Analyzing and improving systems

Developing IS solutions to clinical problems is a major responsibility of managerial / clinical end users.
They are responsible for:

• Proposing or developing new or improved information systems.
• Managing the development efforts of IS specialists and other end users.

The systems approach can be applied to the solution of many types of problems. When this involves the development of information system solutions to business problems, it is called information systems development or application development. Most computer-based information systems are conceived, designed, and implemented using some form of systematic development process. In this process, end users and information specialists design information systems based on an analysis of the information requirements of an organization. Thus, a major part of this process is known as systems analysis and design. [Top]

When the systems approach is applied to the development of information system solutions, a multi-step process or cycle emerges. This is frequently called the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Steps involved and products produced in the traditional information systems development cycle:

• Systems investigation - Product: Feasibility Study
• Systems analysis - Product: Functional Requirements
• Systems design - Product : Systems Specifications
• Systems implementation - Product: Operational System
• Systems maintenance - Product: Improved System Top

• Important
  • All the activities involved are highly related and interdependent.
  • Several developmental activities can occur at the same time.
  • Different parts of a development project can be at different stages of the development cycle.
  • Analysts may recycle back at any time to repeat previous activities in order to modify and improve a system being developed.
  • Developments such as computer-aided systems engineering (CASE), prototyping, and end user development are automating and changing some of the activities of information systems development. These developments are improving the quality of systems development and making it easier for IS professionals, while enabling more end users to develop their own systems. [Top]

• Systems investigation
• Study approaches
• System analysis
• Systems design
• System implementation
• System maintenance
• Checklist for End User Analysis and Design [Top]