Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To introduce students to the role and functions of information systems analysis within the business environment. The course aims to provide understanding of the nature of the analysis process, the systems development lifecycle and the role of the user in the development process. Students are introduced to the use of appropriate formal techniques and methods of analysis, as well as several different system development methods.
Synopsis Introduction to information systems concepts and theory. The systems development lifecycle, roles of systems analyst and users. Types of information systems. Some common business systems, eg inventory control, sales order entry, debtors etc. Information gathering and presentation. Typical information flows in a business. Data modelling: entity relationship modelling, data collection and normalisation. Process modelling: function decomposition, data flow diagrams, minspecs. Methodologies: data-centred approaches, process-centred approaches, quality assurance, standards and deliverables from systems analysis. Quality assurance techniques: walkthroughs, reviews, entity life history analysis.
Assessment Examination (3 hours): 50% + Practical work and tutorial work: 50%