What This Document Is
This is a milestone assignment for Systems Analysis and Design (ISM 58) at the University of California, Santa Cruz, specifically focusing on Milestone 6 of the ESSS Case Study 1. It guides students through a critical phase in the systems development lifecycle – the Decision Analysis Phase – where potential solutions to business problems are identified and initially evaluated. This assignment builds upon prior work completed in the Requirements Analysis Phase.
Why This Document Matters
This assignment is essential for students learning to translate business needs into viable technical solutions. It’s particularly valuable for those preparing for roles in systems analysis, business analysis, or IT consulting. Successfully completing this milestone demonstrates an understanding of how to explore different approaches to system design and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive system proposal. Students actively engaged in applying systems analysis methodologies will find this particularly useful.
Topics Covered
* Candidate Solution Identification
* System Proposal Development
* Feasibility Analysis (Advanced Option)
* Client/Server and Web Interface Considerations
* Technology Architecture Alignment
* Cost and Benefit Estimation (Advanced Option)
* Resource Allocation (Advanced Option)
* Requirements Analysis Recap
What This Document Provides
* A structured assignment outlining the tasks required for Milestone 6.
* Guidance on identifying and documenting alternative solutions for an Employee Self-Service System.
* Instructions for creating a Candidate Matrix to organize and present potential solutions.
* Details regarding an optional advanced component involving a feasibility analysis and matrix.
* References to relevant chapters within the course textbook and online learning resources.
* Clear deliverables and due dates for the assignment components.
