Description

*** An eTextbook version is available at VitalSource.com for $62.25 USD. ISBN: 978-1-943153-81-7. ***

*** An updated and streamlined new Edition 2.0 is now available in eTextbook (ISBN: 978-1-958303-18-4) and paperback (978-1-958303-19-1) formats. ***

Systems Analysis and Design in an Age of Options presents an integrated approach to navigating the numerous and highly consequential choices surrounding the modern practice of Systems Analysis and Design (SA&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
Use of structured vs. object oriented (OO) techniques

The textbook squarely 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 textbook 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 textbook 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 textbook 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.