Cit 303 Lecture Note 1
Cit 303 Lecture Note 1
In the areas of science, information technology, and knowledge, the difficulty of systems
is of much importance. As systems became more complicated, the traditional method of
problem-solving became inefficient. System analysis is to examine a business problem,
identify its objectives and requirements, and then design the most optimal solution to
fulfill those needs.
System Analysis
It is the very first step in any system development and the critical phase where
developers come together to understand the problem, needs, and objectives of the
project.
In Details: System Analysis is a process of understanding the system requirements and its environment. It is one
of the initial stages of the software development life cycle. System analysis is the process of breaking the
system down into its individual components and understanding how each component interacts with the other
components to accomplish the system’s overall goal. In this process, the analyst collects the requirements of
the system and documents them.
Characteristics
It is the study of the existing system to identify the problem areas.
It is a process of understanding the system requirements and its environment.
It involves gathering and understanding the user’s requirements.
It involves analyzing the system in terms of its current and future needs.
Advantages
It helps to identify the problems and their causes.
It helps to understand the functional and non-functional requirements of the system.
It helps to develop better solutions.
It helps identify the areas of improvement.
Limitations
It can be time-consuming.
It can be costly.
It can be difficult to get accurate information.
Some of the key aspects of system analysis are:
Problem Identification: It involves identifying the issues that the system is aiming
to address. Whether it is automating a business process, improving data
management, or improving the user experience, understanding the problem is the
first and most important step.
Requirements Gathering: Once the problem is identified, the next step is to gather
and write down the requirements. This involves communicating with the customer
and developer to gather information about how the system is to be designed.
Feasibility study: Before going into development, it is important to check the
feasibility of the project. This includes the evaluation of technical, operational, and
financial aspects to determine the feasibility of the proposed solution.
Analysis and modeling: To get a deep insight into the system, analysts develop
various models, such as Data Flow Diagrams(DFD), Use Cases, and Entity-
Relationship(ER) diagrams. These models help the customer to visualize the system
and its interactions.
Scope Definition: Defining the scope of the system is important to prevent adding
excessive features to the system and ensure that the project stays within its limits.
It identifies what is part of the system and what is not.
Project example Fraud Detection Systems: Studying transaction
patterns and inconsistencies in financial data to develop
algorithms for detecting and preventing fraudulent activities.
System Design
System design is where the project's blueprint is created. It involves transforming the requirements identified in the
analysis phase into a visual solution.
In DETAILS: System Design is the process of creating a design for the system to meet the requirements. System design is
the process of designing the architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy the specified
requirements. It involves the design of the system architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data.
Characteristics
It is the process of creating a design for the system.
It involves the design of the system architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data.
It involves identifying the modules and components of the system.
It involves creating the user interface and database design.
Advantages
It helps to create an efficient system.
It helps identify the areas of improvement.
It helps to reduce the development cost.
It helps to create a better user experience.
Limitations
It can be time-consuming.
It can be costly.
It can be difficult to get accurate information.
The main components of system design are as follows:
Architecture design: This phase describes the high level structure of the system. This includes deciding software and
hardware components, their connectivity with each other and the overall design of the system. Architects make critical
designs ensuring scalability, performance, and security.
Database configuration: The design phase includes defining the database schema, data storage, and access methods. A
database programmer ensures that data is organized correctly, and that the system can retrieve and process data
efficiently.
Communication system: Communication controls are important components of most systems. In this phase, designers
create the system’s visual elements and interactions.
Algorithm Design: Complex algorithms are designed in this phase. Algorithms are the logic or program that makes
systems work, and their efficiency and accuracy are critical.
Security: Data security is a major concern in today’s digital world. Developers must plan for security measures to protect
the system and its data, such as encryption, access control, and threat measures.
Test and Maintenance: System plans should also include plans for testing and validation. The designer must specify how
the system will be tested to ensure that it meets specified requirements and performs as planned.
Documentation: Suitable documentation is necessary to maintain the system and enable future use. During the design
phase, documentation should be created or updated to ensure that the development team and end users can access the
necessary information.
Example :
Educational Management System:
Components: Student database, course details, management module, grading system.
Modules: Enrollment, attendance tracking, assignment submission, grades.
Interfaces: Student portals, teacher interfaces, parents portal.
What is a System?
A system is a set of things that work together as an interconnecting network to achieve a particular goal. The set of
things can be hardware, software, employees and much more. Systems are everywhere around us such as computer
systems which have both hardware and software to execute certain functions.
Example: Biological system, Educational system, Physical system, etc.
Constraints of a System
Every system works within certain boundaries called constraints. These constraints define the limits within which
the system can operate. Typical constraints include financial constraints, technical constraints, and time constraints,
which are important in guiding program development and operation.
Properties of a System
Systems exhibit several key homes:
Interconnectedness: Components inside a device are interconnected, change in one system might cause change in
the another system.
Environment: Systems exist within an surroundings, interacting with it and being influenced through it.
Boundary: Systems have a described boundary that separates them from the external environment.
This is essential for studying how the system interact with external environment.
Purpose: Systems are designed with clear purpose and specific objectives. The components of a system
are organized in such a way to perform intended tasks.
Input and Output: Systems need input which leads to give the desired output.
Feedback: Feedbacks are most important part of the system as it helps the developers to upgrade it
with the user requirements.
Elements of a System
Input: The data that the device gets from external source.
Process: The activities that occur within the system.
Output: The result after processing the input.
Feedback: It is given by the customers end to improve the system.
Types of Systems
Open Systems: An open system is the one that interacts freely with the external factors. These
systems are capable of adapting the changes made within the system.
Example: business organizations.
Closed Systems: A closed system is one which is contained within itself. It does not have any
interaction with the environment.
Example: A computer system.
Adaptive Systems: Adaptive systems are those that change their behavior with the changing
environment.
Example: constantly changing market.
Dynamic Systems: Dynamic systems are those that change and evolve over a period of time.
Example: ecological system change with factors like climate change.
System Models
System models are simplified representations of real-world systems that help us to understand, analyze, and
design complex systems. These models are important tools used in various fields such as engineering,
computer science, economics, and biology to study and predict behavior of the system. System models can be
visual, mathematical or conceptual. They provide insights into program design, communication, and
development. Here are a few types of system models commonly used: Mathematical, Simulation, Graphical,
Physical, Conceptual.
Categories of Information
In the context of system, records may be categorized as follows:
Operational Information: Information used to perform each day operations.
Management Information: Information utilized by managers for decision-making.
Strategic Information: Information related to long-term making plans and approach formula.
Conclusion
In conclusion, system analysis and design form the cornerstone of successful software development and
problem-solving in different domains. System analysis and design are fundamental processes that help us
navigate the complexities of modern systems and to make innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Differences between System Analysis and System Design
System Analysis and System Design are two stages of the software development life
cycle. System Analysis is a process of collecting and analyzing the requirements of the
system whereas System Design is a process of creating a design for the system to meet
the requirements. Both are important stages as it helps to create an effective system
with all the features and functions.
Conclusion
System Analysis and System Design are two important stages of the software development life cycle. System Analysis
is a process of collecting and analyzing the requirements of the system whereas System Design is a process of creating
a design for the system to meet the requirements. System Analysis helps to identify the problems and their causes
while System Design helps to create an efficient system. Both are necessary for creating an effective system with all
the features and functions
Responsibilities
Research, test, and evaluate new technologies and software
Design and implement new systems and processes
Maintain and troubleshoot data warehouses
Identify vulnerabilities or areas of poor performance
Prepare cost-benefit and analysis reports
Communicate strategic decisions with other IT department employees
Train end-users and prepare instruction manuals