Brief Introduction of System Analyst

1. COU3202
Session 09
Ms. Niroshi Alwis

2. System Analysis
Concepts and Roles

3. The Transformed Role of the System
Analyst
The world of IT is constantly changing, and the role of the system analyst has
transformed significantly.
A System Analyst is a key figure in the world of IT, acting as a bridge between the
business world and the technical side of things.
Imagine a translator who speaks the language of both business needs and technical
solutions. That's essentially the role of a System Analyst. They delve into the
intricacies of an organization's existing systems and processes, identifying areas for
improvement.

4. Activity 01: (15 Minutes)
What are the key differences between traditional and modern system analysts in
terms of their project approaches, skill sets, and the tools they utilize?

5. The Transformed Role of the System
Analyst
Traditional System Analyst:
Focus: Focuses on well-defined, stable requirements and delivering a complete,
documented system.
Methodology: Follows a structured, sequential approach (waterfall model).
Skills: Strong emphasis on technical writing, data modeling, and in-depth knowledge
of specific technologies.
Tools: Relies heavily on formal documentation and traditional development tools.

6. The Transformed Role of the System
Analyst
Modern System Analyst:
Modern system analysts play a crucial role in driving business value through
technology. They are proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and
suggesting innovative solutions that can give organizations a competitive edge.
Focus: Adapts to changing needs and prioritizes user experience and continuous
improvement through iterative development.
Methodology: Embraces agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum) with shorter development cycles
and ongoing user feedback.
Skills: Requires strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills alongside
technical expertise.
Tools: Utilizes a wider range of tools for prototyping, user experience design, and
collaborative development platforms.

7. Key Skills and Knowledge required for
Modern System Analysts
1. Technical Expertise:
A solid foundation in various technologies is crucial for understanding system capabilities and
limitations.
This includes:
 Knowledge of common operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS).
 Familiarity with database management systems (SQL, NoSQL).
 Understanding of programming concepts, even if not writing extensive code.
 Awareness of emerging technologies like cloud computing, AI, and ML.
2. Business Acumen:
Modern system analysts need to be more than just tech experts. They need to understand the
business they are supporting:
 How different departments function and interact.
 The challenges and pain points faced by the business.
 How technology can be leveraged to address those challenges and improve efficiency.

8. Key Skills and Knowledge required for
Modern System Analysts
3. Communication and Collaboration:
System analysts act as a bridge between business and technology. They need to effectively
communicate with:
 Business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into technical requirements.
 Developers to ensure the technical solution aligns with business goals.
 End-users to understand their pain points and gather feedback on proposed solutions.
4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
IT systems deal with complex challenges. System analysts need strong problem-solving skills to:
 Analyze situations, identify root causes of issues, and design effective solutions.
 Think critically to evaluate different options and choose the most suitable approach.
 Be adaptable and find creative solutions when faced with unexpected challenges.

9. Key Skills and Knowledge required for
Modern System Analysts
5. Data Analysis:
Data is a valuable asset in modern IT. System analysts should be able to:
 Collect and analyze relevant data to identify trends and patterns.
 Use data to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement within systems.
 Translate complex data insights into clear and actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
6. Project Management:
System analysis often involves managing projects to deliver solutions within a specific timeframe and
budget. This requires:
 The ability to define project scope, create timelines, and manage resources effectively.
 Strong organizational skills to juggle multiple tasks and priorities.
 Effective communication and collaboration skills to keep stakeholders informed of project progress.

10. Factors Driving Transformation
Rise of New Technologies: The emergence of cloud computing, big data, AI, and ML
has opened doors for more sophisticated system analysis, requiring analysts to stay
updated on these advancements.
Focus on Business Value: IT is no longer seen as a back-office function. Modern
system analysts play a strategic role in ensuring that technology investments directly
contribute to achieving business goals.
Agile Development Methodologies: Modern development methodologies like Agile
emphasize collaboration and rapid iterations. System analysts work closely with
development teams to ensure continuous improvement and user feedback is
incorporated throughout the development process.

11. The Future of System Analysis
The role of the system analyst is expected to continue evolving. Here are some
potential trends:
Increased Focus on Data: Analysts will leverage data analysis skills to discover hidden
patterns, predict trends, and make data-driven recommendations.
Specialization: Analysts may specialize in specific domains like cloud computing,
security, or data analytics.
Automation: Repetitive tasks may be automated, allowing analysts to focus on
higher-level strategic activities.