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Course Descriptions

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications Single courses may be available Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Details will be posted in Spring Program location: Downtown Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Download a program overview >>

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a below) may be open on a space-available basis to professionals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

Autumn Course

Introduction to Systems Analysis

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., Oct. 8-Dec. 17, 2008 (No class on November 26); $642; 3 CEUs.

Provides an overview of systems analysis, exploring methods, techniques and tools as well as the work products produced, including models and specifications. The role and function of the systems analyst is examined.

Topics:

• Enterprise and business analysis
• Frameworks for enterprise architectures and models
• Requirements planning, gathering, implementation and analysis
• Understanding and representing corporate culture
• Business modeling
• Process modeling
• Modeling tools
• Making a business case
• Feasibility studies
• Governmental regulatory requirements
• Security issues and requirements

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Winter Course

Architectures, Modeling and Project Management

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., Jan. 7-Mar. 11, 2009; $642; 3 CEUs.

Students use the concepts acquired in the first course to begin to gather business requirements and create various models to outline the proposed work. They also are introduced to database concepts such as table creation, queries, ad hoc reporting and table relationships as one type of system that might be analyzed and implemented. The final portion of the course concentrates on project management.

Topics:

• Change management
• Risk analysis
• Database architecture and basic design (using MS Access or SQL Server)
• Project planning
• Different types of analytical and representational models such as ER diagrams, culture models and flow diagrams
• Introduction to MS Project

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course

Systems Development and Implementation

Schedule: (10 sessions) Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., Apr. 8-June 10, 2009; $642; 3 CEUs.

Emphasizes a hands-on project as well as targeted group work. Also includes a series of topical lectures that enhance students' understanding of the many nuanced skills required of the systems analyst.

Topics:

• The system development life cycle
• Tools for systems development
• Software development methodologies
• Case analysis
• Conceptual modeling
• Customizing applications vs. reengineering business processes
• Making outsourcing decisions
• Benefits and pitfalls of open source vs. proprietary systems
• Usability testing
• Prototyping
• Project scheduling

How to sign up for individual enrollment in this course