Systems Analysts

Individuals who solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. They help an organization realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel and business processes. Systems analysts begin an assignment by discussing the systems problem with managers and users to determine its exact nature. Defining the goals of the system and dividing the solutions into individual steps and separate procedures, systems analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling and cost accounting to plan the system. They specify the inputs to be accessed by the system, design the processing steps, and format the output to meet users' needs. They may also prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology will be financially feasible. Most systems analysts work with a specific type of system that varies with the type of organization they work e.g., business, accounting or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems.