"This introductory user's guide to systems analysis and systems design focuses on building sustainable information systems to meet tomorrow's needs. It shows how practitioners can apply multiple participatory perspectives in development, so as to avoid future problems. As a practical guide, it is presented to be readily comprehensible and is organized to enable users to concentrate on their goals efficiently, and with minimum theoretical elaboration. The chapters follow the sequence involved in planning an information system, explaining key words, the time involved in each step, ending with a tutorial or exercises." (Publisher description)
1 Information Systems and Organization, 1
2 What is Systems Analysis and Systems Design? 15
3 The Role of the Systems Planner or Systems Analyst, 26
4 Terms of Reference and Selecting our Planning and Development Tools: Sequence and Schedule, 39
5 What is the Probem? The Human Activity System: Making a Model, 50
6 Information Modelling: Making a Workable System, 82
7 Technical Needs, Social Needs: Getting the Right Balance, 102
8 The Human-Computer Interface, 117
9 Technical Aspects: What is Needed? 135
10 The Total Design, Training, Hardware, Software and Implementation, 157
Appendices, 169