System Analysis and Design

Unit 5

Unit 5

The Systems Development Life Cycle

Structure:
5.1
Introduction
Objectives
5.2
System Development Life Cycle
Feasibility
Analysis
Design
Testing
Implementation
Maintenance
5.3
Requirements Determination
Requirements specification
Steps to determine requirements
5.4
Feasibility Analysis
Steps in feasibility analysis
Types of feasibility
Final specification
5.5
Hardware and Software Study
5.6
Role of Systems Analyst
5.7
Attributes of a Systems Analyst
5.8
Tools Used in System Analysis
Onsite observation
Interviews
Questionnaires
5.9
Summary
5.10 Glossary
5.11 Terminal Questions
5.12 Answers
5.13 References

5.1 Introduction
To understand system development, it is important to know that every
system has a life cycle, similar to a living system. The life cycle is a
systematic composition of several phases of system development one after
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the other. The analyst must move on from one phase to another
systematically, solving key problems and attaining results in each phase.
In the previous unit, you learned the concept of system architecture
construct. You also studied the system entity relationships and guiding
principles followed in architecture of systems.
To continue further, you will now learn about the systems development life
cycle in this unit. Here, you will study various phases of systems
development life cycle such as feasibility, analysis, planning, design,
implementation, testing, and maintenance. Also, you will find out the use of
hardware and software study in the development process. You will also
study the role and attributes of systems analyst, and finally, the tools used in
system analysis.
Objectives:
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
evaluate the phases of system development life cycle
discuss requirements determination and requirements specification
explain the concept of feasibility analysis
discuss final specifications
discuss hardware and software study
recognise the role of systems analyst and attributes of a systems analyst
tools used in system analysis

5.2 System Development Life Cycle

System development is quite a challenging and difficult task. In developing a
big integrated system, like MIS, a lot of people are involved and several
months or even years are devoted for completion. But, a small autonomous
application, like payroll, can be generated in a number of weeks or months
by a single or only a few programmers. For these kinds of small systems,
system development activities may be performed perfectly without
appropriate documentation. But, for big systems, these activities must be
performed unambiguously with appropriate preparation and documentation.
In both small and large systems, system development rotates about a life
cycle that starts with the identification of users' requirements and
recognising their difficulties. Such a life cycle including numerous phases is
known as System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
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System development starts with the finding of user requirements, followed

by a series of activities which are executed step by step. The fundamental
phases that are needed for developing a system are displayed in figure 5.1.

Figure 5.1: Various Phases of SDLC

Now let us study these phases in detail.

5.2.1 Feasibility
The systems development cycle begins with the identification of
organisations objective and the nature and scope of the problem under
study. Based on the outcomes of the initial investigation, the inspection is
extended to a comprehensive feasibility study. A feasibility study is defined
as a test of a system proposal in accordance with its function ability effect
on the organisation, capability to fulfil needs of users, and effective
utilisation of resources.
The feasibility study includes three main questions:
What are the users verifiable needs and how does a system fulfil them?
What resources are obtainable for specified systems? Is the trouble
worth solving?
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What is the probable effect of the system on the organisation? How

does it fit inside the organisations master plan?

All these questions must be solved with care. They focus on examination
and assessment of the problem, recognition and explanation of systems,
specification of performance and the cost of every system, and final choice
of the finest system.
The aim of a feasibility study is not just to solve the problem but also to
achieve a sense of its scope. In the study, the problem definition is sorted
out and identified and the facets of the problem to be incorporated in the
system are established. Therefore, costs and benefits are predicted with
complete accuracy at this phase.
The outcome of the feasibility study is considered as formal proposal.
This is a formal document specifying the nature and possibility of the
suggested solution. The proposal summarises what is identified and what is
going to be performed.
You will study the concept of feasibility analysis in detail (such as steps
included in feasibility analysis and types of feasibility) later in the unit.
5.2.2 Analysis
The next phase is known as Analysis. It can be considered as a
comprehensive study of numerous operations accomplished by the system
and their association inside and outside of the system. It also involves
understanding the nature of the information and functions of the software
that is required for the system. The main question is: what to do to solve the
problem?
One facet of analysis is specifying the limitations of the system and
identifying whether or not a system should take into account other related
systems. During analysis, data is gathered on accessible files and
transactions managed by the existing system.
It needs special skills and understanding by the analyst of the subjects
being interviewed. Prejudice of the analyst in data gathering and its
interpretation can be a problem. Training, experience and common sense
are needed for compilation of the information required to perform analysis.
After completing the analysis, the analyst has a clear understanding of what
is to be performed.
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After the systems analyst has decided that the requested system is feasible
and the management has permitted to carry on the development procedure,
then SDLC goes into its next phase of requirements determination and
prepares a Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document. Once the
SRS Document is prepared, the analyst moves on to the design phase
where the total cost of the system is estimated.
You will study in detail the concept of requirements determination and
requirements specification later in the unit.
5.2.3 Design
The next phase that comes after analysis is system design. After completion
of Software Requirements Specification (SRS) document in analysis phase,
the analyst makes a plan to handle the software project. System planning is
considered as the most essential part of the design phase.
System planning involves the total cost estimation of developing the system
together with the estimation of total time period needed. A project team is
finalised with complete staff needed for each phase. Now, the analyst
decides how the problem can be solved. Therefore, in the systems design
phase, we shift from the logical to the physical aspects of the life cycle.
System design is considered as the most inventive and challenging phase of
the system life cycle. The term design portrays a final system and a method
by which it is developed. It points to the technical specifications (similar to
the engineers proposals) that will be applied in executing the system. It also
involves the building of programs and program testing. The steps taken in
system design are shown in figure 5.2.

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Form
Analysis

Output
Design
Detailed System
Documentation
Input
Design

Cost
Justification and
System Design
Design
Submitted to
Management
for Approval

File
Design

No
Design
Accepted?

Output
Design

Abandon
Project

Yes

Test
Programs
Go to
implementation

Figure 5.2: Steps in System Design

First, the system analyst finds out how the output is to be generated and in
what kind of format. The samples of the output (and input) are also
available. The next step is to design input data and master files (database)
to fulfil the needs of the projected output. The operational (processing)
phase is managed via program construction and testing, involving a list of
the programs required to fulfil the systems goals and to complete the
documentation.
Finally, details associated with validation of the system and a prediction of
the impact of the system on the client and the organisation are documented
and assessed by management as a step toward implementation.
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The concluding report previous to the implementation phase involves

procedural flowcharts, record outlines, and a functional plan for executing
the system. Information on personnel, money, hardware, amenities and their
predictable cost must also be available. Now, predictable costs must be
close to decided costs of implementation.
In some companies, separate groups of programmers perform the
programming while other companies employ analyst programmers who
perform analysis and design in addition to code programs.
Here, we are assuming that analysis and programming are carried out by
two different persons. There are some functions that the analyst must carry
out while programs are being written. In design phase, safety and auditing
measures must also be developed.
5.2.4 Testing
Testing is considered as the most crucial phase of SDLC. In this phase, the
analyst test the whole system with different methods to make sure that the
system is error free. Though, the programmers test their programs in design
phase, but this kind of testing is usually not systematised and is without
using test data.
In testing phase, the testing is performed in methodical and organised
manner so as to make sure the consistency of the system and to make it
error-free. The main goal of testing is to discover all probable errors that can
take place at some stage in implementation of the system.
In case of final testing, user acceptance is tested, and then comes the turn
for user training testing. Based on the nature of the system, you may need
extensive user training. Conversion generally occurs at around the same
time the user is being trained or later.
System testing verifies the readiness and correctness of the system to
access, update, and extract data from new files. Once the programs
become available, test data are read into the computer and processed
against the file(s) offered for testing. The program(s) then run with live
data. Or else, a diagnostic process is used to find and correct errors in the
program.
In most programs, we perform a parallel run where the new system runs
parallelly with the old systems. This method, however expensive, offers
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added assurance against errors in the system and also provides the users
chance to have experience via operation in some cases.
Practically, parallel processing is not possible. For example, it is not
possible to execute two parallel online point-to-sale (POS) systems for a
retail chain. In any case, the old system is phased out after the new system
proves itself reliable.
5.2.5 Implementation
Implementation phase is considered to be less inventive as compared to
system design. It is mainly associated with user training, site preparation,
and file conversion. When the system is connected to workstations and
remote sites, the telecommunication system and tests of the systems
together with the system are also involved in implementation. It comprises
testing and maintenance of the system.
5.2.6 Maintenance
After completing the installation phase and adaptation of user staff to
changes in the system, we carry out assessment and maintenance of the
system. If there is confliction between new information with the design
specifications, modifications have to be made. Hardware also needs
intervallic maintenance to keep in time with design specification. The
significance of maintenance is to keep the new system to latest standards.
User preference, modifications in organisational needs or environmental
factors also require system enhancements. There is a big difference
between maintenance and enhancement. Let us illustrate this with an
example.
An Example: Let us say a bank decides to increase its service charges of
checking accounts from `3.00 to `4.00 for a minimum amount of `100,000; it
is considered as maintenance. But, if the same bank decided to provide a
personal loan on negative balances, it is enhancement. This change needs
assessment, program alterations and future testing.
Now you will study the concept of requirements determination and
requirements specification in the next section.

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Self Assessment Questions

1. In _________________ phase, data are gathered on accessible files,
decision points, and transactions managed by the existing system.
2. During testing phase, the testing is not performed in methodical and
ordered manner and does not make it error free. (True/ False)
3. In the stage of _________________, costs and benefits are predicted
with greater correctness.

5.3 Requirements Determination

Requirements determination is the initial sub phase of analysis. In this sub
phase, analysts should gather information on what the system should do
from as many sources as possible. There are some traditional methods to
help collecting system requirements, such as interviewing, survey, directly
observing users, etc.
Requirements Determination phase involves studying of current system in
detail and gathering data so as to discover the requirements of the users.
You can also call this phase as Requirements Analysis. The main goal of
requirements analysis is to recognise 'what' is required from the system.
Throughout this phase, the analyst recognises the comprehensive
requirements of the users.

Figure 5.3: Requirement Analysis Process

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Requirements analysis encompasses various tasks that go into finding the

needs to meet for a new or modified product, taking into account all the
possible requirements of the different stakeholders.
The process starts with an activity diagram containing details. During the
requirements analysis process for modelling of process-aware system(A
Process-Aware System is a software system that manages and executes
operational processes involving people, applications, and/or information
sources on the basis of process models), the functional requirements are
raised and specified from process diagrams and then the information is
specified. Eventually, data modelling is executed by following a set of
standard guidelines.
Graphical representation of information offers a very efficient means for
demonstrating information to both users and system developers. Therefore,
the data model provides the details of information to be stored, and is of
primary use when the final product is the generated.
As shown in figure 5.3, requirement method is applied in the requirements
analysis process. The method is an integrated approach to development
that brings forth a balanced solution to meeting the requirements at hand.
System or Requirements analysis phase comprises two sub-phases
Problem Analysis
Requirements Specification
In problem analysis, the analyst recognises the current system for locating
the needs of the proposed new system (at times also known as system).
5.3.1 Requirements specification
Requirements Specification is considered as the activity that the systems
analyst utilises to clearly record and document the needs either during or
after the extraction and guarantee of activities. This activity is most
frequently connected with automated computer aided software engineering
(CASE) technology.
In requirements specifications, the analyst records all the requirements in a
document known as Software Requirements Specifications (SRS)
document. The SRS is authenticated by the users by assessing their
requirements stated in analysis.
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Attributes of well written SRS: Various attributes of a well written Software

Requirements Specification are;

Correctness

Unambiguous

Verifiability

Understandable by customers

Consistency

Conciseness

Modifiability

5.3.2 Steps to determine requirements

We follow the following steps to determine the requirements.

Plan/Manage: To prepare for and manage the requirements

Obtain: Collect information from various sources

Understand: Analyse the obtained Information

Validate: Confirm mutual understanding of the requirements

Evaluate: Assess the process

Self Assessment Questions

4. The main purpose of _____________ is to recognise the requirements
from the system.
5. The Software Requirements Specifications (SRS) document is
authenticated by the users by assessing their requirements mentioned
in analysis phase. (True/False)

5.4 Feasibility Analysis

Feasibility analysis is the process by which feasibility is measured. It is an
ongoing process done frequently during systems development projects in
order to achieve a creeping commitment (Creeping commitment describes
the involvement of the end user in the systems testing process) from the
user and to continually assess the status of the project. The measurement
of feasibility is known as feasibility study.

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Figure 5.4: Feasibility Analysis Workflow

Feasibility study highlights the costs of the project and the time taken to
deliver the project and thus implies whether the project is feasible in terms
of time and costs or not. Figure 5.4 shows a workflow example in feasibility
analysis. Let us now study the steps included in feasibility analysis and
types of feasibility.
5.4.1 Steps in feasibility analysis
Feasibility analysis consists of the following steps:
1. Create a project team and employ a project leader: First of all,
project management group generates different teams for independent
projects. Every project team contains one or more systems analysts
and programmers along with a project leader. The project leader is
accountable for planning and organising the expansion activities of the
system.
2. Begin preliminary investigation: Every project teams systems
analyst begins preliminary investigations via various fact finding
methods.
3. Set up the existing systems flowchart: After the second step, the
analysts arrange the systems flowchart of the existing system. These
charts depict the common functioning of the system in a graphical
manner.
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4. Illustrate the deficiencies in the existing system: On learning the

systems flowcharts, the analysts recognise and depict the deficiencies
in the existing system.
5. Determine goals of the proposed system: The main goals of the
projected systems are listed by each analyst and are discussed with
the project leader.
6. Set up the proposed systems flowchart: After identifying the main
goals of the projected system, the analysts make their systems
flowcharts. Systems flowcharts of the projected system are compared
with those of existing system so as to make sure that they fulfil the
goals.
7. Determine the technical feasibility: The current computer systems
(hardware and software) of the associated departments are studied
and their technical specifications are noted. The analysts decide
whether the current systems are enough for the technical requirements
of the projected system or not.
8. Determine the economic feasibility: The analysts establish the costs
and advantages of projected system so as to make sure that the
project is economically feasible.
9. Determine the operational feasibility: Now the analysts recognise
the users of the system and therefore find out the operational feasibility
of the project.
10. Presentation of feasibility analysis: Throughout the feasibility study,
the analysts also continue making the feasibility study report. At the
finish point of feasibility analysis, the feasibility analysis report is
provided to the management together with the oral presentation.
5.4.2 Types of feasibility
The analyst takes into account the three main types of feasibility, analysis
technical, economical and operational feasibility, all of which are
interconnected. Let us discuss these types of feasibility in detail.
1. Technical feasibility: In technical feasibility, the analyst studies the
current systems (hardware and software) of the associated departments
and identifies whether these technical resources are enough for the
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projected system or not. If they are not enough, the analyst recommends
the configuration of the systems that are needed.
2. Economic feasibility: Economic feasibility is the most significant study
that identifies the cost and benefits of the projected system and
contrasts with the budget. The cost of the project should not overshadow
the budget. The cost of the project involves the cost of hardware,
software, expansion and implementation.
3. Operational feasibility: When it is established that the project is both
economically as well as technically feasible, the next step is to find out
whether it is operationally feasible or not. In operational feasibility study,
it is identified whether the system will function in the manner that user
requires.
After the feasibility study, we make a document called Feasibility Study
Report. Apart from this report, the analyst also provides the oral
presentation of feasibility study to the management.
5.4.3 Final specification
Final specifications of the proposed system play an important role in
determining the achievements that a system will produce.

Specifications specify what the system would attain.

Specifications made are enhanced for implementation.

Software requirement specification (SRS) is written and provided to the

user and finally an agreement is reached.

Self Assessment Questions

6. To fulfil the goals, systems flowcharts of the projected system are not
compared with those of existing system. (True/ False)
7. ___________________ feasibility identifies the cost and advantages of
the projected system and compares with the budget.

5.5 Hardware and Software Study

To implement the proposed system:

You should find out the hardware and software required to

implementation application.

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You should first find out the response time, quantity of data to be
processed, frequency of reports etc. and then choose the hardware.

Technical feasibility is associated with the hardware and mechanical

components required so as to produce the proposed system. The software
is also significant and essential for developing system. You cannot
implement the system without any hardware or software.
Thus, the cost of the hardware and software should be involved into the
economic feasibility. You will assign suitable amount of the hardware and
software for implementing the system successfully and competently. The
assessment of the hardware and software will offer the comfort to the user
in determining the budget of the system.
Now, we will discuss the role and attributes of systems analyst, and tools
used in system analysis in the next sections.
Self Assessment Questions
8. The hardware and software are not required for implementing the
proposed system. (True/False)
9. The cost of the ____________ and _____________ should be involved
into the economic feasibility.

5.6 Role of Systems Analyst

A systems analyst is the one who carries out a study, determines activities
and goals, and identifies a process to attain the goals of a system. The
functions of the systems analyst involve designing and implementing
systems to go well with organisational requirements. Systems analyst plays
a main role in obtaining business advantage from computer technology. The
analyst is a person with exclusive skills. He utilises these skills to organise
the efforts of different people in an organisation to attain business
objectives.
A systems analyst has a very responsible role in system development. See
figure 5.5 for an example.

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Figure 5.5: Various Tasks of a Systems Analyst

Now, let us study various tasks performed by a systems analyst:

(a) The first and possibly the most complicated task of systems analyst is
problem definition. System problems are pretty complex to define. It is
also a fact that problems cannot be solved until they are accurately and
evidently defined.
(b) At first, a systems analyst does not conceptualise how to solve a
particular problem. Analyst must discuss with managers, users and other
data processing users in defining problems and generating solutions. He
makes use of various techniques for data collection to obtain an
accurate explanation of a problem.
(c) By collecting the data related to a problem, the systems analyst
analyses them and device a plan to solve it. He may not have the best
idea of solving a problem but takes the ideas of other people and
process them until a feasible solution is attained.
(d) Systems analysts coordinate the process of developing solutions. Since,
many problems have number of solutions; the systems analyst must
evaluate the merit of such proposed solutions before recommending one
to the management.
(e) Systems analysts are frequently known as planners. A main part of the
systems analyst's task is to build up a plan to fulfil the goals of the
management.

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(f) When the plan has been received, systems analyst is accountable for
designing to make the management's goal attainable. Systems design is
a time taking, difficult and a precise job.
(g) Systems must be tested systematically. The systems analyst frequently
coordinates the testing process and assists in checking whether the new
system is fulfilling the standards recognised in the planning stage or not.
Self Assessment Questions
10. Systems analyst's main task is to build up a plan to fulfil the
management's goals. (True/False)
11. Systems analysts are frequently known as _____________________.

5.7 Attributes of a Systems Analyst

A Systems analyst must have several skills to efficiently carry out his job.
These can be broadly divided into two categories: technical and
interpersonal skills. Examples of technical skills are project management,
problem solving, dynamic interface, questioning attitude, inquiring mind,
creativity, business function and knowledge of the computer. Interpersonal
skills deal with relationships and the interaction of the analyst with people in
business.
Examples are communication, understanding, teaching and selling. A
systems analyst, to be successful, must possess the following attributes:

Knowledge of people: As a systems analyst works with others very

closely, he or she must know their needs correctly.

Business functions knowledge: A systems analyst must understand

the surroundings in which he functions. Analyst must know the traits of
management and the users and recognise how they respond to him. A
functioning knowledge of accounting and marketing rules are
compulsory, as so many systems are constructed around these two
regions.

Data processing principles knowledge: Most systems nowadays are

based on computers. The systems analyst must be well versed with the
capabilities and limitations of computers.

Capability to communicate: Being a controller, a systems analyst must

interact properly with people of different levels inside an organisation.

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Systems analyst must pay attention and listen carefully to what others
say and integrate the feedback of others into the systems development
procedure.

Flexibility: Systems analysts must be flexible in their thoughts as they

frequently have to compromise. Different groups in an organisation have
contradictory needs and most systems are developed after negotiation
and compromise between various groups. The goal of an analyst is to
develop the system that will be best suited for the organisation. This
needs an open mind and flexibility in the thoughts.

An analytical mind: It needs an extraordinary person to observe the

problems facing by an organisation and produce solutions. Systems
analysts frequently find themselves with more data than they can
manage. It needs an analytical mind to choose applicable data and
focus on it in defining problems and developing solutions.

Well educated with quick mind: Systems analysts works with people
at all levels almost in every part of business. They must learn how to
work with all of them and achieve their confidence. Analysts must have
sharp mind to study quickly how people perform their tasks and
generate methods for them to perform it in a better way.

Self Assessment Questions

12. It is not necessary for a systems analyst to interact properly with people
at different levels in an organisation. (True/False)
13. Systems analysts generally find themselves with more _____________
than they can manage with.

5.8 Tools Used in System Analysis

On-site observation, interviews and questionnaire are the tools used in
system analysis. Let us study these in detail.
5.8.1 Onsite observation
Onsite Observation is an information gathering tool used in system analysis.
It is the process of identifying and observing people, objects and incidences
to attain information. The role of analyst is that of an information seeker who
has no relation with the system that is being observed. In this role he can
mix openly with the users.
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The main goal of onsite observation is to gets as close to the real system
being studied as possible. Thus, it is significant that the analyst should be
well-informed about the common structure and activities of the system. The
questions given below can serve as an instructional guide for onsite
observations:

What type of system is it? What does it do?

Who executes the system? Who are the important people in it?

What is the past of the system? How did it reach to its current level of
development?

Besides its formal function, what type of system is it as compared with

other systems in the organisation? Is it a primary or a secondary
provider to the organisation? Is it quick paced or is it a laid-back system
that reacts slowly to outside emergency?

The analyst follows some rules as an observer. When making observations,

he is more expected to listen than talk and to listen with real interest when
information is communicated. The importance is not on providing advice or
passing moral verdict on what is observed.
Onsite observation in a complex circumstance can be extremely timeconsuming. Suitable sampling procedures must be utilised to determine the
stability.
5.8.2 Interviews
Interview is another tool used in system analysis. The interview is a personto-person, inter-personal situation where a person (known the interviewer)
asks a person being interviewed; questions intended to obtain information
regarding a problem part. The interview is the oldest and most frequently
utilised tool for collecting information. It has traits that behavioural and
onsite observations do not contain. It can be utilised for two main purposes:
You can use this tool as an examining tool to recognise relations or
verify information
You can also use this tool to capture information as it occurs.
Validity is not a small problem. Special precautions are taken to get rid of
interview partiality. We presume that more the information is applicable, the
more generously it is provided. Such a supposition stresses the controlled

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character of the interview as a relationship freely and readily entered into by

the respondent.
In an interview, as the interviewer and the person interviewed meet face to
face, there is a chance of flexibility in extracting information. The analyst is
also in a situation to examine the subject. On the contrary, the information
acquired via a questionnaire is restricted to the subjects' written responses
to predefined questions.
There are four main benefits of interview.

The flexibility of an interview makes it a better technique for discovering

areas, where not much is identified regarding what questions to ask or
how to invent questions.

It provides a better chance than the questionnaire to assess the validity

of the information collected. The interviewer can observe what subjects
say along with how they say it.

It is an efficient technique for extracting information regarding difficult

subjects and for exploring the sentiments underlying expressed
outlooks.

Many people feel good being interviewed irrespective of the subject.

They typically assist in a study, when all they have to do is speak. On
the contrary, the percentage of returns to a questionnaire is
comparatively low, frequently less than 20 per cent.

The main disadvantage of interviews is an extensive preparation time.

Interviews also take time to carry out, which signifies more time and money.
Thus, whenever a more economic option is available for capturing the
similar information, the interview is usually not used.
5.8.3 Questionnaires
Questionnaire is a tool that has questions to which individuals responds. By
its nature, a questionnaire provides you the following benefits:

It is economical and needs less skill to manage than the interview.

In contrast to the interviews, which normally question one subject at a

time, a questionnaire can be given to a large number of individuals at
the same time.

The standardised language and arrangement of the questions and the

standardised directions for reporting responses guarantee uniformity of

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questions. On the contrary, the interview situation is hardly ever

consistent from one interview to the other.

The respondents feel better in the anonymity of a questionnaire as

compared to that of an interview. In an interview, the analyst generally
recognises the user staff by name, job function, or other identification.
By means of questionnaire, respondents provide opinion without fear
that the answer will be associated to their names.

The questionnaire puts less pressure on subjects for instant reactions.

Respondents have time to think and do computations to give more
precise data.

The advantages of self-managed questionnaire surpass the drawbacks,

particularly when cost is a concern. The major drawback is a low percentage
of return. Another drawback is that many people have trouble in articulating
themselves in writing. Due to these drawbacks, interview is perhaps
superior as compared to questionnaire.
Self Assessment Questions
14. _____________________ is the procedure of identifying and observing
individuals, objects and incidences to acquire information.
15. A questionnaire cannot be given to a large number of people at the
same time. (True/ False)

5.9 Summary

In case of both small and large systems, system development rotates

about a life cycle that starts with the identification of users' requirements
and recognising their problems. Such a life cycle having numerous
phases is called System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

A feasibility study is considered as a test of a system proposal in

accordance with its workability effect on the organisation, capability to
fulfil user needs, and efficient use of resources.

In analysis, data is gathered on available files and transactions

managed by the current system.

In system planning, the total cost of generating the software is estimated

together with the total period of the project.

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In systems design, we shift from the logical to the physical aspects of

the life cycle.

Implementation phase is mainly related with user training, site

preparation, and file conversion. In testing, whole system is tested with
dissimilar methods to guarantee that the system is error free.

A systems analyst is a one who carries out a study, recognises activities

and goals and determines a process to attain the goals.

5.10 Glossary

Analysis: In analysis, data is gathered on available files, decision

points, and transactions managed by the current system

Feasibility study: A feasibility study is considered as a test of a system

proposal in accordance with its workability effect on the organisation,
capability to fulfil user needs, and efficient use of resources.

Planning: In system planning, the total cost of developing is estimated

together with the total period of the project.

Systems analyst: A systems analyst is one who carries out a study,

recognises activities and goals, and determines a process to attain the
goals.

System Design: In systems design, we shift from the logical to the

physical aspects of the life cycle

Testing: In testing, whole system is tested with different methods to

guarantee that the system is error free.

5.11 Terminal Questions

1. What is feasibility analysis? Discuss the steps used in feasibility
analysis. Also illustrate different types of feasibility.
2. Explain the concept of Planning and Design in system development life
cycle.
3. Illustrate the different tasks carried out by a systems analyst.
4. What are the various attributes of a systems analyst? Illustrate.
5. Make distinction between interviews and questionnaires with examples.
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5.12 Answers
Self Assessment Questions
1. Analysis
2. False
3. Feasibility
4. Requirements determination
5. True
6. False
7. Economic
8. False
9. Hardware and software
10. True
11. Planners
12. False
13. Data
14. Onsite Observation)
15. False
Terminal Questions
1. A feasibility analysis is considered as a test of a system proposal in
accordance with its workability effect on the organisation, capability to
fulfil user needs, and efficient use of resources. Refer section 5.2.
Steps in Feasibility Analysis involves project team formation, start
Preliminary Investigation, etc. Refer section 5.4.
Various types of feasibility include technical, economical and operational
feasibility. Refer section 5.4.
2. During system planning, the total cost of generating the software is
estimated along with the total period of the project. System design points

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to the technical specifications that will be valid in implementing the

system. Refer section5.2.
3. Designing and implementing systems to go well with organisational
requirements are the functions of the systems analyst. He plays a main
role in observing business advantage from computer technology. Refer
section 5.6.
4. Various attributes of systems analyst include Knowledge of people,
Knowledge of Business functions, Knowledge of Data processing
principles, etc. Refer section 5.7.
5. The interview is a person-to-person, interpersonal role condition where
an interviewer asks a person being interviewed; questions intended to
acquire information regarding a problem area. Questionnaire is a term
utilised for approximately any tool that has questions to which individuals
react. Refer section 5.8.

5.13 References

Kenneth, E. Kendall and Julie E. Kendall., Systems Analysis and

Design, 5th Edition, Prentice Hall PTR, 2001

Silver, G. A., and Silver, M. L., System Analysis and Design, AddisonWesley Publishing Company, MA, 1989.

Alan, L. Eliason.,
Development, 1990.

System

Development

Analysis,

Design

and

E-References:

www.teach-ict.com

www.http://turguthaspolat.wordpress.com

www.http://www.khuram-shahzad.com

www.gis.geo.uj.edu.pl

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