In our first assignment in Systems Analysis and Design I, we were tasked to discuss some characteristics we have to a good system analyst. It is based in our learnings in Chapter I.
Systems analyst
Technology exists to serve, not to be, the human need!
– Malcolm Watson, the Development Manager at Pronto Software in Melbourne
To begin with, let us describe the System Analyst first, their responsibilities and the role they have in the organization.
The Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. describes the responsibilities of a system analyst as the personnel that be tasked to design, develop, maintain, control, implement and provide support on assigned projects; acts as systems analyst in more than one systems development project or maintenance activity. The said company is one among others who considers systems analysts in their organization.
Government agencies and universities hire lots of systems analysts, and they’re often the most stable employers. Increasingly, the private sector is using temporary employees, hired just for a specific project.
ccording to Ryan Magennis in his article What Does a Systems Analyst Really Do? The job of systems analyst was very exciting. He has to spent most of his time talking with users to understand the business and to other analysts to ensure compatibility between subsystems. He did a lot of design work, and created documentation for these designs, including reports, input forms, and programming specifications. He coded some of the programs himself. He learned how to test systems as well as implement them. He did some technical writing by documenting new systems, including technical documentation and user documentation. In his years being a System Analyst, he was able to making friends with all the other analysts (work was very social), learning all the time about both the business and technology, meeting new challenges such a public speaking and learning to adjust his “technical jargon” to his audience.
As a Standard Occupational Description: Systems analysts are responsible to Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. May supervise computer programmers.
Systems analyst figures out how to use computers to get things done. They tell businesses and other organizations which computers and software to buy, and they decide how to get those tools to work together.
Systems analysts, as motivated and talented IT professionals, solve computer problems and apply computer technology, to meet the individual needs of an organization, realize the maximum benefit from investment in equipment, personnel, and business processes, plan and develop new computer systems, or devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional operations.
As a systems analyst, you may design new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a new software application, to harness more of the computer’s power. Most system analysts work with specific types of systems-for example, business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems-that vary within the organization and industry. Some system analysts are known as systems developers or systems architects.
After analysts understand what the system needs to do, they break down the task into small steps. They draw diagrams and charts to show how information will get into the computers, how that information will be processed, and how it will get to the people who need it. For example, analysts might decide how sales information will get into a store's computers and how the computer will add up the information in a way that makes it useful for store managers.
Analysts experiment with different computer system plans. They try various tools and steps until they find the system that is fastest, easiest, and least expensive.
Next, analysts decide which computers, software, and tools to buy. They also tell computer programmers how to make any new software that is needed. They give the programmers step-by-step instructions. Some analysts help make the software, too.
The main job for some systems analysts is getting computers to work together. They connect them into a network. Analysts decide how to get information from one computer to another. Many help people get data from the Internet.
After planning a system, analysts test it to make sure it works. They check to make sure that information is processed quickly and without mistakes. They also watch to see if the system is easy to use. Often, they have to change their plans to make the systems better.
Sometimes, these workers work long hours to get a project done on time.
Analysts usually work as part of a team.
Many systems analysts have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems. Some analysts get college degrees in other subjects. Then, they take computer classes and get computer experience.
Some analysts also have a master's degree in business. This helps them to understand the types of computers that businesses need.
The number of computer systems analysts is expected to grow much faster than average between 2006 and 2016.
People with proper training should have good job prospects. Those who have college degrees in business and courses related to computers also should be able to find jobs in this field.
New jobs are expected as more businesses try to use computers and keep them safe from viruses and hacking. New Internet and wireless technologies are also expected to create more jobs because people will need to learn how to use these tools.
Role of Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst is said to be the solvers Of Computer Problems and Master-Craft Applicants of Computer Technology.
The systems analyst is the middleman, assessing the needs of the end-user and translating them into programming or turning over the programming responsibility to the development department. What are the business requirements? Who will comprise the user community? How large is the application going to be? Will it be internal or external? These are all questions facing the systems analyst, who spends much of the day in front of the computer poring over these issues. With a new product, other elements come into play, such as network location, user community, type of machine, and portability. If the analyst is reviewing an established product, the user community will dictate its changes and enhancements.
As highly trained skilled knowledge workers and information technology experts, they will be in demand. Some of the main duties and tasks include: design and development of new hardware and software systems, incorporating new technologies, new areas of specialization or changes in technology is prevalent.
A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements. The systems analyst plays a vital role in the systems development process. A successful systems analyst must acquire four skills: analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal. Analytical skills enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems. Technical skills help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Management skills help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change. Interpersonal skills help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.
Because they must write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and the IT professionals of the organization they represent[1] They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.
Systems Analyst must have the following skills:
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analyst must have the knowledge of:
Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Arithmetic, `lgebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Systems Analyst must have the ability to:
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
A systems analyst must perform the following tasks:
Interact with the customers to know their requirements
Interact with designers to convey the possible interface of the software
Interact/guide the coders/developers to keep track of system development
Perform system testing with sample/live data with the help of testers
Implement the new system
Prepare High quality Documentation
Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.
Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Interview or survey workers, observe job performance and/or perform the job in order to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
Recommend new equipment or software packages.
A Good Systems Analyst must have the following characteristics:
Investigative — Investigative characteristic frequently involves working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These characteristics can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional — Conventional characteristic frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These characteristics can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic — Realistic characteristic frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Systems analysts need to be independent thinkers-people who can “think out of the box” by grasping concepts quickly and seeing the big picture as opposed to the small details. “
Ability to see the big picture: translate geek-speak into plain English
Identify company needs, and get everybody on board.
The system analyst must be able to communicate in writing and orally.
The analyst must easily get along with people.
The analyst must be a good listener and be able to react to what people say.
The analyst must be knowledgeable of technology. The analyst is not expected to know the intricacies of programming, but a decent general knowledge of concepts and terms is essential.
The analyst must be knowledgeable of business. The analyst is not expected to be an expert in business but a decent understanding of the client's world is required.
One should be familiar with designing concepts that is appropriate for the particular development environment. This means one who is good at designing commercial buildings isn't necessarily a good person to design residential housing. Although a lot of concepts overlap, one who is good at designing mainframe system isn't necessarily a good candidate for web projects.
One should have the skills to use the tools to facilitate his/her work. i.e. design software tools. If someone is struggling to use a hammer s/he is worrying about putting a nail in straight not about building a good structure.
One should have the industry/business knowledge or the capacity to acquire them. System implementation is a lot like a bunch of blind people trying to figure out what an elephant looks like. Each person has his/her own field expertise. However, the more knowledge one person has would make the process easier and create better results.
Good communication skills without saying is very important
My characteristics:
Upon knowing the skills, abilities, knowledge and characteristics, I came to realize and believe that I have the potentials of being a systems analyst. I may not graduate with a business-related course, but I can a have a competitive edge in terms of the technology. What I must do, is to realize the great help my tertiary education in having my future job.
I am an independent thinker-people who can “think out of the box” by grasping concepts quickly and seeing the big picture as opposed to the small details. “
I am craving for the new knowledge and is good at following procedures and routines. I also have knowledge in technology and business.
Also, I believe am able to communicate in writing and orally. And easily get along with people. Not to mention, I am good listener and be able to react to what people say.
I believe, it is not very important that you have the expertise in one field and not good at the other. What is the knowledge in business if you don’t know technology? What is the knowledge in programming and mathematical skills if you don’t have the social ability?
Being Systems analysts requires me to be good at both.
References:
http://www.systemsanalyst.com
http://ph.jobstreet.com/jobs/2009/11/default/80/2232084.htm?fr=c
http://www.bls.gov/K12/computers06.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080725042042AA2MqMh
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
http://jobs.virginia.gov/careerguides/computersystemsanalyst.htm
Systems analyst
Technology exists to serve, not to be, the human need!
– Malcolm Watson, the Development Manager at Pronto Software in Melbourne
To begin with, let us describe the System Analyst first, their responsibilities and the role they have in the organization.
The Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. describes the responsibilities of a system analyst as the personnel that be tasked to design, develop, maintain, control, implement and provide support on assigned projects; acts as systems analyst in more than one systems development project or maintenance activity. The said company is one among others who considers systems analysts in their organization.
Government agencies and universities hire lots of systems analysts, and they’re often the most stable employers. Increasingly, the private sector is using temporary employees, hired just for a specific project.
ccording to Ryan Magennis in his article What Does a Systems Analyst Really Do? The job of systems analyst was very exciting. He has to spent most of his time talking with users to understand the business and to other analysts to ensure compatibility between subsystems. He did a lot of design work, and created documentation for these designs, including reports, input forms, and programming specifications. He coded some of the programs himself. He learned how to test systems as well as implement them. He did some technical writing by documenting new systems, including technical documentation and user documentation. In his years being a System Analyst, he was able to making friends with all the other analysts (work was very social), learning all the time about both the business and technology, meeting new challenges such a public speaking and learning to adjust his “technical jargon” to his audience.
As a Standard Occupational Description: Systems analysts are responsible to Analyze science, engineering, business, and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processing systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software. May supervise computer programmers.
Systems analyst figures out how to use computers to get things done. They tell businesses and other organizations which computers and software to buy, and they decide how to get those tools to work together.
Systems analysts, as motivated and talented IT professionals, solve computer problems and apply computer technology, to meet the individual needs of an organization, realize the maximum benefit from investment in equipment, personnel, and business processes, plan and develop new computer systems, or devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional operations.
As a systems analyst, you may design new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a new software application, to harness more of the computer’s power. Most system analysts work with specific types of systems-for example, business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems-that vary within the organization and industry. Some system analysts are known as systems developers or systems architects.
After analysts understand what the system needs to do, they break down the task into small steps. They draw diagrams and charts to show how information will get into the computers, how that information will be processed, and how it will get to the people who need it. For example, analysts might decide how sales information will get into a store's computers and how the computer will add up the information in a way that makes it useful for store managers.
Analysts experiment with different computer system plans. They try various tools and steps until they find the system that is fastest, easiest, and least expensive.
Next, analysts decide which computers, software, and tools to buy. They also tell computer programmers how to make any new software that is needed. They give the programmers step-by-step instructions. Some analysts help make the software, too.
The main job for some systems analysts is getting computers to work together. They connect them into a network. Analysts decide how to get information from one computer to another. Many help people get data from the Internet.
After planning a system, analysts test it to make sure it works. They check to make sure that information is processed quickly and without mistakes. They also watch to see if the system is easy to use. Often, they have to change their plans to make the systems better.
Sometimes, these workers work long hours to get a project done on time.
Analysts usually work as part of a team.
Many systems analysts have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems. Some analysts get college degrees in other subjects. Then, they take computer classes and get computer experience.
Some analysts also have a master's degree in business. This helps them to understand the types of computers that businesses need.
The number of computer systems analysts is expected to grow much faster than average between 2006 and 2016.
People with proper training should have good job prospects. Those who have college degrees in business and courses related to computers also should be able to find jobs in this field.
New jobs are expected as more businesses try to use computers and keep them safe from viruses and hacking. New Internet and wireless technologies are also expected to create more jobs because people will need to learn how to use these tools.
Role of Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst is said to be the solvers Of Computer Problems and Master-Craft Applicants of Computer Technology.
The systems analyst is the middleman, assessing the needs of the end-user and translating them into programming or turning over the programming responsibility to the development department. What are the business requirements? Who will comprise the user community? How large is the application going to be? Will it be internal or external? These are all questions facing the systems analyst, who spends much of the day in front of the computer poring over these issues. With a new product, other elements come into play, such as network location, user community, type of machine, and portability. If the analyst is reviewing an established product, the user community will dictate its changes and enhancements.
As highly trained skilled knowledge workers and information technology experts, they will be in demand. Some of the main duties and tasks include: design and development of new hardware and software systems, incorporating new technologies, new areas of specialization or changes in technology is prevalent.
A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements. The systems analyst plays a vital role in the systems development process. A successful systems analyst must acquire four skills: analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal. Analytical skills enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems. Technical skills help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Management skills help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change. Interpersonal skills help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.
Because they must write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and the IT professionals of the organization they represent[1] They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.
Systems Analyst must have the following skills:
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Systems Analyst must have the knowledge of:
Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Arithmetic, `lgebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Systems Analyst must have the ability to:
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
A systems analyst must perform the following tasks:
Interact with the customers to know their requirements
Interact with designers to convey the possible interface of the software
Interact/guide the coders/developers to keep track of system development
Perform system testing with sample/live data with the help of testers
Implement the new system
Prepare High quality Documentation
Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.
Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
Interview or survey workers, observe job performance and/or perform the job in order to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
Recommend new equipment or software packages.
A Good Systems Analyst must have the following characteristics:
Investigative — Investigative characteristic frequently involves working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These characteristics can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional — Conventional characteristic frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These characteristics can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic — Realistic characteristic frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Systems analysts need to be independent thinkers-people who can “think out of the box” by grasping concepts quickly and seeing the big picture as opposed to the small details. “
Ability to see the big picture: translate geek-speak into plain English
Identify company needs, and get everybody on board.
The system analyst must be able to communicate in writing and orally.
The analyst must easily get along with people.
The analyst must be a good listener and be able to react to what people say.
The analyst must be knowledgeable of technology. The analyst is not expected to know the intricacies of programming, but a decent general knowledge of concepts and terms is essential.
The analyst must be knowledgeable of business. The analyst is not expected to be an expert in business but a decent understanding of the client's world is required.
One should be familiar with designing concepts that is appropriate for the particular development environment. This means one who is good at designing commercial buildings isn't necessarily a good person to design residential housing. Although a lot of concepts overlap, one who is good at designing mainframe system isn't necessarily a good candidate for web projects.
One should have the skills to use the tools to facilitate his/her work. i.e. design software tools. If someone is struggling to use a hammer s/he is worrying about putting a nail in straight not about building a good structure.
One should have the industry/business knowledge or the capacity to acquire them. System implementation is a lot like a bunch of blind people trying to figure out what an elephant looks like. Each person has his/her own field expertise. However, the more knowledge one person has would make the process easier and create better results.
Good communication skills without saying is very important
My characteristics:
Upon knowing the skills, abilities, knowledge and characteristics, I came to realize and believe that I have the potentials of being a systems analyst. I may not graduate with a business-related course, but I can a have a competitive edge in terms of the technology. What I must do, is to realize the great help my tertiary education in having my future job.
I am an independent thinker-people who can “think out of the box” by grasping concepts quickly and seeing the big picture as opposed to the small details. “
I am craving for the new knowledge and is good at following procedures and routines. I also have knowledge in technology and business.
Also, I believe am able to communicate in writing and orally. And easily get along with people. Not to mention, I am good listener and be able to react to what people say.
I believe, it is not very important that you have the expertise in one field and not good at the other. What is the knowledge in business if you don’t know technology? What is the knowledge in programming and mathematical skills if you don’t have the social ability?
Being Systems analysts requires me to be good at both.
References:
http://www.systemsanalyst.com
http://ph.jobstreet.com/jobs/2009/11/default/80/2232084.htm?fr=c
http://www.bls.gov/K12/computers06.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080725042042AA2MqMh
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
http://jobs.virginia.gov/careerguides/computersystemsanalyst.htm
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