Characteristics of a good system analyst

Assignment 1:

Based on learning of chapter 1 identify and discuss some characteristics you have as a good system analyst.


All organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently and to perform specific functions and manage data and business aspects. Computer systems analysts help organizations to use technology effectively and to incorporate rapidly changing technologies into their existing systems. In order to run efficiently, organizations must use technology and to integrate new evolving technologies prudently. Computer systems need updating and customizing on a regular basis. This is where the computer systems analyst comes in. The work of computer systems analysts evolves rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization and changes in technology.

What is System analyst?....

To begin with, let’s first define what System Analyst is. Systems analysis is a process of understanding in detail what a system should accomplish. A business professional who uses analysis and design techniques to solve business problems using information technology.

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. A successful systems analyst must acquire four skills:
analytical,
technical,
managerial, and
interpersonal

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. The systems analyst must be able to work with various programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms.

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.

Because they must write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and the IT professionals of the organization they represent. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines. They may also be responsible for feasibility studies of a computer system before making recommendations to senior management.”

Systems analysts plan and develop which computer system can be used for almost any task. Depending on the job or project, the analyst determines which computers, software, and related tools to best achieve the objective. Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and use computer technology to meet the needs of an organization. They may design and develop new computer systems by choosing and configuring hardware and software. They may also devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional tasks. Most systems analysts work with specific types of computer systems—for example, business, accounting, or financial systems or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. After determining what system to use the analyst breaks the task into small steps for computer input and information processing.
Typically, an analyst works with multiple computers to get them working together with the same network. They also direct programmers in the development of the software needed for the system and provide detailed instructions on its use. After a system is designed, the analyst must make certain it achieves the desired results. If the computer network is not functioning as planned, the analyst must find and correct any errors.
This is extremely detailed, technical work. It requires not only a high skill level but also the ability to direct and train others. Analysts often work as part of a team, and the work is performed in offices and computer labs.

The information systems analyst assists a senior analyst or consultant in determining the feasibility of implementing new computer applications or upgrades. The information systems analyst meets with users to determine and assess user needs, and designs and tests applications and enhancements. The information systems analyst is also responsible for debugging applications and providing technical support and training to users. The information systems analyst will prepare technical documentation and procedural instructions for implementing systems software. Working relationships are established with state courts personnel. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Information Systems Analyst Manager.

The systems analyst is the middleman, assessing the needs of the end-user and translating them into programming or turning over the programming responsibility to the development department.
What are the business requirements?
Who will comprise the user community?
How large is the application going to be?
Will it be internal or external?
These are all questions facing the systems analyst, who spends much of the day in front of the computer poring over these issues. With a new product, other elements come into play, such as network location, user community, type of machine, and portability. If the analyst is reviewing an established product, the user community will dictate its changes and enhancements. A good analyst must able to see and grasp big-picture concepts very quickly, and break them down into subcomponents. Systems analysts need to be independent thinkers-people who can “think out of the box” by grasping concepts quickly and seeing the big picture as opposed to the small details.

A systems analyst also performs the following tasks:

Interact with the customers to know their requirements
Interact with designers to convey the possible interface of the software
Interact/guide the coders/developers to keep track of system development
Perform system testing with sample/live data with the help of testers
Implement the new system
Prepare High quality Documentation

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How to become a system analyst?

Computer systems analysts are typically required to have a degree of at least bachelor level. Many employers may require a higher graduate level degree, as well as experience in the field for more complicated jobs and senior-level positions. Computer systems analysts have many different degrees, but typically, they have degrees in computer science, information technology, and management information systems.
Qualifications vary by employer, but general qualifications include: broad computer systems knowledge, experience in employer’s field, specific computer system knowledge, logical thinking skills, great communication and interpersonal skills, and sound problem-solving and analytical skills. Internships are appropriate for students ready to graduate, as they do not usually require any experience.

Education and Experience Required…
· Bachelor degree in computer science, information science, or related field
· MBA very helpful to understand business computer needs
· Intimate knowledge of computers and software
· Excellent math and planning skills
· Very detail oriented
· Ability to communicate well both verbally an written

Training requirements for computer systems analysts vary depending on the job, but many employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree. Relevant work experience also is very important. Advancement opportunities are good for those with the necessary skills and experience.

Education and training. When hiring computer systems analysts, employers usually prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree. For more technically complex jobs, people with graduate degrees are preferred.
The level and type of education that employers require reflects changes in technology. Employers often scramble to find workers capable of implementing the newest technologies. Workers with formal education or experience in information security, for example, are currently in demand because of the growing use of computer networks, which must be protected from threats.
For jobs in a technical or scientific environment, employers often seek applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical field, such as computer science, information science, applied mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences. For jobs in a business environment, employers often seek applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field such as management information systems (MIS). Increasingly, employers are seeking individuals who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems.
Despite the preference for technical degrees, however, people who have degrees in other majors may find employment as systems analysts if they also have technical skills. Courses in computer science or related subjects combined with practical experience can qualify people for some jobs in the occupation.
Employers generally look for people with expertise relevant to the job. For example, systems analysts who wish to work for a bank should have some expertise in finance, and systems analysts who wish to work for a hospital should have some knowledge of health management.
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to remain competitive. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, and private training institutions offer continuing education to help workers attain the latest skills. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies.

Other qualifications. Employers usually look for people who have broad knowledge and experience related to computer systems and technologies, strong problem-solving and analytical skills, and the ability to think logically. In addition, because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail is important. Although these workers sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. Therefore, they must have good interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, users, and other staff who may have no technical background.


Additional characteristics of a good system analyst.

1. The system analyst must be able to communicate in writing and orally.

2. The analyst must easily get along with people.

3. The analyst must be a good listener and be able to react to what people say.

4. The analyst must be knowledgeable of technology. The analyst is not expected to know the intricacies of programming, but a decent general knowledge of concepts and terms is essential.

5. The analyst must be knowledgeable of business. The analyst is not expected to be an expert in business but a decent understanding of the client's world is required.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analyst
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos287.htm
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/systems_analyst_job_description.jsp
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/computerjob13/a/systems_analyst.htm