SAD 1 Assignment 1: Characteristics as s good systems analyst
{ Posted on 1:48 PM
by Ariel Serenado
}
Based on your learnings of chapter 1, identify and discuss some characteristics you have as a good Systems Analyst.
Last week’s meeting on System Analysis and Design was all about assuming the roles and succeeding functions of a System Analyst. Many things were brought to the classes which were very essential in our part as a student for, we never someday soon I’ll be one of those system analysts. One issue that was brought to the class was on “who has the edge between of being a system analyst, an accountant or an IT professional”; either of these two individual regardless of the field they are in, they can be a potential system analyst. An accountant has the edge on business-related operations while, IT professional has the edge on computer-related operations. If we are going to look on the nature of work o these two individuals, the field they are involved requires analytical skills which is one skill that must posses by a system analyst. Therefore, anyone can be a system analyst for as long as they acquire enough education and trainings they can be one. As Sir Gamboa said, “you can study Information Technology even if you don’t take it for four years”. In my own notion, it makes a lot of difference to study for a degree course.
I understand that one of the reasons why this issue is being brought to the class maybe because we are not aware of the nature of work of a system analyst. We are not ware of the related works, characteristics and skills that analyst must posses.
Like people, occupations have traits or characteristics. These characteristics give important clues about the nature of the work and work environment, and give you an opportunity to match your own personal interests to a specific occupation. When you choose a job in an occupation that matches your own interests you have taken an important step in planning a successful and rewarding career.
The Computer Systems Analysts occupation has Investigative, Conventional and Realistic characteristics as described below:
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
All organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. Computer systems analysts help organizations to use technology effectively and to incorporate rapidly changing technologies into their existing systems. The work of computer systems analysts evolves rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization and changes in technology.
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and use computer technology to meet the needs of an organization. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software. They may also devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional tasks. Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, or financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Analysts who specialize in helping an organization select the proper system software and infrastructure are often called system architects. Analysts who specialize in developing and fine-tuning systems often are known as systems designers. Or in other words if one wanted to become an analyst he/she should not let himself be deprived of the learning form other fields in his/her environment. For, being an analyst you are well-rounded individual who can respond to the trends of the different fields.
Going back to the characteristics, systems analysts consult managers and users to define the goals of the system. Analysts then design a system to meet those goals. They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users’ needs. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting to make sure their plans are efficient and complete. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible. Making a feasibility study will help the developers know if there work will have a better or probably the best result in the long run of time, especially that in current situation technology changes form time to time.
When a system is approved, systems analysts determine what computer hardware and software will be needed to set it up. They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow; then they work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate errors, from the system. Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing may be called software quality assurance analysts. In addition to running tests, these workers diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met.
Computer system analysts, however, are concerned more with the computer system itself - and you'd need experience/training in whatever computer system that particular company is using. This does not mean you could not become a computer systems analyst - as most companies would feel that your managerial experience is more welcome than your computer knowledge. What the company would want is someone who understands the basic workings of their system to be able to fix, create, evolve as the company evolves. In order for one to become a system analyst, he/she must posses the general characteristics of a system analyst, which includes the following:
1. The system analyst must be able to communicate in writing and orally.
2. The analyst must easily get along with people.
3. The analyst must be a good listener and be able to react to what people say.
4. The analyst must be knowledgeable of technology. The analyst is not expected to know the intricacies of programming, but a decent general knowledge of concepts and terms is essential.
5. The analyst must be knowledgeable of business. The analyst is not expected to be an expert in business but a decent understanding of the client's world is required.
However, in the real world not only characteristics are being considered but also the skills that these analysts will be utilizing as they get involved into the field.
It must be take into account that the technical and functional skills listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Computer Systems Analysts commonly recognized by most employers. The following are the things that comprises the first characteristic as mentioned above:
1. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Writing computer programs for various purposes.
3. Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
4. Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
5. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
6. Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
7. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
8. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
9. Talking to others to convey information effectively.
10. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Also, an analyst must have the ability to do the following:
The Ability to:
1. Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
2. Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
3. Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
4. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
5. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
6. See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
7. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
8. Come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
9. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
10. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
It is also vital to know the tasks that analyst is involved with, the following is a list of sample tasks typically performed by Computer Systems Analysts. Employees in this occupation will not necessarily perform all of the tasks listed.
Tasks
1. Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.
2. Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
3. Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
4. Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
5. Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
6. Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
7. Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
8. Interview or survey workers, observe job performance and/or perform the job in order to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
9. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
10. Recommend new equipment or software packages.
It is therefore, important that an analyst is not only inclined to computer-related applications an transactions but he/she must take written and verbal communications into account, for in the real world most clients are not that exposed to technical aspects compared to the analyst. Consider this situation – an analyst was tasked to present the process of the system that a client has specified. He is planning to present it in object-oriented approach, let us take Unified Modeling Language as an example; UML is used to present the flow of the system now, do you think UML presentation will be understood by the client, considering that the client is not exposed to this kind of approach in presenting data flows?? For me, it is the essence of an analyst to be able to communicate well so that all things are agreed-upon by both parties.
Moreover, he\she must open common channel of communication in order to meet the specific requirements that the clients need most. With communication you can enhance the ability to get along with people. Getting along with people is also considered as a skill. Why's that important skill to have? If you cannot get a long with people if you can't keep your job very long, you can not make clients to keep your business alive. Learn how to get long with people will excel you to a different level of income. When you know how to get along with people at work, you will be more likely to be promoted! When you know how to get along with people, your business clients will want to use your service over and over again. Furthermore, listening to your client’s side will help you reach the new level of performance, for in this case you are actually getting the needs that your client needs most. You need to become an active listener.
To sum it up, FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the concepts and details of the Systems Development Life Cycle, project methodologies, and the development of standards and procedures for the systems development and integration process; good knowledge of programming, analysis, design and integration techniques; good knowledge of IT operations and customer support processes; good knowledge of the functions and capabilities of computing, networking and communications equipment and peripherals; good knowledge of standard off-the-shelf applications, e-mail and the Internet; good knowledge of computer and network operating systems; good knowledge of the jurisdiction’s IT functions and administrative procedures; working knowledge of the analysis and redesign of business processes and the translation of processes into functional requirements and data structures for systems development and integration; working knowledge of hardware operations scheduling and work control language; working knowledge of web authoring and publishing tools; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to lead and work well in teams; ability to work effectively with vendors, users and the public; ability to resolve complex, ambiguous technical and user problems; ability to plan and manage larger projects; ability to develop longer-range directions in specific IT areas; ability to develop efficient and user friendly systems and business processes; good initiative, self-motivation and organizational skills.
Based on the general characteristics of a good analyst, here are my characteristics that might be of parallel to the characteristics of a good system analyst:
• I have the “interpersonal skills” that I can manage to interact with others and listen them to what they need most.
• I can do satisfactory performance both in written and oral communication
• I can easily get along with people despite differences in any aspects.
I may not posses some of the characteristics of analyst as of now, however I can say that in the long run of my studies I can cope with those characteristics and hoping that I may posses it as I get into the real world of work.
References:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080725042042AA2MqMh
http://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_
http://jobs.virginia.gov/careerguides/computersystemsanalyst.htm
http://www.interlabs.bradley.edu/NSF_CCLI/Demo/class6/module6/Skills_Pretest_Posttest_Answers.pdf
http://changing-careers.suite101.com/article.cfm/do_you_have_what_it_takes_to_be_a_system_analyst
http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/personnel/jobspecs/systemanalystispec.html
Last week’s meeting on System Analysis and Design was all about assuming the roles and succeeding functions of a System Analyst. Many things were brought to the classes which were very essential in our part as a student for, we never someday soon I’ll be one of those system analysts. One issue that was brought to the class was on “who has the edge between of being a system analyst, an accountant or an IT professional”; either of these two individual regardless of the field they are in, they can be a potential system analyst. An accountant has the edge on business-related operations while, IT professional has the edge on computer-related operations. If we are going to look on the nature of work o these two individuals, the field they are involved requires analytical skills which is one skill that must posses by a system analyst. Therefore, anyone can be a system analyst for as long as they acquire enough education and trainings they can be one. As Sir Gamboa said, “you can study Information Technology even if you don’t take it for four years”. In my own notion, it makes a lot of difference to study for a degree course.
I understand that one of the reasons why this issue is being brought to the class maybe because we are not aware of the nature of work of a system analyst. We are not ware of the related works, characteristics and skills that analyst must posses.
Like people, occupations have traits or characteristics. These characteristics give important clues about the nature of the work and work environment, and give you an opportunity to match your own personal interests to a specific occupation. When you choose a job in an occupation that matches your own interests you have taken an important step in planning a successful and rewarding career.
The Computer Systems Analysts occupation has Investigative, Conventional and Realistic characteristics as described below:
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
All organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. Computer systems analysts help organizations to use technology effectively and to incorporate rapidly changing technologies into their existing systems. The work of computer systems analysts evolves rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization and changes in technology.
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and use computer technology to meet the needs of an organization. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software. They may also devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional tasks. Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, or financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Analysts who specialize in helping an organization select the proper system software and infrastructure are often called system architects. Analysts who specialize in developing and fine-tuning systems often are known as systems designers. Or in other words if one wanted to become an analyst he/she should not let himself be deprived of the learning form other fields in his/her environment. For, being an analyst you are well-rounded individual who can respond to the trends of the different fields.
Going back to the characteristics, systems analysts consult managers and users to define the goals of the system. Analysts then design a system to meet those goals. They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users’ needs. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting to make sure their plans are efficient and complete. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible. Making a feasibility study will help the developers know if there work will have a better or probably the best result in the long run of time, especially that in current situation technology changes form time to time.
When a system is approved, systems analysts determine what computer hardware and software will be needed to set it up. They coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. They prepare specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow; then they work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate errors, from the system. Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing may be called software quality assurance analysts. In addition to running tests, these workers diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met.
Computer system analysts, however, are concerned more with the computer system itself - and you'd need experience/training in whatever computer system that particular company is using. This does not mean you could not become a computer systems analyst - as most companies would feel that your managerial experience is more welcome than your computer knowledge. What the company would want is someone who understands the basic workings of their system to be able to fix, create, evolve as the company evolves. In order for one to become a system analyst, he/she must posses the general characteristics of a system analyst, which includes the following:
1. The system analyst must be able to communicate in writing and orally.
2. The analyst must easily get along with people.
3. The analyst must be a good listener and be able to react to what people say.
4. The analyst must be knowledgeable of technology. The analyst is not expected to know the intricacies of programming, but a decent general knowledge of concepts and terms is essential.
5. The analyst must be knowledgeable of business. The analyst is not expected to be an expert in business but a decent understanding of the client's world is required.
However, in the real world not only characteristics are being considered but also the skills that these analysts will be utilizing as they get involved into the field.
It must be take into account that the technical and functional skills listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Computer Systems Analysts commonly recognized by most employers. The following are the things that comprises the first characteristic as mentioned above:
1. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Writing computer programs for various purposes.
3. Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
4. Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
5. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
6. Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
7. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
8. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
9. Talking to others to convey information effectively.
10. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Also, an analyst must have the ability to do the following:
The Ability to:
1. Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
2. Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
3. Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
4. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
5. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
6. See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
7. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
8. Come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
9. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
10. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
It is also vital to know the tasks that analyst is involved with, the following is a list of sample tasks typically performed by Computer Systems Analysts. Employees in this occupation will not necessarily perform all of the tasks listed.
Tasks
1. Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling and information engineering.
2. Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
3. Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
4. Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
5. Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.
6. Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
7. Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
8. Interview or survey workers, observe job performance and/or perform the job in order to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
9. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
10. Recommend new equipment or software packages.
It is therefore, important that an analyst is not only inclined to computer-related applications an transactions but he/she must take written and verbal communications into account, for in the real world most clients are not that exposed to technical aspects compared to the analyst. Consider this situation – an analyst was tasked to present the process of the system that a client has specified. He is planning to present it in object-oriented approach, let us take Unified Modeling Language as an example; UML is used to present the flow of the system now, do you think UML presentation will be understood by the client, considering that the client is not exposed to this kind of approach in presenting data flows?? For me, it is the essence of an analyst to be able to communicate well so that all things are agreed-upon by both parties.
Moreover, he\she must open common channel of communication in order to meet the specific requirements that the clients need most. With communication you can enhance the ability to get along with people. Getting along with people is also considered as a skill. Why's that important skill to have? If you cannot get a long with people if you can't keep your job very long, you can not make clients to keep your business alive. Learn how to get long with people will excel you to a different level of income. When you know how to get along with people at work, you will be more likely to be promoted! When you know how to get along with people, your business clients will want to use your service over and over again. Furthermore, listening to your client’s side will help you reach the new level of performance, for in this case you are actually getting the needs that your client needs most. You need to become an active listener.
To sum it up, FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the concepts and details of the Systems Development Life Cycle, project methodologies, and the development of standards and procedures for the systems development and integration process; good knowledge of programming, analysis, design and integration techniques; good knowledge of IT operations and customer support processes; good knowledge of the functions and capabilities of computing, networking and communications equipment and peripherals; good knowledge of standard off-the-shelf applications, e-mail and the Internet; good knowledge of computer and network operating systems; good knowledge of the jurisdiction’s IT functions and administrative procedures; working knowledge of the analysis and redesign of business processes and the translation of processes into functional requirements and data structures for systems development and integration; working knowledge of hardware operations scheduling and work control language; working knowledge of web authoring and publishing tools; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to lead and work well in teams; ability to work effectively with vendors, users and the public; ability to resolve complex, ambiguous technical and user problems; ability to plan and manage larger projects; ability to develop longer-range directions in specific IT areas; ability to develop efficient and user friendly systems and business processes; good initiative, self-motivation and organizational skills.
Based on the general characteristics of a good analyst, here are my characteristics that might be of parallel to the characteristics of a good system analyst:
• I have the “interpersonal skills” that I can manage to interact with others and listen them to what they need most.
• I can do satisfactory performance both in written and oral communication
• I can easily get along with people despite differences in any aspects.
I may not posses some of the characteristics of analyst as of now, however I can say that in the long run of my studies I can cope with those characteristics and hoping that I may posses it as I get into the real world of work.
References:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080725042042AA2MqMh
http://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_
http://jobs.virginia.gov/careerguides/computersystemsanalyst.htm
http://www.interlabs.bradley.edu/NSF_CCLI/Demo/class6/module6/Skills_Pretest_Posttest_Answers.pdf
http://changing-careers.suite101.com/article.cfm/do_you_have_what_it_takes_to_be_a_system_analyst
http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/personnel/jobspecs/systemanalystispec.html
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