System Development and System Analyst

Chapter 1

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SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND SYSTEM ANALYST

In business and technology, systems development refers to the process of examining, confirming a business situation with the intent of improving it through developing and applying new or updated procedures and technologies. Systems development can generally be thought of as having two major components: Systems analysis and Systems design.

System analysis is the process of gathering and interpreting facts, diagnosing problems, and using the information to recommend improvements to the system. This is the job of the systems analyst.

System design is the process of planning a new business system or one to replace or complement an existing system. But before this planning can be done, we must thoroughly understand the old system and determine how computers can best be used to make its operation more effective.

In technical terms, systems development is the process of defining, designing, testing, and implementing a new software application or program. It could include the internal development of customized systems, the creation of database systems, or the acquisition of third-party developed software.

The systems analyst plays a major role in the information systems development process. The systems analyst works closely with all project team members so that the team develops the right system in an efficient way. Systems analysts must understand how to apply technology to solve business problems. In addition, being a systems analyst requires a wide range of skills:

Technical skills: Analysts must have the technical skills to understand the organization's existing technical environment, the new system's technology foundation, and the way in which both can be fit into an integrated technical solution.

Business skills: Required to understand how IT can be applied to business situations and to ensure that the IT delivers real business value.

Problem-solving skills: Analysts are continuous problem solvers at both the project and the organizational level, and they put their analytical skills to the test regularly.

Communication skills: Often, analysts need to communicate effectively, one-on-one with users and business managers (who often have little experience with technology) and with programmers (who often have more technical expertise than the analyst does).

Interpersonal ethics: Analyst must be fair and honest with other project team members, managers, and system users. Analysts often deal with confidential information or information that, if shared with others, could cause harm.