SAD Assignment1
A systems analyst plays a big part in a company or business. Or should I say that a systems analyst serves as the heart and brain of a company. Without a brain that decides the best for the company and without a heart that beats which keeps the parts to function well, it would be a dead business. But having a plain brain and a plain heart does not guarantee that the business would run and last for a long time. What is the use of the brain if it decides for the worst? And what is the use of the heart if it beats so slowly? For the company to survive, a good system analyst is badly needed. Based on the discussion we had in Chapter 1, he/ she should possess the following characteristics or skills; analytical, technical, managerial and intrapersonal skills1.
Since I am enrolled in the subject Systems Analysis and Design, whether I like it or not, I will be making a system together with my group mates. And each one of us must practice the role of being a good systems analyst. And to look at the brighter side of it, what are the characteristics that I already possess that qualifies as a so called “good systems analyst”? Let me discuss it one by one.
In the aspect of analytical skills, a systems analyst must understand the nature of the business he/she is in. He/she must able to analyze problems and propose possible solutions to it. As a computer science student, I have encountered many mathematical and procedural problems in my programming subjects. I comprehended each problem and have come up with a step by step solution. I am that kind of programmer that follows the waterfall algorithm. I cannot proceed to the next step unless the current state is resolved. Being so detailed with my work, I believe that it is one of the characteristic of a good systems analyst. Being so detailed may be costly when it pertains to time consumed but I think it is a safer way to deal with my system. Security when it comes to system performance is high and every procedure is traceable. Practically, every company demands for different systems, that could be unfamiliar with what I used to encounter, but on how I will deal or analyze each problem matters most.
Technically speaking, I am not that skilled but I have the characteristic or attitude of being adoptive in any changes. A good systems analyst must be an agent of change3. Especially in the field of technology, where there is nothing constant but only change. Anyway, technical skills could be learned in a period of time. Since I am in the field of computer science, the basic technical skill when it comes to different programming languages is not anymore a problem and also basic knowledge on programming concepts is no longer an issue. I am computer literate enough to deal and analyze the limitations of what a computer could do.
Managing a business is not a joke! Since the flow of the company lies in the hands of the manager. From the moment of gathering information, to developing a system, then to testing and to deployment and finally up to the maintenance of the system, the systems analyst already plays a big part for the company as a manager. The systems analyst manages the functions, the data and the system that is needed by the company itself. In order to manage a system, one has to have the leadership ability to govern the said responsibilities. The sense of leadership is one of the characteristic that I possess that makes up a good systems analyst. Since first year college up to now, I have this attitude of being dominant when it comes to group activities. Not in the sense that it could harm our group but for the betterment of it. I have this attitude of being persevered by giving all the best that I can for the group, of course also taking in to account the contribution of my colleagues. What I just want is for our group not just to win, but to satisfy the requirements of each project and prove to ourselves that we are great.
One cannot manage something if he/she could not manage his/her own. Being self- disciplined is the key. People around you would not believe your system of leadership if they could see that your own system is much more likely needs to be resolved. For having been four years staying here in the Institute of Computing
There is a saying that “no man is an island”. A systems analyst could not work on its own. Without a company where a systems analyst would depend or serves as his/her client, he/she could not make a system. And if it has and does not have a programmer, his/her system would not be made unless that systems analyst is well rounded with programming. In short, a systems analyst must cooperate with different kinds of people at a certain system development. In this situation, the intrapersonal skill of a systems analyst is developed. This is the characteristic that I greatly possess as a good systems analyst. I am flexible enough to deal with different kinds of people. As mentioned earlier, I am that adoptive enough to changes. And a part of it is dealing with different kinds of personalities with different professions. I am not that friendly and outspoken enough to meet knew people, but I am understanding and well adjusted to every situation. Sometimes I complain maybe because I lack a little reason for me to understand the changes, but later it is not anymore a problem. As a future systems analyst, I am entitled to interact with the customers to know their requirements, also interact with designers to convey the possible interface of the software and guide the coders/developers to keep track of system development2. Open mindedness and being a good listener are exercised in this task which I already have. Honestly, I like to listen to different stories because I know that is it a big factor to learning rather than reading books all alone. I am into interactive learning because out of that, you can share your ideas and opinions.
Aside from those four specific skills that I mentioned above, I think the other characteristic that I possess that composes a so called “good systems analyst” is me being good with my communication skills. A systems analyst would find it difficult to communicate with other professionals if he/she is not good in communication by the use of the universal language. It was standardized just for the people to meet half way. An intelligent and technically motivated person must reach the lower standard type of communication to deal with other people. And a person who has a very low communication capability must strive hard to communicate also with others until both parties meet. And that characteristic is not anymore a problem with me.
Another issue about having good communication skills is that as a future systems analyst, I must have a good customer service, which I also possess. Being confident enough to deal and communicate with other people is still not enough. Having a good customer service towards clients is a big factor. If I am already a systems analyst and takes a great part in the company does not mean that I have all the power and value that I may be arrogant towards others. Having a good attitude I think is the most important characteristic that I possess and that every good systems analyst should possess. Even if you have all the knowledge, intelligence, experience and expertise towards technical and business oriented skills, but if you do not have that good and humble attitude, it would be all worthless!
To relate it in the real situation, great percentage of systems failed. And as discussed, budget is primarily the reason. But for me, being humble and considerate enough in making a system is the key. Taking into account all the possibilities and not just think of self interests. If I would design a system that is very classic and costly to implement, only few could benefit and afford it and maybe would not be implemented at all due to financial disability. So I would rather implement a system that is simple and justly so that it would be beneficial and affordable to the majority.
Time management is not that a big issue for me. I always find time to do the things that I am supposed to do at a given time. But sometimes I have this attitude of doing things at the eleventh hour. Although I could pass the required task at the given deadline, but my product is not that admirable. I have this attitude of being moody. I do not force myself to do things that are against my will or mood because I know that my product at that time would not be that good. I just take things smoothly and do not blend in to things harshly. I always put my heart into everything I do and expects a lot from it. But if my work would be criticized or neglected; I just take it as a challenge for me to do better and prove to them that I can.
Database knowledge is also a factor to become a good systems analyst. I am now in the stage of knowing the basic relations in the database management. I was able to use and practice Visual FoxPro, have already created a simple system for records. Related relations with that data involved in the system and generated solutions to it.
A systems analyst plays a big part especially in the information security. Since, a systems analyst is in charge with the whole system, he/she knows every single data that is stored and used in a system. Intellectual skills are not enough to use as a basis for a systems analyst. Hi/her attitude counts. When it comes to data security, a systems analyst must be honest and loyal towards the company. I can say that I possess those values. In my own little way as a daughter, as a student, as a friend and as a person, I am honest and loyal enough. I can assure the company I am in with my honesty and loyalty. If I can be trusted with little things, rest assured I can also be trusted to more serious issues.
Out of all the things that I learned, I am also willing to share and teach others who wish to follow my field. I am generous to everyone who perseveres and deserves to be parted with my talent. It is my pleasure to share and could somehow serve as an inspiration to them. Others maybe would want to keep their talents for themselves, those that are selfish ones that would never grow and just remain from where they are. To more you share, the more windows of opportunity are waiting.
From the fact that I am adoptive to changes, I believe that I am competitive enough. For I always aim and look for improvement that could really help me. Sooner or later, I would be knowledgeable enough when it comes to all fields. Although I am not into competition, but I think that makes me more competitive because I seek improvement for the benefit of many and not just for my self.
During the class discussion, it was questioned that what would we prefer for a certain system analyst must possess, to be business skilled type or technically skilled one? Although I am in the field of computer science, and technically skilled enough to be a systems analyst, I still want to be knowledgeable in business. For short, a systems analyst must be integrated enough on different professions. Anyone could be a systems analyst providing that you have all the skills needed. No one is born to be a systems analyst but one is trained to be one of a “good systems analyst.”
For four years stay in college, still I can say that I am not yet a good systems analyst. I still have to learn more. I still need experiences to bold myself to become one. Aside from the characteristics I enumerated above, it might seem many or perfect, still it’s not yet enough. For me to determine my weakness or characteristic that needs to be practiced, let me analyze it one by one.
Analytically, I still need to research more on different algorithm approaches. I must be knowledgeable on business oriented situations so that I can analyze well and provide good solutions.
Technically, the languages that I was able to practice are Assembly, C, C++ and Java. That means that I have to research more on different or other object oriented related programming languages for me to express more my system design and for me to produce a good system.
In managerial field, I still need more experience. But I am hoping that as we go on with our project, I will learn many things and practice much more good characteristics. And also practice not to be totally dominant on things and give way to my colleagues.
Intrapersonal skill is the one I humbly possess greatly. I just have to develop it as we go along with this subject, Systems Analysis and Design.
Having been illustrated the characteristics that I possess as a good systems analysis, I can now view my self on where stage I am already in the development of our system. I have laid the dos and manifested the don’ts; I can now develop my self to become a good systems analyst.
Resources:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
- 'Role of the Systems Analyst' - Systems Analysis and Design, Kendall and
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