Guide to Systems Analysis, Term Paper Example

Project Selected and its purpose

This project encompasses a feasibility study to determine whether implementing electronic health record system is socially, economically, technologically and organizationally feasible for my institution. This would be conducted through application of a systems analysis approach. The approach, specifically, encompasses a study interacting entities, inclusive of computer systems analysis. The practice has a positive relationship to requirements analysis or operations research embracing an explicit formal inquiry articulated by a specialist in the field often referred to as an expert. Essentially, it identifies measures to be taken for improving the processes. System analysis has five distinct phases, which will be applied towards conducting this feasibility study. They involve a scope definition; problem; requirements, logical and decision analyses.

Description of data gathering methods you would use and explain why.

According to Martin Model (2007) interview is one of the most useful data collection instruments for information gathering in systems analysis approach. Importantly, interviewing skills articulated by the systems analyst influences quality, quantity and depth of data retrieved during the process. Another method which could be employed is observation. Interview and observation are considered the two most valuable tools used in the science. An interview is a face to face structured conversation intended to gather specific information from persons within a desired setting (2007).

The advantage of an interview in system analysis approach to data collection is that it saves time as when questionnaires are used and data have to be coded under separate systems. The analysts get to observe nonverbal expressions, which are absent when questionnaires are administered. This is why observation is the second most used technique for retrieving information regarding this project to determine whether implementing a new electronic health record system is socially, economically and technologically feasible for my organization (Modell, 2007).

However, as interviewing is the more dominant of these two methods care must be taken in executing the process skillfully. It is important to follow specific guidelines for the best outcomes. For example, the analysts could choose to conduct a telephone interview. While it is not a direct face to face interaction clarification of answers is possible to avoid mis understanding during documentation. Also, it is much faster than actual face to face and least expensive (Modell, 2007).

Employing the focus group interviewing strategy is beneficial in that data can be gathered from more than one source at the same time. The views of several people are retrieved as a core value assumption. Site visits interviews are also conducted, but a major disadvantage in adapting this strategy is scheduling must be done before hand in other to access the most appropriate participants. Besides, it is time consuming since analysts may have to visit several locations. Therefore, focus group and telephone interviews are recommended when the aim controlling cost and time (Modell, 2007).

Healthcare professional involvement

The health care professional to be involved in this feasibility study is the informatics manager, who will serve as a system analyst. It is recommended that this person heads a team of information technology specialist functioning as a project manager. Skills, which ought to be represented on this team, include system analyst facilitator; system managers; business analysts; system designers and modelers (Modell, 2007).

Description of any anticipated barriers that might limit your ability to obtain the needed requirements

Requirements needed to conduct this system analysis are skills articulated by people mentioned in the previous section. Applying theory of constrains (TOC) in anticipating barriers it can be assumed that organizations are evaluated based on throughput (rate at which the system generates income); operational expense (money used to maintain the organization); and inventory (all the money invested in the system) (Qui, Fredendall & Zhu, 2002).

Depending on how these three key elements are managed barriers could emerge. For example; if the system does not generate enough income to cover maintenance costs them it could be considered not feasible beginning a study. Similarly, when income does not balance operational cost this could pose a barrier moving forward. Also, of the investments are overwhelming this can bring the project to a halt (Qui et.al, 2002).

Explanation of plans to overcome barriers.

Barriers could be overcome by employing five strategies. First conducting an evaluation to identify the system barrier; secondly, devise an exploitation strategy to use the barrier as an opportunity; thirdly, align the system to coincide with decisions made in step two; fourthly, increase the system constraint capacity by opening opportunities for more changes to emerge from constrain management; and fifth, if management of barriers become complicated restart the process from step one through a process of ongoing improvement (POOGI) (Qui et.al, 2002)

Explanation of tools used to record, assemble and analyze the data.

Tools used to record data include an electronic interview schedule. Subsequently data analysis software will be used to assemble as well as interpret data retrieved from interviews. First the system would categorize interviews to reflect the levels of individuals interviewed. Documentation offers permanence in the data processing system; allows precise recalling of information to validate assumptions and helps to graphically represent findings (Modell, 2007).

References

Modell, M. (2007). A Professional’s Guide to Systems Analysis. (2nd ed). New York, Open Press.

Qui, M. Fredendall, L., & Zhu, Z. (2002). TOC or LP?  Manufacturing Engineer 81 (4): 190–195