A systems analyst can carry out different methods of investigation into an organisation's computer system. Depending on teh size of the organisation there may be a team of analysts employed e.g. A large organisation with offices throughout the country intend upgrading their existing computer systems. They will employ a team of analysts to investigate and identify problems with their current system.
These methods can include direct observation, questionnaires, study of existing documentation and interview.
They carry out detailed analysis of a problem using appropriate techniques of abstraction and decomposition.
o to investigate current data storage requirements or data flow
Benefits
Team can see how current system ‘should’ be operating
Inexpensive method of gathering lots of information fairly quickly
Can identify storage requirements
Drawbacks
Staff may not be following procedures in documentation and may be using system in their own way
Documentation may be out of date and not updated to reflect system changes
o suitable for gathering information first hand and not having to rely on what people tell you what they think is happening
Benefits
Can actually see what is really happening and do not have to rely on what people tell you what they think is happening
Drawbacks
Very time consuming and therefore expensive to carry out
Staff may feel like they are being watched and therefore behave differently so do not actually see what goes on every day
Cost of sending analysts around the world.
o Desktop research looking at existing similar systems that are available.
• Carry out a questionnaire of staff / customers o because they may be spread over a wide geographical area and there are many of them
Benefits
Relatively cheap to produce for a large number of people
Can be distributed worldwide
Could be completed on-line so results can be available very quickly
Drawbacks
Have to be designed by experts or information could be unusable
People are ‘too busy’ and may not complete
People may not give correct answers
o suitable when analyst requires a lot of information from a small number of people such as selected key staff
Benefits
Can gather large amount of detailed information
Can make judgements on validity of information from personal contact or body language
Can ask ‘follow up’ or ‘open ended’ questions to gather more detailed information in selected areas
Drawbacks
Time consuming and expensive to carry out
Has to be carried out by trained interviewer or closed questions written by experts
Difficult to analyse large amount of information
Difficult to analyse wide variety of information
Advantages of using a team of analysts compared with using an individual:
• Investigation should be completed quicker
• Different levels of experience and expertise so can carry out different tasks, for example senior analysts could interview managers
• More people have a more varied experience of businesses and Investigation