I. INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

          A. Objectives of the system function
          B. Management concepts and objectives
          C. Using the informal organization
          D. The multiple roles of the analyst

II. SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE

A. The traditional approach
B. Understanding the Life Cycle
C. Ways to speedup development
D. Using walkthroughs and reviews

III. PRELIMINARY SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

A. Organizing the assignment: getting started
B. Determining scope and measurable objectives
C. Defining business needs in systems terms
E. Establishing systems requirements
F. Making front end estimates
G. Selling your preliminary work

IV. DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES

A. Sources of data and background material
B. Preparing for the interview and getting started
C. Where, how long, what and how to ask, and other interviewing techniques
D. Handling User’s difficult questions
E. Listening skills
F. User reporting techniques

V. ORGANIZING AND INTERPRETING FACTS

A. Verifying and cross checking data
B. Sampling methods
C. Charting techniques
D. Cautions in the analytical process

VI. PROBLEM SOLVING IN SYSTEMS ANAYSIS  

          A. Problem identification
          B. Problem definition: symptoms vs. problems
          C. Dealing with constraints
          D. Brainstorming and other problem solving techniques
          E. Making molehills out of mountains
          F. Prioritizing problems

VII. PROJECT PLANNING TECHNIQUES

          A. Project justification
          B. Time and cost forecasting
          C. Project Control techniques

VIII. PRELIMINARY SYSTEMS DESIGN

          A. Principles of good design   
          B. Determining objectives of systems
          C. Traditional role of the systems user
          D. Evaluating design alternatives
          E. Obtaining design approvals

IX. DETAILED SYSTEMS DESIGN

          A. User needs vs. wants vs. nice to have
          B. Cost / benefit analysis
          C. Establishing the intangible benefits

X.INSTALLING THE SYSTEM

          A. System testing techniques
          B. Systems and User documentation
          C. User training guidelines
          D. Developing installation plans
          E. Conversion techniques
          F. Post installation follow-up

XI. THE HUMAN SIDE OF SYSTEMS

          A. Selling yourself, your design, and project
          B. Leading without authority
          C. Dealing with hidden agendas
          D. Making effective presentations

XII. COURSE PROJECT (LAST DAY-DAYS)

         A.  Project team assignment
         B.  Preliminary analysis reports to Users
         C.  General design reports to management
         D.  Instructor guidance and critique