Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Systems Analysis
Module Code	CA214
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Renaat Verbruggen Semester 2: Renaat Verbruggen Autumn: Renaat Verbruggen
Module Teacher	Renaat Verbruggen
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The module will introduce students to the standard approaches of Structured Systems Analysis (using SSADM). This will include Business Activity Modelling, Data Flow Analysis,Logical Data Modelling,Realtional Data Analysis,Entity life History.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the problems facing systems analysts in the work.
2. Develop business activity models for a company.
3. Describe software projects using logical data Analysis.
4. Produce Data-flow descriptions of current and proposed applications.
5. Assemble data for physical design using relational data analysis (normalisation).
6. Model entity change using life history.
7. Understand the transition from SSADM to UML

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	Presentation of tools and techniquesof SSADM
Laboratory	24	Using SSADM CASE tools on project
Independent learning	80	Project and reading
Total Workload: 128

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Students will study tools and techniques rather than the theory of Systems Analysis..
(Tools and Techniques).

Role and problems of Systems Analysis..
Discussion of issues..

Business Activity Modelling.
Developing high-level business descriptions.

Data Flow Diagrams..
Coverage of core technique and diagrams..

Logical Data Models..
Coverage of core technique and diagrams..

Entity Life History..
Coverage of core technique and diagrams..

Describing Process Logic - Mini-Specifications..
Structured methods..

Relational Data Analysis..
Normalisation..

Transtion from SSADM to UML..
Similarities and differences..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Project	Analysis of a project using SSADM in a CASE tool.	50%	Week 11

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Philip L. Weaver, Nick Lambrou, and Matthew Walkley: 2002, Practical business systems development using SSADM, Financial Times/Pearson International, Harlow, 9780273655756
Philip L. Weaver, Nick Lambrou and Matthew Walkley: 1998, Practical SSADM version 4+, Financial Times Pitman, London, 0273626752
Mark Lejk, David Deeks: 2002, An introduction to systems analysis techniques, Addison-Wesley, London, 0201797135

Other Resources

None

Extensive Moodle pages available for course online.

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

CASE

BSc in Computer Applications (Sft.Eng.)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)