Roles of a System
Analyst
Shiriyapenga Noel
Chekure Abigail T
Chandiringa Whatmore T
Mugari Abel R
Nkashe Sibonginkosi T
N0198947A
N0198778M
N01910468T
N0198929W
N0181123N
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Defining Requirement: The basic step for any system analyst is to understand the requirements of the users. This is achieved
by various fact finding techniques like interviewing, observation, questionnaire etc. The information should be collected in
such a way that it will be useful to develop such a system which can provide additional features to the users apart from the
desired.
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Change Agent: The analyst must be viewed as an agent of change. A candidate system is designed to introduced change and
reorientation. In the role of change agent, the systems analyst may select various style to introduce change to the user
organization. No matter what style is used, however, the goal is the same: To achieve acceptance of the candidate system
with a minimum of resistance.
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Investigator And Monitor: In defining a problem , the analyst pieces together the information gathered to determine why the
present system does not work well and what changes will correct the problem. The analyst play the investigator role as well
as also play monitor role. The analyst must monitor programs in relation to time, cost and quality.
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Gathering Facts, Data and Opinions of Users: After determining the necessary needs and collecting useful information the
analyst starts the development of the system with active cooperation from the users of the system. Time to time, the users
update the analyst with the necessary information for developing the system. The analyst while developing the system
continuously consults the users and acquires their views and opinions.
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Solving Problems: The analyst must provide alternate solutions to the management and should do study of the system to
avoid future problems. The analyst should provide with some flexible alternatives to the management which will help the
manager to pick the system which provides the best solution.
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Motivator: A system must be well design and acceptable to the user. System acceptance is achieved through user
participation in its development, effective user training and proper motivation to use the system. The analyst’s role as a
motivator becomes obvious during the first few weeks after implementation.
● Plan and control the computer system analysis and development for assigned area; confer with and advise use departments;
evaluate user requests and needs, estimate cost and time of implementation.
● Serve as Project Leader on major projects; evaluate project requirements and time lines; provide guidance and direction to
assigned personnel and coordinate project phases.
● Assist in system studies in programming for various applications; recommend program methodology to be followed, assuring
programming compliance with established documentation standards.
● Analyze problems outlined by users and potential users of data processing; study existing systems and procedures and the
introduction of potential data processing systems.
● Develop detailed data flow charts of existing system, documenting the work process according to installation standards; assist
with the development of system objectives and comprehensive plans to organize work methodology; establish controls to
assure desired output in new and modified applications.
● Assist department staff by advising on applications development and the best approach to system design relative to software
capabilities and hardware features; review or determine application proposals and requirements as required.
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liaise closely with external or internal clients
analyse clients' existing IT systems and business models
map and document interfaces between legacy and new systems
understand software development lifecycles
translate client requirements into highly specified project briefs
identify options for potential solutions and assess them for both technical and business suitability
conduct requirements analysis and prepare specific proposals for modified or replacement systems
develop solutions and related products
produce project feasibility and costings reports
present proposals to clients
work closely with programmers, developers, testers and a variety of end users to ensure technical compatibility and user satisfaction
ensure that budgets are adhered to and deadlines are met
draw up, supervise and document testing schedules for complete systems
oversee implementation of a new system including data migration
● plan and work flexibly to deadlines
● support users on change control and system updates
● provide training and user manuals to users of a new system
● keep up to date with technical and industry developments.
● Provide technical support, assistance and information to users; train users in system operations as necessary; coordinate
communication and activities with users to review and analyze user problems and needs; provide work direction to assigned
programmers.
● Compile information and data and prepare various reports related to computer systems and functions; document system
software and hardware as necessary.
● Maintain a variety of records, accounts, logs and files related to systems; prepare and purge records as necessary.
● Write or modify programs as necessary to meet user needs; prepare block diagrams and flow charts; write or modify program
source code; prepare sample test data; test, correct and revise programs as necessary.