Spurrier: Systems Analysis & Design

Systems Analysis & Design in an Age of Options

Gary Spurrier, University of Alabama
Heikki Topi, Bentley University

Overview

Systems Analysis and Design in an Age of Options presents an integrated approach to navigating the numerous and highly consequential choices surrounding the practice of Systems Analysis and Design (SA&D). This reflects the vigorous discussion and debate in the field regarding:

Plan-driven vs. agile -- or a hybrid
AI vs. traditional programming -- or a blend
Writing code vs. commercial-off-the-shelf [COTS] software -- or both
Traditional releases vs. DevOps -- or a compromise

The textbook squarely addresses the reality that all these approaches represent viable options for SA&D that are used in different circumstances and frequently blended in practice. Most importantly, the textbook presents how to best choose among options and the skills for following through.

Edition 2.0 provides a more concise pathway through the material. Each chapter starts with the "Fundamentals," primarily technical skills, that every student needs to learn. Next it proceeds to an "SA&D Professional Toolkit" that covers skills, typically soft skills, that complement the fundamental skills. The final section "Deeper Dives" contains a wealth of advanced topics that instructors may selectively cover depending on their learning objectives.

AI. Edition 2.0 also covers the procedures, potential, and limitations of the multiple uses of AI for SA&D.

To learn more about the book, check out the video on the right.
Alternatively, for a more in-depth description check out the
Authors Message to Users of Edition 1.0.

Features

Focus on Practice.
Prepare students for challenging, important careers with a perspective that reflects the realities of how SA&D is practiced today.

Intelligent Modeling.
Understand how to find a balance between creating detailed requirements (i.e., Big Requirements Up Front or BRUF) as the hallmark of plan-driven SA&D vs. emergent requirements, which is the approach commonly used in agile.

Explore a Hybrid Approach.
Learn how to powerfully employ elements of both plan-driven and agile approaches in a single project, optimizing the combination of these two approaches based on project characteristics.

Anticipate the Construction-Configuration Decision.
Learn to intelligently perform just enough initial modeling to determine whether to select and configure a third-party COTS product or construct a new system.

Build the Business Case.
Learn to determine the merits of a project through extensive cost-benefit analyses and prepare a thoughtful case for evaluation.

Prepare for Implementation.
Learn how to effectively implement systems via change management and deployment. Includes advanced DevOps deployment approaches, including determining when DevOps is most appropriate and valuable.

Flexible Delivery.
The textbook can be used for different course emphases. Suggested chapter sequences are provided for various potential alternatives.

Five Alternative Semester-Long Projects.
Two ongoing cases provides practice with the concepts described throughout the textbook. Three additional cases are provided on the instructors resources site. Each of these also comes with its own instructor's manual. Having five ongoing cases provides more options for course design and opportunities for changing things up from semester to semester.

For Edition 2.0

More Concise Presentation.
The entire text has been comprehensively revised and reorganized to provide a shorter, clearer primary pathway.

Fundamentals First.
The primary material has been consolidated at the beginning of each chapter. Deeper dives involving more advanced material have been moved to the back for optional coverage.

AI Considered Throughout.
The impacts of AI as a tool for generating design elements and as a product that companies are increasingly incorporating in systems is considered throughout the text. Most of this advanced material is included in deeper dives.

Testimonials

“[Edition 2.0 of Systems Analysis & Design] has a better structure than the previous version. … Now it is much easier from an instructor’s point of view when to ‘deep dive’ and when to stay with the fundamental topics.”
– Dr. Ali Ahmed, Louisiana State University

“The improved writing style [in Edition 2.0 of Systems Analysis & Design] is much better and easier for students to read and learn.”
– Carin Chuang, Purdue University Northwest

“I like the practitioner approach vs. straight theory [in Systems Analysis & Design]. As [universities] move more toward experiential learning, it’s not enough to just spout academic theory without showing how it works in practice. “
– John Bono, Clinical Professor of Information Systems,
Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland – College Park

“I like the authors’ approach of developing the textbook based on recognizing the 'need to employ a combination of traditional and agile techniques on the same project.' This [makes Systems Analysis & Design: In An Age of Opinions] more aligned with actual practice."
– Mohammad Dadashzadeh, Oakland University

“I teach systems analysis using a semester long case study; the new case studies incorporated into [Systems Analysis & Design Edition 2.0] [will] challenge students and illustrate systems analysis.”
– Roger Van Scoy, Clemson University

Detailed Table of Contents PDF

Part I: Business Analysis and Functional Requirements
Chapter 1: Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design in an Age of Options
Chapter 2: Initial Visioning and Business Analysis
Chapter 3: Conceptual Data Modeling
Chapter 4: User Stories and User Interface Models
Chapter 5: Use Case Narratives and Functional Testing
Chapter 6: Designing the User Experience and User Interfaces

Part II Project Planning and Business Case
Chapter 7: System Development and Resourcing Approaches
Chapter 8: System Cost Estimation
Chapter 9: Business Benefits Estimation and Cost/Benefit Analysis
Chapter 10: Project Approach Selection
Chapter 11: Feasibility Analysis, Statement of Work, and Business Case
Chapter 12: Upfront Project and Release Planning

Part III Architecture and Technical Design
Chapter 13: System Architecture
Chapter 14: Technical Design of Data and Logic

Part IV Project Management and Delivery
Chapter 15: Leading Iterative System Development
Chapter 16: Deployment

About the Authors

Dr. Gary Spurrier is a Visiting Scholar at Bentley University. He was formerly an Assistant Professor of Practice of Management Information Systems in the Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama. He earned his PhD in Management Information Systems at Indiana University in 1995. Prior to returning to academia, he spent over 20 years in industry. His professional work experience includes roles as a CIO, COO, product manager, software development project leader, and consultant. His research focuses on developing pragmatic and effective approaches to the development of enterprise software.

Dr. Heikki Topi earned his PhD in Management Information Systems at Indiana University in 1995, where he met Dr. Spurrier. He is currently Associate Dean of Business and Professor of Computer Information Systems at Bentley University. His current research focuses on IS education and SA&D methodologies, and he is a co-author of two major IS textbooks.

Dr. Topi is a leader in computing education. He has been actively involved in global computing curriculum development and evaluation efforts, as co-chair of IS 2010 and MSIS 2016 and task force member of IS 2002, CC 2005, and CC 2020. He currently serves as a member of the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission and its Executive Committee. Earlier, he was AIS VP of Education, a member of the ACM Education Board, and a member of the CSAB Board of Directors. He received ISCAP-EDSIG Distinguished IS Educator Award in 2017 and AIS Outstanding Contribution to IS Education Award in 2015.

Instructor Resources

Prospect Press provides instructors with an instructor manual, lecture slides and a test bank for each title. Some texts have additional resources including case teaching notes, tutorials, and addenda.

This content is available to instructors only and is password protected.

Resources Login

Student Resources

Collected Deeper Dives

CLICK HERE to download the Deeper Dive materials collected in a single .pdf.

Wayback Public Library Case Supplements

CLICK HERE to download the Suggestion Solution for the Client Meeting Minutes Domain Model

CLICK HERE to download the ChatGPT Data Model Based on Domain Modeling Meeting Minutes.

Previous Editions

Systems Analysis & Design in an Age of Options

Gary Spurrier, University of Alabama
Heikki Topi, Bentley University

Edition 1.0
Copyright 2021
Publication date: July 15, 2020

View Previous Edition

Ordering Information

Student Orders

eTextbooks:
Student Price
$75.65
ISBN: 978-1-958303-18-4

Paperbacks:
Student Price
$121.85 + shipping
ISBN: 978-1-958303-19-1

Order directly from our distributors:

Order eTextbook or Paperback

Order eTextbook

What's the difference between these two?

Bookstore Orders

Library Orders

Bulk Paperback Orders
Bookstores may order paperbacks in bulk directly from RedShelf by going to the following link. Please contact customer support for additional information.

RedShelf (paperbacks): PO@RedShelf.com

BNED stores
Follow your usual ordering procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Individual Paperback Orders
To purchase an individual book, go to the Prospect Press webpage for that book and follow the link to RedShelf or go directly to the RedShelf website using the link below, search for the title, and order there.

Bulk Paperback Orders
To purchase paperbacks in bulk contact RedShelf using the link below:
PO@Redshelf.com

If you have any particular questions about bookstore orders please contact Beth.Golub@ProspectPressVT.com.

VitalSource VS RedShelf

RedShelf eTextbook

VitalSource eTextbook

Online or download

Online only

Online and Download

Duration?

Permanent online access

365-day access for online, perpetual download

Returnable?

Yes, within 14 days from purchase

Where can I buy this online?

Go to RedShelf.com and search by author name, title, or ISBN.

Go to VitalSource.com and search by author name, title, or ISBN

Can I buy this in the campus bookstore?

Yes, at selected campus and university bookstores. Check if your bookstore sells RedShelf ebooks.

Yes, at selected campus bookstores. Check if your bookstore sells VitalSource ebooks.

For more info:

RedShelf.com

VitalSource.com

FAQs

https://www.about.RedShelf.com/

http://store.VitalSource.com/store/about_bookshelf

Systems Analysis & Design in an Age of Options

Bookstore Orders

Library Orders

Overview

Features

For Edition 2.0

Testimonials

Table of Contents

About the Authors

Instructor Resources

Student Resources

Collected Deeper Dives

Wayback Public Library Case Supplements

Previous Editions

Systems Analysis & Design in an Age of Options

Ordering Information

Student Orders

Bookstore Orders

Library Orders

VitalSource VS RedShelf

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Contact Us