Succeeding as a Systems Analyst, Roles

Class 2

First, some definitions Systems Development

Specifying in detail how the many components of the information system should be physically implemented.

Systems Analysis: Understanding and specifying in detail what the

information system should do. Systems Design:

Describing the analyzed system independent of any computer platform. This may include the design of screen shots, reports, and web sites.

More definitions Systems Analyst:

The organizational role most responsible for the analysis and design of information systems.

Application Software: Computer software designed to

support organizational functions or processes. The analysis and design of which we will be covering in this course.

Why are you here? To get a job Quarter million new systems

analyst jobs predicted before 2010.

Systems Analyst jobs will grow much faster than average through 2014 (see BLS handout for more information).

Career Paths Network Analyst Database Analyst Technical Support Specialist Helpdesk Support Programmer Quality Assurance Specialist Web Designer Systems Analyst

Roles in Systems Analysis & Design IS managers Programmers End Users Business Managers System Liaison Systems Analysts

5 Skills for Systems Analysts Analytical Skills / Problem Solver Technical Skills Interpersonal Skills Business Skills Managerial Skills

Analytical Skills - definitions System: collection of interrelated

components that function together to achieve some outcome

Information system: collection of interrelated components (application software programs) that collect, process, store, and provide as output the information needed to complete a business task.

Analytical Skills 9 Characteristics of a system

9 characteristics continued

Another example

What was the problem?

More about Systems Benefits of System thinking Applying system thinking to

Information Systems

Technical Skills General Skills

Tools

Techniques

Technical Skills How do you get?

Technical Skills How do you keep up-to-date?

Technical Skills Make a list:

Are you up-to-date? Will you be ready for the job market?

Interpersonal Skills Working alone and with a team

Different types of individuals Task-oriented, Maintenance-oriented,

Disrupters

Communication skills Interviewing, listening, and

questionnaires Written and oral presentations

Managing expectations

Business Skills Systems analysts have broader

skills than computer scientists. What you need to know about your

organization:

Business Skills Problem Identification

Problem Analyzing and Solving

Managerial Skills Resource management Project management Risk management Change management

Homework for Next Class List 3 attributes you have (based

on 5 talked about today) that would make you a desirable team member.