Structured System Analysis and Design

1. Introduction

The Structured System Analysis and Design (SSAD) course is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in analyzing, designing, and implementing information systems using structured methodologies. The program focuses on understanding business requirements, modeling system processes, and producing high-quality system designs that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and user satisfaction. Participants will learn how to translate business problems into structured, implementable technological solutions.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and methodologies of structured system analysis and design.
• Identify and document user and business requirements effectively.
• Use modeling tools such as Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs).
• Apply structured design techniques for developing efficient system architectures.
• Create system specifications and documentation suitable for implementation.
• Evaluate and validate system designs to ensure alignment with business goals.

3. Targeted Group

This course is suitable for:

• Systems analysts and designers
• IT professionals and software developers
• Database administrators and project managers
• Business and process analysts
• Students and professionals in information systems or computer science

4. Course Duration

Total Duration: 4 weeks (120 hours)
Delivery Options:

• Instructor-led classroom training
• Online live interactive sessions
• Blended learning with case studies and lab simulations

5. Training Methodology

The training adopts a practice-oriented and analytical approach, including:

• Interactive lectures and multimedia presentations
• Case studies and real-life system analysis examples
• Practical exercises on system documentation and modeling
• Group assignments and collaborative projects
• Capstone system design project and presentations

6. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to System Analysis and Design

• Definition and importance of system analysis
• Overview of information systems development
• Structured vs. object-oriented approaches

Module 2: System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

• Phases of SDLC
• Roles of analysts and users
• Managing system development projects

Module 3: Problem Definition and Feasibility Study

• Identifying business problems and opportunities
• Feasibility analysis (technical, operational, economic)
• Preparing feasibility reports

Module 4: Requirements Gathering and Analysis

• Techniques for data collection (interviews, surveys, observation)
• Defining user and system requirements
• Creating requirement documentation

Module 5: Process Modeling and Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs)

• Principles of process modeling
• Levels of DFDs and decomposition
• Balancing and validating DFDs

Module 6: Data Modeling and Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)

• Concepts of data modeling
• Entities, attributes, and relationships
• Creating and normalizing ERDs

Module 7: System Design Principles

• Translating requirements into system specifications
• Design objectives: efficiency, reliability, maintainability
• User interface and system interface design

Module 8: Input, Output, and File Design

• Designing user-friendly input and output forms
• File organization methods
• Data validation and verification techniques

Module 9: Database Design and Implementation

• Designing logical and physical databases
• SQL basics and relational database principles
• Integrating database design with system models

Module 10: System Architecture and Hardware Considerations

• Designing system architecture
• Hardware and software specifications
• Network and infrastructure considerations

Module 11: System Control and Security Design

• Control mechanisms in information systems
• Security principles in system design
• Data protection, access control, and audit trails

Module 12: System Testing and Quality Assurance

• Types of system testing (unit, integration, acceptance)
• Quality assurance methodologies
• Debugging and performance evaluation

Module 13: System Implementation and Conversion

• Implementation strategies (parallel, phased, pilot, direct)
• Training and user acceptance
• Post-implementation review

Module 14: System Maintenance and Support

• Types of maintenance activities
• Change management and system updates
• Measuring system performance

Module 15: Tools and Techniques for Structured Design

• CASE tools and software for modeling
• Documentation standards and templates
• Practical exercises in system design software

Module 16: Capstone Project: End-to-End System Design

• Analyzing a real-world business scenario
• Designing a full system using structured methodologies
• Presentation and evaluation of system documentation

7. Expected Outcomes

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply structured methodologies to analyze and design information systems.
• Develop clear system documentation and specifications.
• Use modeling techniques such as DFDs and ERDs effectively.
• Implement practical system design solutions aligned with organizational needs.
• Collaborate with business users and developers for successful system delivery.
• Demonstrate end-to-end system design through a comprehensive project.

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who successfully complete all 16 modules and the capstone project will receive:

🎓 Certificate of Completion – Structured System Analysis and Design

Issued by: FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre

This certificate validates the participant’s proficiency in analyzing, designing and documenting structured information systems using industry best practices.