DETERMINING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS MODELING
Process modeling is introduced in SLP2 using yEd modeling tool to create diagrams.
Process Mapping
Business process model is a high level view of the activities a business undertakes to produce a service or product. Business processes include actions by management, workers, machines, customers, vendors.
Business processes can be expressed as diagrams, flowcharts, or by written descriptions. A process-centric view portrays a business as the sum of the "wheels and cogs" that are used to operate the business. A process-centric view will depict Sales activities such as lead-generation, needs analysis, proposal generation, and negotiation. As sales processes are completed, the follow-on processes are activated, such as Order Management, Manufacturing, Order Fulfillment / Delivery, Service Delivery, Billing and Collections.
A data-centric view of the business portrays the flow of data as it is gathered, updated, shared among the various business processes, and eventually archived or destroyed.
Processing mapping tools are used to visually depict different views of an organization:
Dataflow diagrams (physical, logical)
Decision Tables and Decision Trees
Information Engineering models
CASE
UML
Use Cases
Required Reading
University of Missouri. ( n.d.). Data flow diagram examples. Retrieved from http://www.umsl.edu/~sauterv/analysis/dfd/dfd.htm
Hoffer, J., George, J., & Valacich, J. (2008). Modern Systems Analysis and Design. 5th ed. Retrieved from http://www.slideserve.com/maine/lecture-8-structuring-system-requirements-process-modeling
Loton, T. (2011, October 10). Data flow diagrams with examples and tips. Business Analyst Articles: Business Analysis and Systems Analysis. Retrieved from http://www.modernanalyst.com/Resources/Articles/tabid/115/Default.aspx?ArticleType=ArticleView&ArticleID=2015
Valacich, J., George, J, & Hoffer, J. (2012). Modern Systems Analysis and Design. Chapter Flashcard sets. Chapter 4. [Audio file]. Retrieved from http://quizlet.com/22302069/systems-analysis-and-design-chapter-4-flash-cards/
Barters, B. (2015). How to Create a Data Flow Diagra. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF40PTJxn4Q
Farrug, K.L. (2015). Context Diagrams. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exwFMtNpmPM
Using an online cell phone apps store as example, list relevant data flows, data stores, and processes. Draw a context diagram and a level-0 diagram that represent the apps store. Refer to the above dataflow diagram examples to create the context and level 0 DFD.
Recommended Modeling Software
Module 2 SLP is a hands-on assignment needing a modeling tool, and you will need modeling software for diagram development. The only way to achieve quality and clarity on drawing is to learn diagram notations. You cannot use Microsoft Office drawing tools and expect to draw a sound diagram. Analysis and design "notation shapes" is the language to communicate in logical design. For this reason, it is strongly suggested to acquire any diagram editor software that will serve this purpose. If you do not have Visio, a free modeling software is yEd by yWorks. It is completely free, and it has all of the functionality needed for this class. The software is excellent and easy to use. You do not need to sign up or provide your email. You can also test drive the application by clicking on the "Launch" button before install it. The download link is http://www.yworks.com/en/products_yEd_about.html . The following is a demo of yEd functionality.
yWorks. (2011, March 11). yEd graph editor in 90 seconds. yWorks. [Video file].
Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmSTwKw7dX4
Also, here is an open source alternative to Visio called Dia Diagram Editor at http://dia-installer.de/
You can use any software of choice as long as you can copy/paste the diagrams into MS Word for uploading. If you want something for free, use yEd. It is safe and works on major platforms such as Windows, Unix/Linux, and Mac OS X.
Instructions to Copy yEd Diagrams in MS Word
You need a few steps to convert a diagram into a bmp file and insert it in MS Word. You will be creating two files.
In the yEd window, name the file and save it to a directory. Next, you will do an "export" as .png, bmp, or gif format. Name the file and save it in the directory for this class in your computer.
In the MS Word document, look for the Insert tab, and do "insert Picture from File" locating the diagram. The yEd image will be display in the document.
You will be particularly assessed on:
Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your diagram accordingly.
Your ability to use modeling software and apply diagramming techniques and terminology of systems analysis and design correctly and in context.
Your paper submission must be in MS Word format.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Length: Follow the number of pages required in the assignment excluding cover page and references. Each page should have about 300 words.
Your assignment will be graded according to the MSITM SLP Grading Rubric. (To see the rubric, go to Assessments>Rubrics. Click the arrow next to the rubric name and choose Preview.)
Proper citations and references a must per apa format