Rethinking Systems Analysis and Design

by Gerald M. Weinberg

Overview

Systems analysis and design have solved many problems, but they have also created many problems. This unique book tackles crucial analysis and design issues that are glossed over in conventional texts. It recognizes that while many problems are solved with systems analysis and design, many problems are also created.
Using a short, highly readable essay format, Rethinking Systems Analysis & Design presents readers with both the logical and the more intuitive aspects of the analysis/design process. The book is intended as an alternative for those who must deal with the less structured processes of analysis and design.
A witty and illustrative fable concludes each of this engaging book's seven parts. Among the informative topics are
- mastering complexity
- general systems thinking
- observing and interviewing
- trading off quality versus cost
- understanding the designer's mind
- design philosophy.

Computerworld said, "This isn't just another systems analysis and design book, but one about the problems and possible solutions encountered when implementing a structured approach."

Managing End-User Computing said: "Almost everything in this book translates directly into your own environment. . . . [You'll] find more wonderful stories, anecdotes, and fables in this book than you're likely to find even in a book on a more interesting subject than systems analysis!"
The International Journal of General Systems wrote: "For over twenty years, Gerald Weinberg has been enlivening the often solemn scene of design methodology with his distillations of experience into expertise. His collections of essays, anecdotes, and consolidated wisdom are always inspiring and entertaining: his new work in this tradition will be good reading not only for designers but for anyone wanting to understand design, particularly the users and managers of information systems. . . . Until we do have the Grand Unified Theory of Design (if this is even possible), life lessons such as those in this book will continue to be the most useful guide there is, both for introducing prospective practitioners and for reminding the old hands of what they may occasionally forget."
An Amazon.com reviewer concluded, "This is a wonderful and timeless book. Mr. Weinberg's style, wit and intellectual breadth is a rare treat in the technology world, dominated by undertrained and narrow-minded professionals. It is a pleasure to read any of his writings and this book is no exception."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940012927439
Publisher:	Gerald Weinberg
Publication date:	06/03/2011
Series:	General Systems Thinking , #4
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	193
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Internationally respected for his innovative thinking on both human and technical issues, GERALD M. WEINBERG focuses on ways to help people improve their productivity. A highly influential author, lecturer, and consultant, he draws on experiences gained in all three roles, as well as from a long technical career as a software developer and researcher.
Gerald M. Weinberg has written on topics ranging from computer systems and programming to education and problem solving -- and most recently, on writing, itself, and fiction! He is author, coauthor, or editor of twenty Dorset House books, listed below.
Highlights
• Principal, Weinberg & Weinberg
• author of more than 40 books and more than 400 articles

• translated into more than ten languages, including Japanese, French, Korean, German, Chinese, Hungarian, Dutch, Russian, Polish, Portuguese
• Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, SUNY Binghamton, Columbia University
• Manager of Operating Systems Development, Project Mercury (which put the first American into space)
• 2001-2002 Winner of The Stevens Award for Contributions to Software Engineering
• 2000 Inductee into the Computer Hall of Fame (in its first class)
• 1993 Winner of The J.-D. Warnier Prize for Excellence in Information Sciences
• Founding Member, IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering
• Keynote Speaker, Software Development East Conference, Software Development West Conference, The Agile Developers Conference, The Int. Conf. on Software Quality
• Cofounder, Amplifying Your Effectiveness Conference
• taught more than 1,000 writing students during 40 years, through his Fieldstone Method Workshop, his Satir Writing Seminar, and one-on-one coaching
• member of Southwest Writers, Oregon Writers Network, and private groups
• student of and co-trainer with family therapy pioneer Virginia Satir
• moderates an online discussion group, The SHAPE Forum, with more than 200 subscribers
• born and raised in Chicago; father of four children, with four grandchildren and, at present, two highly decorated German Shepherd dogs

Editorial Reviews

"This isn't just another systems analysis and design book, but one about the problems and possible solutions encountered when implementing a structured approach."

Anonymous

"Almost everything in this book translates directly into your own environment. . . . [You'll] find more wonderful stories, anecdotes, and fables in this book than you're likely to find even in a book on a more interesting subject than systems analysis!"

A reader Anonymous

Gerald Weinberg's new work will be good reading not only for designers but for anyone wanting to understand design, particularly the users and managers of information systems. . . . life lessons such as those in this book will continue to be the most useful guide there is, both for introducing prospective practitioners and for reminding the old hands of what they may occasionally forget.

anonymous anonymous

Mr. Weinberg's style, wit and intellectual breadth is a rare treat in the technology world, dominated by undertrained and narrow-minded professionals. It is a pleasure to read any of his writings and this book is no exception.
Rethinking Analysis has two major themes : 1) Systems analyst must be well informed in the fields other then software and hardware. 2) The most of technology problems in organizations are really 'people problems'.

E. Cancelada