Zen and the Art of Systems Analysis: Meditations on Computer Systems Development (Paperback)

by Patrick Mcdermott (Author) "Step One on the Eight-Fold Path to Technological Enlightenment is to gain the Right Understanding..." (more)
Key Phrases: Metcalfe's Law, Object Oriented, Accounts Payable System (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

From the Inside Flap
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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (November 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595256791
• ISBN-13: 978-0595256792
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #839,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique - and a fun read, June 16, 2004

By	Mike Tarrani "www.tarrani.com" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

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 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting!, July 21, 2003

By	Kit Chan "guitar_hero_Kit" (Oakland, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Hi everyone! I think this is one of the most interesting books out there. How could the authur connect two different things together? the Zen and the computer systems analysis? Enjoy reading it!

I rate it 5 stars :-)