How to Do Systems Analysis |
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| John E. Gibson (Author), William T. Scherer (Author), William F. Gibson (Author) |
| May 2007, Wiley-Interscience, Hardcover, 335 pages, ISBN 0470007656
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| This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to Do Systems Analysis a complement to the many fine works in systems engineering available today. |
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Acknowledgements.
Preface.
Personal note from WT Scherer.
Personal note from William Gibson.
Personal note from Scott Ferber.
John E. Gibson’s original Preface.
Chapter 1. Introduction.
1.1 What is a System?
1.2 Terminology Confusion.
1.3 Systems Analysis Equals Operations Research plus Policy Analysis.
1.4 Attributes of Large-Scale Systems.
1.5 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): An Example of a Large-Scale System.
1.6 Systems Integration.
1.7 What makes a “System Analysis” Different?
1.8 Distant Roots of Systems Analysis.
1.9 Immediate Precursors to Systems Analysis.
1.10 Development of Systems Analysis as a Distinct Discipline: the Influence of RAND.
Historical Case Study IIASA.
Exercises and Case Studies.
Chapter 2. Six Major Phases of Systems Analysis.
2.1 The System Analysis Method: Six Major Phases.
2.2 The Goal-Centered or Top-Down Approach.
2.3 The Index of Performance Concept.
2.4 Developing Alternative Scenarios.
2.5 Ranking Alternatives.
2.6 Iteration and the “Error-Embracing” Approach.
2.7 The Action Phase: the Life-Cycle of a System.
Exercises and Case Studies.
Chapter 3. Goal Development.
3.1 Seven Steps in Goal Development.
3.2 On Generalizing the Question.
3.3 The Descriptive Scenario.
3.4 The Normative Scenario.
3.5 The Axiological Component.
3.6 Developing an Objectives Tree.
3.7 Fitch’s Goals for Urbanizing America: An Example of Objectives Tree Construction.
3.8 Content Analysis of Fitch’s Goals.
3.9 Validate.
3.10 Iterate.
Case Studies.
Chapter 4. The Index ofPerformance.
4.1 Introduction.
4.2 Desirable Characteristics for an Index of Performance.
4.3 Economic Criteria.
4.4 Compound Interest.
4.5 Four Common Criteria for Economic Efficiency.
4.6 Is there a Problem with Multiple Criteria?
4.7 What is Wrong with the B-C Ratio?
4.8 Can IRR be Fixed?
4.9 Expected Monetary Value.
4.10 Non-Monetary Performance Indices.
Exercises and Case Studies.
Chapter 5. Develop Alternative Candidate Solutions.
5.1 Introduction.
5.2 The Classical Approach to Creativity.
5.3 Concepts in Creativity.
5.4 Brainstorming.
5.5 Brainwriting.
5.6 Dynamic Confrontation.
5.7 Zwicky’s Morphological Box.
5.8 The Options Field/Options Profile Approach.
5.9 Computer Creativity.
5.10 Computer Simulation: a Tool in Option Development.
5.11 Why a Dynamic Simulation for Creating Options?
5.12 Context-Free Simulation Models?
5.13 Bottom-up Simulation or Top-Down?
5.14 Lessons from the Susquehanna River Basin Model.
5.15 The Forrester Urban Model (FUM) and Societal Values.
5.16 Extensions and Variations.
5.17 Where to go from Here?
Exercises and Case Studies.
Chapter 6. Rank Alternative Candidates.
6.1 Introduction.
6.2 Rating and Ranking Methods.
6.3 Condorcet and Arrow-Pointing Paradoxes.
6.4 A Multi-Stage Rating Process.
6.5 Decision Analysis.
6.6 Basic Axioms of Decision Theory.
6.7 Properties of Utility Functions.
6.8 Constructing a Utility Curve.
6.9 Some Decision Analysis Classic Examples.
6.10 Estimation Theory in Decision Analysis.
6.11 Some Practical Problems with DA.
6.12 Practical Trade Studies.
Exercises and Case Studies.
Chapter 7. Iteration and Transition.
7.1 Iteration.
7.2 Segment and Focus.
7.3 The Transition Scenario.
7.4 The Gantt Chart.
7.5 Interaction Matrices.
7.6 The DELTA Chart.
7.7 The Audit Trail.
7.8 Cost of Failure to Stay on Schedule.
7.9 Responsibilities of Major Actors.
7.10 Sign-Offs by Co-Operating Groups.
Exercises.
Chapter 8. Management of the Systems Team.
8.1 Introduction.
8.2 Personal Style in an Interdisciplinary Team.
8.3.”Out-Scoping” and “In-Scoping” in a System Study.
8.4 Building the System Team.
8.5 Tips on Managing the Team.
8.6 Functional or Project Management.
8.7 How to Make an Effective Oral Presentation.
8.8 How to Write a Report.
Chapter 9. Project Management.
9.1 Introduction.
9.2 Project Management vs. Process Management.
9.3 The Hersey-Blanchard Four-Mode Theory.
9.4 Relation of Management Style to Project Management.
9.5 Preliminary Project Planning.
9.6 Dealing with Conflict in Project Management.
9.7 Life-Cycle Planning and Design.
9.8 PERT/CPM Program Planning Method: an Example.
9.9 Quality Control in Systems Projects.
Chapter 10. The 10 Golden Rules of Systems Analysis.
10.0 Introduction.
10.1 There Always is a Client.
10.2 You’re Client Does not Understand his own Problem.
10.3 The Original Problem Statement is Too Specific: You Must Generalize the Problem to Give it Contextual Integrity.
10.4 The Client Does not Understand the Concept of the Index of Performance.
10.5 You are the Analyst, Not the Decision-Maker.
10.6 Meet the Time Deadline and the Cost Budget.
10.7 Take a Goal-Centered Approach to the Problem - Not a Technology-Centered or Chronological Approach .
10.8 Non-Users Must be Considered in the Analysis and in the Final Recommendations.
10.9 The Universal Computer Model is a Fantasy.
10.10 The Role of Decision-Maker in Public Systems is Often a Confused One. |
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Many systems engineering books describe the systematic process of developing, designing, and deploying large-scale complex systems, yet fail to present the fundamental systemic thinking needed to conceive complex systems and solve complex socio-technical problems. Rather than delve into the formal processes of systems engineering, this unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem definition and offers a unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem defining and offers a unique perspective on problem solving in all type so f domains. How to Do systems Analysis describes an approach that is appropriate for large-scale, complex systems in diverse disciplines. More specifically, How to Do Systems Analysis:
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Covers the six major phases of systems analysis, including goal development, the index of performance, and alternative candidate solutions, as well as the management of the systems team, project management, and more
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presents the core concepts of a general systems analysis methodology
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Includes examples that illustrate systems analysis concepts, along with case studies of systems analysis and systems engineering in the real world
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Features exercises at the end of many chapters to challenge readers to practice systems analysis thinking and skills
An eye-opening, thought-provoking reference for professionals in field that need input from systems engineering, such as telecommunications, transportation,m business consulting, and health care, this book is also a stimulating text for senior undergraduate and graduate students in systems engineering and systems analysis courses.
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