The Roles of a System Analyst
1. What qualifications should a system analyst have in today’s ecommerce development industries?
“A System Analyst systematically assesses how users interact with the technology and how businesses function by examining the inputting and processing of data and the outputting of information with the intent of improving organizational processes” (Kendall & Kendall, 2011, p. 6). The basic qualification that a System Analyst should have is a bachelor’s degree in business. In addition, other skills include: computer system knowledge, problem solving skills, analytical skills, a broad knowledge of hardware and software applications, and a working knowledge of programming. The ability to communicate and have good interpersonal skills is also an important qualification (McKay, 2013). An e-commerce analyst combines business with the Internet to take advantage of the opportunities to expand their company globally. In today’s ecommerce development industries a System Analyst should have several qualifications which include: a bachelor’s degree in e-commerce and a master’s with a specialization in marketing. Also, a System Analyst should have knowledge of e-commerce software and interface design, and the ability to work with technicians and developers to create websites. Most employers require a certain amount of experience as an e-commerce system analyst (Linton, 2013).
2. What personality charter traits are desirable in a system analyst who will be working in ecommerce development? Personality traits are very important for a System Analyst. First, a System Analyst must be able to communicate with all members of the team in order to relay what is needed from each team member. This means that they must be able to get alone with people and be a great listener. In addition, a System Analyst must be a critical thinker and a problem solver. This involves being able to handle situations through techniques and application tools (Kendall & Kendall, 2011). Also, a System Analyst must be able to do more than one task at a time as well as manage groups of people and work independently. Also, a System Analyst must be able to understand how people think and know how to react to change. Personality traits are very important in obtaining information, motivating people and getting corporation in order to provide the support that is needed. A System Analyst must be dedicated to being self-motivated and self-disciplined (Kendall & Kendall, 2011).
3. Is it more important to know specific programming languages or to have an aptitude for picking up languages and software applications quickly? Generally a System Analyst does not do programming, but it is important for them to have an aptitude for picking up languages and software applications quickly. System Analyst should have a basic knowledge of programming languages such as Java, and C++ in order to be able to read and understand the code. The System Analyst will usually assign the programming to a team of computer programmers who will design the software through the programming language. The System Analyst must also be able to guide the programmers to keep track of the system development and ensure the requirements are being met (Moseley, 2013).
4. How important is it that the system analysts have some basic business understanding? It is very important for System Analyst to have some basic business understanding because a System Analyst works with various professionals in order to develop computer systems (System Analyst, 2013). A System Analyst must know the business functions of the organization. Some of these may include: strategies, plans, traditions, and values of the organization, organizational structure and functional work processes (System Analyst, 2013). In addition, a System Analyst must have knowledge of each department within the organization such as accounting, sales and marketing. By interacting with the different departments it allows the System Analyst to keep schedule and control the budget. Also, a System Analyst must have the ability to merge business skills with computer skills. This will help the System Analyst when developing complex systems. Knowledge of these business functions will help the System Analyst to meet the requirements and goals of the organization (System Analyst, 2013).
5. Should all team members possess identical competencies and skills? The selection of team members is based on their skills and ability as they relate to the project (Cooper, 2013). This means that if the project involves web design, the team members should have web design skills. Team members should not have identical skills; each team member should bring a different area of expertise so that when combined with other team members, the team has the experience and qualities required for the project. It is important that the team has the specific skills and knowledge to get the project done (Cooper, 2013). In addition, it is important that the team is able to work together to accomplish the goals. This means that some team members may have the skills but may not have the right attitude, therefore it may be in the team’s best interest to select a person with less experience and great working attitude than someone with plenty of experience and an unprofessional attitude. In addition, the team should always be clear of the project goal. Goals should be set for the team and for each individual within the team. This will allow everyone to work toward a common goal (Cooper, 2013).