CIS 210
2-3-2013
There are a number of modeling tools and techniques that can be used to understand the design of a system. During this process, these tools and techniques can help to describe the business processes, requirements, and the users interaction with the system. One type of modeling is the functional decomposition diagram (FDD). It is similar to an organizational chart in that it uses a top-down model to describe the process. The FDD is a good way of breaking the process down from the higher-level to the lower-level processes. Another kind of modeling technique is the business process model. Business process models are good for describing business processes like filling a product order or updating a customer account. Utilizing BPM can help speed up results as well as reduce errors and lower cost. Data flow diagrams (DFD) are created out of functions in functional decomposition diagrams. A function from the FDD can be taken and described in further detail using a DFD. Yet another method of modeling is the unified modeling language (UML). The UML is a common method for visualizing and documenting software systems. It does not depend on a programming language and is good for describing business processes and requirements in a general manner. Different graphical tools are used to look at the process from the viewpoint of the end user. Sequence diagrams show a process from top to bottom while representing interaction between objects in a horizontal manner. Lastly, the use case diagram is a method that is used to show the interaction between the user and the system. The user has a specific role being performed and as they interact with the system, a use case describes each step taken and the related outcome (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2012). The following use cases will diagram a bank customer interacting with an ATM while withdrawing, depositing, and transferring money.
Use Case 1 – ATM Withdrawal
References: Relkin, J. (2006, July 06). 10 ethical issues raised by it capabilities. Retrieved from http://www.techrepublic.com/article/10-ethical-issues-raised-by-it-capabilities/6091121 Sebastian, E. (2011, March 23). Information technology challenges to the development of business code of ethics. Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/information-technology-challenges-development-8104714.html Shelly, G., & Rosenblatt, H. (2012). Systems analysis and design. (9th ed., pp. 149-152). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.