Computer System Analysts
Computer System AnalystsThe Net, a feature film from Sony Pictures, details the high-tech drama of Angela Bennett (played by Sandra Bullock) who is a computer systems analyst. When she accidentally gains access to a classified program, she becomes trapped in a web of mystery and conspiracy. However, the film failed to win over movie audiences and one reason might be that most people in the movie going public are still unaware as to exactly what a computer systems analyst does. According to Webster's New World Dictionary (1359-1360), a computer systems analyst is someone who "designs an efficient computer system for a particular business, project, etc.", while the process of analyzing systems is defined as "an engineering technique that breaks down complex technical, social, etc. problems into basic elements whose interrelations are evaluated and programmed, with the aid of mathematics, into a compete and Integrated system." While it is true that today's high-technology world demands the competitive organization
employs computer systems analysts in order to integrate their information, management, accounting, manufacturing and distribution sales systems. This analysis will describe the typical responsibilities of the computer systems analyst, including the job market and outlook for the career that may be one of the most misunderstood occupations in modern times.
The computer systems analysts is often misunderstood because they speak a techno-language that sounds more Greek than Greek, with common words like Sat, FoxPro, VB-4, C++ Himmelberg (8G), often leaving non-analysts scratching their heads. However, the development of efficient software and hardware systems is an increasingly essential and vital function to business operations and success. Despite the usually unknown methods and skills of the computer systems analyst, they are not a solitary player in the organization but rather an integrated member of a team. In their efforts to design effective computer systems whose hardware and software enables the organization to operate smoothly and competitively, the analyst must often work with all persons involved in the flow of information within the company. They deal with programmers, clients, managers and others to develop and implement different software to enable the company to take maximum advantage of managing information and achieving competitive advantage with technology. The typical systems development life cycle is as follows: 1) Initiation, 2) Project Planning, 3) Analysis, 4) Logical Design, 5) Physical Design, 6) Implement, 7) Maintain (What 3).
The systems analysts must understand that information systems are a combination of process and data. There are key differences between process orientation and data orientation but most system needs have a combination of elements of the two or use both orientations to a degree. The main distinctions between a process-oriented system and a data oriented system are listed in the table below:
PROCESS ORIENTATION DATA ORIENTATION
Focuses on what the system is...
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