LIM, MARYLYN GRACE C.

OOA

                Book: Systems Analysis and Design: an Active Approach

                Author: George M. Marakas

                Reference No.: QA

                                                76.9

                                                S88

                                                M37

                                                2001

Chapter 2: So What Is The Problem?

Quote: “For either you know what you are looking for then there is no plan or you didn’t know and then you cannot expect to find anything.”

Review:

                This chapter talks about the world of problems as system and, in the process. It also talks about the two primary activities of the system analyst, which are identifying and solving problems. There are two basic elements in problem identification and problem solving; these are the problem and the symptoms. These can be also defined as cause and effect. There are tools designed to assist the system analyst in identifying problems. First is the Ishikawa diagram or fish bone diagram. This diagram is the cause-and-effect diagram that relates the problem under question to the factors driving it. The second framework is the Pieces framework. With the help of this framework, analyst can allocate additional resources to further investigate the possible cause of the symptoms. This chapter also discusses the two system classification, which are closed system and open system. A closed system have a distinguish characteristics of a generally self-contained design while the open system can adapt to changes in both internal and external conditions. Lastly, this chapter discusses about the systems development principle. The 6 system development principles are get the users involved, systems analysis is problem solving, information systems are capital assets , good ideas can be bad ideas, document now and lastly, use the divide and conquer approach. These principles should be followed regardless of the exact development methodology employed.