Sample Titles

Case Study

Level of Importance of the Functions

Summary of Job Functions

Analysis
Design
Development
Testing
Implementation
Project Management
Task Management

Scenarios

One
Two
Three

Sample Titles
Systems Analyst
Applications Analyst
Applications Engineer
Operating Systems Programmer/Analyst
Operating Systems Engineer
Programmer/Analyst
Test Engineer

Case Study

As a Programmer or Analyst, you design and update the software that runs the computer. The operating system (OS) software integrates all the components that make up the computer-the hard disks that store data; the devices that input data, such as a keyboard, mouse, or graphics tablet; the video monitor; peripheral devices such as scanners, printers, and CD-ROM players; and the application software. The software provides the bridge between the application software (such as spreadsheets or word-processors) and the machine itself. Often, you'll participate in design meetings where you help determine the best way to approach a problem or implement a desired feature for the new version of the software. Because of the complexity of the software and because parts of the software interconnect, this can take quite some time, depending on the magnitude of the change. You most likely will also be responsible for writing the specifications and keeping the specifications current for your part of the software.

You'll code the changes, and then test and debug the software, which may take a year or more of intense and focused work, including evenings and weekends. The challenge, of course, is to keep the software as lean as possible, while making it robust, powerful, and expandable. In most cases, the Programmer, Analyst, or Engineer must also ensure backwards compatibility with application software written for previous versions of the software. Periodically, the software team compiles the code. This software build is tested, and you correct any problems which fall into your area of the code.

Level of Importance of the Functions from the Validation Survey Results

Scenario 2

You are a member of the software development group working for a company developing and marketing software development tools. Your group has been charged with the development of the next version of the company's main product. The customer support group has documented user feedback on the current version. You also have access to a list of current features of competing software packages, and customer inputs to a user survey organized by the marketing department. You need to detail the design features and upgrades for the new product release.

Primary tasks and functions involved in this scenario
A. Analysis

A1. Gather data to identify customer requirements
A2. Interpret and evaluate requirements
A3. Define scope of work to meet customer requirements
A5. Develop high level systems and functional specifications
A7. Options analysis (develop alternatives)