How do you design a system so it works really well for your client or customer?

We are concerned with how systems integrate into organizations and how people use them. If someone is paying you a billion dollars to design and build a system, you better do a good job! What is a well-designed system?

Planning and system installation
Big question: when we are designing and building a system, how do we test to make sure our new system is good? How do we implement a system when there is an older system being used? How do we move data from an older system to a newer system?

Big question: If someone asks for a change in a system, how do we make a change so we don't break something?

User Focus
Big question: how do we train and document a system so people get the maximum value from the system?

System Backup
Big question: how we prevent data loss?

Software Deployment
Big question: what is the best way to release or update a system?

Components of a computer system
Big question: what roles can a computer play in todays world?

System Design and analysis
Big question: how do you know what your customer really wants?

Human interaction with the system
Big question: how do you know if your system is usable by your client?

You should be able to design a system so it provides value to stakeholders. You should also be able to analyze an existing system and understand:

1. What value does this system provide to stakeholders?
2. How was the system implemented?
3. How is this system changed?

Identify the context for which a new system is planned.
Describe the need for change management.
Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy systems or business mergers.
Compare the implementation of systems using a clients hardware with hosting systems remotely.
Evaluate alternative installation processes.
Discuss problems that may arise as a part of data migration.
Suggest various types of testing.
Describe the importance of user documentation.
Evaluate different methods of providing user documentation.
Evaluate different methods of delivering user training.
Identify a range of causes of data loss.
Outline the consequences of data loss in a specified situation.
Describe a range of methods that can be used to prevent data loss.
Describe strategies for managing releases and updates.
Define the terms: hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources.
Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world.
Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world.
Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system.
Describe methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders.
Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution.
Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements.
Describe the purpose of prototypes to demonstrate the proposed system to the client.
Discuss the importance of iteration during the design process.
Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process.
Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems.
Define the term usability.
Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices.
Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems.
Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system.
Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines.