new system is constructed during this phase. Programs are written, tested, and documented, and the system is installed.

structured analysis

traditional method that still is widely used. Represents the system in terms of data and the processes that act upon that data. System development is organized into phases, with deliverables and milestones to measure progress.

Systems Analyst

valued member of the IT department team who helps plan, develop, and maintain information systems

object-oriented (O-O) analysis

views the system in terms of objects that combine data and processes.

Requirements modeling

where you investigate business processes and document what the new system must do to satisfy users