Systems Analysis

Authors: Claudio Manuel, Gundo Ligudu, Loyd Mafoo
Twitter: @ClaudeElSousa, @GundoVictory2, @Loyd_NXK

“It's easier to make a working system fast than to make a fast system work” plus “you can not argue with a working system”.

Being able to solve a problem is the beginning of applying systems analysis principles. Using the right methods to solve problems saves time and money in software development.

System Analysis is the process of decomposing a system or an idea into pieces and study these pieces individually to identify their main functions to make a working system. Its major goal is to improve organizational systems

IT related Projects go through a process called System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) which is a method used for system development. SDLC is composed of 7 phases which are to be integrated for better system development: System Investigation, System Analysis, System Design, Programming, Testing, Implementation and Operation and Maintenance.

You can’t fix it if you don’t know how it works, and how it should work.You can’t improve it unless you understand it.You can’t control it unless you comprehend what happens. That, in a nutshell, is the importance of system analysis.

System Security

It is very important to include security early in the SDLC, this will result in less expensive and more effective security. You should be able to determine the security controls that will be required for the system.

As an analyst you should ask yourself this:

• How critical is the system in meeting the organization's mission?
• What are the security objectives required by the system, e.g., confidentiality, integrity, and availability?
• What regulations and policies are applicable in determining what is to be protected?
• What are the threats that are applicable in the environment where the system will be operational?

We urge you to take time and explore more on these concepts.