Structured systems analysis and design method: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:18, 17 December 2012

Revision as of 18:16, 18 December 2012

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==Advantages and disadvantages==

A methodological approach of studying a business (or an area of a business) from a number of different perspectives is more likely to provide a more thorough understanding of the business, its processes and data, than the "ad-hoc" approaches that were used previously. This in turn should (it was hoped) lead to systems that are more complete and correct.

Using this methodology involves a significant undertaking which may not be suitable to all projects.

However, the SSADM approach of having to complete one phase before beginning the next led some projects into what is referred to as "analysis paralysis". What is meant by this is that because a business and its processes never stays the same for very long, the systems team would continually have to revisit analysis and design products for amendment, causing (sometimes lengthy) delays in getting to the programming and delivery stages of the system. In recognition of this, later versions of the Methodology introduced a more optional/dynamic approach to the process.

The main advantages of SSADM are:

*

The size of SSADMThere is a hindrance to using it in some circumstances. There isalso a cost in training people to use the techniques. The learning curve can be considerable if the full method is used, as not only are there several modelingmodelling techniques to come to terms with, but there are also a lot of standards for the preparation and presentation of documents.

UsingIn summary, using this methodology involves a significant undertaking which may not be suitable to all projects.

==References==