STRUCTURED SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN SET 1

1. Explain the following system design tools in detail:

I. System Flowcharts
System flowchart is a graphical model that illustrates each basic step of data
processing routines or system. Which indicates the flow of work/ system,
document and operations in a data processing application?
II. Decision Tables
Decision tables are a tabular method for describing the logic of the decisions to be
taken. Decision tables which any accompany with a flowcharts, defining the
possible contingencies that may be considered within the program and the
appropriate course of action for each contingency.
III.Decision Trees
Which are graphical representation of decision table, are also available and aid in
the construction of decision tables. A decision tree helps to show the paths that
are possible in a decision following an action or decision by the user. Decision
tree helps prefer the easier-to-follow mapping of a complex design.
IV.Organization Chart
An organization chart is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and
the relationship and relative ranks of its parts and position / jobs.
There are three different types of organization:
• Hierarchical
• Matrix
• Flat

2. Write short notes on:

HIPO : HIPO stands for Hierarchy plus input process output. It consists of two
type’s diagrams:
(i) Visual Tables of contents(VTOC)
(ii) Input Process Output (IPO)
Following the structured approach that begins with generalities and descends the
detail, VTOC diagram break a system or program down into increasingly detailed
levels.

Warnier-Orr- Diagrams
Warnier- Orr- Diagrams are another tool aimed at producing working and correct
program. The Warnier-Orr diagram reads from left to right and then the top to
down. Whereas a flowchart requires many symbols. Warnier-Orr diagram employ
brackets, circles, parentheses, dots and bars

Nassi-Shneiderman Charts
Nassi- Shneiderman charts offer an alternative to either pseudo code or program
flowcharts. Named after their authors, N-S charts are much more compact than
program flow charts, include pseudo code-like, statements, and feature sequence,
decision and repetition constructs.
 3. Discuss the roles of system analysts?
Rules Of System Analysts
System analysis while analyzing the system should:
1. Carry out the analysis of the system at a place where the system is
functioning. This step will ensure that the analyst is accepted as one of those
operating the system.
2. Note down the key personnel in the system besides the head of the
department. The key personnel are those who contribute towards the system
operations.
3. Speed sometime with the operating personnel and observe the system to
understand the finer details of the system.
4. Define the scope of the system and its objective. The scope will cover the
boundaries of the system.
5. Collect all the document which are raised in the system. These documents
carry data from one point to another.
6. Collect separately the outputs. Such as statements reports, momos, etc, made
in the system to throw more light on the information it generates.
7. Make a list of rules, formulae, guidelines, policies, etc, which are used in
running the system.
8. Note down the check points and the controls used in the system to ensure that
the data flow is complete, processing of the data is correct and the analysis is
precise.
9. Study the flow of data in the system in units, summary and aggregates from
document to document from one stage to the other.
10. Make a small note as a base document and seek an appointment with each
head of the department to discuss the system.
11. Examine whether the achievement of the system’s objective is feasible in the
present system. This means, examining whether adequate data exists.
12. If there are problems in the feasibility of implementation then examine
whether the present system can be modified by introduction of documents
controls procedures and system.

4. Explain SDLC stages by using example of EDP department?

SDLC
System Development Life Cycle is an interactive process.
ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING DEPARTMENT(EDP):
The electronic data processing department has specific functions to be
performed which include:
 System department and programming
 Computer system operation
 Control over data, reports and files.
 Data preparation
Business organization for large computer services department in a multiunit
organization should be loaded by a person equivalent to the rank of director.
Assisted by a team of managers for system analysis and design
programming computer control.
The role personnel involved in DP organization and their responsibilities/duties.
 o Management Services Director
He has responsibility for all aspects of data processing, operations research,
organization and method, system analysis and design investment etc.
o Data Processing Manager[Computer manager]
He is responsible for the efficient running of the department and must therefore to
be a good administrator as well as having some knowledge.
His Main Duties Are:
Planning and controlling the department. Supervising on department avoiding,
staff selection and training.
Preparing department budgets.
Providing guidance on data processing statements.
Development and implementation of processing standards.

5. Why do we need documentation? Bring out the characteristics and objectives of

good documentation?

System Documentation
System documentation means coordinated effort to communicate the information
of the system in written form. Its purpose is to ensure that the details of the
system are understand by all the persons concerned during the development
process and subsequent operation.
OBJECTIVES OF DOCUMENTATION
1. To narrow down the communication gaps among users, designers,
and management.
2. To provide the necessary information to development training
programmed for operators and users.
3. To create a vehicle of information to provide evidence of progress
in the development process and to monitor the process.
4. To provide a means to determine an advance what will occur and
when.
5. To make a system modifications and implementations easier.
6. To make conversion of a system from one machine to another
machine easier.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD DOCUMENTATION
1. Availability
2. Objectivity
3. Considerable
4. Easy to maintain when the system gets modified it should be easy
to update the documentation.
5. Completeness.
STRUCTURED SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN SET 2

1. Define system. Discuss the characteristics of system.

SYSTEM
A system says the dictionary, is a regularly interacting. A system is thus a set of
interacting elements, interacting with each other to achieve a predetermined
objective or goal.
CHARACTER OF A SYSTEM
o Every system has a certain objectives and goals.
o Main system has a several subsystems or models.
o The structure of the system is representation of the interaction and
interrelationship between different components or subsystems that from a
system.
o The lifecycle of the system is expression of the phases in the alive usage life
of the system.
o System operates in the terms of goals and predetermined scope.
o System in real life does not operate in isolation.

2. What are the steps to be followed in analyzing the existing systems?

Steps to be involved in analyzing existing systems are:
 Understanding the existing system.
 Understanding the objectives achieved by the existing system.
 Evaluating the system for computerization and its placement in the total MIS
elusion.
 Knowing whether the system is feasible technically and operationally.
 Are the information needs fully justified?
 If so, is the cost of the system design justified to increase the value of the
information.

3. Illustrate the steps to be involved in analyzing the new system requirements.

System Analysis of a new requirement:
It is not always necessary that the analysis is required to conduct the analysis of
the existing system. In a number of cases when legacy systems have outlined their
utility or a new business environment requires a totally radial approach, the
analyst is called for redesigning the process, practices and procedures.
Today’s business world of a company is beyond the four walls of the
organization. The vendors and customers are being treated as trusted business
partners of the organization. The system analyst in such a virgin situation of
policy change has to think globally, taking into consideration the technology the
user and the business it serves.
The information system development cycle for a new application of the five major
steps.
1. Definition of the system and its objectives.
2. Development of the system (Analysis-Design-Programming).
3. Installation of the system
4. Operation of the system
5. Review and evaluation
 4. Bring out the various stages of SDLC.
SDLC System development is an interactive process and it consists of the
following stages:
a) Problem definition
b) Feasibility study
c) System analysis
d) System design
e) System development
f) System implementation
g) System post implementation maintenance& review

Problem Definition: - Statement of scope and objectives. Opportunities and

performance criteria.
Feasibility Study:- Scope & objectives of
economic/technology/political/feasibility-report, financial validity and modification
of system.
System Analysis:- Analysis of the logical model of the system consisting of details
such as data flow diagram, data dictionary etc.
System Design
Alternative solutions along with revised cost benefit enalysis.Hardware
specification manpower requirement, plan for implementation user sign-off, test
plans, format system test procedures, security, audit and operating procedures.
System Development
Actual programming as per the user-off, computation and testing of the
programmes.
System Implementation
Training of the user staff, system development, and implementation.
Post –implementation Maintenance & review
Refined and tuned system along with revised documentation, satisfied users.

5. Write short notes on:

DATA FLOW DIAGRAMS
Graphical description of a system’s data and how the process transform the data is
known as data flow diagram(DFD).
Unlike detail flowcharts DFDs do not supply detailed descriptions of modules but
graphically describe a systems data and how the data interact with the system.
To construct data flow diagrams, we use:
 Arrows
 Circles
 Open ended boxes, and
 Squares
An arrow identifies data flow data information. It is a pipeline through which
information flows like the rectangle in flowcharts, circles stand for a process that
converts data/into information.
The following seven rules govern construction of data flow diagrams(DFD):
1. Arrows should not cross each other.
2. Squares, circles, and rules must bear names.
3. Decomposed data flows must be balanced.
4. No- two data flows, squares, or circles can have the same name.
5. Draw all data flows around the outside of the diagram.
DATA DICTIONARIES
A data dictionary defines each tern encountered during the analysis and design of a new
system. Data ele3ments can describe files, data flows, or processes . The data dictionary
might define vendor’s name and address as follows:
Vendor name and address = Vendor name+ street+ city+ state+ pin+ phone+ fax+ e-
mail.
This definition becomes a part of the data dictionary that ultimately will have all key
terms used to describe various data flows and files.