Chapter 8 - Structured systems analysis and design method (SSADM)

Abstract

This chapter elaborates the structured systems analysis and design method (SSADM). The basic principles of SSADM are shared, to a varying degree, by many of the modern structured methods of systems analysis and design. The principles underpin the whole development life cycle, and should be referred to when proposing to tailor the method for specific project circumstances. SSADM separates logical design from physical design. A hardware/software independent logical design is produced which can be translated into an initial physical design. This helps the developers to address one problem at a time, and prevents unnecessary constraints being added at too early a stage in development. This also helps communication with users who may not be computer literate but are able to validate a logical specification, or design of their system. SSADM contains elements of both top-down, and bottom-up approaches. In the early stages of a project, top-down techniques such as data flow diagramming, and logical data structuring are used.