Who is a system analyst? What are the characteristics of system analysts?

System Analyst

A system analyst is a person who is involved in analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating Computer Based Information Systems (CBIS) to support the decision-making and effective operations of an organization. The system analyst studies the problems and their solutions using computer technology. Among the system development professionals, the job of a system analyst is the most important one because he is the captain of the team. So, he should have the ability to study the system, analysis, design, and develop the system. Finally, a System Analyst has to know about business operations and have a strong background in the relevant area of the computer system.

Characteristics of a Good Analyst

In order to be a successful system analyst, one must possess the following characteristics:

1. Knowledge of organization: A system analyst must understand the way in which various functions of an organization. One must have good knowledge about how the organization functions. One must understand the management structure and the relationship among the departments in an organization, and its day-to-day operations.
   
   
2. Technical knowledge: A system analyst must have good knowledge about new technology and should be well-trained in relevant areas of computer science. One must be familiar with the hardware and software of computers and their development process. One must know programming ideas and techniques to be able to design a system, which can be implemented.
   
   
3. Good interpersonal communication skills: System analysts must be able to talk intelligently with high-level management, technical staff, and non-technical users, programmers, and operators. One is required to influence people to change their minds and attitudes and motivate them to work in a group. One must be a good listener and a good diplomat.
   
   
4. Character and ethics: System analysts must possess a good moral character and sense of ethics. The nature of the job of the system analyst requires strong character and a sense of ethics. Ethics is personal character quality in which an individual understands the difference between "right" and "wrong" and acts accordingly.
   
   
5. Problem-solving skill: System analysts must have wide experience in solving problems. A good system analyst would use appropriate analytical tools as necessary.
   
   
6. System analysis and design skills: The system analyst needs strong knowledge and experience of system analysis and design. Their basic responsibility is to analyze the required system and design it.