ISYS 471 Intro to Systems Analysis and Design

In this course we are learning about the systems development life cycle (planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance) and how to effectively utilize each of its steps. As a practical exampled of the material we learn, study, and are tested on, we have group projects where we must implement an IS systems to a company in need of a new system. My group has decided on creating  a database for a small accounting firm. This accounting firm is growing in size and its former data storage system (filing cabinets) has become obselete and inadequate for thier needs. Me and my team and using SQL server to create a database capable of storing its data.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Development of an information system from the analysis of present information flow, system specifications and equipment selection to implementation. Emphasis on analysis of existing systems and design of new systems. 3 credits.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The overall course objective is to provide students with the concepts and skills needed to analyze and design information systems. The course concentrates on the front-end of the systems development process; that is, the course only lightly touches on the design and development of computer programs and their testing and maintenance (although the instructor will work through some elements of the whole development process on your project).

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

·         Describe the major alternative methodologies used in developing information systems and the considerations involved in choosing which methodology to use.

·         Produce the requisite systems documentation at each point in the analysis and design of an information system, and to do so with clarity and completeness.

·         Analyze a business need for information and to develop an appropriate strategy to solve the problem and provide the required information service.

·         Prepare and use various information gathering techniques for eliciting user information requirements and system expectations.

·         Construct and interpret a variety of system description documents, including physical and logical data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, Structured English, structure charts, and decision tables, as well as screen, form, and report layouts.

·         Communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, systems specifications, and to be persuasive in these presentations.

·         Develop a personal plan for improving yourself to become a better systems professional or user/manager of a system, by understanding your own strengths and weaknesses and matching those with the critical success factors of a modern business manager.