Assignment 2 (Due: December 18, 2009, before 01:00pm)

basith_jumat · Posts: 39 Points: 49 Join date: 2009-06-21 Age: 23

Interview a System Analyst and ask what skills and characteristics must a System Analyst develop in order to be more effective in any design modeling process.

before anything else i would like to discuss first on what is the definition of a system analyst according to wikipedia...
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.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.

A systems analyst performs 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

Many systems analysts have morphed into business analysts. And, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that "Increasingly, employers are seeking individuals who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems.

we've interview a system analyst of our adopted company and we gathered a lot of data that relates to the characteristics of a system analyst for them to be more effective to the any design modeling process..
1. Develop new programs and applications.
New program or application performs to the satisfaction of the user.
2. Maintain existing programs and applications.
Continued performance of existing programs; provide corrections or adjustments
when needed.
3. Provide answers to user questions or problems.
Provide timely advice and assistance to the system user.
4. Data retrieval upon request.
Create specialized reports/data transfers for the requesting department.
5. Documentation of new/existing systems.
User has knowledge of the application of the new system/provides understandable
user procedures.
6. Perform special projects.
Special projects are completed within established timeframe and according to
specifications.
7. Perform other related duties as assigned.

the person who are wearing a blue polo shirt is the current system analyst of EMCOR he is MR. Marcelino Vistal Jr.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst

creza_jill_bulacito · Subject: Assignment 2(SAD1) Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:40 pm

Interview a Systems Analyst and ask what skills and characteristics must a systems analyst develop in order to be more effective in any design modeling process

Flexible - a systems analyst should be flexible to be prepared for the rapid changing technology that we have.

Should have enough knowledge in Systems Integration / Systems Development - if you have the experience of developing system you wil have the idea of how to do it, what to do, what's there, what's not there, what's there to fix, etc. System Analysts should start with something small, he associated the carpenter who starts to build small houses, he said that SA should also start with something small, such as programming small-scales. He also imparted to us his thought that a Systems Analyst should have a 'part' or experience of every task such as in documentation team, developing team, quality assurance team, communication team and the likes. Because if he lacks something on those skills there is a possibility that the Systems Analyst won't be effective in doing his job.

Should have both holistic and systematic approach - a holistic approach looks at the whole picture. The totality of something is much greater than the sum of its component parts and they cannot be understood by the isolated examination of their parts. While a systematic approach is more of a philosophy than a technique. It's the way one approaches problems in life, as opposed to the specific solutions that exist. Given a certain problem, one has many choices as to how to solve it. However, approaching the problem haphazardly, may or may not solve the problem. But, approaching the problem with the analytical approach, one is more likely to find the solution to the problem. How one can approach the problem analytically, or systematically, depends on how one views the problem. This is what is often called Analysis, and is really the same thing as breaking the problem down, sometimes referred to as "Divide and Conquer." By breaking down a problem, one can see the various aspects of the problem, and how they inter-relate, and by isolating the causative factors in the problem, one can find the solution to the problem. A Systematic Approach can be used in many areas, such as, systems analysis, software development, (which are part of the software development life cycle), internet site design, web optimization, hosting, business management and consulting, sales, and training. He emphasized that both approaches or views should be a character of a Systems Analyst.

Should have a skill on Calculating Risks -

this is very important he said, because the Systems Analyst should be a risk-taker in a smart way. He let us define what is 'risk' for us but he answered his own question he answered that risk is a possibility of a loss. In every move that a Systems Analyst take, there are so many risks involve. HE said that we can never stop a risk from coming but we can prepare on how it will affect us. He emphasized the importance of this characteristic by sharing to us the murphy's law which states that 'If something can go wrong, it will, and it will hit you in the most inappropriate time.' A Systems Analyst knows and understands that murphy's law will exist forever. A good Systems Analyst should be able to identify, analyze and detect the risk that might be involve on his plans. A good Systems Analyst should also be able to take the risk.
** He had also shared 4 ways to deal with risks:
Tolerate - these are risks that won't affect you so much.

Treat - prepare or aid the risks.

Should be a people person/ Good Communication Skills -A good systems analyst should be able to communicate to other people.

Should have high Adversity Quotient (A.Q.) - Sir James mentioned that Intelligent Quotient and Emotional Quotient will never be used in Systems Planning, because the Adversity Quotient is what matters. Adversity Quotient test the unconscious pattern of how people respond to adversity/problems, and show how to increase it and, thereby, help individuals become valuable at work.

These skills can not be easily learned or acquired in a one sitting, it is built through experience. Therefore, systems analyst are not born they are made.

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.

Nature of the Work About this section

Nearly all organizations rely on computer and information technology (IT) to conduct business and operate efficiently. Computer systems analysts use IT tools to help enterprises of all sizes achieve their goals. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software, or they may devise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional tasks.

Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, and financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Analysts who specialize in helping an organization select the proper system hardware and software are often called system architects or system designers. Analysts who specialize in developing and fine-tuning systems often have the more general title of systems analysts.

To begin an assignment, systems analysts consult with an organization’s managers and users to define the goals of the system and then design a system to meet those goals. They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users' needs. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and a variety of accounting principles to ensure their plans are efficient and complete. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible.

When a system is approved, systems analysts oversee the implementation of the required hardware and software components. They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow; then they work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate errors, from the system. Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing may be called software quality assurance analysts. In addition to running tests, these workers diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met. After the system has been implemented, tested, and debugged, computer systems analysts may train its users and write instruction manuals.

In some organizations, programmer-analysts design and update the software that runs a computer. They also create custom applications tailored to their organization's tasks. Because they are responsible for both programming and systems analysis, these workers must be proficient in both areas. (A separate section on computer software engineers and computer programmers appears elsewhere in the Handbook.) As this dual proficiency becomes more common, analysts are increasingly working with databases, object-oriented programming languages, client–server applications, and multimedia and Internet technology.

One challenge created by expanding computer use is the need for different computer systems to communicate with each other. Many systems analysts are involved with “networking,” connecting all the computers within an organization or across organizations, as when setting up e-commerce networks to facilitate business between companies.

Work environment. Computer systems analysts work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. Many work about 40 hours a week, but some work more than 50 hours a week. Some analysts telecommute, using computers to work from remote locations.

Injuries in this occupation are uncommon, but computer systems analysts, like other workers who spend long periods typing on a computer, are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement About this section

Training requirements for computer systems analysts vary depending on the job, but many employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree. Relevant work experience also is very important. Advancement opportunities are good for those with the necessary skills and experience.

Education and training. When hiring computer systems analysts, employers usually prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree. For more technically complex jobs, people with graduate degrees are preferred. For jobs in a technical or scientific environment, employers often seek applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as computer science, information science, applied mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences. For jobs in a business environment, employers often seek applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related field such as management information systems (MIS). Increasingly, employers are seeking individuals who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems.

Despite the preference for technical degrees, however, people who have degrees in other areas may find employment as systems analysts if they also have technical skills. Courses in computer science or related subjects combined with practical experience can qualify people for some jobs in the occupation.

Employers generally look for people with expertise relevant to the job. For example, systems analysts who wish to work for a bank may need some expertise in finance, and systems analysts who wish to work for a hospital may need some knowledge of health management. Furthermore, business enterprises generally prefer individuals with information technology, business, and accounting skills and frequently assist employees in obtaining these skills.

Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to remain competitive. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions offer continuing education to help workers attain the latest skills. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies.

Other qualifications. Employers usually look for people who have broad knowledge and experience related to computer systems and technologies, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to think logically. In addition, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail is important because computer systems analysts often deal with many tasks simultaneously. Although these workers sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. Therefore, they must have good interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, users, and other staff who may have no technical background.

Advancement. With experience, systems analysts may be promoted to senior or lead analyst. Those who possess leadership ability and good business skills also can become computer and information systems managers or can advance into executive positions such as chief information officer. Those with work experience and considerable expertise in a particular subject or application may find lucrative opportunities as independent consultants, or they may choose to start their own computer consulting firms.

References:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos287.htm

http://misallabouts.blogspot.com/2009/12/skills-and-characteristics-of-systems.html

Gabrielle Anne Rae Deseo

Characteristic of a System Analyst

Whew kind of late for this assignment. For this assignment we are tasked to interview a system analyst of an organization and ask input about what characteristic should they have to be effective in developing a modeling process. We had our interview with the company EMCOR with Mr. Nilo Ricafort as well as a short interview with Mr. Hector Po of GH.

On our previous discussions and class sharing we already had defined what is system analyst and as well as what is a modeling process. A system analyst is vital for every organization. They are the one responsible for planning, researching, and recommending software for the company to meet their requirements. Without them it would be possible that there would be a problem in terms of solving for system problems for there is no one to decide and to analyze the matter. According to Wikipedia a system analyst should have these four skills which are analytical, technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. These four is important and interdependent for without it in a system analyst, he/she would not possibly an effective one. As a system analyst one should have good analytical skills so they would be able to analyze a certain situation or a problem the organization is in and provide possible solutions for it. Technical skill as well is important for them to understand the technical matters of the problem. It would be hard if a system analyst if he/she is just good in analyzing but then does not have the knowledge about technicalities of the problem. Managerial skill is also important for analyst for them to manage the project and risk that incorporates it. Lastly is interpersonal skill which allows a system analyst to interact with the users and the programmer. System analyst is the bridge between the end user and the programmer. Combining all these produces better outcome for project development.

What is a process model?
Process models are processes of the same nature that are classified together into a model. Thus, a process model is a description of a process at the type level. Since the process model is at the type level, a process is an instantiation of it. The same process model is used repeatedly for the development of many applications and thus, has many instantiations. One possible use of a process model is to prescribe how things must/should/could be done in contrast to the process itself which is really what happens. A process model is roughly an anticipation of what the process will look like. What the process shall be will be determined during actual system development.

A systems analyst performs 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
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst

A good systems analyst should have:

Skills on:
1. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Writing computer programs for various purposes.
3. Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
4. Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
5. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
6. Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
7. 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.
8. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
9. Talking to others to convey information effectively.
10. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

The Knowledge of:
1. Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
2. Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
3. Principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
4. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
5. Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

The Ability to:
1. Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
2. Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
3. Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
4. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
5. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
6. See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
7. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
8. Come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
9. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
10. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
http://jobs.virginia.gov/careerguides/computersystemsanalyst.htm

Some characteristics that a system analyst should have:
1. The system analyst must be able to communicate in writing and orally.
2. The analyst must easily get along with people.
3. The analyst must be a good listener and be able to react to what people say.
4. 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.
5. 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.

The skills and characteristics above is somewhat the same with what our interview conveyed to us. The most significant I think is the interpersonal skills. I can say this is important because a good analyst must know how to interact with every kind of person especially to the end-user and programmer. They must be the bridge between the two so that there is an understanding to produce a good and quality project for the organization they are in. Today systems analyst is incorporated to business analyst. But for me when you say system analyst it concerns about the information system of the company while business analyst comprises on analyzing the entire business process which requires knowledge on every departments of the company. It would be very beneficial to have a good system analyst on an organization. To be more effective for developing a process model the skills defined above are important.

EMCOR interview

GH interview

blog link for this post:
http://xiibee.blogspot.com/2009/12/sad-1-assignment-2.html

Anthony Rigor Aguilar · Subject: Assignment 2 Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:05 pm

Interview a System Analyst and ask what skills and characteristics must a System Analyst develop in order to be more effective in any design modeling process.
According to the SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN METHODS fourth Edition Authored by Jeffrey L. Whitten and Leonie D. Bentley “Systems analyst facilitates the development of information systems and computer applications. A systems analyst facilitates the study of the problems and needs of a business to determine how the business system and information technology can best solve the problems and accomplish improvements for the business.” Page 6-page 7

The book also describes Systems Analyst in simple terms, “Systems Analysts are people who understand both business and computing. Systems analysts study business problems and opportunities and then transform business and information requirements of the business into the computer based information systems and computer applications that are implemented by various technical specialist including computer programmers.”

Systems Analyst is responsible for the other aspects of a system application including:

1.PEOPLE, including managers, users, and other developers-and including the organizational behaviors and politics that occur when people interact with.

2.DATA, including capture, validation, organization, storage, and usage.

3.PROCESSES, both automated and manual, that combine to process data and produce information.

4.INTERFACES, both to other systems and applications, as well to the actual users (e.g., reports and display screens).

5.GEOGRAPHY, which effectively distribute data, processes, and information to the people.

For data modeling, systems analysts should be able to communicate with business experts to gain knowledge of problems and needs. Specializations such as accounting or manufacturing can be very valuable in some instance.

Indeed an ability to communicate is an important and powerful tool for every career and profession. For a systems analyst it is not an exception, it is a necessary feature or skill. A successful person comes from his/her good established communication towards other people and in the organization

The authors stated, “Without Exception, an analyst must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The analyst should actively seek help or training in business writing, technical writing, interviewing, presentations, and listening. A good command of the English language is considered essential. These skills are learnable, but most of us must force ourselves to seek help and work hard to improve them. College recruiters and business managers will emphatically tell you that communications skills are the single most important ingredient for success.”

The book stated that “Interpersonal skills are also important because of the political nature of the systems analyst’s job. The analyst’s first responsibility is to the business, its management, and its workers. Individuals frequently have conflicting goals and needs. They have personality clashes. They fight turf battles over who should be responsible for what and who should have decision authority over what. The analyst must mediate such problems and achieve benefits for the business as a whole.

Another aspect of interpersonal relations is recognition of the analyst’s role as an agent of change. The systems analyst is frequently as welcome as an IRS auditor! Many individuals feel comfortable with the status quo and resent the change the systems analyst brings. An analyst should study the theory and techniques of effecting change. Persuasion is an art that can be learned. Begin by studying sales techniques- after all, systems analysts sell change.”

All systems analyst need thorough and ongoing training in systems analysis and design. Systems analysis and design skills can be conveniently factored into three subsets-concepts and principles, tools, and techniques.

A systems analyst performs 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
I joined an interview with my other classmates and our company was EMCOR and we have a successful interview with them and we are able to gather the following that can be related to an effective in design modeling process…

Interacting with the employees is very important in data gathering, providing questionnaires and series of interviews will help formulate solutions. Knowing the problem of the company is first step that is why Managers and other senior managers must be coordinated with the project.

The interviewee included that you must also know the process of the business, determine the functions of each process before doing some homework. In this manner it will be determined who are involved during the process, the functions of each transactions and the users of the processes.

He also said that sometimes it is difficult to formulate models especially when the technology was not yet there. Especially in EMCOR, not all branches are accessible to a perfect internet connections or the design of the existing infrastructure is not yet equipped with the new infrastructure we have today. That is why solutions made are sometimes different to other branches. He also discussed the legacy systems… what are you going to do with the old systems? Are they still part of the plan?

Before they derived into a conclusion they first analyze what system to be developed? Is there a need to develop? Is there a need to change or to upgrade? He also answered that it is not the emergence of the new technology must be the reason why they upgrade or change. It is because of other factors like the maturity of their business, there are also instance the services they offer. Before EMCOR has Video Rental Service such as VHS Tapes and sells other VHS Quality tapes. But after few years they stopped that services and try other new services (product services). That is why they design and redesign according to the objectives of their company.

The picture below is taken after the interview.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
Whitten L., Bentley D., & Dittman C. (2000) Systems Analysis and Design Methods. Versailles: Quebecor
World