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 supposed to do Data the system needs to operate
Data files are designed for each individual application Data needs do not change as Rapidly as processed
Much controlled duplication Data files designed for enterprise
Limited, controlled duplication (What 5)
Throughout the public and private sectors, computer systems are needed for a variety of purposes and to perform a variety of functions. From hooking up local area Frag networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs) to ordering, implementing or even designing customized software. The following duties or services are some of the most common ones performed by these often mysterious workers. "Analyze and find computer solutions to clients' information processing, database or computation needs; Write requirement specifications for computer programs, identifying steps in the program and required algorithms; Test and implement computer programs and provide user training; Plan and implement computer security systems for database access control; Analyze databases, develop database directories and generate and maintain databases; and Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders" (Computer 1).
Because of the highly technical nature of their field, computer systems analysts are one of the most sought after occupations today, both by those seeking to find employment and those searching to employ them. In fact, there is such a demand for computer systems analysts at the moment, that they often make a terrific base salary and are wooed by companies. These companys offer them many benefits that go along with being a computer systems analysts, like good wages, good benefits and pleasant working conditions. Information-technology jobs are an employees' market these days as the Information Technology Association of America has reported that as many as 190,000 of these positions are waiting to be taken by those with the right qualifications, along with the fact that the US Department of Labor statistics demonstrate a "keen demand for computer talent through 2005. US employers will need 650,000 systems analysts, 900,000 computer programmers and 300,000 information systems managers" (Himmelberg 8G). The pay for this position and the high demand for it have ranked computer system analyst as the "best job in America, according to MONEY's latest ranking of 100 jobs...explosive anticipated growth of 37% helped propel systems analyst to the top of the chart from No. 31 in previous rankings" (Gilbert 70).
The average salary for a systems analyst is approximately $44,800, but the high demand and shortage of people with these skills often makes the starting salary fall somewhere between $45,000-$65,000 a year (Computer 2). Where training and education are concerned, anyone wishing to be a systems analyst must typically complete a bachelor's degree in computer science, math or some business administration related field. After working and gaining experience as a computer systems analyst many move up the corporate ladder to become information systems managers. Working conditions are normally quite comfortable for systems analysts who work in offices, labs or other similar work conditions. They average forty hours per week but evening and weekend work are typical in the field. The stress associated with the job is minimum and mainly due to the heavy amount of hours the analyst spends before a computer monitor, "they are susceptible to eye strain and back discomfort and hand and wrist problems" (Bureau 2).
There is a strong future demand for computer systems analysts anticipated, but there are also some challenges of which those entering the field need be aware of. For example, technology's very nature is unstable, as innovation is the name of the game competitively speaking. Programming languages and techniques will continue to evolve and the computer systems analyst must not only be well aware of his or her own technical language, but they also need to have good communication skills. They need to be able to explain high-technology concepts and processes to clients and understand client's needs for the system. According to the US Department of Labor systems analysts will be one of the most rapidly growing occupations through the year 2005. There are many reasons for this. First, the need for these skilled workers has not kept pace with the demand for their services. Second, international and domestic competition increases from the globalization of the world's markets have combined to pressure businesses and governments in search of competitive advantage. Third, the lower costs of technology have made more business capable of using it in their daily business operations. Fourth, many computer systems analysts are promoted to information management positions yearly. The irony of this occupation is that in the age of information it is those who are most informed who are most likely to succeed. This is true of the computer systems analysts, for example, as those who have advanced computer or science degrees, or those who are familiar with most useful programs will have the highest chances for success in the field, "Those who are familiar with Case and other programming tools will have an even greater advantage. Employers will be more willing to hire someone who can combine programming with traditional systems analysis skills" (Bureau 5).
COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANALYSTS
Thesis: 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.
I. The misunderstanding of computer systems analysts
A. Systems analysts are not solitary players in an organization.
B. Integrated members of a team
II. The difference of process and data
III. The duties of systems analysts
A. Implementation and design
IV. Demand for system analysts
A. The benefits of a highly technical and specialized field
B. Statistics demand for systems analysts
V. Starting salary for a systems analysts
VI. Education and Training
A. Bachelor's degree in
B. Continued education and advancement
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Computer Scientists & Systems Analysts." [Link 42] in 1994-1995 Occupational Outlook Handbook. US Dept. of Labor. SUDoc: L 2.3/4-4:994-95: 1-5.
Burns, J. Opportunities in Computer Systems Careers.
Lincolnwood: VGM Career Horizons, 1996.
"Computer Systems Analysts." (2162) Job Futures. http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/JobFutures/english/volume1/2162/2162.htm Sept. 3, 1998: 1-5.
Fine, Doug "A Good IS Staff is Hard to Find; Training, Atmosphere, Rewards Help Lure and Retain Workers."
InfoWorld, June 12, 1995: v17, 24.
Gilbert, J. "What's Better Than Being a Doctor or an Engineer? Becoming a Computer Analyst!" Money. March 1, 1994: 70.
Goldberg, J. Great Jobs for Computer Science Majors.
Lincolnwood: VGM Career Horizons, 1998
Himmelberg, M. "Computer Talent Sparse." Rocky Mountain News. April 13, 1997: 8G.
Mclead, Raymond "Comparing Undergraduate Courses in Systems Analysis and Design." Communications of the ACM, May 1996: v39, 113.
"Systems Analysis." Webster's New World Dictionary. (3rd edit.) Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1996.
U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. "Systems Analyst." Dictionary of Occupational Titles. (4th edit.) Revised 1991 : 44
"What Skills are Needed to be a Successful Systems Analyst?" http://www.coba.wright.edu/msis/mis321/slides/ch1/sld008.htm Sept. 3, 1998: 1-8.
WORKS CITED
Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Computer Scientists & Systems Analysts." [Link 42] in 1994-1995 Occupational Outlook Handbook. US Dept. of Labor. SUDoc: L 2.3/4-4:994-95: 1-5.
"Computer Systems Analysts." (2162) Job Futures. http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/JobFutures/english/volume1/2162/2162.htm Sept. 3, 1998: 1-5.
Gilbert, J. "What's Better Than Being a Doctor or an Engineer? Becoming a Computer Analyst!" Money. March 1, 1994: 70.
Himmelberg, M. "Computer Talent Sparse." Rocky Mountain News. April 13, 1997: 8G.
"Systems Analysis." Webster's New World Dictionary. (3rd edit.) Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1996.
"What Skills are Needed to be a Successful Systems Analyst?" http://www.coba.wright.edu/msis/mis321/slides/ch1/sld008.htm Sept. 3, 1998: 1-8.