Systems analysis and design : in an age of options / Gary Spurrier, Heikki Topi.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Systems Analysis and Design in an Age of Options presents a new and integrated approach to navigating the numerous and highly consequential choices surrounding the modern practice of SA and D. This reflects the vigorous discussion and debate in the field regarding use of plan-driven, agile and hybrid project and requirements methodologies, tailoring SA&D for constructing new system features vs. configuring commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software, and use of structured vs. object oriented techniques. The book addresses the reality that all these approaches represent viable options for SA&D that are used in different circumstances and frequently blended in practice. As such, the book presents well-defined procedures for optimally choosing among these options and helps the students acquire the skills for executing them. To explicate these challenges, the book introduces an original systems development process framework. This framework organizes the material and prepares students to artfully combine and optimize choices among these options within a single project. The book emphasizes the role of the business analyst as a key creative actor in systems development projects throughout all project tasks and phases. It supports the students growth towards the mastery of business analyst competencies, including requirements analysis, system design and construction, and project management.