Vocational Scenario
You have recently joined as a Junior Systems Analyst in the Project Department at Klerks Well, a marketing and design company. Your team has been tasked with developing a new e-card system for Moon Pick, a company that currently offers a limited range of online designer greeting cards. The existing system lacks the capability for customers to personalize cards.
Project Requirements
The new e-card system should enable customers to:
- Create a diary to record events such as birthdays.
- Access a quick view of events and reminders.
- Access a quick view address book.
- Receive automatic reminders of diary events, three days before the event.
- Link to preferred social media platforms.
- View on both mobile devices and desktop PCs.
- Send e-cards from the desktop.
- Receive card receipt confirmations.
- Access payment facilities.
- Have a secure login.
Task
The Project Manager has requested a report for the client that explores software development models and systems analysis tools and techniques, assessing their suitability for the new e-card system’s business processes.
Software Development Models
Begin by explaining the principles of various software development models used for modeling business processes:
- Waterfall Model: A linear and sequential approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins.
- System Development Life Cycle (SDLC): A structured approach encompassing stages such as definition, investigation and analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, evaluation, and maintenance.
- Alternative Models:
- Rapid Application Development (RAD)
- Agile Methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), Adaptive Software Development (ASD))
- Prototyping
Evaluation of Systems Analysis Tools and Techniques
Evaluate the suitability of various systems analysis tools and techniques for modeling the e-card business processes:
- Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and Context Diagrams: Visual representations of data flow within the system.
- Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) Tools: Software applications that support software development processes.
- Structured Systems Analysis and Design Method (SSADM): A methodology for information systems analysis and design.
- Unified Modeling Language (UML): A standardized modeling language for software engineering.
- Structure (Static) Class Diagram: A diagram representing the static structure of a system.
- Behavior (Dynamic) Activity Diagram: A diagram depicting the dynamic aspects of a system.
- Business Process Reengineering: The analysis and redesign of workflows within an organization.
Additionally, consider how these tools and techniques align with different programming paradigms such as Object-Oriented, Event-Driven, and Procedural Programming, and how they differ from traditional industries.
Conclusion
Conclude with a recommendation of the most suitable analysis tools and techniques for developing the e-card system, based on the evaluations above.
Milestones
- Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Alternative Models
- System Analysis Tools and Techniques
Checklist of Evidence Required
- An Evaluation Report
Criteria Covered by this Task
- A.D1: Evaluate the suitability of different system analysis tools and techniques for modeling business processes.
- A.M1: Assess the suitability of different systems analysis tools and techniques for modeling business processes.
- A.P2: Explain the features of different systems analysis tools and techniques for modeling business processes.
- A.P1: Explain the principles of software development model
