System Analysis & Design Notes
Subject Overview
System Analysis & Design covers the System Development Life Cycle and analyst's role, system design processes and documentation, system testing types, and system implementation and maintenance. A 5-credit core theory paper.
Subject at a glance
4
Units
21
Topics
5
Credits
4
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
4 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- System definition
- characteristics
- elements and types
- phases of SDLC
- information gathering tools
- structured analysis tools
- role of the system analyst
- 1
Preliminary investigation
Is there a problem worth solving?
- 2
Feasibility study
Technical, economic, operational
- 3
System analysis
Requirements, DFDs
- 4
System design
Input, output, files, database
- 5
Development and testing
- 6
Implementation
- 7
Maintenance
Study guide
This unit covers the System Development Life Cycle: definition, characteristics, elements and types of system, SDLC phases, information gathering tools, structured analysis tools and the system analyst's role. Learn the SDLC phases in order with one activity for each.
- Process and stages of systems design
- input/output and file design
- documentation (user manual, design documentation, training manual)
- case study techniques in system design
Input design
Forms, screens, validation
Output design
Reports, dashboards
File and database design
Tables, keys
Process design
Programs, logic
Documentation
User, design and training manuals
Study guide
You study the stages of system design, input, output and file design, documentation (user manual, design documentation, training manual) and case study techniques. Design a simple input form and report for a library system.
- Unit testing
- system testing
- integration testing
- alpha and beta testing
- acceptance testing
- regression testing
- 1
Unit testing
Individual modules
- 2
Integration testing
Modules working together
- 3
System testing
The whole system
- 4
Alpha testing
By users at the developer's site
- 5
Beta testing
By users in real conditions
- 6
Acceptance testing
Client signs off
Study guide
You study unit, system, integration, alpha, beta, acceptance and regression testing. Know what each level tests and who performs it.
- System implementation process
- implementation methods
- system maintenance
- post-implementation maintenance
Direct cutover
Old system off, new system on
High risk, low cost
Parallel running
Both systems run together for a time
Low risk, high cost
Pilot
New system in one unit first
Moderate
Phased
Introduced module by module
Moderate, slower
Study guide
You study system implementation: the process, implementation methods, system maintenance and post-implementation maintenance. Compare direct, parallel and phased implementation.
Why System Analysis & Design Matters
System analysis is how software projects start in the real world, and understanding requirements and design is key to roles in business analysis, project management and development.
How to Prepare for System Analysis & Design
- Analyse a real system, such as your college admissions process, using DFDs and flowcharts.
- Learn the difference between the testing levels.
- Prepare a short note on each implementation method.
System Analysis & Design: Frequently Asked Questions
What is SDLC?
The System Development Life Cycle is the series of phases, from planning to maintenance, used to develop an information system.
What is the role of a system analyst?
A system analyst studies a business's needs and designs information systems to meet them, acting as a link between users and developers.