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Lesson 1. The World of the Modern Systems Analyst INSY 55: System Analysis and Design

computers to solve problems. The solution to the “problem” is generally a new
information system. Systems analysts solve problems for business organizations, such as these:

o Problems getting orders from customers o Problems planning production amounts o
Problems causing inventory holding costs o Problems anticipating customer needs
o Problems limiting complete information about financial position

o Problems limiting employee flexibility in benefits plans

1.1.5 System analysts are responsible for other aspects of a system

including:
o PEOPLE, including managers, users, and other developers – and including the
organizational behaviors and politics that occur when people interact with one
another.
o DATA, including capture, validation, organization, storage, and usage.
o PROCESSES, both automated and manual, that combine to process data and
produce information.
o INTERFACES, both to other systems and applications, as well to the actual users
(e.g., reports and display screens).
o NETWORKS, which effectively distribute data, processes, and information to the
people.

1.1.6 A systems analyst uses a generic problem-solving approach.
The analyst uses a series of steps to systematically understand and solve the problem.
Figure 1 shows the general approach used by a systems analyst in problem-solving.

Verify
the Define Develop Decide Monitor
which
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Research benefits require a set of solution is Define to make
sure the
of
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and possible Implement
understan solving ments solution the best, details the desired
d the the for s and make of the solution. results
problem. problem solving ( alternati a chosen are

outweig the ves). recommen solution. obtained
h the problem. dation. .
costs

Figure 1. General approach to problem-solving

1.2 Systems that Solve Business Problems
Various types of information systems are found in business organizations. These systems
are often integrated through the use of shared data. Some information systems handle routine

Mr. John Mark L. Dula