ISEB Certificate in Systems Development Essentials (5 day)

Course Overview

Thorough investigation and analysis are essential for the successful implementation of IT systems. This is true in all development environments, from traditional structured methods to approaches such as Rapid Application Development (RAD) and Object Oriented (OO) analysis. Analysts need to demonstrate particular skills and techniques which lead to a disciplined and professional end-result.

This practical residential workshop provides these skills and allows the participants to practise what they learn as they learn it. The course comprises a substantial amount of case study work in teams, which simulates the work of a systems analyst. This provides valuable experience in requirements gathering, analysis of information, presentations, teamwork and other systems analysis fundamentals.

Audience

The skills acquired on this course will benefit anyone involved in systems development.This includes new entrants to IT, anyone moving into an analysis role, systems analysts who want to consolidate their existing skills and user staff involved in an IT project (e.g. in a RAD environment).The course encourages a user-centred approach which focuses on providing solutions which meet the needs of the business.

Skills Gained

• Understand the phases of system development within both traditional and iterative projects.
• Perform a feasibility/business study and system investigation.
• Plan and conduct searching and effective interviews.
• Analyse the results of an investigation.
• Specify a solution which meets the business objectives.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management and colleagues.
• Understand the importance of effective teamwork.

Prerequisites

None, but the course assumes a basic knowledge of computers to the level covered inUnderstanding Information Systems(UIS).

Examinations

On completion of this course delegates may wish to sit for the ISEB Certificate in Business Systems Investigation.

Course Outline

• Introduction and stages of development
• The phases of system development within both traditional structured and iterative (ie RAD) project life cycles.The objectives of systems analysis. Introduction to effective teamwork.
• Information gathering
• Methods of gathering information and requirements, including the planning, preparation and conduct of effective interviews. Overview of Joint Application Development (JAD) teams and workshops.
• Practical sessions
• Plan, prepare and conduct a series of interviews.
• Information analysis
• Analysing the existing system and identifying its strengths and weaknesses. Evaluating new system requirements against business objectives.
• Systems analysis techniques
• High-level overview of techniques for analysing and modelling processes and data, including process flow charts, data flow diagrams and data modelling.
• Introduction to object oriented analysis.
• Practical session
• Continue interviews with user personnel.
• Analysis of the information gathered to thoroughly understand the current system and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
• System solution and specification
• Principles of system design, ensuring that the new system meets the business needs.
• Input/output design guidelines.
• Analysis and design specification.
• Practical session
• Design and specify a system which meets the business objectives.
• Cost/benefit analysis
• Quantifying the costs and benefits of implementing a solution.
• Practical session
• Cost/benefit summary of the proposed new system.
• Project estimating
• Methods of estimating and issues to consider when producing a project estimate.
• Implementation and planning
• Issues to consider when planning the implementation of a system, including development, data conversion, education, training and changeover strategy.
• Practical session
• Produce estimates and a comprehensive implementation plan for the proposed solution.
• Presentations
• Planning, preparing and delivering effective and professional presentations.
• Practical session
• Prepare a presentation of the findings and recommendations made throughout the week. Deliver the presentation to senior management.

ISEB Certificate in Systems Development Essentials (5 day) / IP-SDE5