The analysis and design of an automated tool to support structured systems analysis : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Computer Science at Massey University

Abstract

Systems analysis is an inherently difficult task. Errors that are introduced in the analysis and design phases become progressively more expensive to fix in the later stages of the system life cycle. Systems analysis and design methodologies attempt to reduce the number of errors introduced into a system model and to detect (and correct) those errors that do occur as early as possible in the system development lifecycle. One such methodology that is widely used in New Zealand is Structured Systems Analysis. Users of Structured Systems Analysis tend to find that the documentation produced using the methodology is easier to read and understand than documentation produced by other currently used methodologies.

This thesis presents the functional specification of MUSSAT, a tool to provide automated support for the Structured Systems Analysis methodology. MUSSAT was designed for a specific group of users. The needs of these users are discussed, together with an introduction to the tools and techniques of Structured Systems Analysis. Existing versions of Structured Systems Analysis are reviewed and a modified form of the methodology, incorporated in MUSSAT, is presented.

A discussion of the tools and techniques used to specify the MUSSAT model are discussed. This is followed by an introduction to the MUSSAT system model. Details of the MUSSAT model are included as a series of technical appendices. Finally, an overview of the extent to which Structured Systems Analysis is supported by existing Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools is presented together with a discussion of where MUSSAT fits with these CASE tools.