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CHAPTER 7 PART III
The Analysis

Process
Using Data Flow

Diagrams

Learning Objectives
Once you have mastered the material in this chapter you will be able to:
1. Comprehend the importance of using logical and physical data flow diagrams (DFDs) to
graphically depict data movement for humans and systems in an organization.
2. Create, use, and explode logical DFDs to capture and analyze the current system through
parent and child levels.
3. Develop and explode logical DFDs that illustrate the proposed system.
4. Produce physical DFDs based on logical DFDs you have developed.
5. Understand and apply the concept of partitioning of physical DFDs.

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A systems analyst needs to make use of the conceptual freedom
afforded by data flow diagrams, which graphically characterize data
processes and flows in a business system. In their original state, data
flow diagrams depict the broadest possible overview of system inputs,
processes, and outputs, which correspond to those of the general sys-
tems model discussed in Chapter 2. A series of layered data flow dia-
grams may be used to represent and analyze detailed procedures in the
larger system.

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