Customer Reviews

The Art of Analysis

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Brevity is a virtue, but Langer's explanations fall well short of showing the reader how to apply the techniques of systems analysis.

The chapters are in the sequence neither of the chronology of systems analysis tasks nor or the order of presentation in systems analysis deliverables. Each chapter is like a separate out-of-context article.

Langer steers a balanced course between competing methogologies, pointing out, as few other books do, that we should integrate the principles of object-oriented analysis into the proven framework of structured analysis. Much of what's here is good, but there isn't enough of it.

I recommend The Art of Analysis for supplementary reading by the experienced systems analyst, but not as a textbook from which to learn systems analysis.

This is a good, brief introduction to the topic of systems analysis. The thing that I like best about this book is that it hits on most of the major topics related to analysis in about 150 pages. This is a small, compact book that I was able to read in a couple hours (and I consider myself a slow reader). This makes this a good introduction to the topic and a decent reference as well. In my opinion, the major thing that keeps this book from being a five star book is the fact that information was not presented in a fashion that I believe would easily lend itself as a guide on real life projects. I would have liked to have seen more chapter summaries that described suggested inputs, processes, and outputs through the life cycle of a project.

Like the hero of an action movie running from a burning jet, his fast thinking and willing feet sweeping away some hapless soul just before the big explosion consumes their former resting place, so have many of us found ourselves in IT positions of significance. We didn't begin our careers with this in mind, but as the information age has exploded around us, quick and willing minds have placed many of us in positions we were not formally trained for. Intimidating at times? To say the least! Mr. Langer's book is consumable during the explosion! His lessons on formal, academically and real world tested tools of analysis are straight forward, to the point, and packaged in chapters that are consumable in a single sitting. Following each chapter are a set of questions recapping the highlights to help set the information more firmly into your mind. Getting a solid introduction to so many great tools helped me to see which ones, out of a sea of tools available, would best suit my needs. It was also a great confidence booster to see that I was already doing so many things according to the book, Langer's book, The Art of Analysis. Buy it!

Art Langer was my professor for three classes in computer science and systems analysis at Columbia University's Computing Technology and Applications (CTA) continuing education program. His book is the best intro to the subject that I have seen, because he uses real-world examples and covers all the tools from data flow diagrams and entity-relationship diagrams to object oriented analysis and design. Start with this book before going to any others.

What an excellent introduction to Systems Analysis! Finally, a concise explaination of the topic in one super book--from an author who writes clearly and doesn't talk over his audience's head. If you want a head-start into Systems Analysis, and a clear idea of both the theory and the practice of all aspects of this field--buy this book and shop no furthur!

This book provides clear and detailed information about the role of the Business Analyst. The author presents solutions to such difficult topics such as Logical Data Modeling, User interviewing techniques, Project Management and so much more. The book not only presents the theory but provides a systematic approach that can be applied by anyone who needs results NOW. What every Business Analyst must read.

This is a small but very worthwhile and valuable book. It takes a user through the art of database design with an insightful but new approach and is right on the money. Anyone going into or in this field should definitely make this book part of their library.