System Analysis & Design Roadmap

A journey from surveying requirements to deploying a complete information system.

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Phase Main Topic Content & Learning Activities Objectives & Deliverables
1. Foundation General Introduction
  • Concepts: System, Information, Information System (IS).
  • Learn the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
  • Role of a System Analyst & Designer.
  • Understand the role and overview of SA&D.
2. Initiation Survey and Requirement Elicitation
  • Steps to survey the current system.
  • Requirement gathering techniques: interviews, questionnaires.
  • Differentiate Functional vs. Non-functional requirements.
  • Draft a survey report and propose solutions.
  • Ability to gather and document user requirements.
3. Analysis System Analysis
  • Functional modeling: Business Function Diagram (BFD), Data Flow Diagram (DFD).
  • Data modeling: Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD).
  • Conduct feasibility analysis (technical, economic, operational).
  • Ability to model the system's functions and data.
4. Design System Design
  • Logical design: Database, Interface, Process design.
  • Physical design: Platform and technology selection.
  • System architecture design (client-server, 3-tier).
  • Create a detailed design, ready for programming.
5. Tools Tools and Methodologies
  • Traditional development methods (waterfall).
  • Object-Oriented methodologies.
  • Using UML: Use Case, Class, Sequence Diagrams.
  • Master popular methodologies and modeling tools.
6. Construction Implementation and Testing
  • Programming and module integration process.
  • System testing levels (unit, integration, system).
  • Understand the software construction and quality assurance process.
7. Operation Deployment and Maintenance
  • User training, data conversion, system operation.
  • Types of maintenance: corrective, adaptive, perfective, preventive.
  • Know the steps to deploy and maintain a system.
8. Management System Project Management
  • Planning, estimating, and allocating resources.
  • Using tools like Gantt Chart, PERT, CPM.
  • Tracking progress and assessing project risks.
  • Have basic skills to manage an IS development project.
9. Modern New Trends
  • Impact of Web, Cloud, Big Data on system SA&D.
  • Agile development methods: Agile, Scrum.
  • Update knowledge on modern methods and technologies.

Core Mindsets for System Analysts

1. Be a Bridge, Not a Barrier

Your role is to translate business needs into technical solutions. Empathize with users and communicate clearly with developers. You connect two different worlds.

2. Think Holistically, Act Specifically

Always consider the entire system and its impact on the business. However, your analysis and design must be detailed, precise, and actionable.

3. Question Everything

Don't take requirements at face value. Ask "why" to uncover the true underlying problem. A good analyst solves the right problem, not just the one presented.

4. Model for Clarity

Diagrams like DFDs, ERDs, and UML are not just formalities; they are tools for thinking. Use them to clarify complexity, identify gaps, and communicate ideas unambiguously.