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xx PREFACE

Computer displays demonstrate important software
features that are useful to the analyst. This example shows
how a website can be evaluated for broken links by using a
package such as Microsoft Visio. Actual screen shots show
important aspects of design. Analysts are continuously
seeking to improve the appearance of the screens and Web
pages they design. Colorful examples help to illustrate why
some screen designs are particularly effective.
Paper forms are used throughout to show input and
output design as well as the design of questionnaires.
Blue ink is always used to show writing or data input,
thereby making it easier to identify what was filled in by
users. Although most organizations have computerization
Look for
Check for errors.
opportunities
for improvement
in design. of manual processes as their goal, much data capture is
PROJ. NAME
OAK. FC still done using paper forms. Improved form design en-
# 562
RENT POTENTIAL
KEY SIGNATURE
1175/0 81299 DEPOSIT
Rent erator ture POTENTIAL ables analysts to ensure accurate and complete input and
Base Refrig- Furni- A/C Util. HMSR T .V . Maid
855 PRORATE 15. 00
55 Rent ity ing 31700 121. 32
Total Secur- Clean- 31175/0 81299
910 H/S dep. H/S T ax Days Daily Rate Totals
200 115 rent 4 5. 20 output. Better forms can also help streamline new internal
PAYMENT RECORD: Tot. 31175/0 + 81299 + Rent =910
Memo Only Date Date 30.33 1.30 910 39
Due Paid Receipt Deposits 31. 63
TV 10 /3 MO! Number Noon Paid to Total Secur- Clean- 31700 31175/0 340
Rent ity
ing T ax 81299 Other workflows that result from newly automated business-to-
TOTAL INITIAL PAYMENT REQUIRED: 1430. 52
8 / 28 8 / 28 106642 9 /30 1031. 32 202 115 44. 20
Dates Amt. Descr. Amt. Paid Amount Balance
10 /1 10 /3 107503 10 /31 910
25 Due
C1H/S9-16 11 /1 11 /1 10935 11 /16 485. 28 414. 82 15 1430. 52
Bill 1 MO 11 /17 11 /8 11200 11 /23 212. 31 0
11 /24 910
Prorated 485. 28 0 consumer (B2C) applications for ecommerce on the Web.
H/S should be 212. 31 0 0
created toward
Tables are used when an important list needs spe-
refund deposit
Orig. Move-in Date
8-28 cial attention or when information needs to be organized
BLDG. # d same Exp.
Observe the NAME Kendall x # 1 or classified. In addition, tables are used to supplement
number and type 1 st
of transactions. Watch for places
the computer can
simplify the work. the understanding of the reader in a way that departs
from how material is organized in the narrative portion
of the book. Most analysts find using tables a useful way to organize numbers and text into
a meaningful “snapshot.”
This example of a table from Chapter 3 shows how analysts can refine their activity plans for
analysis by breaking them down into smaller tasks and then estimating how much time it will take
to complete them. This book is built on the idea that systems analysis and design is a process that
integrates the use of many tools with the unique talents
of the systems analyst to systematically improve business Activity Detailed Activity Weeks
Required
through the implementation or modification of computer- Data gathering Conduct interviews 3 4
Administer questionnaires
ized information systems. Systems analysts can grow in Read company reports 4 5
Introduce prototype
their work: by taking on new IT challenges, whether they Data flow and decision analysis Observe reactions to prototype 3 8
Analyze data flow
are posed by designing for multiple platforms, new types Proposal preparation Perform cost-benefit analysis 3
Prepare proposal 2
of users, or implementing cloud-based systems, and by Present proposal 2
keeping up to date in their profession through the applica- down further, then estimate
time required.
Break these
tion of new methods, software, and alternative tools.
a Brief tour of the ninth edition
Part I:
Systems Analysis
Fundamentals
Part V: Part II:
Quality Information
Assurance and Requirements
Implementation Analysis
Part IV: Part III:
The Essentials The Analysis
of Design Process