Systems Analysis -- FAQ

Systems Analysis FAQ
Analysis Project
Some FAQ's and their answers have been provided by former students.
If some advice seems inconsistent with what Dr. Sauter has said in class, please contact her for clarification.

Which level of the data flow diagram do we do on our project? Example , Context diagram or level 0, etc.....

Provide enough detail in your dfd to communicate your processes to the client. Always start with the context and level 0 diagrams. Explode as far as you need to communicate your point.

Do we need to identify each of our deliverables as deliverables in the project report?

No. Just make sure that all of the items are included in a reasonable fashion and order.

What kinds of headings should we use for the various sections in our project?

There are no standard headings that I am anticipating ... provide titles that describe what is in the material and don't try to use "technical" headings just because you think you need to.

What should be included in the final report?

We discussed the deliverables due at the various stages of analysis in class. This report is the culmination of those steps, and hence should include all final deliverables from the process.

How should we write our report?

You must write your report to your client. Put yourself in the position of an outside consultant who is preparing a report for a client.

You do not need to follow any particular outline. Nor do you need to have items labeled as they are in our deliverables table. Write your report so that it makes sense to your client. Generally, I like to begin with the conclusion first, and then defend it, but you should follow an outline that is comfortable for your writing style and for your recommendations.

Do we include the background, feasibility, questionnaire and prototype assignments in our project?

You don't need to include everything from these only the things that will add to your conclusion for the project.

When the project is due, can we e-mail it to you?

No - drop it under my door.

Do we need some sort of cover page?

Yes a cover page and table of contents is expected.

Do we have to include all the surveys?

No, just summarize them.

What of my suggestion for improvement really consists of several different suggestions?

This is fine. You should discuss each one of these separately, and also discuss them as a package, highlighting the synergy of these proposed solutions.

Have you ever seen a groups data or suggestions be implemented in the system analyzed for the project?

Yes, many times. Actually, most of the time.

Are we required to turn in DFD's even if our solution doesn't affect data flow?

Yes.

Do you recommend a letter to the client before the actual project?

You can give the client a letter describing your proposed solution. Keep in mind that this is at most one page long. It must convey all that your group wants to convey. (Justification not included) Once again, you can use any format you want. Make sure it is justified!

Can our final project be web based? And how many copies of the final draft do you need?

The final project may be web based, however two copies of the final project must be turned in.

Do we need to include DFDs of the system as-is? If so, how far down?

Yes, you will need to provide DFDs of the system as-is. Even if your client doesn't need them I want to know that you understand the system as-is. You should include Context, Level0, and first-level explosions for all the processes identified in your Level 0.

What do we do if a group member is not carrying their weight?

At the end of the semester there will be a group evaluation report for all of you to fill out. This is where you should voice such concerns. There is an area for you to describe how and what each group member did throughout the entire semester. I will look at these evaluations and the final grade that is given to the final project will not automatically be given to all group members. The final grades that each group member individually receives will be based on the work turned in and the group evaluations of each member.

Will our previous assignments and justifications be in our final paper?

They should not be in the final paper. The same ideas should be used but not in the exact same format as before

Will everyone in the group receive the same grade on the project?

In most cases, grades will be given to individuals as a group. But, students can be docked based upon lack of participation.

How much is the final project worth?

The final project is worth 20% of the total grade.

How should we turn in our final project?

It is preferable that you staple your pages in the upper left-hand corner, but a folder or binder is fine too. A cover page and table of contents is fine expected.

What should we include in our appendices?

You should include whatever you feel necessary to convey your ideas to your client. You may want to include your questionnaire, various graphs, etc. You may review previous projects that are currently posted on my web site.

Do we need to put actual numbers associated with costs?

Yes, the final project should include any costs associated with fulfilling your suggested solutions. Hint: all university employee's salaries or hourly pay are public information, check the reference desk in the library.

Are we supposed to hand in a copy of final project to our client?

You are supposed to give me two hard copies of your final project so that I can give one copy to the client.

Do we need to have a table of contents, cover page, or appendices?

A table of contents and cover page is expected. Appendices can be used for graphs, tables, and charts that information is used from throughout the report.

Should we send a copy to the client we have been working with or do we hand in more than one copy of the final project?

Hand in two copies of the project and one will be delivered to the client unmarked. If you would like to give it to anyone else who was involved in the project please hand into me first and I will distribute.

How do you do the project?

Complete the project as if you were a consulting company asked to solve the problem. This means making the project as real as possible, considering real situations and real costs.