Structure System Analysis and Design Method - Research Paper Example

? Full Paper Contents Introduction 3 2 SSADM Aims and Objectives 4 3 SSADM Advantages and Disadvantages 4 4 SSADM Techniques 6 5 SSADM Stages 7 6 SSADM Phases 8 7 SSADM Inputs and Outputs 9 8 Conclusion 10 9 References 11 1 Introduction For the development and growth purposes, SSADM (Structure System Analysis & Design Method) is widely exercise computer application in the United Kingdom. In fact, for the government based software projects, the SSADM is utilized in UK. On the contrary, other than government institutions, the SSADM is commonly implemented by public sectors in the Europe. The SSADM is formerly specified as BS7738 in British Standards for the public regions. (Structured systems analysis and design method.2007) moreover, the SSADM is a system that helps to examine the information system as, well as to design pertaining system. Since 1980, the SSADM (Structure System Analysis & Design Method) technology was produced for the CCTA. In addition, this technology was related to UK government organizations that implement the SSADM technology. However, “SSADM” and “Structured System Analysis and Design Method” is a Registered Trade Marks of Office of Government Commerce (OGC) that is located in the United Kingdom’s Treasury (Great Britain Treasury Central Computer and, Telecommunications Agency, 2000). In order to make possible information system design, the SSADM technology relies on waterfall model to reach the destination. The SSADM can be originate as a core element for defined documented approach regarding system designing and help to evaluate an updated Rapid Application Development procedure such as DSDM. During development and growth, the SSADM is following a waterfall life cycle model that incorporates physical design stage study. In addition, the analysis stage includes intense association needs in SSADM. From every stage, the users are prepared to sign off guaranteeing that the requirements are satisfied. Furthermore, a number of illustrative representations related to the system are provided to the users in order to ensure better data understanding. The development projects related to the SSADM are further divided into series of phases, units, periods and tasks. Moreover, the data modeling is considered as a first model that is developed in SSADM. 2 SSADM Aims and Objectives In order to identify and classify projects that are suitable for SSADM project management, the SSADM will offer a framework. The SSADM in reality separates the projects that are related to the project development into small elements, project steps and procedures. The objectives of SSADM are mentioned below: Project management is enhanced along with connected institutions. Better and improved usage of both skilled and unskilled employees. Enhanced and important systems are guaranteed. Employees’ loss is considered in all projects. Projects are assisted by computerized tools such as, integrated application engineering systems. A framework is formed for improved communication between the members of project. This framework incorporates all the tools related to the software development life-cycles, production stages and physical application design. 3 SSADM Advantages and Disadvantages SSADM leverages many benefits by using different techniques for determining visibility and capability of information systems. These techniques are considered as one of the major benefits of SSADM. Moreover, the identification of entities along with their relationships established within the system is tested by logical data modeling techniques. Moreover, logical data modeling technique shows changing data from its original state to the updated one. Furthermore, it also holds space for entities that are transmitted via routes that manages data flows within the system. Moreover, credentials pertaining to event modeling define the entities and their impact on business information systems. Consequently, these techniques encompassing perspectives and processes provides the most complete and to the point model. The comprehensive audit of the system defines that there is a possibility of reducing readiness of information in the starting stages of the project. Similarly, poor design leads to issues in the system, as SSADM is generally adopted by many organizations in the United Kingdom, people associated with it knows its weak and strong factors. SSADM follows a structured methodology that constructs and implements gears on all associated processes linked with creating data on the system. Likewise, this functionality falls under one of the core objectives of SSADM, as it provides a small room for error. For this reason, SSADM is favorites amongst all the in United Kingdom. Besides, this ‘small room for error’ based structure has also some limitations or constraints. One of the predictions can be the requirements of the system may differ from the output of every software development life cycle stage. If SSADM is programmed on the basis of data exploration, any new change that is required after the analysis stage of the software development life cycle should led to an error (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2008). For compliance with business requirements, SSADM is complaint to align with mission critical business process of an enterprise. Moreover, characteristics of SSADM integrated with business processes incorporate quality by examining each stage of software development life cycle and its processes. The examination is carried out to verify compliance of the software with customer requirements accurately via requirement analysis stage of SDLC. After accurately analyzing customer requirements, the time check along with volume should be appropriate at the stage of removal and completion on each stage of the software development life cycle. Moreover, the ever going change in the business environment, SSADM do not address this change that is present in the specification document after completing the review stage of the software development life cycle. For achieving long term advantages of SSADM, all the information services provided by the organization are shifted to the next level i.e. ensure quality assurance. UK adopts SSADM for government based projects, as initially it was introduced to complete the requirements of government based projects, as they have sufficient time and staff for aligning them with SSADM adoption and methods. There are some of the disadvantages of SSADM as well, as it is more time consuming comparatively with other system methods. Moreover, some organizations cannot afford SSADM, as it takes a lot of time to realize and analyze the projects on a specific date or time (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2008). Furthermore, there is a large gap between the project initiation phase and the project delivery phase that makes it more difficult to adopt. In addition, other than UK, staff needs to be trained by certified trainers before getting hands on SSADM environment. 4 SSADM Techniques There are several techniques that are utilized by SSADM such as logical data modeling, data flow modeling and entity behavior modeling. Logical Data Modeling: The Logical Data Modeling technique involves the process of classifies modules and documentation of data. Moreover, data of a system is then sub divided into links and entities. Data Flow Modeling: In a system accommodating information, this method is used to integrate trailing the flow of data. Similarly, the dealings are closely examined including data stores, external entities and data advancement. Entity Behavior Modeling: This procedure integrates identification and documents regarding the dealings influencing each and every entity along with the chain of events. The important features related to SSADM are (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2011): Distributing a project into minor elements that can define all the aspects regarding aim and objectives. Beneficial required specifications and system designs are utilized. Illustrative diagrams and representations in terms of figures and other measures are implemented. Trouble-free and easy techniques are used in order to ensure better understanding by users and employees. Activities must be performed in correct sequence. 5 SSADM Stages In every aspect of life cycle, the SSADM delineates wide-ranging usage of procedures, techniques, principles for recording and communicating the information into diagrams and images. In addition, the SSADM is also known for its core features such as sufficient model as it contains uniqueness along with the projects handling. In fact, for maintaining purpose, CASE tools can also be utilized in SSADM. Generally, SSADM is used for integrating additional structured analysis procedures. For instance, PRINCE is a standardized method that is used for fulfilling all-encompassing traits of project management. Expansively, SSADM represents a sight related to waterfall model for system development, where steps are defined one after another i.e. linked with each other to reach the next level. SSADM stages are mentioned below (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2011): Feasibility Investigation of the current environment Business systems options Definition of requirements Technical system options Logical design Physical design 6 SSADM Phases There are five major steps associated with the SSADM and are mentioned below (Longworth, Nicholls, & National Computing, 1986): Feasibility study: Come to a decision regarding a system that if this is cost saving or expensive. Requirements Analysis: Needs and necessities are identified for a system in order to fulfill the terms related to carry out procedures. Requirements Specification: Comprehensively all the details are discussed regarding functional and non-functional requirements. Logical System Specification: An updated design and technical options are created in order to investigate processing of a system. Physical Design: In order to design a physical database or to set program specifications, a logical system dimension and technical system specifications are used. The SSADM exhibit several methodologies, techniques and procedures for saving the shared information. This shared information contains descriptive diagrams and representation figures. 7 SSADM Inputs and Outputs (Sage & Rouse, 2011) The input of SSADM incorporates a project initiation document, as it includes reference terms, boundaries and their scope associated with the projects and project management. Reports of earlier work such as project feasibility and information system plans and strategies are also linked to inputs of SSADM. Moreover, SSADM outputs includes program specification data, database specification data; file specification data and procedure specification pertaining to operations. Moreover in the second stage of requirement analysis phase, a business system option recommends a newly proposed system in the context of its functions and capabilities, input and outputs as well. The goal is to facilitate the users for selecting the available requirements visible on list, as this is the output they want from their newly developed system. Usually, a business system option provides a description of inputs, outputs, core processing functions of information and boundaries in a textual form. Likewise, there are figures that are called data flow diagrams (DFD), Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD), as they provide an overview of system inputs, processes and outputs. 8 Conclusion The provision of SSADM in projects enables advantages as well as disadvantages that are most likely linked with project delivery within the given time frame. For developing the system for a small-medium enterprise, there is a requirement of establishing a small system. As there are limited resources for small medium enterprises, off the shelf package will be recommended instead of SSADM that is costly and time consuming. It is a fact that SSADM provides many benefits that are bundled with different stages and techniques but it is not suitable for every organization type. 9 References Great Britain Treasury Central Computer and,Telecommunications Agency. (2000). Ssadm foundation Stationery Office. Cutts, G. (1991). Structured systems analysis and design methodology Blackwell Scientific Publications. Longworth, G., Nicholls, D., & National Computing, C. L. (1986). Structured systems analysis and design method (SSADM) manual NCC. Structured systems analysis and design method. (2007). Network Dictionary, , 465-465. Satzinger, J. W., Jackson, R. B., & Burd, S. D. (2008). Systems analysis and design in a changing world Course Technology/Cengage Learning. Shelly, G. B., & Rosenblatt, H. J. (2011). Systems analysis and design Course Technology Ptr. Sage, A. P., & Rouse, W. B. (2011). Handbook of systems engineering and management Wiley. Read More