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Analysis for Business Systems

Ken Reily

Most often, organizations acquire information systems as part of a larger focus on process improvement and efficiency. These organizations need to invest in the right system to meet their needs: right functionality, right size, and for the right price. The business systems analyst role in most organizations is responsible for translating the organization’s needs into requirements, which are then used to select or build the right system for the organization.

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Most often, organizations acquire information systems as part of a larger focus on process improvement and efficiency. These organizations need to invest in the right system to meet their needs: right functionality, right size, and for the right price. The business systems analyst role in most organizations is responsible for translating the organization’s needs into requirements, which are then used to select or build the right system for the organization.

During the Analysis for Business Systems course, you’ll learn about the standard model for systems development: the systems development lifecycle, or SDLC. You will learn how to read and even create the specific deliverables that business systems analysts prepare during the SDLC. These documents provide guidance to the organization as they determine whether to build or buy and configure a system that meets the organization’s needs.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Business Systems
Analysis Phase Documentation
Analysis Phase Diagrams
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores standard model for systems development, the systems development lifecycle, or SDLC
Teaches how to read and create the deliverables that business systems analysts prepare during the SDLC
Provides guidance to organizations as they determine whether to build or buy and configure a system that meets the organization’s needs
Introduces Business Systems
Covers Analysis Phase Documentation
Covers Analysis Phase Diagrams
Covers Design Phase Overview
Includes a Course Project

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Reviews summary

Foundational overview of business systems analysis

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding the business systems analyst role and the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC). Many students appreciate the practical insights and the clear structure covering key phases like analysis and design. The course project is frequently mentioned as a valuable component, helping to apply theoretical concepts. While generally positive, some feedback suggests the course offers a broad introduction and learners seeking deep technical detail or advanced topics may need further study. Overall, it is seen as a well-structured introduction suitable for those new to or exploring the field.
Good overview, but limited depth for advanced learners.
"Great for beginners or those needing an overview, but doesn't go into deep technical detail."
"It covers the basics well but felt it could be more in-depth on certain topics for experienced pros."
"This course is perfect as an introductory guide, less so if you're looking for advanced techniques."
"Provides a solid general understanding, but I will need to seek out more specific training for practical skills."
The course offers a reasonable pace and workload.
"The workload was very manageable, allowing me to balance it with my job."
"Found the pace appropriate for learning without being overwhelming."
"Assignments and quizzes were fair and reinforced the material without excessive difficulty."
"Completed the course comfortably within the suggested timeline."
Lectures explain diagrams well, like use case and process flows.
"Found the explanation of use case diagrams and process flows particularly clear and useful."
"The section on diagrams was well-explained and easy to follow."
"Understanding the different analysis phase diagrams was made simple by the instructor."
"The visuals and explanations for mapping systems were effective."
The project helps apply learned concepts effectively.
"The project was really helpful in applying the theory we learned to a practical scenario."
"Working on the course project solidified my understanding of creating deliverables."
"I liked the hands-on nature of the project component; it made the concepts click."
"The project is a valuable part of the course, making it less theoretical."
Provides a strong introduction to BSA concepts and SDLC.
"This course gave me an excellent foundation in understanding the SDLC and the role of a Business Systems Analyst."
"Learned a lot about the different phases and documentation needed. Great starting point."
"Provides a good overview of business analysis for systems development."
"I feel much more confident about the basic principles of business analysis after completing this."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Analysis for Business Systems with these activities:
Review Course Materials and Resources
Take some time to review the course materials and resources. This will help you to get a good overview of the course content and identify any areas where you need to focus your attention.
Show steps
  • Review the course syllabus.
  • Read the textbooks and other required readings.
  • Complete the online quizzes and assignments.
Find Online Tutorials on SDLC
This course provides a general overview of SDLC. Review some tutorials to enhance your understanding of the SDLC framework and best practices.
Show steps
  • Search online for tutorials on SDLC.
  • Watch several tutorials and take notes.
  • Review your notes and identify any areas where you need more information.
Join a Course Discussion Group
Participating in a discussion group can help you to stay motivated and on track. You can also learn from your peers and get help with your coursework.
Show steps
  • Find a course discussion group.
  • Introduce yourself and share your goals for the course.
  • Participate in the discussions and ask questions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice SDLC Diagramming
Creating diagrams is an important part of Systems Analysis. Practice drawing these diagrams to solidify your understanding of how systems work.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple system, such as a to-do list or a shopping list.
  • Identify the major components of the system and the relationships between them.
  • Draw a diagram that represents the system, using standard SDLC notation.
Find a Mentor in the Field of Business Systems Analysis
A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you learn about business systems analysis. They can also help you to connect with other professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors.
  • Reach out to potential mentors and introduce yourself.
  • Set up regular meetings with your mentor.
  • Ask your mentor for advice and guidance on your career.
Create a Business Systems Analysis Document
This document will help you to organize your thoughts and ideas about the system. It will also be a valuable resource for the development team.
Show steps
  • Identify the stakeholders and their needs.
  • Gather information about the current system.
  • Analyze the information and identify the system requirements.
  • Write a business systems analysis document that describes the system requirements.
Contribute to Open Source Projects Related to Business Systems Analysis
Contributing to open source projects is a great way to learn about business systems analysis and to develop your skills. It can also help you to build your network and connect with other professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Find open source projects related to business systems analysis.
  • Identify ways to contribute to the project.
  • Contact the project maintainers and discuss your ideas.
  • Start contributing to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Analysis for Business Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations improve their business processes by analyzing their needs and recommending solutions. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop system specifications, and create prototypes. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in the systems development lifecycle (SDLC), which is a framework for developing and implementing information systems. This course will help Business Analysts understand the different phases of the SDLC and the deliverables that are produced during each phase. This knowledge will help them to work more effectively with stakeholders and to develop better solutions for their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with users to gather requirements, develop system specifications, and create prototypes. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in the systems development lifecycle (SDLC), which is a framework for developing and implementing information systems. This course will help Systems Analysts understand the different phases of the SDLC and the deliverables that are produced during each phase. This knowledge will help them to work more effectively with users and to develop better systems for their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with users to gather requirements, develop system specifications, and create prototypes. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in the systems development lifecycle (SDLC), which is a framework for developing and implementing information systems. This course will help Software Engineers understand the different phases of the SDLC and the deliverables that are produced during each phase. This knowledge will help them to work more effectively with users and to develop better software systems for their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Analyst
Data Analysts gather, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data collection plans, and create reports and visualizations. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in data analysis techniques and tools. This course will help Data Analysts to gather, analyze, and interpret data more effectively, and to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help organizations make better decisions. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data collection plans, and create reports and visualizations. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in data analysis techniques and tools. This course will help Business Intelligence Analysts to gather, analyze, and interpret data more effectively, and to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track project progress. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in project management techniques and tools. This course will help Project Managers to plan, execute, and close projects more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with stakeholders to define product requirements, develop product roadmaps, and track product performance. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in product management techniques and tools. This course will help Product Managers to define product requirements, develop product roadmaps, and track product performance more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in business analysis techniques and tools. This course will help Consultants to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change more effectively, and to communicate with clients throughout the consulting process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Process Improvement Specialist
Process Improvement Specialists help organizations improve their business processes by analyzing their needs and recommending solutions. They work with stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, develop improvement plans, and implement change. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in process improvement techniques and tools. This course will help Process Improvement Specialists to identify inefficiencies, develop improvement plans, and implement change more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the process improvement process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Process Improvement Specialist
Information Architect
Information Architects design and implement information systems. They work with users to gather requirements, develop system specifications, and create prototypes. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in information architecture techniques and tools. This course will help Information Architects to design and implement information systems more effectively, and to communicate with users throughout the information architecture process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design and evaluate the user experience of products and services. They work with users to gather requirements, develop prototypes, and test products and services. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in user experience design techniques and tools. This course will help User Experience Designers to design and evaluate the user experience of products and services more effectively, and to communicate with users throughout the user experience design process.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Business Process Analyst
Business Process Analysts analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to develop process maps, process flows, and process documentation. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in business process analysis techniques and tools. This course will help Business Process Analysts to analyze business processes more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the business process analysis process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Process Analyst
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data collection plans, and create data models. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in data science techniques and tools. This course will help Data Scientists to identify data needs, develop data collection plans, and create data models more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the data science process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers develop and implement machine learning models. They work with stakeholders to identify machine learning needs, develop machine learning models, and deploy machine learning models. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in machine learning techniques and tools. This course will help Machine Learning Engineers to identify machine learning needs, develop machine learning models, and deploy machine learning models more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the machine learning process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines. They work with stakeholders to identify data needs, develop data pipelines, and deploy data pipelines. The Analysis for Business Systems course provides a foundation in data engineering techniques and tools. This course will help Data Engineers to design, build, and maintain data pipelines more effectively, and to communicate with stakeholders throughout the data engineering process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Analysis for Business Systems.
Cover image
Systems Analysis and Design
Save
Provides a broad overview of the systems development lifecycle, including the analysis and design phases. It covers topics such as requirements gathering, process modeling, data modeling, and system architecture.
Systems Analysis and Design: An Object-Oriented...
Paperback
$$$
Systems Analysis and Design: An Object-Oriented...
Paperback
$$$
Systems Analysis and Design with UML
Hardcover
$$$$
Systems Analysis and Design with UML
Hardcover
$$$
Systems Analysis and Design with UML Version 2.0:...
Hardcover
$$
Systems Analysis and Design: An Object-Oriented...
Hardcover
$$
Systems Analysis & Design with Uml (Wie)
Hardcover
$$$
Systems Analysis and Design with UML Version 2.0,...
Paperback
$$$$
Systems Analysis and Design: An Object-Oriented...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
The Unified Modeling Language Reference Manual
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of object-oriented systems analysis and design using UML. It covers topics such as object-oriented modeling, design patterns, and software engineering.
The Unified Modeling Language Reference Manual
Hardcover
$
Cover image
Systems Analysis and Design, Global Edition
Save
Provides a practical guide to business systems analysis. It covers topics such as business process modeling, data modeling, and system requirements.
Systems Analysis and Design Global Ed
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Provides a lean approach to starting and managing a business. It covers topics such as customer development, agile development, and pivoting.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Save
Provides a classic overview of the innovator's dilemma. It covers topics such as the challenges of innovation, the role of disruption, and the need for ambidextrous organizations.
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Paperback
$$
The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Provides a simple and practical framework for developing good strategy. It covers topics such as the three elements of good strategy, the four tests of good strategy, and the ten deadly sins of bad strategy.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Motive
Save
Provides a fable about the five dysfunctions of a team. It covers topics such as the absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results.
The Motive: Why So Many Leaders Abdicate Their Most...
Hardcover
$$
(Deutsch) Das Motiv: Der einzige gute Grund für...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club)
Save
Provides a new understanding of introverts. It covers topics such as the strengths and challenges of introverts, the importance of creating introvert-friendly workplaces, and the need for a more introverted world.
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club): How Sorrow and...
Paperback
$$
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club): How Sorrow and...
Kindle Edition
$

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Course image
Effort
5 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Minnesota
Instructor
Ken Reily
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Information​ ​Systems. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. IS/IT Governance
  2. Enterprise Systems
  3. IT Infrastructure and Emerging Trends
  4. Analysis for Business Systems (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores standard model for systems development, the systems development lifecycle, or SDLC
Teaches how to read and create the deliverables that business systems analysts prepare during the SDLC
Provides guidance to organizations as they determine whether to build or buy and configure a system that meets the organization’s needs
Introduces Business Systems
Covers Analysis Phase Documentation
Covers Analysis Phase Diagrams
Covers Design Phase Overview
Includes a Course Project
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