EFFECTIVE DESIGN

Systems design of mainframe and mid-range applications is both an art and a science. The art is concerned with understanding people, companies, and their needs. The science is one of drawing up a processing system that meets those needs effectively, in an organised and efficient way.

A disciplined approach to systems design is essential to successful systems and all too often, it tends to be lost between analysis and the writing of program specifications. This 4-day workshop provides the necessary techniques and structure. Drawing extensively on case study material, the syndicate work provides delegates with an excellent opportunity to practise these techniques and design principles.  

WHO WILL THE COURSE BENEFIT?

All systems development personnel who have as part of their responsibilities, the requirement to develop sound, well documented and correctly structured computer systems.  This would include systems analysts, systems designers and programmers who are required to specify as well as code computer programs.  

COURSE OBJECTIVES

To provide systems staff with the skills needed to use structured systems design techniques that result in maintainable, efficient and reliable computer based systems.  

WHAT SKILLS WILL THE DELEGATE GAIN FROM THIS TRAINING?
This course will enable delegates to:

1. Understand the basis of modern systems analysis and to make use of Activity Diagrams, Access Profiles, and Data Models derived from Third  Normal Form (TNF) data analysis.

2. Restructure a set of systems processing requirements in accordance  with structured techniques.

3. Design efficient and maintainable systems in both batch and online environments.

4. Understand how systems design and database design interface with  each other.

5. Modify a systems design, when it does not meet constraints, with  minimal effect on the ‘best’ solution.

6. Fully document the design in a manner that is compatible with the needs of programming.

7. Review and carefully control work at all sub-phases.

8. Understand how structured design helps in the design of an appropriate test plan.

WHAT METHODS ARE USED TO IMPART THESE SKILLS?

                                    COURSE STRUCTURE

The Phased Approach to System Development:

Project phase definition; where techniques fit in the process.

Overview of Systems Design:

Tasks involved; interfaces to other phases; input, output, stored data, processing.

Structuring the System Specification:

Activity Diagrams, Access Profiles, Data Models;  Data Structure Analysis, Online Transaction Structures, process identification and documentation.

Transaction Profiles:

The first stage of logical design; construction of transaction profiles; impact of business processing levels; reflection of external dependencies.

Online Transaction Definitions:

The definition of on-line transactions;  transaction communication methods;  impact of Transaction  Processing (TP) facilities on design.

Logical Systems Chart:

A logical design reflecting business system; assembling logical system chart; design criteria.

Physical Design:

Translation of logical system requirements into first pass physical design.

Program Specification:

Information required, aim at the specification; input; output; processing; practical examples.

Case Study:

The techniques taught are reinforced throughout the course by reference to the design of a specific system.  Reference is via worked class design exercises followed by further opportunities to practice the methodology in syndicate group sessions.