A systems analyst verifies and validates the models created in the analysis phase, using any of a variety of techniques. One common approach is the walk-through. In this activity, the systems analyst explains the models and their relationships to a selected group of people.
These people (usually members of the development team and other stakeholders such as those you may have interviewed during requirements gathering) provide feedback and ask questions to double-check the analysis work.
In this Application, you perform the walk-through verification and validation technique as an individual activity, much as you would proofread your own work before submitting it. Explain aloud to yourself in detail to help you really focus on the work.
Try to look at it as critiquing someone else's work, to help them think through their logic and to provide unbiased critical feedback. Select one of the models (functional, structural, or behavioral) that you created for the WestEast College case. For that model, perform a verification and validation walk-through.
Then, in a 2- to 3-page paper address the following:
Summarize your findings from the walk-through. Explain how you would revise the model based on the results of your walk-though.
Explain and justify your revision choices. Cite your sources according to APA guidelines.
WestEast College Case: WestEast College hires you as a systems analyst to design its new admission/registration system. WestEast College is one of the top ranked schools in the United States.
It is a small private college with nearly 3,000 students, 100 faculty, and 50 supporting staff (including 10 full-time and four part-time IT staff who are responsible for supporting all academic and operational IT needs). The college accepts new and transfer students from other colleges and countries.
The college only accepts online applications. Once prospective students have completed and submitted their application and the college receives it, they submit additional documentation such as transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal essay, residency information, proof of language proficiency, and financial aid documents.
Once students are accepted, they take a placement test for math and English. If students pass the required tests, they are assigned general education classes (such as math, English, and social studies).
If they do not pass a subject, they are assigned intensive classes in the failing subject. Students progress through four years of classes and must maintain a 2.00 GPA or they are placed on probation for 2 quarters.
If they drop below 2.00, students are dismissed. They must score at least a C to move to the next class or they must repeat the class (a D is not an acceptable grade).
Students must finish their degrees in no more than 5 years and cannot switch majors more than twice. Students eligible for graduation must pass an assessment test in their major before they may graduate.