AS Level ICT

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AS Level ICT

• Analysis

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Analysis

• Analysis is the process of breaking down a
  problem into small parts so that it is easier to
  understand and therefore easier to solve

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Analysis

• The process of analysis identifying the problem
  to be solved follows a series of steps, each of
  which must be adhered to ensure that the problems
  will be properly and fully identified before a
  suitable solution is designed and implemented
• Once each of these steps has been completed, the
  process of analysis is complete

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Analysis

• The process of analysis begins with the client
• The client is the person or organisation that
  needs an ICT problems solved
• Within an organisation a particular individual
  will usually be identified as the person with
  whom the problem solver will communicate and
  interact
• This interaction usually begins with an
  interview, during which the clients requirements
  should become evident

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Analysis

• The interview should be structured (possibly
  using a detailed questionnaire or set of prepared
  questions), and should enable the problem solver
  to find out
• General information about the client (e.g. what
  sort of business does the client undertake)
• What system are they are currently using to solve
  the problem? (e.g. do they use a paper-based data
  management system?)

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Analysis

• What resources will be available to solve the
  problem? (e.g. money, time, training)
• Who will be using the system? (e.g. the staff in
  the Accounts, Sales, Production, and Despatch
  Departments)

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Analysis

• It is important that the user or users of the end
  solution are not only identified, but that their
  current level of ICT skills are taken into
  account during the process of analysis
• This will enable training or re-training
  requirements to be incorporated into the analysis
  process
• It is also important to remember that different
  users will have different needs

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Analysis

• For example, a member of the general public may
  need to view and interact with the end solution
  but their skills and needs will differ from those
  of an employee who is entering data

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Analysis

• After the interview a detailed list of the
  clients requirements should be produced
• This is then sent to the client to be checked
• This should ensure that there are no
  misunderstanding about what is needed to solve
  the problem, how long the solution will take to
  design, test, and implement, and what resources
  will be needed

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Analysis

• The final stage of the analysis process is the
  identification of the inputs, processing, and
  outputs that the end solution will require
• It is important to remember that to avoid GIGO
  (Garbage In, Garbage Out) it is often better to
  begin with the outputs, as this will usually
  determine the processing required and the inputs
  that will be needed

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Analysis

• Outputs
• What information is needed?
• What format or formats are the outputs required
  to be in?
• Processing
• What processing of the input data is required in
  order to produce the specified outputs?

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Analysis

• Inputs
• What input data is required?
• How will this data be gathered?
• How will this data be inputted into the end
  solution?

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Summary

• What problems need to be solved?
• What solution is presently being used?
• Who will be using your system?
• What alternatives can be used?
• What objectives will your solution aim to
  achieve?
• What software and/or hardware will be needed?

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Summary

• How will any data used be collected?
• How will any data used be selected?
• How will data be entered? (Inputs)
• What processing will be required? (Processing)
• How will information be displayed? (Outputs)

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AS Level ICT

• Analysis