Review of How to Do Systems Analysis (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management) (Hardcover)

"How to do System Analysis" distills a lifetime of experience in addressing large scale complex systems problems into a common sense approach that focuses as much on systemic thinking as on analytical tools.This book views systems analysis as a combination of operations research (with its analytical tools and methodologies) and policy analysis (with its ambiguities, perspectives, and competing values). While acknowledging the importance of solid analytical skills, Gibson, Scherer, and Gibson emphasize the importance of understanding context, identifying stakeholders, specifying the problem, establishing objectives, establishing criteria, developing indices of performance,formulating and evaluating alternatives, and iterating progressively toward a solution that acknowledges the competing interests and trade-offs inherent in any system of moderate size and complexity.Unlike many engineering text, this book looks at analysis in the context of the problem - encouraging the analysts to "embrace error" early in the process, expending time and effort to the extent necessary to rule out dominated alternatives so that more serious trade studies and precise analysis is limited to more promising alternatives.

The chapter on goal development is particularly good in its recognition of the importance of the "axiological component" - the underlying values that define what is important to the client or customer.The authors walk the reader through a seven step process of goal development that includes describing the current situation (the "descriptive scenario"), defining the desired situation (the "normative scenario"), and developing an objectives tree with indices of performance that reflect client or customer values.

The book is loaded with realistic examples and case studies that can be used to provoke discussion and convey concepts.Many of the examples are drawn directly from the experience of the authors; others are drawn from current events involving difficult or controversial public policy decisions.This book is a great companion text for an advanced undergraduate or graduate course in systems analysis as well as an excellent reference book for practicing systems engineers and analysts.


Product Description
This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to Do Systems Analysis a complement to the many fine works in systems engineering available today.

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Review of Software Engineering, Vol. 2: The Supporting Processes (Paperback)

This book is a mandatory reading for those who is going to take IEEE Computer Society Certified Software Developer (CSDP) test. Really it is nothing else but really well chosen collection of articles on various software engineering subjects. This book could be an excellent if not its low quality printing format which makes it hard to read. Mine got dirty on sides and all covered with pencil marks - not all books on my bookshelf received such VIP treatment :-)

Product Description
This second volume on software engineering processes includes reprinted and newly authored papers that describe the supporting life cycle processes in a manner that can prepare individuals to take the IEEE Computer Society Certified Software Development Professional examination. Volume 2 details the eight supporting life cycle processes that developers need to employ and execute in the engineering of software products. This required support plays an integral part and has a distinct purpose that affects the overall success and quality of the software project.

The eight supporting processes covered in this guide include the documentation, configuration management, quality assurance, verification, validation, joint review, audit, and problem resolution. In addition, this tutorial covers the four processes of the organizational life cycle. These are used to establish and implement an underlying structure made up of associated life cycle processes and personnel that will continuously improve upon the structure and process of the project. These organizational processes are management, infrastructure, improvement, and training.

Each chapter in this book starts by introducing the subject, supporting papers, and standards. The backbone for this publication is IEEE/EIA Standard 12207-1997, Standard for Information Technology - Software Life Cycle Processes.

From the Back Cover
This second volume on software engineering processes includes reprinted and newly authored papers that describe the supporting life cycle processes that can prepare individuals to take the IEEE Computer Society Certified Software Development Professional examination. Volume 2 details the eight supporting life cycle processes that developers need to employ and execute in the engineering of software products. This required support plays an integral part and has a distinct purpose that affects the overall success and quality of the software project.

The eight supporting processes covered in this include the documentation, configuration management, quality assurance, verification, validation, joint review, audit, and problem resolution. In addition, this tutorial covers the four processes of the organizational life cycle. These are used to establish and implement an underlying structure made up of associated life cycle processes and personnel that will continuously improve upon the structure and process of the project. These organizational processes are management, infrastructure, improvement, and training.

Each chapter in this book starts by introducing the subject, supporting papers, and standards. The backbone for this publication is IEEE/EIA Standard 12207-1997, Standard for Information Technology-Software Life Cycle Processes.

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