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2 Part 1 • SyStemS analySiS FundamentalS

Need for Systems Analysis and Design

Systems analysis and design, as performed by systems analysts, seeks to understand what humans
need to analyze data input or data flow systematically, process or transform data, store data, and out-
put information in the context of a particular organization or enterprise. By doing thorough analysis,
analysts seek to identify and solve the right problems. Furthermore, systems analysis and design is
used to analyze, design, and implement improvements in the support of users and the functioning of
businesses that can be accomplished through the use of computerized information systems.
Installing a system without proper planning leads to great user dissatisfaction and frequently
causes the system to fall into disuse. Systems analysis and design lends structure to the analy-
sis and design of information systems, a costly endeavor that might otherwise have been done
in a haphazard way. It can be thought of as a series of processes systematically undertaken to
improve a business through the use of computerized information systems. Systems analysis and
design involves working with current and eventual users of information systems to support them
in working with technologies in an organizational setting.
User involvement throughout a systems project is critical to the successful development of
computerized information systems. Systems analysts, whose roles in the organization are dis-
cussed next, are the other essential component in developing useful information systems.
Users are moving to the forefront as software development teams become more interna-
tional in their composition. This means that there is more emphasis on working with software
users; on performing analysis of their business, problems, and objectives; and on communicating
the analysis and design of the planned system to all involved.
New technologies also are driving the need for systems analysis. Ajax (Asynchronous
JavaScript and XML) is not a new programming language but a technique that uses existing lan-
guages to make web pages function more like a traditional desktop application program. Systems
analysts will increasingly need to build and redesign web pages that utilize Ajax technologies.
New programming languages, such as the open source Web framework Ruby on Rails (“Rails”
for short), which is a combination programming language and code generator for creating Web
applications, will require more analysis.

Roles of a Systems Analyst

A systems analyst systematically assesses how users interact with technology and how businesses
function by examining the inputting and processing of data and the outputting of information with
the intent of improving organizational processes. Many improvements involve better support of
users’ work tasks and business functions through the use of computerized information systems. This
definition emphasizes a systematic, methodical approach to analyzing—and potentially improving—
what is occurring in the specific context experienced by users and created by a business.
Our definition of a systems analyst is necessarily broad. An analyst must be able to work
with people of all descriptions and be experienced in working with computers. An analyst plays
many roles, sometimes balancing several at the same time. The three primary roles of a systems
analyst are consultant, supporting expert, and agent of change.

Systems Analyst as Consultant
A systems analyst frequently acts as a systems consultant to humans and their businesses and,
thus, may be hired specifically to address information systems issues within a business. Such
hiring can be an advantage because outside consultants can bring with them a fresh perspective
that other people in an organization do not possess. It also means that outside analysts are at a
disadvantage because an outsider can never know the true organizational culture. As an outside
consultant, you will rely heavily on the systematic methods discussed throughout this text to
analyze and design appropriate information systems for users working in a particular business.
In addition, you will rely on information systems users to help you understand the organizational
culture from others’ viewpoints.
Systems Analyst as Supporting Expert
Another role that you may be required to play is that of supporting expert within a business for
which you are regularly employed in some systems capacity. In this role, an analyst draws on
professional expertise concerning computer hardware and software and their uses in the business.