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System Analysis concerns itself with the design of systems,
and the management of that design through implementation to
delivery. For System Analysis to actual create a working
specification requires in-depth knowledge of the systems that
will be employed in its creation. System Analysis is
primarily used at the front of a project, but also carries
through a project to ensure the project conforms to the
specification and the specification itself remains valid
through the implementation process. Systems Analysis often
morphs into technical documentation by the end of the
project.
System analysis identifies all the actors (stakeholders) of
a system, and what the system will set out to achieve.
Systems designs are written and drawn up, and from there
analysis of each part of the system is derived. Once the
system is fully understood, then the technology is chosen
and the budget for the project outlined. System analysis is
an iterative process that involves compromise and
introduction of improved techniques until the system in
design finally conforms to an acceptable state, and from
there implementation in earnest can begin.
Poised Solutions uses a variety of system analysis
techniques, from pseudo code, diagramming, case studies, and
rapid prototyping. The actual techniques used differs from
project to project and client to client. Flexibility in
system analysis is the correct approach to modern software
development, and Poised Solutions specialises in this
flexible style.
System Analysis Fields
System Analysis is an ongoing process, it should ideally
be performed by people with extensive programming and project lead experience. System analysis attempts to
improve stability of a project, and reduce the total time
taken to deliver an acceptable solution, as such extensive
experience of other areas of the development process is
very appropriate. Understanding of low level and high
level programming is a must.
System Analysis Fields
- Software Architecture
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Software Architecture defines the structure of
a software system. Extensive development experience and capability is required to be
an effective software architect. Software architecture is responsible
for the design and documentation for implementors and stake
holders of a system, there is more emphasis on documentation
for development though. The role of a software architect is to identify and express the algorithms,
data structures and design patterns of a system, often UML (Universal
Modeling Language) or SDD (Software Design Description) documents
are used to describe the system under architecture. Software Architecture tends to be done at the start of
a project, though involvement can last until final delivery.
Some of the best books of software architecture, are Software Engineering Fundamentals published by Oxford and UML2 and the Unified Process published by Addison Wesley more great books on software architecture can be in the Poised Solutions Library in the System Analysis Book Reviews section. Poised Solutions
offers Software Architecture across the spectrum of
Information Technology Projects.
- Software Engineering
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Software Engineering involves itself with the deeper
software design, rigorously defining the algorithms, data
structures and design patterns. Prototyping of code is
often done by Software Engineering and formal specifications may be
used to logically prove a program The actual programming languages and environments that the system
will be developed in begin to be defined and decided upon by
Software Engineering. Software Engineering is closely related to Development and often Software Engineering will extend into the
development process, though it is a discipline that
should be done prior to full scale implementation. Poised Solutions offers Software Engineering for most software and system
projects.
- Project Management
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Project Management involves the coordination for
software and system projects. Project Management often liaises with all the stake
holders and actors in a project, and effectively should form
the hub of the project, for this both people and technical
skills are necessary. Project Management is responsible for
the time lines, and budget of a project ensuring they are
adhered to, and if necessary managing client expectation as
to delivery dates, functionality and budget considerations.
Most Project Managers should have extensive development experience, coupled with an Arts and
Letters style knowledge base, normally defined by a deep
appreciation of Literature. Poised Solutions offers Project Management for all information technology
projects and in most market sectors.
- Technical Writing
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Technical Writing involves the production of
documentation specific for all the stake holders and actors
of a system. Technical writers need to be involved with all
elements of the system, sometimes defining process but more
often recording how the processes works and the benefits of
the system. Good Technical Writing tends to be task oriented and
pitched for the particular audience of the technical document.
One of the best books on Technical Writing is Developing Quality Technical Information a Handbook for Writers and Editors.
Having an effective technical writer on an information technology
project documenting all the features and nuances of a
technical system can pay dividends from the getgo and later
on down the road.As, documentation can be referred back to
so knowledge and decisions be quickly derived. Most Technical Writers have a strong literature and philosophy background coupled with a deep passion for technology and generally with some development experience. Poised Solutions as part of the IT Practice offers Technical Writing services for a myriad of technical
projects.
System Analysis Resources
System Analysis Resources
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