Interview a Systems Analyst and ask what skills and characteristics must a systems analyst develop in order to be more effective in any design modeling process [include in your answer evidences (pix, ltrs, etc)]? At least 2000 words excluding your evidence

SAD Assignment2

Company Background:

       The company we adopted is PIADI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Printing Industries Association of Davao Incorporated) located at PIADI Building, Araullo Street, Davao City. It started operating sine 1992 here in Davao City and now has a branch in General Santos City.

Interview Proper:

            We were able to interview the branch manager of PIADI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Printing Industries Association of Davao Incorporated), Mr. Franklin M. Sanchez. And to take note, he was neither a graduate in business related course nor a graduate of any computer related course, but he was a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Although he was enrolled in that course, he noticed that he is fun and interested in numbers. Before he reached his position as a manager, he went from rags to riches. He was once collector, then a teller until he became a manager in Banco de Oro (formerly PCI Bank). He worked there for about twenty- one (21) years. That experience became his foundation in his career right now. Managing a business is not just monitoring the business, employees and customers in the said company. He also portrays the role of being a systems analyst and a project manager. He told us that although the person who made their system is an attorney who has an agency himself or what we called a legal council, his approval still matters.

            He told us that a cooperative does not necessarily means money and loans that is somewhat a misconception when it talks about a “cooperative”. For him, a cooperative is owned by every member. And every member has a power of their votes and shares. The cooperative’s business transaction should be voted and approved by the members.

            According to him, the top most skill that a system analyst should possess is to have a working knowledge of the business he/she is in to. Primarily, in the multi- purpose cooperative business, accounting knowledge is a must. The system analyst must know the accounting principles, for example, inventory, accounts payable, bookkeeping, cash in- flow, cash out- flow and many more.

            Also, experience is a big plus. Having been experienced and exposed in to a certain business serves as a foundation in creating an effective design modeling process. In his twenty- one (21) years experience in the banking business is a big contribution in his carrier right now.

             Next is that a system analyst must have a good working habits. It pertains to the control and manipulation between his appointments and responsibilities. If a systems analyst has poor working habits, it would be harder for him/her to finish his work or design in time. Aside from the dedicated time to meet or so called the deadline, also the quality of the system is affected. A systems analyst must be flexible enough to work in great pressure anytime and anywhere. A good theory or working knowledge is not enough to have or to become an effective systems analyst unless applied. Working habits has to be maintained for good or even be developed for the better. Good working habit will not be counted unless the product or the result is good.

             Being intelligent is still not enough to create a good modeling process. Attitude means a lot. All your achievements will be for no good if you do not have that right attitude towards other people and most especially to yourself. Being discipline goes in line with this key. To relate it to my interviewee, he was a graduate of Philosophy and expectantly, he is more expert in dealing with different types of people. That is why he values attitude towards his employees and customers.

             Another skill he desired is that a systems analyst must be computer literate. He mentioned that during their time, computers has already evolved but are not reachable by their resources and knowledge. Even up to know they are not that good. Having basic information about Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is enough to run their system.

             “It is better to live below your means that to live above it”, as Mr. Franklin M. Sanchez quoted. It means that I business, having control of your expenses makes your field profitable enough. It comprises that you must know your limitations. As a systems analyst, another skill to develop in order to be effective in designing a modeling process is by knowing your limitations and boundaries.

               Concerning with business, he told us a simple and short but a meaningful story about a family with a small “sari- sari” store. The store was managed by the mother but somehow also managed by the father of the family as well as the children. Then at a certain time, the mother noticed that all her products are already sold but the money or income does not change at all. Then her nephew told her that maybe all her profits were turned to change for the customers. In a simple point of view, the issue is that a certain business or even a system must be managed by a single person, if many, at least with the same interest and goal. With this straight manipulation from the analyst, the systems manipulations by others are avoided.