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The
systems analyst
will need to study the
present system
in detail-
- what data is needed and how is it
collected and stored?
- what hardware is used?
- what software is used?
- who does what?
- what are the problems?
It would be difficult to design an effective new system without
knowing in detail how a business works and what problems it is
encountering.
Methods of investigation may include:
- questionnaires
to staff and management;
- fast method of getting information as many questionnaires
can be handed out at the same time.
- questions have to be simple
- interviewing
of staff and management;
- more detailed questions can be asked.
- questions can be asked based on responses to previous
questions
- observation
of procedures (invoicing, accounting etc)
- watching people at their workplace can provide a lot of
useful information about how a system works and what the
problems are.
- studying of
documents;
- documents may include user manuals/guidelines, Codes of
Conduct, paper files, invoices and receipts - even notices on
the wall!
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