Delphi study of systems analysis

What does a systems analyst typically do on the job? What tasks and duties are associated with the process of software production and maintenance? To answer these questions the Delphi approach to expert consensus was used to define the areas of responsibility thought to be associated with software production and maintenance. Within each area of respon­ sibility duties were identified and enumerated. In a typical Delphi session, a group of experts is formed and presented with a specific problem. Experts were chosen from aerospace, academic, financial, textile, and software development or­ ganizations. The original question posed to the five experts was "categorize the major areas of responsibility for systems analysis and design." After several iterations the panel of experts agreed that there are four major areas: • Provide ongoing support of existing systems. • Analysis and planning (for new systems). • Design support. • Project management. Based on the panel's consensus a questionnaire was constructed and sent to locations throughout the United States. Firms responding to the questionnaire represent the banking, aerospace, educa­ tion, chemical production, textile manu­ facturing, research, software develop­ ment, and defense industries. Of 114 questionnaires distributed a total of 94 completed questionnaires were received. The questionnaire data reveals a wide range of job titles. Ranging from very specific titles such as "senior systems analyst for business systems" to very