Thomas I. M. Ho

Computer-aided analysis and design of information systems

This paper describes the use of computer-aided analysis for the design and development of an integrated financial management system by the Navy Material Command Support Activity (NMCSA). Computer-aided analysis consists of a set of procedures and computer programs specifically designed to aid in the process of applications software design, computer selection and performance evaluation. There are four major components: Problem Statement Language, Problem Statement Analyzer, Generator of Alternative Designs, and Performance Evaluator. The statement of requirements was written in ADS (Accurately Defined Systems) and analyzed by a Problem Statement Analyzer for ADS. The ADS problem definition was supplemented with additional information in order to create a complete problem definition. The analyzed problem statement was translated to the form necessary for use by the SODA (Systems Optimization and Design Algorithm) program for the generation of alternative specifications of program modules and logical database structures.

Systems analysis perspectives

It is widely recognized that the systems analysts task is a formidable one. To perform his duties, the systems analyst must rely upon a broad array of disciplines. In particular, he must be familiar with the intricacies of two diverse worlds: that of the organization and that of the computer. Aside from the obvious size and complexity of these concerns, the contrast between these two ends of the spectrum is most striking. On one hand, the organization is qualitative and unstructured. On the other hand, the computer is technical and rigid. Therefore, it is no surprise to anyone that we have had difficulty with the application of computing technology to the information systems of organizations.

Requirements statement language principles for automatic programming

The first step in automatic programming is the statement of information requirements in a Requirements Statement Language (RSL), a language for stating system requirements without needing to state the procedures implementing the system. The objective of this paper is development of language design principles for an RSL offering extensive requirements statement facilities. This objective is achieved through the formulation of a formal description of an information processing system. The formal description provides the criteria for requirements statement facilities of an RSL and for the capabilities of software for requirements statement analysis.

Proposed evaluation criteria for information systems programs accreditation

The draft is the result of a serie s of efforts . During the Fall Joint Computer Conference held in Dallas i n November, 1986, a workshop was held t o discuss the possibilities of accreditin g information systems programs . Representatives from ACM, DPMA, and IEEE CS met to discuss the relative merits o f accreditation as well as the mechanisms for accreditation . Sufficient interes t was displayed for a working group to be formed with one representative from eac h society to develop a preliminary set o f criteria . An ad hoc committee consisting of John T . Gorgone (ACM), Tom Ho (DPMA) , and John McGregor (IEEE-CS) was appointe d and charged to use the Computing Science s Accreditation Board (CSAB) criteria for Computer Science programs as a model an d to make a first attempt at defining Computer Information Systems (CIS ) accreditation criteria which appear to b e consonant with the model curricula an d accreditation criteria affected. The first draft was presented at the meetin g of the ACM Accreditation Committee at th e Computer Science Conference, held i n February, 1987 and later at the meeting s of the other two societies . The curren t version reflects input received durin g this time period and includes the use o f the January, 1987 updated CSAB criteria for CS programs .

New perspectives for information systems education

Systems analysis is the examination of a problem situation in order to define the requirements of a solution, often computerized, to that problem. The diversity of problems and the constraints of computing technology require that a problem be thoroughly analyzed in order to insure that the problem is clearly understood. Then, and only then it can be determined how computing technology can be applied to solve the identified problem. Therefore, systems analysis education teaches the discipline of clear and complete problem definition. Several recent developments offer new perspectives for systems analysis education. These developments provide a conceptual framework for understanding information system and data base characteristics. This framework supports an improved methodology for systems analysis and thereby contributes to higher quality systems analysis education.

Lessons learned in building a successful undergraduate information systems academic program

Since 1978, the Department of Computer Technology (CPT), an undergraduate computer information systems (CIS) program in Purdue University’s School of Technology, has successfully followed an innovative approach to meeting the critical need for competent, occupationally ready information systems professionals. The department opened its doors in the fall of 1978 to 60 students. Today its enrollment exceeds 500 students in five locations!