Systems analysis; The origins of systems analysis; Some basic concepts of systems; The logical basic for systems; The elements of systems; The systems approach; Performing the systems study; Alternatives in systems design; Automatic data processing in business; Applying statistical - mathematical techniques in business; Constructing the systems costs; Using systems analysis in case studies; Educational materials corporation using systems to evaluate the financial data of a prospective acquisition; Hume products eletronics corporation; Problems of the nonautomated library in book ordering description of an existing system.

Demonstrates the unity and applicability to a wide range of business, industrial, and public planning situations of traditional approaches to management theory and basic systems concepts. Bibliogs.

Originally published in 1972. Managers at all levels and management students may all expect to become involved increasingly in the development of computer-based information systems. This book, based upon practical training given to systems analysts, is designed to help managers achieve a route to successful implementation of computer systems, or to prepare them for involvement in computer projects.

This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to Do Systems Analysis a complement to the many fine works in systems engineering available today.