Objectives: Introduction Over View of System Analysis and Design
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| 6.5 Pros and Cons of Each Tool Which tool is the best depends on a number of factors the nature and complexity of the problem the number of actions resulting from the decision, and the ease of use. In reviewing the benefits and limitations of each tool, we come to the following conclusion 1. The primary strength of the DFD is its ability to represent data flows. It maybe used at high or low level of analysis and provides good system documentation. However, the tool only weakly shows input and output detail. 7 The user often finds it confusing initially. 2. The data dictionary helps the analyst simplify the structure for meeting the data requirements of the system. It maybe used at high or low levels of analysis, but it does not provide functional details, and it is not acceptable to many nontechnical users. 3. Structured English is best used when the problem requires sequences of actions with decisions. 4. Decision trees are sued to verify logic and in problems that involve a few complex decisions resulting in limited number of actions. 5. Decision trees and decision tables are best suited for dealing with complex branching routines such as calculating discounts or sales commissions or inventory control procedures. Given the pros and cons of structured tools, the analyst should be trained in the sue of various tools for analysis and design He/She should use decision table and structured English to get to the heart of complex problems. A decision table is perhaps the most useful tool for communicating problem details to the user. The major contribution of structured analysis to the system development life cycle is producing a definable and measurable document – the structured specification. Other benefits include increased user involvement, improved communication between user and designer, reduction of total personnel time, and fewer “ kinks during detailed design and implementation. The only drawback is increased analyst and user time in the process. Overall the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, which make-structured analysis tools viable alternatives in system development. Download 0.94 Mb. Share with your friends:
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