Perspectives of the systems analyst

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that real successes in Information Systems have been the exception rather than the rule. Could the employers of Systems Analysts be expecting too much? Can the systems analyst really “do everything for everybody” on his employers payroll? How can the Systems Analysts cope with the organizational politics and vested interests in his employers organization? The employing organization has numerous problems - but must the Systems Analyst be expected to solve them all?To increase the Information Systems success ratio, Systems Analysts and their employers must somehow close the gap between expectations and actual results. Some suggestions include much more direct user involvement in the systems development process, more behavioral skills (Peopleware) for systems analysts, better tools for the systems analyst, and more realistic expectations in the first place.After 25 years as a Systems and Statistical Analyst and 10 years of teaching systems analysts, the author offers some new perspectives and an analysis of today's Systems Analysts. As a result of participation in an extensive study for the year 2000, some future perspectives and needs of the successful Systems Analyst are proposed.