Systems Analysis & Design Work Based Project COM423

This module introduces the principles and practices of systems analysis, a project-driven approach used to ensure that systems are designed, developed and maintained to meet business needs and deliver value to organisations and their users. As an apprentice, you will apply concepts and techniques to real workplace situations, developing practical skills that support business improvement and digital transformation.

You will explore the role of business information systems and the stages of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including project initiation, feasibility, investigation, analysis, design, implementation, maintenance and review. Through practical activities and case studies, you will learn how to identify business requirements, gather and analyse user needs, evaluate existing systems, and develop appropriate solutions using industry-standard tools and techniques.

The module also covers key aspects of project management, legal and professional requirements, and the ethical collection and use of data. You will examine why projects succeed or fail, including the analysis of high-profile project failures, helping you understand common risks and the importance of effective planning, communication and stakeholder engagement.

A key focus of the module is communicating ideas clearly. You will learn how to present complex information through a range of modelling and diagramming techniques, including UML and C4 models. You will also explore methods for prototyping proposed systems, allowing ideas and solutions to be tested, refined and communicated effectively before implementation.

Assessment is through an individual work-based project and a structured report. You will analyse a business information system, apply appropriate systems analysis techniques and methodologies, and propose solutions to a defined business need or problem.

By the end of the module, you will be able to explain the stages of systems development, apply systems analysis techniques to business problems, evaluate systems and recommend improvements, create models and prototypes using appropriate tools, communicate findings in a professional manner, and reflect on your interactions with stakeholders throughout the development process.

What you will be able to do after the module

Module is formally and summatively assessed using a portfolio of tasks consisting of individual projects and a structured report in which you are required to draw on a broad knowledge of the systems analysis process. The individual project requires a detailed analysis of a specific information system and use appropriate techniques and methodologies to solve a defined business problem or need.

1. Identify and explain the stages of information system development within organisations or in business contexts including analysis and design methodologies and their associated techniques.
2. Apply the principles and techniques of systems analysis to a specific business development problem or requirement, including the use of software support tools.
3. Investigate, analyse and critique a business system using recognised systems development concepts and techniques. Offers suggestions for process and cost (time and money) improvement.
4. Analyse and build models using appropriate computer packages and modelling techniques.
5. Present reports and results clearly, in a variety of ways, accurately and to a specified format.
6. Reflect on interaction with stakeholders.