The system analyst is a person who is thoroughly aware of the system and guides the system development project by giving proper directions. He is an expert having technical and interpersonal skills to carry out development tasks required at each phase.
He pursues to match the objectives of information system with the organisation goal.
Main Roles
- Defining and understanding the requirement of the user through various Fact finding techniques.
- Prioritising the requirements by obtaining user consensus.
- Gathering the facts or information and acquiring the opinions of users.
- Maintains analysis and evaluation to arrive at an appropriate system which is more user friendly.
- Suggest many flexible alternative solutions, pick the best solution, and quantify cost and benefits.
- Draw certain specifications which are easily understood by users and programmers in precise and detailed form.
- Implemented the logical design of a system which must be modular.
- Plan the periodicity for evaluation after it has been used for some time, and modify the system as needed.
Attributes of a Systems Analyst
The following figure shows the attributes a systems analyst should possess −
Interpersonal Skills
- Interface with users and programmers.
- Facilitate groups and lead smaller teams.
- Managing expectations.
- Good understanding, communication, selling and teaching abilities.
- Motivator having the confidence to solve queries.
Analytical Skills
- System study and organisational knowledge
- Problem identification, problem analysis, and problem solving
- Sound commonsense
- Ability to access trade-off
- Curiosity to learn about new organisation
Management Skills
- Understand users’ jargon and practices.
- Resource & project management.
- Change & risk management.
- Understand the management functions thoroughly.
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of computers and software.
- Keep abreast of modern development.
- Know of system design tools.
- Breadth knowledge about new technologies.
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