*** An eTextbook version is available at VitalSource.com for $75.65 USD. ISBN: 9781-958303-18-4. ***

Systems Analysis and Design in an Age of Options presents an integrated approach to navigating the numerous and highly consequential choices surrounding the practice of Systems Analysis and Design (SA&D). This reflects the vigorous discussion and debate in the field regarding:

• Plan-driven vs. agile — or a hybrid
• AI vs. traditional programming — or a blend
• Writing code vs. commercial-off-the-shelf [COTS] software — or both
• Traditional releases vs. DevOps — or a compromise

The textbook squarely addresses the reality that all these approaches represent viable options for SA&D that are used in different circumstances and frequently blended in practice. Most importantly, the textbook presents how to best choose among options and the skills for following through.

Edition 2.0 provides a more concise pathway through the material. Each chapter starts with the “Fundamentals,” primarily technical skills, that every student needs to learn. Next it proceeds to an “SA&D Professional Toolkit” that covers skills, typically soft skills, that complement the fundamental skills. The final section “Deeper Dives” contains a wealth of advanced topics that instructors may selectively cover depending on their learning objectives.

AI. Edition 2.0 also covers the procedures, potential, and limitations of the multiple uses of AI for SA&D.