CSC 370 System Analysis & Design

 

 

Course Description:

This course introduces the student to the steps of the development life cycle.  Topics include methods and procedures used in structured systems analysis: project management, feasibility studies, data flow diagrams, and case studies. It is offered as a blended online course with half the classes in a traditional lab setting and half the classes as a combination of online and independent study using the text books, online lectures in outline format, and online quizzes.   

Texts:

Valacich, George, Hoffer.  Essentials of Systems Analysis & Design,3rd Edition, Prentice Hall & Visible Analyst Handout

Access to WebCT:

WebCT can be accessed on campus by clicking on WebCT from the MSMC bulletin page or from off campus by entering http://my.msmc.edu.

 

 

Student Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this course, the student will be familiar:

                Using Systems Analysis Techniques:

1.        Define the systems development environment

2.        Development the systems development Life Cycle

3.        Manage the Information Systems project using Project Management 2003

4.        Assess Project Feasibility

5.        Develop Baseline Project Plans

6.        Determine System Requirements

7.        Structure system requirements

8.        Create a Statement of Work

9.        Create Request for Price

10.     Create Process models

11.     Create Conceptual Data models

12.     Select the best alternative design strategy

13.     Design the human interface

14.     Create a project workbook

Using Project Management 2003:

1.        Calculate Expected time durations using PERT

2.        Construct Gantt Charts and Network Diagrams

3.        Enter tasks and assign task relationships

Using Excel:

1.        Assess Economic Feasibility

2.        Generate Alternative design strategies and assign numerical weights to determine the best alternative

Using Visible Analyst or Visio:

1.        Develop Data Flow Diagrams

2.        Develop Context Models

3.        Develop Entity Relationship Diagrams

 

Procedures to Attain Student Outcomes:

Classroom lectures, lab demonstrations of CASE tools, analysis of case studies will be the main media.  The student will be assigned numerous exercises and case study presentations to gain knowledge of the material covered.  There will be two major tests.

 

Grading:

Your grade will be determined by the ratio of the total number of points that you earn divided by the total points possible.
Points will be earned approximately by:

 

2 Tests

 100 – 125 Points each

 

Homework

 60 - 100

 

Project Notebook

100   (Note:  Must have average greater than 70% to pass course)

 

Quizzes

125

 

Grade Determination:

 

  95 - 100  

A

82 - 80

B-

69 - 67

D+

 

  94 - 90

A-

79 - 77

C+

66 - 60

D

 

  89 - 87

B+

76 - 73

C

60 - 0

F

 

  86 - 83

B

72 - 70

C-

 

 

 

Attendance:  Attendance throughout the entire scheduled class is required. Only with documented substantial reason will an exam be rescheduled for make-up. Quizzes will be given in WebCT only during the availability indicated.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. 

 

Homework:  Assignments will be collected or sent to me via email.  Late assignments will receive only partial credit during the first two weeks. After that no credit will be given.  Independent work is expected; all individuals involved in copied work receive zero for the assignment.