Systems analysis is the study of sets of interacting entities, including computer systems analysis. This field is closely related to operations research. It is also "an explicit formal inquiry carried out to help someone (referred to as the decision maker) identify a better course of action and make a better decision than he might otherwise have made."[1]
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The terms analysis and synthesis come from Greek where they mean respectively "to take apart" and "to put together". These terms are in scientific disciplines from mathematics and logic to economy and psychology to denote similar investigative procedures. Analysis is defined as the procedure by which we break down an intellectual or substantial whole into parts or . Synthesis is defined as the : to combine separate elements or components in order to form a coherent whole.[2] Systems analysis researchers apply methodology to the analysis of systems involved to form an overall picture.
The development of a computer-based information system includes a systems analysis phase which produces or enhances the data model which itself is a precursor to creating or enhancing a database (see Christopher J. Date "An Introduction to Database Systems"). There are a number of different approaches to system analysis. When a computer-based information system is developed, systems analysis (according to the Waterfall model) would constitute the following steps:
Another view outlines a phased approach to the process. This approach breaks systems analysis into 5 phases:
* Scope definition * Problem analysis * Requirements analysis * Logical design * Decision analysis
Use case are a widely-used systems analysis modeling tool for identifying and expressing the functional requirements of a system. Each use case is a business scenario or event for which the system must provide a defined response. Use cases evolved out of object-oriented analysis; however, their use as a modeling tool has become common in many other methodologies for system analysis and design.
which is the process of creating or enhancing a data model (see Christopher J. Date "An Introduction to Database Systems")
Practitioners of systems analysis are often called up to dissect systems that have grown haphazardly to determine the current components of the system. This was shown during the year 2000 re-engineering effort as business and manufacturing processes were examined as part of the Y2K automation upgrades. Employment utilizing systems analysis include systems analyst, business analyst, manufacturing engineer, enterprise architect, etc.
While practitioners of systems analysis can be called upon to create new systems they often modify, expand or document existing systems (processes, procedures and methods).
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