Differences between Novice and Expert Systems Analysts: What Do We Know and What Do We Do?

Abstract:

Due to increased organizational dependence on information systems technology, the effectiveness of the systems analyst is more crucial today than ever. Despite technological advances that have increased the number and quality of tools available to systems analysts, the individual analyst’s problem-solving skills remain key to defining good systems requirements. Understanding how expert analysts approach the requirements analysis task may provide insights for improving the effectiveness of novice analysts. This paper examines differences in the problem-solving approaches of novice and expert systems analysts during an information requirements task. Specific weaknesses that set novice and expert analysts apart are identified, and techniques that may be used to strengthen novice skills are suggested. This research supports the current literature on creativity techniques as a strategy for strengthening system analysis skills.

Key Words and Phrases:

• creativity in problem solving
• information requirements
• information systems development
• novice and expert problem-solving
• systems analysis
• systems analyst education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K.D. Schenk

K.D. Schenk is Assistant Professor of Information Systems in the College of Management at North Carolina State University. She received her Ph.D. and M.B. A. from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Schenk has recently published in Interfaces and is a member of AIS, TIMS, and SIM. Her current research interests include management support systems, information systems and problem-solving behaviors, and human-computer interfaces.

Nicholas P. Vitalari

Nicholas P. Vitalari is Vice-President and Director of the Summit Project for CSC, Index. He has been Associate Professor of Management at the University of California, Irvine, where his research areas included cognitive models in systems analysis, computing in the home, and the social impacts of computing. He has published articles in MIS Quarterly, Communications of the ACM, Management Science, and Computers, Environments and Urban Systems. He has also written a book entitled Structured BASIC for Business. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota.

K. Shannon Davis

K. Shannon Davis is Assistant Professor of Human Resources in the College of Management at North Carolina State University. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her M.B.A. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Davis has published articles in the Journal of Applied Psychology, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, and Journal of Collective Negotiations in the Public Sector. Her current research interests include social cognition and managerial decision making, employee skills for the twenty-first century, and technology and managerial education.