The two most important skills required by a good System Analyst is firstly, a "Clear written and verbal communication" and the other " Flexbility and Adaptability (given possibility of changing customer requiurements), because communication forms the base or acts as an essential tool for a good system analyst, at the same time flexibility and adaptability proves to be beneficial in this rapidly changing and dynamic customer market. Communication is not essential for a good job but also for good team rapport.
If im in charge of this course next term, I would give more weightage to research, because by more researching, the individuals will exercise and compare their under developed knowledge to a vairety of other sources and in return benefit from them. The assignments should be based on more then one case in hand. There should be a use of video and audio fies related to the topics in the textbook. The students should be involved in group presentations and role plays.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Week 10
There are four kinds of maintenance tasks for a new system after it is been implemented. They are the corrective maintenance, adaptive maintenance, perfective maintenance and preventive maintenance.
Corrective Maintenance:
As the current AMMS has faced a number of shortcomings and in order to overcome these shortcomings, the new proposed system offers features and enhancements to tackle with the shortcomings. The proposed system offers a lot of changes at the operational level, hence in return the system would need corrective maintenance to diagnose and fix logic errors, restore proper configuration settings, debug program codes and update drivers and install software patch.
Corrective maintenance diagnoses and corrects errors in an operational system. This maintenance is also needed to resolve issues created by previous maintenance changes (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
Adaptive Maintenance:
A lot of enhancements are proposed in the new AMMS where new features innovations and capabilities take birth. The proposed AMMS is supporting new Web-based operations and other innovations like any other system, AMMS would also have more enhancements in the future where the maintenance team would first analyze, design, test and implement the enhancements.
Adaptive maintenance adds enhancements to an operational system and makes the system easier to use. The need for this kind of maintenance usually arises from business environment changes such as new products or services, new manufacturing technology, or support for a new Web-based operation. Adaptive maintenance can be more difficult than new systems development because the enhancements must work within the constraints of an existing system (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
Perfective Maintenance:
Perfective maintenance is important and a some what a common practice when an operational system undergoes maintenance for better performance. The AMMS involves a lot of data entry and data processing where the idea of abnormal termination of program is kept in mind when developing of the proposed system. Sturdy and reliable spreadsheets and software's are designed to be a part of the proposed AMMS.
Perfective maintenance involves changing an operational system to make it more efficient, reliable, or maintainable. This kind of maintenance task can improve system reliability. For example, input problems might cause a program to terminate abnormally. By modifying the data entry process, you can highlight errors and notify the users that they must enter proper data. In many organizations, perfective maintenance is not performed frequently enough (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
Preventive Maintenance:
Preventive maintenance offers satisfying outcomes, where user satisfaction is increased; the system is more efficient and therefore, reduces the down time. Preventive maintenance does not receive a high priority that it deserves compared to other three kinds of maintenance tasks. Therefore, due to the above mentioned benefits, the proposed AMMS should undertake preventive maintenance.
To avoid problems, preventive maintenance requires analysis of areas where trouble is likely to occur. Like perfective maintenance, the IT department normally initiates preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance often results in increased user satisfaction, decreased down time, and reduced TCO (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
References:
Shelly, G.B; Cashman, T.J and Rosenblatt, H.J. (2006), "System Analysis and Design", Thomson, Sixth Edition.
Corrective Maintenance:
As the current AMMS has faced a number of shortcomings and in order to overcome these shortcomings, the new proposed system offers features and enhancements to tackle with the shortcomings. The proposed system offers a lot of changes at the operational level, hence in return the system would need corrective maintenance to diagnose and fix logic errors, restore proper configuration settings, debug program codes and update drivers and install software patch.
Corrective maintenance diagnoses and corrects errors in an operational system. This maintenance is also needed to resolve issues created by previous maintenance changes (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
Adaptive Maintenance:
A lot of enhancements are proposed in the new AMMS where new features innovations and capabilities take birth. The proposed AMMS is supporting new Web-based operations and other innovations like any other system, AMMS would also have more enhancements in the future where the maintenance team would first analyze, design, test and implement the enhancements.
Adaptive maintenance adds enhancements to an operational system and makes the system easier to use. The need for this kind of maintenance usually arises from business environment changes such as new products or services, new manufacturing technology, or support for a new Web-based operation. Adaptive maintenance can be more difficult than new systems development because the enhancements must work within the constraints of an existing system (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
Perfective Maintenance:
Perfective maintenance is important and a some what a common practice when an operational system undergoes maintenance for better performance. The AMMS involves a lot of data entry and data processing where the idea of abnormal termination of program is kept in mind when developing of the proposed system. Sturdy and reliable spreadsheets and software's are designed to be a part of the proposed AMMS.
Perfective maintenance involves changing an operational system to make it more efficient, reliable, or maintainable. This kind of maintenance task can improve system reliability. For example, input problems might cause a program to terminate abnormally. By modifying the data entry process, you can highlight errors and notify the users that they must enter proper data. In many organizations, perfective maintenance is not performed frequently enough (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
Preventive Maintenance:
Preventive maintenance offers satisfying outcomes, where user satisfaction is increased; the system is more efficient and therefore, reduces the down time. Preventive maintenance does not receive a high priority that it deserves compared to other three kinds of maintenance tasks. Therefore, due to the above mentioned benefits, the proposed AMMS should undertake preventive maintenance.
To avoid problems, preventive maintenance requires analysis of areas where trouble is likely to occur. Like perfective maintenance, the IT department normally initiates preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance often results in increased user satisfaction, decreased down time, and reduced TCO (Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt, 2006).
References:
Shelly, G.B; Cashman, T.J and Rosenblatt, H.J. (2006), "System Analysis and Design", Thomson, Sixth Edition.
Week 9
In Shelly, Cashman and Rosenblatt (2006), system changeover is defined as the process of putting the new information system online and retiring the old system. Four approaches to changeover have been identified in the textbook, direct cutover, parallel operation, pilot operation and the last approach is phased operation. Changeover can be rapid or slow, depending on the method selected or implemented.
Direct cutover as the name suggests is an instant changeover from the old system to the new. Parallel operation is a slowest method as it requires both, the new and the old system to run simultaneously for a specific period. On the other hand, pilot operation and phased operation fall between direct cutover and parallel operation. Each of these approaches has their own benefits and problems associated with their implementation.
Direct Cutover:
As mentioned above, direct cutover approach causes the changeover from old system to the new system to occur instantly. This approach is least expensive for changeover as the IT group has to operate and maintain only one system at a time. The down side of this approach is that direct cutover involves more risk then other approaches. Some problems can occur during direct cutover when the system goes into operation. Problems can result from data situations that were not tested or from errors caused by users. Another disadvantage of implementing direct cutover is that detecting minor errors becomes difficult as users cannot verify current output by comparing it to output from the old system. Many companies choose the direct cutover approach for implementing commercial software packages because they feel that commercial packages involve less risk of total system failure.
Timing is an important element to be considered while choosing the direct cutover approach. This is because most systems can operate on weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly cycles. For systems developed in house, most companies use direct cutover for non critical situations. It may also be the only choice, if the operating environment cannot support both the old and new systems or if the old and new systems are incompatible.
Parallel Operation:
This kind of changeover involves both the old and the new information systems to operate fully for a specific period of time. Data is input into both systems, and the output generated by the new system is compared with the equivalent output from the old system. Parallel operation changeover involves a lower risk which makes it beneficial to use it. if the new system does not work correctly, the company can use the old system as a backup until appropriate changes are made.
Parallel operation also has some costs. It is the most costly changeover method, because both the old and the new systems are in full operation, the company pays for both systems during the parallel period. Second disadvantage associated with this changeover method is that parallel operation may not be practical to use if the old system and the new system are not compatible technically. Parallel operation can also be inappropriate when two systems perform different functions or if the new system involves a new method of business operations.
Pilot Operation:
The pilot operation changeover method involves implementing the complete new system at a selected location of the company. A new sales reporting system, for instance, might be implemented in only one branch office, or a new payroll system might be installed in only one department. In these examples, the group that uses the new system first is called the pilot site. During the pilot operation, the old system continues to operate for the entire organization, including the pilot site. Therefore, the pilot operation is a combination of parallel operation and the direct cutover methods.
This changeover approach is less expensive then the parallel operation method and involves less risk of system failure. Also the period for changeover can be much shorter if the system proves successful at the pilot site.
Phased Operation:
This changeover method allows implementing the new system in stages or modules. This method combines the direct cutover and parallel operation to reduce risks and costs. In this method, a part of the system is given to all users. The advantage of choosing the phased operation method is that the risk of errors or failures is limited to the implemented module only. It is also less expensive than full parallel operation because only one part of the system can be worked with at a time. The disadvantage of using this method is that, if the system involves a large number of separate phases, phased operation can cost more than a pilot approach.
References:
Shelly, G.B; Cashman, T.J and Rosenblatt, H.J. (2006), "System Analysis and Design", Thomson, Sixth Edition.
Direct cutover as the name suggests is an instant changeover from the old system to the new. Parallel operation is a slowest method as it requires both, the new and the old system to run simultaneously for a specific period. On the other hand, pilot operation and phased operation fall between direct cutover and parallel operation. Each of these approaches has their own benefits and problems associated with their implementation.
Direct Cutover:
As mentioned above, direct cutover approach causes the changeover from old system to the new system to occur instantly. This approach is least expensive for changeover as the IT group has to operate and maintain only one system at a time. The down side of this approach is that direct cutover involves more risk then other approaches. Some problems can occur during direct cutover when the system goes into operation. Problems can result from data situations that were not tested or from errors caused by users. Another disadvantage of implementing direct cutover is that detecting minor errors becomes difficult as users cannot verify current output by comparing it to output from the old system. Many companies choose the direct cutover approach for implementing commercial software packages because they feel that commercial packages involve less risk of total system failure.
Timing is an important element to be considered while choosing the direct cutover approach. This is because most systems can operate on weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly cycles. For systems developed in house, most companies use direct cutover for non critical situations. It may also be the only choice, if the operating environment cannot support both the old and new systems or if the old and new systems are incompatible.
Parallel Operation:
This kind of changeover involves both the old and the new information systems to operate fully for a specific period of time. Data is input into both systems, and the output generated by the new system is compared with the equivalent output from the old system. Parallel operation changeover involves a lower risk which makes it beneficial to use it. if the new system does not work correctly, the company can use the old system as a backup until appropriate changes are made.
Parallel operation also has some costs. It is the most costly changeover method, because both the old and the new systems are in full operation, the company pays for both systems during the parallel period. Second disadvantage associated with this changeover method is that parallel operation may not be practical to use if the old system and the new system are not compatible technically. Parallel operation can also be inappropriate when two systems perform different functions or if the new system involves a new method of business operations.
Pilot Operation:
The pilot operation changeover method involves implementing the complete new system at a selected location of the company. A new sales reporting system, for instance, might be implemented in only one branch office, or a new payroll system might be installed in only one department. In these examples, the group that uses the new system first is called the pilot site. During the pilot operation, the old system continues to operate for the entire organization, including the pilot site. Therefore, the pilot operation is a combination of parallel operation and the direct cutover methods.
This changeover approach is less expensive then the parallel operation method and involves less risk of system failure. Also the period for changeover can be much shorter if the system proves successful at the pilot site.
Phased Operation:
This changeover method allows implementing the new system in stages or modules. This method combines the direct cutover and parallel operation to reduce risks and costs. In this method, a part of the system is given to all users. The advantage of choosing the phased operation method is that the risk of errors or failures is limited to the implemented module only. It is also less expensive than full parallel operation because only one part of the system can be worked with at a time. The disadvantage of using this method is that, if the system involves a large number of separate phases, phased operation can cost more than a pilot approach.
References:
Shelly, G.B; Cashman, T.J and Rosenblatt, H.J. (2006), "System Analysis and Design", Thomson, Sixth Edition.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Annotated Bibliography
Livingston, A. (2004), Smartphones and Other Mobile Devices: The Swiss Army Knives of the 21st Century, Educause Quarterly, Vol. 27, and Issue. 2, 2004, viewed 20th January 2007 http://www.educause.edu/apps/eq/eqm04/eqm0425.asp
The author, researcher at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah had his work published in a featured article of EQ (Educause Quarterly) in which he explains the importance of Web-enabled mobile devices which helps users become more effective, providing them with a variety of tools for different purposes. The featured article focuses on the concept and major categories of MAID (Mobile Access Internet Device) which is an "Internet access device" meaning a device capable of connecting to the internet and communicating with other devices on the Internet using standard Internet protocols, as well as minor categories of MAID. This featured article also mentions the use of MAID by users to help those performing specific tasks in specific situations (Including academic tasks in academic situations) thereby making users smarter and more productive.
Microsoft, 2004, Drexel University, last updated 20th of May 2004, viewed 20th January, 2007, viewed 20th January 2007 http://www.microsoft.com/education/drexeluniversity.mspx
This web based reference is from Microsoft®, which was last updated on 20th May 2004, and is available on the website in the form of a case study. The case study is about their customer, a Philadelphian based Drexel University. It gives an overview of the challenges, solutions and benefits of the newly deployed mobile web portal, which is based on Microsoft.Net Technology. The proposition lies strongly on the users who would get information when and where they would need it, rather than having to wait until they're back at their desktops. The case study also features customer services provided to Drexel University and customer's remarks after the job was done.
Monash University, 2005, Library SMS Notification Service, Viewed 20th January, 2007, viewed 20th January 2007
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/promotion/coolcampus/projects/librarysms/index.html
The authors, researchers Mr. Huggard, S and Jayaraman, P. P, at Monash University, use data in the Information Technology section to create a research article about the Library SMS Notification Services, to evaluate this new project which will be building an SMS delivery mechanism for the library to notify patrons of book dues, outstanding fines and other supporting facilities. The research article highlights the proposed system working processes, architecture of the existing and the new system and its advantages. The research article is in contrast with the functions of the old system which sends email alerts to students when a book is due, or it is ready to be picked up as well as notices of fines.
Wikipedia, 2007, Handheld Device, last modified 11th of January 2007, viewed 20th January 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_device
This is a web based reference. Wikipedia is a multilingual free online encyclopedia written collaboratively by contributors around the world. Anybody can edit and add to an article on this website. It offers quick understanding on basic to controversial issues. Wikipedia is also a strong source in current affairs. Wikipedia offers free manuals, textbooks and other functional and useful documentations. This article "Handheld Devices" which is published on Wikipedia was last modified on the 11th of January 2007. It highlights and defines handheld devices in a nut shell to in-depth. It is strongly supported to those people who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practicable. In this article one can find a brief history and importance of typical and not so typical handheld devices. The article also sub defines the various categories of these devices and certain services which are associated with them.
The author, researcher at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah had his work published in a featured article of EQ (Educause Quarterly) in which he explains the importance of Web-enabled mobile devices which helps users become more effective, providing them with a variety of tools for different purposes. The featured article focuses on the concept and major categories of MAID (Mobile Access Internet Device) which is an "Internet access device" meaning a device capable of connecting to the internet and communicating with other devices on the Internet using standard Internet protocols, as well as minor categories of MAID. This featured article also mentions the use of MAID by users to help those performing specific tasks in specific situations (Including academic tasks in academic situations) thereby making users smarter and more productive.
Microsoft, 2004, Drexel University, last updated 20th of May 2004, viewed 20th January, 2007, viewed 20th January 2007 http://www.microsoft.com/education/drexeluniversity.mspx
This web based reference is from Microsoft®, which was last updated on 20th May 2004, and is available on the website in the form of a case study. The case study is about their customer, a Philadelphian based Drexel University. It gives an overview of the challenges, solutions and benefits of the newly deployed mobile web portal, which is based on Microsoft.Net Technology. The proposition lies strongly on the users who would get information when and where they would need it, rather than having to wait until they're back at their desktops. The case study also features customer services provided to Drexel University and customer's remarks after the job was done.
Monash University, 2005, Library SMS Notification Service, Viewed 20th January, 2007, viewed 20th January 2007
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/promotion/coolcampus/projects/librarysms/index.html
The authors, researchers Mr. Huggard, S and Jayaraman, P. P, at Monash University, use data in the Information Technology section to create a research article about the Library SMS Notification Services, to evaluate this new project which will be building an SMS delivery mechanism for the library to notify patrons of book dues, outstanding fines and other supporting facilities. The research article highlights the proposed system working processes, architecture of the existing and the new system and its advantages. The research article is in contrast with the functions of the old system which sends email alerts to students when a book is due, or it is ready to be picked up as well as notices of fines.
Wikipedia, 2007, Handheld Device, last modified 11th of January 2007, viewed 20th January 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_device
This is a web based reference. Wikipedia is a multilingual free online encyclopedia written collaboratively by contributors around the world. Anybody can edit and add to an article on this website. It offers quick understanding on basic to controversial issues. Wikipedia is also a strong source in current affairs. Wikipedia offers free manuals, textbooks and other functional and useful documentations. This article "Handheld Devices" which is published on Wikipedia was last modified on the 11th of January 2007. It highlights and defines handheld devices in a nut shell to in-depth. It is strongly supported to those people who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practicable. In this article one can find a brief history and importance of typical and not so typical handheld devices. The article also sub defines the various categories of these devices and certain services which are associated with them.
Week 8
Mobile devices:
Mobile devices can also be called as handheld devices. A Handheld device (also known as handheld computer or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically utilising a small visual display screen for user output and a miniaturised keyboard for user input. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA), the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Along with mobile computing devices such as laptops and smartphones, PDAs are becoming increasingly popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practicable (Wikipedia, 2007). The two major categories are mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) (Livingston, 2004).
At Drexel University, students who've registered their mobile devices with DrexelOne Mobile can have relevant personal announcements pushed out to them automatically, without having to browse to find the information. Because the student information system can access the personal announcements capability of the mobile portal, students can get their grades as soon as they're posted, learn of last-minute classroom changes, get updates to their schedules, and find out about holds placed on their records (e.g., for late tuition payments). These capabilities are distinct advantages of mobile access, because they bring information to users when and where they need them, rather than requiring the users to wait until they're back at their primary desktops (Microsoft, 2004).
The university can use the announcements feature to disseminate news to the entire campus community easily and quickly. And the headline news service is updated every 10 minutes with the latest sports, entertainment, and general news. The solution includes a searchable university phone directory that operates phonetically, so users don't need to know correct spellings and password-protected access to personalized information (Microsoft, 2004).
In addition to voice, most Web-enabled phones have messaging capability. This includes text messaging, the ability to send a short store and forward text message to another phone (Livingston, 2004).
Monash University, Australia uses mobile services extensively especially the SMS. Besides using SMS for notifying students about results and lecture timetable, it is working to develop SMS services for Monash Library Notification. The project will build an SMS delivery mechanism for the library to notify patrons of book dues and outstanding fines. Similar to the existing email notification of book dues and fines, the SMS system will ensure notification reaches patrons immediately without requiring patrons to have internet access. Using existing mobile pervasive technology, the library can improve its services by being able to reach out to patrons anytime and anywhere (Monash University, 2005).
References
Livingston, A. (2004), Smartphones and Other Mobile Devices: The Swiss Army Knives of the 21st Century, Educause Quarterly, Vol. 27, Issue. 2, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.educause.edu/apps/eq/eqm04/eqm0425.asp
Microsoft, 2004, 'Case Study', Drexel University, last updated 20th May 2004, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/education/drexeluniversity.mspx
Monash University, 2005, Library SMS Notification Service, Viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/promotion/coolcampus/projects/librarysms/index.html
Wikipedia, 2007, Handheld Device, last modified, 11th January 2007, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_device
http://www.educause.edu/apps/eq/eqm04/eqm0425.asp
Microsoft, 2004, 'Case Study', Drexel University, last updated 20th May 2004, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/education/drexeluniversity.mspx
Monash University, 2005, Library SMS Notification Service, Viewed 20th January, 2007
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/promotion/coolcampus/projects/librarysms/index.html
Wikipedia, 2007, Handheld Device, last modified, 11th January 2007, viewed 20th January, 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_device
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)