xiv Preface
• Expanded coverage of IT trends, including cloud computing, Web 2.0, social net-
working, RFID, wireless networks, mobile computing, offshore outsourcing,
e-business, ERP, Web hosting, client/server architecture, network concepts,
Webinars, podcasts, RSS feeds, Web-based applications, and others.
• Updated Systems Analyst’s Toolkit teaches students IT support skills in four cross-
functional areas, including Communication Tools, CASE Tools, Financial Analysis
Tools, and Internet Resource Tools.
• New Management Information Systems CourseMate Web site for Systems
Analysis and Design, Ninth Edition available for a fully digital course solution.
CourseMate provides one location for all interactive activities, Video Learning
Sessions, and an interactive e-book. EngagementTracker provides the ability to
assess student understanding of concepts through the interactive activities.
Organization of This Textbook
Systems Analysis and Design, Ninth Edition, contains 16 learning units in twelve chap-
ters and a four-part Systems Analyst’s Toolkit that teaches valuable cross-functional skills.
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design Chapter 1 provides an up-
to-date overview of IT issues, major trends, and various systems development approaches,
including structured, object-oriented, and agile methods. The chapter emphasizes the
important role of systems analysis and design in supporting business objectives.
Chapter 2 – Analyzing the Business Case Chapter 2 offers a business-related starting
point for successful systems analysis. Topics include strategic planning, review of
systems requests, how to conduct a feasibility study, and the steps in a preliminary
investigation.
Chapter 3 – Managing Systems Projects Chapter 3 explains project management,
cost estimating, and change control for information systems. This chapter includes
hands-on skills that systems analysts can use to create Gantt charts and PERT charts.
Chapter 4 – Requirements Modeling Chapter 4 describes fact-finding techniques and
team-based modeling methods, including JAD and RAD, that systems analysts use to
model and document a new system.
Chapter 5 – Data and Process Modeling Chapter 5 explains how systems analysts
create a logical model for the new system by using data flow diagrams and process
description tools, including structured English, decision tables, and decision trees.
Chapter 6 – Object Modeling Chapter 6 explains object-oriented tools and techniques,
including use case diagrams, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, state-transition diagrams,
activity diagrams, and the Unified Modeling Language.
Chapter 7 – Development Strategies Chapter 7 focuses on software acquisition
options, including outsourcing and offshore outsourcing options, application service
providers, and other trends that view software as a service rather than a product.
Chapter 8 – User Interface Design Chapter 8 highlights output and report design, the
interaction between humans and computers, including usability issues, graphical screen
design, input issues, and data entry guidelines.
Chapter 9 – Data Design Chapter 9 describes data design terms, concepts, and skills
including entity-relationship diagrams, cardinality, data normalization rules, data warehous-
ing, data mining, a comparison of logical and physical records, and data control measures.
Chapter 10 – System Architecture Chapter 10 explains the elements of system architec-
ture, with emphasis on RFID, ERP, supply chain management, client/server architecture,
and network topology, including wireless networking standards and trends.
Chapter 11 – Managing Systems Implementation Chapter 11 includes coverage of
application development and implementation topics, including structure charts,
documentation techniques, system testing, user training, data conversion, changeover
methods, and post-implementation evaluation.