Database Analysis & Design

Information systems: Unit checklist

Topic 1: Overview of the Systems Analysis and
Design cycle

1. Describe the stages of the systems analysis and

design life cycle as applied to the development of
complex information systems:
1. analysis (including investigation),
2. design,
3. implementation (including documentation and
evaluation),
4. testing,
5. maintenance.
2. Explain the iterative nature of the cycle.
Topic 2: The techniques involved in systems
analysis

1. Explain a the features of a feasibility study:

1. economic,
2. legal,
3. technical,
4. time.
2. Describe and give examples of project planning:
1. importance of plan,
2. elements in plan (including time, resources, and costs),
3. application and
4. monitoring of plan.
Topic 2: The techniques involved in systems
analysis

1. Identify and explain investigative techniques:

1. observation,
2. document sampling,
3. questionnaires,
4. interviewing.
2. Describe the results that come from investigation,
including:
1. background information,
2. departmental objectives,
3. description of components in existing system,
4. organisation procedures.
Topic 2: The techniques involved in systems
analysis

1. Describe and give examples of systems

specification based on results of investigation and
modelling:
1. functional requirements,
2. restrictions on development.
Topic 3: Modelling Techniques

1. Describe and give examples of normalisation.

2. Create un-normalised form (UNF) from complex
source document(s).
3. First normal form:
1. identify repeating groups,
2. deal with repeating groups,
3. problems with first normal form (1NF).
4. Second normal form:
1. functional dependency,
2. problems with second normal form (2NF).
Topic 3: Modelling Techniques

1. Third normal form: transitive dependency.

2. Describe and give examples of entity-relationship
modelling.
3. Translation of third normal form (3NF) into E/R
diagrams:
1. entities (weak entity, strong entity),
2. relationships (mandatory, optional, strong/weak).
4. Describe and give examples for the use of a Data
Dictionary.
5. Describe and give examples of entity/event
modelling.
Topic 3: Modelling Techniques

1. Entity/Event Matrix:
1. add,
2. modify,
3. delete,
4. read.
2. Entity Life Histories:
1. sequence,
2. iteration,
3. selection.
Topic 3: Modelling Techniques

1. Describe and give examples of dataflow modelling

using level 0 and level 1 data flow diagrams:
1. system boundary,
2. environment,
3. data flow,
4. physical flow,
5. data store,
6. external entity,
7. process.
Topic 4: Database Design

1. Describe system refinement using modelling

techniques.
2. Describe
1. logical and
2. physical design.
3. Describe processes using
1. structured English and
2. one graphical design notation.
4. Describe and give examples of screen layout and
user interfaces using
1. graphical techniques or
2. rapid application development (RAD) tools.