SCOPE OF FUNCTION
The purpose of this function is to design reliable
information systems that are easy to modify and maintain in the
most cost effective means possible.
This is an operational level function that has primary
development responsibility for the following phases in the
Information Systems Engineering Methodology (ISEM):
- Phase 1 - "System Study and Evaluation"
- Phase 2 - "System Design"
- Phase 3 - "Sub-System Design"
- Phase 4-I - "Administrative Procedure Design"
- Phase 7 - "Sub-System Testing"
- Phase 8 - "System Test"
- Phase 9 - "System Audit."
Systems Engineering also participates in a review capacity
with Program/Software Engineering during Phase 4-II "Software
Engineering."
In EEM, Systems Engineering provides assistance to Enterprise
Engineering in Phase 1 - "EEM Project Planning".
In DBEM, Systems Engineering has primary responsibility
for executing Phase 2, "Application Logical Data Base Design."
Base Design."
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implements all IRM related policies and procedures,
including the use of "PRIDE" products.
- Reports administratively to Systems Resource Management
on all activities, and to Project Management on all project
specific activities.
- Maintains a line of communication with Enterprise
Engineering, Program/Software Engineering, Data Engineering,
User Management, Data Processing Operations, and IRM
support functions.
- Reviews pertinent deliverables resulting from "PRIDE"
methodologies, particularly ISEM, with Project
Management and the IRM support functions.
- Prepares project scopes subject to Project Management
approval.
- Documents existing information systems.
- Interviews User Management to specify information
requirements.
- Analyzes and details information requirements. This
includes defining the timing and data requirements
of the information.
- Reviews formal and informal deliverables resulting from
ISEM with User Management.
- Develops system solutions that can satisfy information
requirements in the most cost effective means possible.
This includes preparing complete rough designs of
systems, and the evaluation of purchased packages to
satisfy the requirements.
- Participates in project planning activities, including
estimating and scheduling, and cost evaluation.
- Performs system design; this includes breaking systems
into sub-systems following the Chronological Decomposition
technique. It also includes the preparation of system
flowcharts.
- Prepares complete examples (illustrative) of outputs and
inputs for User Management review/approval.
- Performs sub-system design; this includes breaking sub-
systems into procedural work flows. It also includes
the preparation of sub-system flowcharts.
- Prepares administrative procedures for User Management to
execute the manual aspects of systems.
- Works with Program/Software Engineering in providing
specifications regarding computer procedures.
- Educates User Management in the operation of new or
modified systems.
- Develops system test plans and performs the tests in
cooperation with Program/Software Engineering.
- Evaluates modification/improvement requests as initiated
by User Management or Enterprise Engineering.
- Designs the logical data base models for applications.
This includes defining the "objects," "views," and data
elements required by information systems. Data
Engineering serves in an advisory capacity.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- A thorough understanding of "PRIDE" products,
particularly as they relate to the Systems
Engineering function.
- An in-depth understanding of in-house IRM standards,
tools, and techniques and knows where they apply in the
"PRIDE" methodologies.
- The ability to estimate Systems Engineering activities
within tolerances as established by the installation.
- Good interpersonal relations/communications skills.
- Effective writing skills.
- Possess good analytical and problem solving skills.
- Must be results oriented.
- The ability to prepare and conduct project review
meetings and participate in those reviews in a professional
manner.
- A thorough understanding of the functions of Information
Resource Management related functions.
- The experience and ability to assume responsibility for
performing assigned tasks and meeting objectives within
time and cost constraints.
- An in-depth understanding of the User Management
organization being served; this includes the information
required by users to function properly.
- A perceptive listener, able to suggest areas where
information and systems can provide additional benefits
to the user.
- The ability to distinguish between real and imagined
business needs and diplomatically point them out to
the user.
- Capable of discussing user information needs in business
terminology, avoiding the use of technical terms where
possible.
- Sensitive to the needs of the user and understands the
role of the new system in achieving the user's
objectives.
- General understanding of the use of computers to meet
system processing requirements.
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
The following list is intended as a guide to evaluate the
performance of the Systems Engineering function. Evaluation
will be based upon observation by Systems Resource Management,
Project Management, User Management, Program/Software
Engineering, and IRM Quality Assurance.
- Systems Engineering personnel adhere to all Information
Resource Management related policies and procedures.
- "PRIDE" products, as they pertains to this
function, is successfully implemented and used
productively.
- Systems Engineering personnel have a thorough
understanding and knowledge of all Systems Resource
Management related functions and responsibilities.
- Systems Resource Management, Project Management,
Program/Software Engineering, and IRM support functions are
aware of all Systems Engineering activities.
- Systems Engineering personnel assume responsibility for
performing assigned tasks and achieves them within time and
cost constraints.
- Systems Engineering activities are performed according to
approved plans.
- The Systems Engineering staff produces quality work
(few mistakes).
- Works closely with the various IRM support functions to
assure that all IRM installation standards are properly
followed.
- Work is thorough and professionally prepared.
- Systems resources are standardized and controlled; they are
also easy to modify and maintain.
- Systems are designed correctly, according to
specifications, and are reliable.
- Information requirements accurately reflect users needs.
- System designs are creative and practical.
- Application logical data base designs are correctly
defined.
- Writes effectively and clearly.
- Systems are well tested and free of known defects.
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Function is administratively subordinate to Systems
Resource Management and operationally subordinate to Project
Management for project activities. Maintains a lateral working
relationship with Program/Software Engineering, Data Engineering,
Enterprise Engineering, User Management, and IRM support
functions.
METHODOLOGY RELATIONSHIPS
This function participates in the following phases
and activities of the "PRIDE" methodologies: