Information and System Analysis Design

INFORMATION SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN Introduction Information system analysis and design is a method used by organizations and corporations to create and maintain information systems that improve efficiency of business functions. The main goal is improvement of business functions through the application of software so that the efficiency of such functions is improved and made easier. The analysis and design of a system is dependent on understanding of the organizational objectives, structure and processes and the knowledge of how information technology can exploited for an advantage. System A system is an interrelated set of business procedures (or components) used within one business unit, working together for some purpose. For example, a system in the admission section of a school handles the admission process of the school while a system in the personnel section handles matters related with staff of the school. These two systems are separate. Since systems exist within a larger world, an environment, there is a demarcation between a system and the larger world. This demarcation is the boundary between it and the environment. Thus, a system takes input from the environment, processes it and sends the result back to the environment. A system has nine characteristics. They are enumerated below: 1. Components: Every system is made up of components. These are irreducible or aggregate parts of the system. They are also called subsystems. The major characteristics of a component is it can be removed, changed, repaired or even upgraded without affecting the whole system. 2. Interrelation: The components of a system are interrelated. That is the function of one component is dependent of one or more components of the same system. For example, in an automated store the computer used in checking customer’s purchased goods will add up all the goods bought by the customer and the receipt printer prints out the summary of the transaction. These two components are...