System Analysis & Design

Course Description:

This course covers the phases from information systems planning through the specification of structured system requirements in functional form (i.e., logical system design) and concentrates on methods, techniques, and tools used to determine information requirements and to document these requirements in a thorough and unambiguous form. Also introduces computer-aided software engineering (CASE) technology. Students learn the discipline of systems analysis and logical design through a hypothetical case situation.

Also, it focuses on ways in which advances in information technology and communications networks continue to recast the role and value of information systems in business and management. Example topics include: organizational and technical foundations of information systems, systems development, information management, infrastructure management, system security, and creative business applications of information technology

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able:

1. A much better understanding of the entire information systems development process: from the identification of the business problems and needs to the design of an improved system to the writing of computer programs. Possibly for the first time, you will truly understand the whole process and where you might fit in.
2. Improved technical communication skills. Your ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical people should be improved through the proper use of the tools. Your writing and speaking skills may also be enhanced as you learn how to present your documentation to your instructor.
3. Improved programming skills. What? That's right. You should be a better programmer if you understand how to read and modify the design documentation prepared by a systems analyst. Programmers frequently find themselves redoing poorly prepared or incomplete design specifications.
4. A background for continued study of systems analysis and design. In subsequent courses, you will learn "how" to do systems analysis and design using specific strategies and methodologies used by systems analysts. There is more to systems analysis and design than tools and techniques.

A better understanding of information systems in general. You will learn many capabilities and characteristics of good information systems. This will help you design more effective systems during your career.