Explain how systems analysis and design fits in to the software development life-cycle.
Assignment Brief
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN
Unit Reference Number
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F/617/2266
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Unit Title
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Systems Analysis and Design
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Unit Level
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4
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Number of Credits
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20
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Total Qualification Time
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200 hours
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Mandatory / Optional
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Mandatory
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SSAs
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06.1 ICT practitioners
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Unit Grading Structure
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Pass / Fail
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Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ awareness of analysis and design in an organisational context. The unit introduces various techniques used within systems analysis and design and the methodologies used in the system development process.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcomes- The learner will:
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Assessment Criteria- The learner can:
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1. Understand the principles of systems analysis and design.
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1.1
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Explain how systems analysis and design fits in to the software development life-cycle.
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1.2
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Explain the components of systems analysis.
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1.3
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Evaluate different approaches to system analysis and design.
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1.4
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Evaluate system design requirements.
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2. Understand system design methodologies and modelling.
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2.1
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Explain system design concepts.
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2.2
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Evaluate different system design methodologies including object-oriented
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3. Understand the human computer interface.
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3.1
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Explain the principles of HCI.
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3.2
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Evaluate HCI methodologies.
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4. Be able to produce a system design using modelling techniques.
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4.1
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Create a system design document.
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4.2
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Produce a model of a software system.
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4.3
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Produce a security and control design.
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Scenario
You are applying for a System Analyst position at NatAxis. NatAxis is the international corporate, investment, insurance and financial services arm of Groupe BPCE, the 2nd- largest banking group in France with 35 million clients spread over two retail banking networks. With more than 26,000 employees, NatAxis has a number of areas of expertise that are organized into three main business lines: Corporate & Investment Banking, Investment Solutions & Insurance, and Specialized Financial Services. A global player, NatAxis has its own client base of companies, financial institutions and institutional investors as well as the client base of individuals, professionals and small and medium-size businesses of Groupe BPCE’s banking networks.
You have been shortlisted for the position and have to go through three stages. The company HR manager Robert Hummel will be taking you through the process. Initially you are asked to present on a given topic to the recruitment panel. Explain how systems analysis and design fits in to the software development life-cycle.
Explain how systems analysis and design fits in to the software development life-cycle
Task 1 of 3 Presentation and speaker notes Instructions
- In your presentation, you need to explain various components of systems analysis and further explain how systems analysis and design fits into the software development life-cycle.
- In the later part of the presentation, evaluate different approaches to system analysis and design. You will also require to evaluate system design requirements of Natixis.
(ACs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4)
Delivery and Submission
- 1x Presentation file (including references)
- 1x Speaker notes (circa 800 words)
Task 2 of 3 Report
You had received a confirmation that your presentation was liked by the panel and they would like you to submit an essay. Your academic skills will be put to a test through the report.
Instructions
Your work will consist of two parts.
- In the first part, provide a concise guidance on system design methodologies and modelling through an explanation of the system design concepts and an evaluation of the different system design methodologies including object- oriented.
- In the second part, provide an explanation of the human computer interface (HCI) as a concept and also evaluate various methodologies that are found within human computer interface (HCI) discipline. (ACs 2.1, 2.2) (ACs 3.1, 3.2) Explain how systems analysis and design fits in to the software development life-cycle
Delivery and Submission
- 1x Word file
- Indicative word count 1700 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and appendices)
Task 3 of 3 Project
You had shown you have the potential to be a strong team member in the previous 2 tasks. Now you are called in for a 2 days residential finale task where you and other shortlisted candidates will need to do the following:
Instructions
Your work will consist of two parts.
- Following the instruction of the lab instructor create a system design document for their retail bank, ‘SMC Bank’ and also produce a model of a software system for the bank.
- Produce a security and control design for the bank to get it approved from the instructor. (ACs 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Delivery and submission
- 1x Lab files
- Indicative word count 800 words for (1) and 400 words for (2) excluding TOC, diagrams, references and appendices)
Sample Answer
The Role of Systems Analysis and Design in the Software Development Life Cycle
Systems analysis and design (SA&D) is a core component of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring that IT systems meet user requirements, organisational goals, and industry standards. In the SDLC, SA&D typically follows the initial planning phase and precedes coding, testing, and deployment. It acts as a bridge between stakeholder needs and technical implementation, ensuring effective transformation of business requirements into functional systems.
Systems Analysis and Its Components
Systems analysis is the process of collecting and interpreting facts, identifying problems, and decomposing a system into its components to understand its structure and functions. Its key components include:
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Requirements Elicitation: Involves gathering requirements from stakeholders through interviews, surveys, and observations to understand what the system should achieve (Dennis et al., 2018).
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Feasibility Study: Assesses the technical, operational, and economic viability of proposed solutions (Avison & Fitzgerald, 2006).
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Process Modelling: Utilises tools such as Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) to visually represent system functions and data relationships.
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System Specification: Converts gathered data into structured specifications that guide system design and implementation.
Systems Design and Its Requirements
System design involves defining the architecture, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specified requirements. It includes:
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Logical Design: Focuses on the flow of data, inputs, and outputs independent of physical implementation.
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Physical Design: Specifies actual input devices, storage media, and system software.
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Security and Control Design: Ensures that data integrity, confidentiality, and availability are upheld.
At NatAxis, for instance, designing a secure investment management system must adhere to regulatory standards and ensure data protection for millions of clients, making thorough system design a critical requirement.
Continued...
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