Syllabus effective till December 2004

This course deals with the analysis, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer based information systems. The earlier courses would have made the learner familiar with basic computer hardware and software concepts as well as with some of the programming languages. The programming experience acquired is complemented, in this course with concrete systems experience. This would enable the learner to cope with the number of components in a systems development approach mid enmesh them correctly to result in a successful project. The first 3 blocks of the course are a run through the basic stages of a system development life cycle. The recent trend of acquiring computer systems is often with a view to provide management with relevant information. A block in the course is, therefore, exclusively devoted to MIS. In order to strike a balance between the theoretical and applied aspects of systems analysis, a number of case studies have been included in a special block so that they can serve as a vehicle for applying systems concepts. While working on the case study, a student would have an opportunity to put into practical context, the tools of analysis and design learned during the course and also in some cases modify the cases and suggest strategies for system improvements. The cases are drawn from actual real life situations and reflect practical problems that would neatly integrate into the learning process. There is a final block on the emerging trends, as development of systems moves from an art form to an industry. Some exposure is given in this, block to organisational issues arising out of induction of computer systems, and the new capabilities that the systems analysts of tomorrow must have, when software would be in the form of multi media and hypermedia with greater emphasis on visuals and sound as means of communication.