- Your Client
- Introducing the British Television Industry
- How to Do Your Project
- How You and the Project Come Together
- How to Make This Book Work for You
- How to Work Your Way Through This Book
- Easiest Trail
- More Difficult Trail
- Most Difficult Trail
- Promenade Trail
- Choosing Any Trail
- Ski Patrol
- You Don't Need a CASE Tool
- But You Do Need ...
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
But You Do Need ...
Lots of writing paper, pencils, and erasers (possibly more erasers than pencils) are definitely in order. A stack of index cards is useful for building your data dictionary. Some small Post-it™ brand notes are helpful for marking your place in each section. Analysts who are concerned about their ability to draw neat models can use a graphic designer’s template. However, don’t be overly worried about producing great art. Your main concern is with the idea of using models as a common language. Models help you to raise questions with the users, get answers to your questions (and probably raise more questions) to understand the system, and communicate that understanding to others.
Another important thing you’ll need is time in a quiet place where you can think. We also suggest something or someone to help you celebrate when you finish the Project. Systems analysis is enjoyable because you take control of your own work. In that sense, at least, we’re confident you’ll enjoy this book.
What to Do
Your first Trail Guide appears below. Select the degree of difficulty that you wish to follow and begin your trail. As Americans say, “Have a good one!” Or as the British would have it, “Tally ho!” Or maybe you prefer the simple French, “Bon ski!”
Trail Guide
Easiest: Go to Chapter 2.1 Analysis Models for an explanation of why systems analysis is best done by modeling the system.
More Difficult: You should already know about context diagrams. Go to Chapter 1.2 Start with the Context to begin the Piccadilly Project.
Most Difficult: You plan to do the whole Project without any coaching from the Textbook. Start the Piccadilly Project in Chapter 1.2 Start with the Context.
Promenade: We can spare you the work of doing the Piccadilly Project. In Chapter 2.1 Analysis Models, you will find the reasoning behind our approach to systems analysis.