Stuck in a rut? Need to get outside the box? Don't know what you're doing? Try a little Zen Analysis. Whether you're new to systems analysis-or have been there, done that and seen it all-but especially if you want to ponder the significance of information systems analysis in the scheme of the universe, this book is for you. The author brings a unique perspective to the problems of computer system analysis & design that will get your creative juices flowing.Chapters consider the essence of Analysis, Design, Consulting, Business, Economics, Culture, Methodology, and Modeling. Each topic is looked at from a perspective that will give experienced or aspiring analysts a new way of looking at the job. Learn why and how to Embrace Contradiction and Choose the Middle Way to come up with an idea which is completely absurd, except that it works. This will let you attack a difficult problem from another angle, one that leads to a surprisingly elegant solution.This book is the opposite of academic-read it to open your mind to see different, and get out of the box.
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This book draws from the aphorisms of the East and the Rationalism of the West and brings both to bear on the challenging task of computer system design. Chapters consider the quintessence of Analysis, Design, Consulting, Business, Economics, Culture, Methodology, and Modeling. Each topic is looked at from a perspective that will give experienced or aspiring analysts a new way of looking at their jobs.
1. Choose the Middle Way.
2. Embrace Contradiction.
3. There are Many Ways to the Mountaintop.
4. You Can Answer Every Question.
5. Five Why’s will Make You Wise.
6. Everybody Knows About Chicken Feed.
7. Model the World.
8. One who has Never Erred is Dangerous.
About the Author
PATRICK McDERMOTT was a professional economist before becoming a computer programmer, and so understands Business Art and Systems Science, and connects them in his writing and teaching. He teaches seminars at Cal Berkeley Extension and runs his own consulting firm, in Oakland, specializing in training and consulting on computer technology.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique - and a fun read,
By Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews (COMMUNITY FORUM 04) (REAL NAME)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zen and the Art of Systems Analysis: Meditations on Computer Systems Development (Paperback)
To say this book is different from any technical book I've ever read would be an understatement. The best way to describe it is to use an analogy from real life. We all have had a boss or coworker who is a born teacher and imparts their extensive experience in a reflective manner. This book is like that person. Mr. McDermott's experience is extensive - I purchased this book based on the high regard I have for one he coauthored titled, "Workflow Modeling: Tools for Process Improvement and Application Development" ISBN 1580530214. He is also a born teacher who uses anecdotes, past experiences, analogies and other devices to impart knowledge about the most important topics in systems analysis - analysis, design, consulting, business, economics, corporate culture and models. Each topic area contains a mixture of experience from jobs he has worked, his reflections on the key issues, published works and comments by others with whom he has worked, and clear advice. There is a thread of humor that runs through this book, but the messages he give are serious and well thought out. As you read this book you will be drawn in by the conversational style - it's as though he is talking to and mentoring you, and much of what he says may be something you already know on a conscious or subconscious level. However, it's the presentation and the personal voice that make much of this material sound like fresh ideas. That is where the Zen comes in. A read through this book will open your eyes to subtleties of ideas that on the surface seem obvious. Certainly you will approach analysis with a fresh perspective. If for no other reason, read this book for the pleasure of reading - you'll still come away with insights that will stay with you.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Boo!,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Zen and the Art of Systems Analysis: Meditations on Computer Systems Development (Paperback)
Not worth it. I was expecting a book about Systems Analysis from a unique perspective. This is really just a rambling collection of 'no-duh' concepts mixed in with poorly developed eastern philosophic analogies. It doesn't work and earns a "boo."
4.0 out of 5 stars
A potional Bridge between Zen and Computers,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zen and the Art of Systems Analysis: Meditations on Computer Systems Development (Paperback)
This book is really fun to read, full of potential new tips and ideas to enhance the system analysis process. The way the author reinforced his book with Musashi Mayamoto book of five rings is excellent
Patrick has done a great job placing small wise notes in each chapters to summarize his thoughts and the chapter, for quick readers they can quickly skim those. The only thing I hate about the book is the Title, I mean it could be ZenAnalysis or MeditAnalyst something like that but the title is so long and thats maybe why its not getting so much attention. But a great read for developers and system analyst
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Inside This Book
(learn more)
First Sentence:
Step One on the Eight-Fold Path to Technological Enlightenment is to gain the Right Understanding. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Metcalfe's Law, Object Oriented, Accounts Payable System, American President Lines, San Francisco, Don't Repeat Yourself, Berkeley Extension, Bill Gates, Apple Computer, Martin Fowler, Mother Nature New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Step One on the Eight-Fold Path to Technological Enlightenment is to gain the Right Understanding. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Metcalfe's Law, Object Oriented, Accounts Payable System, American President Lines, San Francisco, Don't Repeat Yourself, Berkeley Extension, Bill Gates, Apple Computer, Martin Fowler, Mother Nature New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 62
books:
See all 62 books this book cites
1
book
cites this book:
- Workflow Modeling: Tools for Process Improvement and Application Development by Alec Sharp on page 63, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Design Patterns by Erich Gamma on page 85, page 133, and Back Matter
- The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization by Thomas L. Friedman on page 91, and Back Matter
- Out of the Crisis by W. Edwards Deming on page 45, and Back Matter
- Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change (2nd Edition) by Kent Beck on page 85, and Back Matter
See all 62 books this book cites
- Karate's Supreme Ultimate: The Taikyoku Kata in Five Rings by Patrick McDermott in Back Matter
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