30 August 2006

Robert D Carlsen - Collected Quotes

"A systems analysis project is usually thought of as occurring in two separate phases [...]. The first phase involves both the study of the existing system and phase involves implementing the new or improved system. The second phase involves implementing the new or improved system. This means writing the detailed procedures and data processing programs, conducting various types of tests. and installing the new system." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"A system is an operation or combination of operations performed by men and, possibly, machines to carry out a specific business activity. This might be a total system that considers all the factors in the entire operation of an enterprise, or it might be a subsystem of that total." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"A systems analysis is a study of one of these systems or subsystems. The purpose is to evaluate the system in terms of one or more of the following factors ... efficiency, accuracy, timeliness, economy, and productivity ... and to design a new or improved system. The design should eliminate or minimize deficiencies and improve the overall operations. Basically, the systems analyst who performs the study is concerned with three things. First, he must consider what is currently being done. Second, he must develop a method for what should be done. Finally, he must plan for the new design's application and for implementation of the system. Systems analysis is the first step in the development of a successful automated computer system, but the results of a systems analysis do not necessarily have to result in an automated system." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"Objectives recorded on the System Specification work sheet, even though preliminary in nature, should be specific. It is never sufficient to state an objective in terms of simply improving an existing system or of implementing a computerized system. The idea that a system or an 'automated' system is a better system has been a popular concept too long. An improved system, per se, is of no benefit to a business client; implementing a better system in order to increase profits or reduce costs is of great benefit." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"Probably the most neglected area in systems analysis involves the planning and control of the project, especially those projects requiring automation. More than one disastrous project has been launched by 'computer people' who communicated their aims to the vexed manager using technical data processing jargon in lieu of specific lists of easily understood tasks, schedules, and costs. This problem applies equally to in-house projects or those requiring the services of outside consultants. Each project must first be planned in detail. Control is involved with comparing actual progress with the plan and taking corrective action when the two do not correspond. Without the plan, true control is not possible; the need for corrective action, its nature, extent, and urgency cannot be accurately determined." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"Project management is the process by which it is assured that the objective is achieved and resources are not wasted. Planning is one of the two parts of project management. Control is the other." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"The most important ingredient in any system analysis is the tody of fact on which it is based. This body of fact must be complete; it must fully descrite the system which is already in existence and the environment in which it operates. Although an essential part of it compries the forms and documents being used, these alone are not sufficient. The ultimate source of the critical facts is the people who are part of the system, the operators, the users, those who input the information, and the system mmagers. The only efficient way to obtain the required information is to ask these people; that is, to conduct a series of interviews." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"There are basically two types of flowcharts. One is the program flowchart and the other the systems flowchart. The program flowchart. sometimes called 'logic diagram', graphically portrays the data precessing program logic. [...] Systems flowcharts display the flow of information throughout all parts of a system, including the manual portions. Systems flowcharts can be of two types. One type is task-oriented, describing the flow of data in terms of the work being performed. The other is forms-oriented, following the forms through the functional structure of the system." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"There are several classes of flowcharts used in recording study data in the Workbook. The purpose of any chart; of course, is to clarify and to make the information more understandable. One of these types of charts is a Process Flow Chart. It concerns itself with the flow of physical materials, including documents, through a system, especially in terms of distance and time. It is most useful in analyzing some of the cost and benefit factors for existing and proposed systems. System flowcharts [...] have been called the analyst's 'shorthand'. They can be forms-oriented or task-oriented. These flowcharts are not only the primary way of recording data pertinent to the current system, but are used for developing and displaying the new system as well. Later, in the implementation phase, program flowcharts, a fundamental tool of programming, would be developed." (Robert D Carlsen & James A Lewis, "The Systems Analysis Workbook: A complete guide to project implementation and control", 1973)

"The types of graphics used in operating a business fall into three main categories: diagrams, maps, and charts. Diagrams, such as organization diagrams, flow diagrams, and networks, are usually intended to graphically portray how an activity should be, or is being, accomplished, and who is responsible for that accomplishment. Maps such as route maps, location maps, and density maps, illustrate where an activity is, or should be, taking place, and what exists there. [...] Charts such as line charts, column charts, and surface charts, are normally constructed to show the businessman how much and when. Charts have the ability to graphically display the past, present, and anticipated future of an activity. They can be plotted so as to indicate the current direction that is being followed in relationship to what should be followed. They can indicate problems and potential problems, hopefully in time for constructive corrective action to be taken." (Robert D Carlsen & Donald L Vest, "Encyclopedia of Business Charts", 1977)

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