BCS Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques (Structured)

Overview

In order to communicate system requirements clearly and accurately to both business and IT stakeholders, it is vital for analysts and designers to be able to construct models from a variety of perspectives. In most cases these models will provide the basis for more detailed design.
The starting point for this course is a set of requirements, as defined in the Systems Development Essentials course. It is primarily concerned with modelling systems using structured techniques. It requires delegates to construct diferent types of model reflecting different perspectives and to describe the interactions between them.

At the end of the course delegates may sit an examination to attain the BCS Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques. (These delegates should also book on course code (SMTSEX-1). This course may be taken as part of the QA programme leading to the BCS Diploma in Systems Development.

• Systems Modelling Techniques (Structured) examination

Prerequisites

• An understanding of the fundamentals of systems development, or attendance of QA's Systems Development Essentials course
• This course is ideal for those who need to model business systems using structured modelling techniques
• This course is also ideal for those wishing to attain the ISEB Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques. (These delegates should also book on course code SMTSEX-1). Candidates with special examination requirements should consult the BCS web site (www.bcs.org.uk) for the BCS Special Needs policy. Note that the ISEB must be advised at least four weeks in advance of any special requirements.

Photographic identification for exams and BCS reasonable adjustments policy

• If you are taking a BCS exam you must bring photographic identification (passport, driving license or student card) as it is a BCS requirement to produce it for the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification will result in a candidate not being able to sit the exam.
• The BCS also allow additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose business language is not English. Candidates can request this additonal time in line with the BCS reasonable adjustments policy. If you believe you qualify please contact our examination administration team as early as possible. At least three weeks notice will be required for processing and delegates failing to advise QA and provide proof if requested by the BCS may not be allowed the additional support offered via this BCS policy.

For any questions about what form of identification is acceptable, or for more information about the BCS reasonable adjustments policy, please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273.

Delegates will learn how to

• Justify the need for modelling and modelling techniques
• Explain why it is important to model system requirements from different perspectives and identify specific modelling techniques
• Construct a static structure model (logical data structure, entity-relationship diagram)
• Construct a process model (data flow diagram)
• Construct a simple dynamic event driven model (entity-lifecycle diagram and access path analysis)
• Evaluate how the various models reflect business objectives and system requirements
• Appreciate how the various perspectives inter-relate to each other

Course Outline.

Systems Modelling

The need for modelling and modelling standards; Rationale for the selected approach; The approach and a Systems Development Lifecycle; Place of models within the Systems Development Lifecycle; Modelling the system from different perspectives; Interaction of the models; Validating and verifying models

Systems Modelling in Context

Monitoring analysis against business objectives and system requirements; The bridge to design, software package selection, and development

Modelling Functionality

Modelling processes using a data flow diagram; Elementary process descriptions; Types of data flow diagram

Static Modelling of Data

Entity Relationship diagrams - entity types, attributes, keys, relationships, super-types and sub-types; Supporting documentation

Dynamic Modelling

Analysing the behaviour of entities - events, enquiries, effects; Modelling the behaviour of entities - constructs for sequence, selection and iteration; Documenting navigation paths

Interaction of Models

Entity-Process Matrices (CRUD analysis)

Throughout the course a case study is used to allow delegates to practise the modelling techniques

The Need for Standard Techniques

Places business systems modelling in context within a project life-cycle; Types of model; Current and proposed business system modelling

Process Modelling using Dataflow Diagrams

The reasons for producing a business system process model; The principles behind the construction and use of DFDs; The benefits of using DFDs as a top-down, structured method of process modelling; Rules for construction; Supporting documentation

Static Modelling of Data using Entity/Relationship Diagrams

Entities/Relationships/Attributes; Developing logical data models; Drawing conventions

Dynamic Behaviour Modelling using Entity Lifecycles

Modelling the relationship between entities and processes (CRUD); Modelling the behaviour of data entities in terms of their life-cycle; Identification of the valid alternative paths

User Interface Modelling

The construction of a simple user interface model (user conceptual model)

Reviews

Guidelines and approach for reviewing the models against the business objectives and system requirements for consistency and completeness; Use of Structured Walkthroughs for peer and business domain expert validation

Case Study

Throughout the course, a case study is used to reinforce and practise the topics discussed

Related training courses

• BCS Certificate in Systems Development Essentials
• Systems Modelling Techniques (UML)
• BCS ISTQB Software Testing Foundation (inc examination)