Business systems analysts study the overall business and information needs of an organization, in order to develop solutions to business and related technology problems.
Business systems analysts work closely with clients to identify business needs and the costs and benefits of implementing a computing solution.
They construct Information Technology (IT) definitions based on identified needs of the organization. They work with other IT experts to address networking and hardware needs. They will devise and document a general system design based on the client's anticipated requirements and then negotiate various options with the client.
The roles of business systems analysts will vary with the size and complexity of the organization. Some smaller organizations may combine various types of analyst, designer and programmer roles into one, while larger ones employ teams of specialists.
Satisfying Aspects
- challenging work
- variety of work
- working with others
- opportunity to be creative
- very good employment opportunities
- good remuneration
Demanding aspects
- frustration of programming problems
- having to work long hours to complete emergency projects or rectify problems
- stress of having to pay close attention to detail all the time
- dealing with over-demanding clients
Requirements
- ability to conceptualize and think creatively
- excellent interpersonal communication skills
- persuasive, patient manner
- team leadership capabilities
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Economics, Accounting
Training
Degree: BSc (Information Technology / Information Systems / Information Science) - all universities, Bachelor of Business Science - Monash.
Diploma: Courses in Information Technology - CPUT, CUT, DUT, TUT and VUT. Also most TVET Colleges.
Employer
- the information technology industry
- large computer companies
- large business and industrial organizations
- government departments
- self-employment, on a consultancy basis
Contact
Computer Society of SA
P O Box 1714
Halfway House, 1685
ICT House
546 16th Road
Constantia Park [Unit No.3]
Midrand
Tel: (011) 315-1319 Fax: (011) 315-2276
www.cssa.org.za