A systems analyst researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirement. They work out what the needs of the users are and convey these needs to the designer of a system. (System analysts are the liaisons between vendors and IT professionals)
1. Name six ethical issues a systems analyst should consider.
- giving an honest evaluation of user needs to IT professionals
- ensuring that private information is not disclosed to unauthorised people
- ensuring equity in the workplace
- accuracy of analysis
- awareness of the impact the information system may have on the participants
- considering security of company information
2. Name four social issues a systems analyst must consider.
- deciding whether the information system should be machine-centred or people-centred
- ensuring an ergonomic work environment
- considering the psychological factors of the information system,
- ensuring the new information system makes participants' work more efficient
3. State the characteristics of people-centred systems.
- focus is on the problem, not the tool
- are easily understood
- provide templates and assistants
- work reliably
- are user-friendly and intuitive
- are placed in a suitable environment
- are safe
- are ergonomically sound
- take advantage of the users' skills
- look appealing
- are efficient
- reliever users of repetitive and boring tasks
- enhance relationships and interaction with fellow workers
- provide equitable access for all
eg. mobile phone, ATM machine, Google search engine, Laptops , Windows 7
4. In what ways are people like machines and in what ways are they different?
Similarities
- are required to get work done
- can understand the big picture as well as the detail
- handle data
Differences
- machines never get tired
- machines do not forget
- machines required programmed instructions to operate consistently
- machines not do act intuitively
- machines are incapable to think about the nature of work
- machines do not create new any new ideas or associations
- machines do not require training and retraining (need programming once only)
- machines cannot recognise nonsensical output
5. List the major advances in the desktop computer since the earliest models.
- Less bulky
- Require less space
- Flat VUDs
- comfortable keyboard
- aesthetically pleasing
- compact, wireless mouse and keyboards are available
- from CRT 15" monitors - LCD 22" monitors
- Use of DVDs, CDs and USB instead of floppy disks
- USB ports in front of PC, and not behind
- Use of broadband instead of dial-up connections
- Speeds have increased exponentially since then
- RAM on a machine today is 4GB (4 000 000 KB) in contrast to 32 KB or 1MB
RAM- everything that a computer is working on at one time - Multiple programs can run simultaneously (multitasking)
6. What do you predict the home computer system will be like in a decade's time?
- touch screen
-retina scan log-in
-voice operated
7. Identify the major social impacts that IT has had on our society in the past 20 years.
- machines have replaced people in workplaces
- machines make people's work less tedious and more efficient
- with the introduction of IT, there is also the issue of ergonomics and health and safety
- convenient
- communication between children (Digital natives)
- ways of storing photos, files has changed
8. Research details on RSI, both carpal tunnel syndrome and tenosynovitis (management on its causes, treatment and system design features that would reduce its impact on operators)
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression (pressing against hard surfaces), or sustained or awkward positions. Treatment: ergonomics, break timers, keyboard alternatives and exercise.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful disorder of the hand caused by pressure on the main nerve that runs through the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, pins and needles, and pain (particularly at night). Anything that causes swelling inside the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive hand movements, pregnancy and arthritis. Treatment options include rest, splinting, cortisone injections and surgery.
Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath (called the synovium) that surrounds a tendon. Symptoms of tenosynovitis include pain, swelling and difficulty moving the particular joint where the inflammation occurs. Causes of tenosynovitis are unknown. Repeated use of hand tools can precede the condition, as well as arthritis or injury. Tenosynovitis sometimes runs in families and is generally seen more often in males than in females. Treatments for tenosynovitis depend on the severity of the inflammation and location. Mild tenosynovitis causing small scale swelling can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as diclofenac (marketed as Voltaren and other trade names), taken to reduce inflammation and as an analgesic.
Treatments for tenosynovitis depend on the severity of the inflammation and location. Mild tenosynovitis causing small scale swelling can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as diclofenac (marketed as Voltaren and other trade names), taken to reduce inflammation and as an analgesic.
