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JD
Student
Moses Lake, Washington
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What are the obstacles and challenges of a Computer Systems Analyst?
Hello I am a senior in high school and I have taken a liking to all things technology wise. I have taken multiple classes that include data storing, how to use said data, and other computer skills such as coding and other stuff. I would like to know what challenges and obstacles you had to overcome to get to the place in your career that you are in now and if your still overcoming the same or different obstacles. #computer #technology #computer-science
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4 answers
Jessica Baeten
Strategic Manager
9
Answers
Newport News, Virginia
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Make sure to understand the Software Development LifeCycle (SDLC). There are several methodologies out there (Waterfall, Agile, etc) that you should familiarize yourself with. One of the biggest challenges I've had is shifting to an Agile mindset. Understanding that things will constantly changes will help make change more comfortable.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear JD,
Navigating the Hurdles of a Computer Systems Analyst Role
The role of a Computer Systems Analyst is pivotal in ensuring an organization's computer systems are streamlined, effective, and in sync with the entity's overarching objectives. However, like all jobs, this position comes with its unique hurdles and difficulties. Here are some typical hurdles encountered by Computer Systems Analysts:
1. Swift Technological Progress: A primary hurdle for Computer Systems Analysts is staying abreast of the swift progression of technology. As technology perpetually evolves, new tools, programming languages, and methodologies are regularly introduced. Analysts must persistently enhance their skills and knowledge to remain pertinent in the field.
2. Harmonizing Technical and Business Needs: Computer Systems Analysts often serve as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders. They are tasked with simplifying complex technical requirements into a language that non-technical stakeholders can comprehend. Balancing the technical needs and aligning solutions with business goals can be a daunting task.
3. Steering Stakeholder Expectations: Another difficulty faced by Computer Systems Analysts is steering stakeholder expectations. Different stakeholders may have diverse priorities, timelines, and levels of technical understanding. Analysts must effectively communicate with stakeholders to ensure that project requirements are distinctly defined and fulfilled.
4. Cybersecurity Threats: The rising frequency of cyber threats and data breaches have made cybersecurity a major concern for Computer Systems Analysts. Analysts must stay informed about the latest security protocols and best practices to safeguard sensitive data and ensure system integrity.
5. Project Management Hurdles: Computer Systems Analysts often partake in project management tasks, such as defining project scope, creating timelines, and coordinating team efforts. Managing multiple projects concurrently while ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints can be strenuous.
6. Resistance to Change: The introduction of new systems or technologies within an organization can face opposition from employees who are accustomed to existing processes. Computer Systems Analysts may face difficulties in promoting the adoption of new technologies and processes across the organization.
7. Data Privacy Regulations: With data privacy regulations becoming stricter globally, Computer Systems Analysts must ensure that systems comply with relevant laws such as GDPR or HIPAA. Balancing data security and privacy while maintaining system functionality presents a significant challenge.
In conclusion, while a career as a Computer Systems Analyst can be fulfilling and intellectually engaging, it also comes with its fair share of hurdles and difficulties that require continuous learning, adaptability, effective communication skills, and problem-solving abilities to surmount.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
IEEE Computer Society: The IEEE Computer Society offers valuable insights into current trends, best practices, and hurdles in the field of computer systems analysis.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on job outlook, salary trends, educational requirements, and key difficulties faced by professionals in various occupations including Computer Systems Analysts.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): ACM is a leading professional organization for computing professionals that publishes research articles, industry news, and resources related to computer systems analysis and other IT fields.
God Bless You,
James C.
Navigating the Hurdles of a Computer Systems Analyst Role
The role of a Computer Systems Analyst is pivotal in ensuring an organization's computer systems are streamlined, effective, and in sync with the entity's overarching objectives. However, like all jobs, this position comes with its unique hurdles and difficulties. Here are some typical hurdles encountered by Computer Systems Analysts:
1. Swift Technological Progress: A primary hurdle for Computer Systems Analysts is staying abreast of the swift progression of technology. As technology perpetually evolves, new tools, programming languages, and methodologies are regularly introduced. Analysts must persistently enhance their skills and knowledge to remain pertinent in the field.
2. Harmonizing Technical and Business Needs: Computer Systems Analysts often serve as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders. They are tasked with simplifying complex technical requirements into a language that non-technical stakeholders can comprehend. Balancing the technical needs and aligning solutions with business goals can be a daunting task.
3. Steering Stakeholder Expectations: Another difficulty faced by Computer Systems Analysts is steering stakeholder expectations. Different stakeholders may have diverse priorities, timelines, and levels of technical understanding. Analysts must effectively communicate with stakeholders to ensure that project requirements are distinctly defined and fulfilled.
4. Cybersecurity Threats: The rising frequency of cyber threats and data breaches have made cybersecurity a major concern for Computer Systems Analysts. Analysts must stay informed about the latest security protocols and best practices to safeguard sensitive data and ensure system integrity.
5. Project Management Hurdles: Computer Systems Analysts often partake in project management tasks, such as defining project scope, creating timelines, and coordinating team efforts. Managing multiple projects concurrently while ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints can be strenuous.
6. Resistance to Change: The introduction of new systems or technologies within an organization can face opposition from employees who are accustomed to existing processes. Computer Systems Analysts may face difficulties in promoting the adoption of new technologies and processes across the organization.
7. Data Privacy Regulations: With data privacy regulations becoming stricter globally, Computer Systems Analysts must ensure that systems comply with relevant laws such as GDPR or HIPAA. Balancing data security and privacy while maintaining system functionality presents a significant challenge.
In conclusion, while a career as a Computer Systems Analyst can be fulfilling and intellectually engaging, it also comes with its fair share of hurdles and difficulties that require continuous learning, adaptability, effective communication skills, and problem-solving abilities to surmount.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
IEEE Computer Society: The IEEE Computer Society offers valuable insights into current trends, best practices, and hurdles in the field of computer systems analysis.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on job outlook, salary trends, educational requirements, and key difficulties faced by professionals in various occupations including Computer Systems Analysts.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): ACM is a leading professional organization for computing professionals that publishes research articles, industry news, and resources related to computer systems analysis and other IT fields.
God Bless You,
James C.
Muralidhar Kolli
2
Answers
Updated
Muralidhar’s Answer
Systems analysts solve business problems through computer processes, working to make sure computer application designs meet the needs of their organizations.
A typical assignment starts with a meeting in which the systems analyst, managers and users discuss a business problem requiring a change in or development of a computer application. In an effort to define separate programmable procedures that can be used to address the problem, the objectives and the steps needed to attain those objectives are discussed. The systems analyst then plans the system using a number of techniques, from data modeling to object-oriented analysis and design.
Below are some of the challenges or obstacles this role would be facing in day-day activities .
1- Customer cannot tell what they need
2- Requirements are complex and multi-dimensional
3- Requirement development process is human and communication intensive
4- Cannot communicate effectively without understanding business
A typical assignment starts with a meeting in which the systems analyst, managers and users discuss a business problem requiring a change in or development of a computer application. In an effort to define separate programmable procedures that can be used to address the problem, the objectives and the steps needed to attain those objectives are discussed. The systems analyst then plans the system using a number of techniques, from data modeling to object-oriented analysis and design.
Below are some of the challenges or obstacles this role would be facing in day-day activities .
1- Customer cannot tell what they need
2- Requirements are complex and multi-dimensional
3- Requirement development process is human and communication intensive
4- Cannot communicate effectively without understanding business
Thankyou for your answer. It gave me much needed insight.
JD
Krishnaprasad K
Engineer
2
Answers
Karnataka, Karnataka, India
Updated
Krishnaprasad’s Answer
Hello JD L., I would like to call out few generic points, not necessarily applicable only for system analysts. When we do our graduation, most of the time we may not be able to relate a specific technology/algorithm we learn/write to a real world usecase or in simple terms, why are we learning this in the first place. When we join a company/IT firm, we get a chance to talk to customers (depending upon your job profile and the projects that you get to work on) and understand real world requirements. This helps us to relate the theoretical topics we learned during academic time Vs it's practicability real-time.
When it comes to challenges/obstacles, below are few of them that I personally faced:-
1. When you join as a fresher or a new joinee to an already established team in a company, you may face few challenges such as "communication barriers" where you may not be comfortable asking during a team meeting. The solution to that could be to create a rapport with team members individually so that you feel comfortable. This is a critical aspect in my opinion as team work is as important as one's technical proficiency.
2. When it comes to system analyst role, understanding the requirement (be it provided by the end users/customers directly or via product management) is a key aspect. Double clicking the requirement is really important to ensure that we understand the granular asks. This helps on the subsequent phases of the product development / release.
When it comes to challenges/obstacles, below are few of them that I personally faced:-
1. When you join as a fresher or a new joinee to an already established team in a company, you may face few challenges such as "communication barriers" where you may not be comfortable asking during a team meeting. The solution to that could be to create a rapport with team members individually so that you feel comfortable. This is a critical aspect in my opinion as team work is as important as one's technical proficiency.
2. When it comes to system analyst role, understanding the requirement (be it provided by the end users/customers directly or via product management) is a key aspect. Double clicking the requirement is really important to ensure that we understand the granular asks. This helps on the subsequent phases of the product development / release.