SAD 1 : Assignment 1

Based on your learning of Chapter 1, identify and discuss some characteristics you have as a good Systems Analyst. (at least 2500 words)

Last December 9, 2009, we had our last meeting in our Systems Analysis and Design for this year. Also, the first two group reporters are able to present there reports. The first group of presenters discuss the Chapter 1 – “The world of Systems Analyst” and followed by the group who shared about the 2nd chapter which is all about the “”. In chapter 1, the discussions was all about a Systems Analyst. They mentioned different information about a system analyst like: skills, characters, role, and etc. They did a good job in sharing their ideas on what they have understood about their reports. Listening to their presentation and being present on that day was already a plus. So, by now, I have some ideas and key points about what a Systems Analyst and how this kind of job look like. But to have a further knowledge about this kind of job, I surf the internet to gather more data or information. Combining those facts from my resources would be a great idea so that I could come up with a good answer for this assignment and I could compare myself if I have those qualities, characteristics and skills of a good Systems Analyst.

Let me define first a Systems Analyst. According to Wikipedia, “A systems analyst is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and recommending software and system choices to meet an organization's business requirements. The systems analyst plays a vital role in the systems development process.”

Because of the rapid growth of technologies nowadays, in reality most of the companies rely on computers. That is why every computer in every company has to be set up properly and needs to be maintained in order to accommodate it’s users. A systems analysts are responsible in choosing the most efficient computer solutions for a business or organization. They make sure that the systems meet all the company’s needs. Mostly, they are in charge for deciding what software, hardware and settings that would be needed for each computer and even the different methods necessary in maintaining them. This kind of job plays a vital rle in a system development in an organization because they plan, implement and even manage multi-computer systems that’s within an organization. Thus, if you want to be a System Analyst you must have a solid understanding on computer software and hardware. You have to make sure that you are update with all the latest technologies. And lastly, you must be willing to listen to the needs and even complaints of the end-users.

The Wikipedia also elaborate four skills that a Systems Analyst must acquire to be successful. They are as follows:

• Analytical Skills
- enable systems analysts to understand the organization and its functions, which helps him/her to identify opportunities and to analyze and solve problems.

• Technical Skills
- help systems analysts understand the potential and the limitations of information technology.

• Management Skills
- help systems analysts manage projects, resources, risk, and change.

• Interpersonal Skills
- help systems analysts work with end users as well as with analysts, programmers, and other systems professionals.

These four skills must be present in a Systems Analyst. A Systems analyst needs to have an analytical skills because it is his/her duty to analyze and be aware of the organization and its functionality so that he would be able to come up with a solution that the company and the user will benefit. He/She must have this type of skill since the job of a System Analyst starts in determining the general and specific needs of the company. In terms of technical skills, a Systems Analyst should be updated with the different innovations and the purpose, uses and functionality of the different hardware components given that they are the one responsible in the maintenance and system development.They must also have an enough knowledge with different programming languages, operating systems and computer hardware. A Systems Analyst do the feasibility study in an organization. They study the following possible risk that the company may encounter when a new system is implemented or a new hardware or software was installed. They plan for projects that the organization will benefit and also planning for the organization be competitive and be able to adapt the enormous changes in its environment. That is why a systems analyst must learn to manage himself/herself and also the organization. And lastly, an interpersonal skill. Though systems analyst have a lot of responsibilities, it is essential that he/she has a good communication and personality. He/She must know how to interact with the different persons that would be involve or connected with his job like the end users, programmers and etc.

If I would be a Systems Analyst someday, is it necessary that I should be a graduate of a computer related courses like having a bachelor degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Science, or Management Information System? It is also been a question in our first reporting session in this said subject since the one interviewed by the sharers was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Weighing which is better a graduate of business related courses or a computer related one. Doubts comes up in my mind. I couldn’t think of what to choose. Again, I browse the internet to gain some ideas. And luckily, I found some. According to what I have read and comprehend, there are different ways in preparing yourself and get ready to become a Systems Analyst. There are several types of analyst : Systems Analyst, Business Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst and etc. Usually, many computer systems analyst earned a bachelor’s degree in computer related courses like Computer Science or Information Technology. There are also some analyst who finished with it’s bachelor degree in other field and then, they pursue computers classes just to gain computer experiences. A number of analyst increase their knowledge by having a Master’s degree in business for them to understand better the types of computers and businesses needs. What is essential for an Analyst to have is that he/she must know computers, math and planning, and also a logical thiking skills are very important. They need to be good on speaking and writing skills so that it would be much easier for them to explain their systems and be able to give a good and reliable instructions.These are just the minimum requirement for you to be get ready if you aim to be a Systems Analyst someday. But, it would be preferable if you have both business and technical education because combining both work or educational experiences would be a great advantage for you.

After discussing what a Systems Analysts are and what are some of the skills that this person must have, the next thing to know is what would be or what should be the characteristics of a good Systems Analyst. I tried to surf for possible ideas but unfortunately, I have a hard time doing so but I still found some that would help me. But I guess having those informations that I have mentioned above is enough to construct the characteristics of a good Systems Analyst. These characteristics give important clues about the nature of the work and its work environment. Hence, here are some of my ideas of what a Systems Analyst must be.

Responsible.

A Systems analyst play a vital role in system devlopment processes. Engage with different, critical and essential responsibilities. Responsibilities like planning, documentation, research, and analyzing and choosing the most efficient computer solutions.For these some reasons, I conclude that as a Systems Analyst you should be responsible with your work. As a Systems Analyst you are also considered one of the professionals that is why you should be able to do not just your work but more than your work. Its essential to be responsible in this field beacuse one single mistake would be considered a big risk for the organization.

Knowledgeable of technology.

As I mentioned above, it is one of the minimum requirement needed for your to become a Systems Analyst that you are a graduate in technical field. Recalling that some of the responsibilities of a Systems Analyst are related with computers. Computer hardwares, softwares, operating systems and even networking computers are part of their duties. And looking back with the four specified skills of a Systems Analyst, it also mentioned about technical skills. Therefore, it is considered as one quality to a Systems Analyst to be knowledgeable on technologies. Tha fact that there is a rapid growth of breakthroughs and it is not easy to adapt with the fast-evolving changes in our environment. People are more becoming technical in other words we mostly rely on the technologies that we have. A systems Analyst is responsible to keep up-to-date with the new trends of technologies and system developments.

Knowledgeable of business.

As a Systems Analyst, it is an advantage that you are knowledgeable not only in the technical field but also in the business area. Organizations nowadays are on business. If you have this intelligence, you can be either a business analyst or a system analyst. Though business analyst and systems analyst are different roles and perform different task throughout the software development lifecycle, both roles are needed and both are very important in an organization. The business analyst do primarily the documentation and gathering of the business requirements while on the other hand, systems analyst are challenge to provide a link between those business requirements with IT solutions. That is how important for an analyst to be intelligent in the field of business because there are opportunities to choose what type of analyst you want to be.

Easily get along with people.

The end-users are one of the things that a Systems Analyst must consider and gave importance. A Systems Analyst also interacts with the programmers, designers for the software interface, and also their client or the end-users. Hence, it is necessary that a Systems Analyst knows how to negotiate with the people around him. It is a good practice that you know how to get along with others so that for some circumstances or if you need some assessment for the completion of your project you will not be hesitate to approach someone. And the end-users will be comfortable in telling their complaints and other needs.

Able to communicate in writing and orally.

Systems Analyst should be able to communicate both in writing and oral. For the reason that their are informations and ideas presented in writing that you have to read and understand or for some instances you have to write your ideas so that others will understand. Often times, you have to speak and discuss your system, the process and even explain the functionalities of your system. Talking with others is also a tool to convey information effectively.

Good listener and sensitive with what people say.

In terms of software programs, every user has its own requirements. They usually differ in their needs and complaints. That is why it is important that the systems analyst must be a good listener for him/her to know the specific needs of each end user.He/She must be sensitive with their complaints. Accept all the criticism and complements from your users to be able to make your project work well and fit the needs of everyone.

Trusthworthiness

Another quality of a systems analyst is that it is trusted. Systems Analyst plays a vital role in the development of the systems so, if you are tasked as a Systems Analyst, the company trust you and looking forward for your recommendations and observations. If the company trust you, you should also show the organization and to your fellow workers that you deserve to be trusted. Worthy to be trusted is not only a quality of a Systems Analyst but also as a professional. If people saw that you are responsible and trusted, people will appreciate your work.

If those characteristics are present on you, then you will be proud and worthy to be called a good and professional systems analyst. Honestly speaking, some of those characteristics that I mentioned are not present in me so I still cannot consider myself as a good System Analyst. But I am still on the preparation and still aiming to fit on the minimum requirement of a systems analyst. I am not that responsible as of now. Often times I’m careless and do things later. But I guess, if I motivate myself and practice do things as early as I could would help me be a responsible one. Its just a matter of determination. Thinking that I am a BS in Information Technology student, I’m proud to say that I fit a bit on the second mentiond quality of a Systems Analyst. Being knowledgeable of technology doesn’t mean you should master programming. What is essential is that you have a proper general knowledge of its concepts and terms. I am not an expert in business but a systems analyst is not expected to be an expert with that field. You just have to understand decently so that you can accomodate your client who is in the field of business. In school, we have two accounting subjects so I already have some information about business. If I aim to be a System Analyst someday, I should study hard my accounting subjects. I cas assure myself that in the fourth and fifth characteristics I fit.  It would be not that hard to get along with other people. If you do good, I guess it would not be that difficult to interact with others. And I can communicate both in writing and oral way. So, I can conclude that I pass the fourth and fifth declared trait. On the sixth feature, everyone can be a good listener if they would be interested. On the last characteristics stated, Everyone can be trusted if you show to them that you can be.

Aiming to be a Systems Analyst would not be that easy. The skills that was cited above are just few of the the numerous skills that a System Analyst usually have. Analyzing is not an effortless task. It needs enough knowledge and time. A Systems Analyst is required to come up with a successful IT project. It is very important in a company to have it’s own systems analyst to help the organization in their decisions especially on the technical part and even the business field. Changes in the environment are fast-evolving that is why a company needs this person to help the organization cope up and be able to adapt this rapid changes. Be competitive in the world of global market is what all business organizations goal or objective. Hiring a Systems Analyst in an organizations is a good way and a great help to be competitive in this type of world. As of now, I can’t picture out myself be a systems analyst but maybe soon I can fill those requirements, skills and qualities and I can be a good System Analyst.


References:

http://orion.kent.edu/steinberg/sys3.htm
www.wikipedia.com
http://www.techterms.com/definition/systemanalyst
http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/preedman/business-analyst-and-systems-analyst-they-are-different-677