INTRODUCTION

 

Major Points To Consider

 

Education requirements vary from a 2-year degree to a graduate degree.Faster increment in employment as compared to the average due to continuous adoption of increasingly sophisticated technologies by organisations.Favourable job prospects.

 

Nature of job

 

In the fast moving industry of computers and information technology, highly trained workers are necessary in designing and developing new hardware and software systems as well as to incorporate new technologies. New areas of specialisation or changes in technology, in addition to the preferences and practices of employers led to the rapid evolution of these specialists’ job tasks and occupational titles.

 

The job of computer system analysts involves solving problems and applying computer technology to fulfill the needs of an organisation. In an organisation, they help realise the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel and business processes. They may also plan and develop new computer systems or device ways in the application of existing systems’ resources to additional operations. Most of them work with specific types of systems such as business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems, depending on the kind of organisation. Sometimes, computer systems analysts are also known as systems developers or systems architects.

 

In their line of work, system analysts would begin an assignment through discussion with managers and users to determine the exact nature of the systems problem. They use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling and cost accounting to plan the system. They may also prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide on the feasibility of the proposed technology to be implemented. Once the system is accepted, computer systems analysts will determine what is needed to set the system up. They would then coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs accordingly. Before they work with programmers to eliminate errors from the system, they prepare specifications, flow charts and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow. Computer systems analysts who conduct more indepth testing of products may be known as software quality assurance analysts. Besides running tests, they diagnose problems, recommend solutions and determine the fulfillment of program requirements.

 

Many computer systems analysts are involved with “networking” which allows users to retrieve data from a mainframe computer or a server and use it on their desktop computer.

 

In the case of database administrators, their jobs involve database management systems software and ways to organise as well as store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, test and coordinate modifications to the systems. They ensure the performance of the system, understand the platform on which the database runs, and adds new users to the system. As a result of their possible involvement in designing and implementing system security, they often plan and coordinate security measures. The rapid growth in the volume of sensitive data generated had made data integrity, backup systems and database security important aspects of the job of database administrators.

 

 With the rapid changes in technology, companies now look for professionals with broader background and range of skills, including technical knowledge, communication and other interpersonal skills. For computer systems analyst and database administrator positions, many employers would require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science or management information systems (MIS). MIS programs are usually part of the business school or college, emphasising business and management-oriented course work and business computing courses. As more firms move their business to the Internet, individuals with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), concentrating on information systems are increasingly in demand.

 

Computer systems analysts and database administrators must be able to think logically and possess good communication skills. Their frequent dealing with a number of tasks simultaneously also requires them to be meticulous. They frequently work in teams on large projects although they do sometimes work independently. It is important for them to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no technical computer background.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

Employment and places of work

 

Career opportunities are favourable for computer systems analysts and database administrators due to the demand for networking to facilitate the sharing of information, the expansion of client-server environments, and the need for computer specialists to use their knowledge and skills in a problem-solving capacity. Computer systems analysts are in demand to help firms maximise their efficiency with available technology while the continuing need to build and maintain databases that store critical information on customers, inventory and projects would create job opportunities for database administrators who are familiar with the latest technology.

 

Computer systems analysts and database administrators are mainly working in the computer systems design and related services industry although they are increasingly employed in every sector of the economy. Many of them are employed by Internet service providers, web search portals, and data processing, hosting, and related services firms while some work for government, manufacturers of computer and electronic products, insurance companies, financial institutions and universities. There are also a growing number of computer systems analysts who are employed on a temporary or contract basis. They are mostly self-employed, working independently as contractors or consultants.

 

Computer systems analysts and database administrators normally work in offices and laboratories for about 40 hours a week. In meeting deadlines or solving specific problems, evening or weekend work may be necessary.

 

Areas Covered By Programmes

There are a few different programmes that open the door for graduates who aim for a career as either computer systems analysts or database administrators, such as, software engineering programme, information system programme and either a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in information technology majoring in computer science. These programmes are available in some public and private institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

 

Students taking up programmes on computer systems analyst and database administration will be taught a range of desirable computing skills, including the ability to analyse, design and implement systems to meet user specifications.

 

On a full-time basis, programmes generally require about three years to complete. Those without any previous computing knowledge or experience can begin at the diploma level and eventually, the degree programmes.

 

Programmes ususally include the following subjects:

Introductory To Programming

Calculus

Communication and Computer Network

System Analysis and Design Method

Multimedia Technology

Database Administration

Technical English 1 and 2

Fundamentals of Information Technology

Foundation in ComputingInformation Technology

Strategy and Management