Succeeding as a Systems
Analyst, Roles
Class 2
First, some definitions
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Systems Development
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Systems Analysis:
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Specifying in detail how the many components of
the information system should be physically
implemented.
Understanding and specifying in detail what the
information system should do.
Systems Design:
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Describing the analyzed system independent of
any computer platform. This may include the
design of screen shots, reports, and web sites.
More definitions
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Systems Analyst:
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The organizational role most responsible
for the analysis and design of information
systems.
Application Software:
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Computer software designed to support
organizational functions or processes. The
analysis and design of which we will be
covering in this course.
Why are you here?
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To get a job
Quarter million new systems analyst
jobs predicted before 2010.
Systems Analyst jobs will grow much
faster than average through 2014 (see
BLS handout for more information).
Career Paths
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Network Analyst
Database Analyst
Technical Support Specialist
Helpdesk Support
Programmer
Quality Assurance Specialist
Web Designer
Systems Analyst
Roles in Systems Analysis &
Design
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IS managers
Programmers
End Users
Business Managers
System Liaison
Systems Analysts
5 Skills for Systems Analysts
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Analytical Skills / Problem Solver
Technical Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Business Skills
Managerial Skills
Analytical Skills - definitions
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System: collection of interrelated
components that function together to achieve
some outcome
Information system: collection of interrelated
components (application software programs)
that collect, process, store, and provide as
output the information needed to complete a
business task.
Analytical Skills
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9 Characteristics of a system
9 characteristics continued
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Another example
What was the problem?
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More about Systems
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Benefits of System thinking
Applying system thinking to Information
Systems
Technical Skills
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General Skills
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Tools
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Techniques
Technical Skills
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How do you get?
Technical Skills
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How do you keep up-to-date?
Technical Skills
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Make a list:
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Are you up-to-date?
Will you be ready for the job market?
Interpersonal Skills
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Working alone and with a team
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Different types of individuals
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Communication skills
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Task-oriented, Maintenance-oriented,
Disrupters
Interviewing, listening, and questionnaires
Written and oral presentations
Managing expectations
Business Skills
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Systems analysts have broader skills
than computer scientists.
What you need to know about your
organization:
Business Skills
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Problem Identification
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Problem Analyzing and Solving
Managerial Skills
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Resource management
Project management
Risk management
Change management
Homework for Next Class
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List 3 attributes you have (based on 5
talked about today) that would make
you a desirable team member.