principles to ensure their plans are efficient and complete. They also may prepare cost-benefit
and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the
proposed technology would be financially feasible.
However, to be able to perform these tasks efficiently, there are certain personality traits that can help a person succeed in accomplishing system analysis tasks. These traits are valuable because they play an important role in the success or failure of those projects. System analysis demands a lot of hu man interaction. Typically, software development is a product of teamwork, involving several people performing various tasks. Therefore a successful system analysist should have the ability to interact effectively with team members and should always remember that they all have the same responsability, which is to capture the requirements needed to implement a solution to meet the clients' business needs. A successful system analyst should also be open minded. Researches have shown that individuals who are positively inclined towards the introduction and use of new information systems are the ones who are opened to new and exciting ideas. They are more optimistic and believe that positive ideas can be gained from change.
Researches have also found that the strongest teams are the ones that have the most diverse perspectives and organizations, which would benefit from diversifying the personality types among their software engineers. Not everyone can excel at every task, thus better results are achieved if people with particular personality traits are assigned to different aspects of a project, especially when their roles suit their ability. In his vocational theory Holland says,“people flourish in their work environment when there is a good fit between their personality type and the characteristics of the environment. Lack of congruence between personality and environment leads to dissatisfaction, unstable career paths, and lowered performance.” (Holland, 1996, p. 397).
A system analyst should possess an analytical mind. Indeed, he or she should be able to critically evaluate the information gathered from multiple sources to reconcile conflicts. He or she must know how to separate what users want from what users needs, and distinguish solution ideas from requirements. Motivation is also seen as an important personality trait for system analysts. As noted by Schneider (2002) in his research on factors contributing to the success of information technology projects, “…teamworking and motivation are more important than technical competence or formal training.”
Like system analysts, computer programmers play a key role in the information technology field. A programmer is the person who writes software. test, debug, and maintain computer programs, that the computer must follow to perform their functions. Computer programmers write instructions that tell computers what to do in codes, that the computer understands. Before actually writing the program, a programmer must analyze the work request, understand the current problems, and desired resolutions, decide on an approach to use in order to attack the problems, and then plan what the machine should do to produce the expected results. Knowing how to solve problems well and quickly is very important in programming. That's why Weinberg (2008) said that a critical personality trait for programmers is “…assertiveness, or force of character. A programmer's job is to get things done, and getting things done sometimes requires moving around obstacles, jumping over them, or simply knocking them down.” They must have a lot of patience and persistance to debug a program, going through the codes and carefully examining them for error.
They also prepare a flow chart to show the steps in sequence that the computer must make. This takes a a great deal of thought and planning. They must test and re-test steps of the program, making sure tthey are working before proceeding to the next step. Programmers also have to think logically, because they need a method of breaking things down. They have to look at a whole project and then break it into components in order to tackle it. Being detailed-oriented is a key to computer programming. Because computers only understand codes, a small error can make an entire proram unusable. So programmers must pay close attention to details. In addition to communicating with machines, a good programmer has to be able to listen and communicate with people, which means that she or he has to be able to listen to the descriptions of a potential project and turn these descriptions into codes that the computer can follow.
People still have problems differenciating system analysis and programming. The two occupations are different in many ways, yet one is often used in place of the other. Because they commonly implement systems via computer, the distinction becomes indiscernible to a lot of people. Often system analysts and programmers work hand in glove to ensure that the business specifications are properly translated into system specifications that address the technical specifications. Maybe that's why sometimes they exhibit similar personlity traits. Both Programmers and system analysts work long periods even if there are few tangible results. They invest high levels of time, if necessary, to finish projects. It is also recognized that programmers and system analysts with high levels of emotional resilience are better able to handle the stress associated to their work. As Weinberg concludes in his book on The Psychology of Computer Programming “… we can probably say with assurance that someone without the ability to tolerate stressful situations for a period of a week or more is not good programmer material-given the realities of programming work today.” In addition, because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to details is very important for both occupations. Personality traits like logical thinking, well organized and patience have also been seen as important traits in the system analysis and programming field.
Although system analysis and programming are related in some way, they are very differents. Since, System analysis demands a great deal of hu man interaction with users and clients and involves team discussions. They are better at communicating than programmers and tend to be extroverted in nature, the programmer likes to think independently and tend to be very detailed-oriented. Programming tasks such as determining the de tails of coding programs demand little interaction and reveal the programmer’s work life as essentially a solitary one. Because of this, the programmer tends to be more introverted. Whereas the Systems Analyst must look at the big picture, the programmer must focus on details, interprete, and give meaning to variables. The two functions are totally different. To confuse or merge the two functions together does a disservice to both.
With the recent rapid growth in technology, programmers and system analysts are expected to be in especially high demand. Both occupations require high levels of technical skills. However, in addition to those technical skills, a successful programmer and system analyst should possess certain personality traits that are important in the information technology field. The way they perceive, plan, and execute any activity is influenced by their personality traits. Many researches have shown that better results are achieved when people with specific personality traits are given the roles that are best suited to their abilities. Indeed it increases the chances of a successful outcome for the project. Using judgements provided by subject matter experts, the following personality traits are linked to system analysts: extroversion, open minded, analytical mind, and motivation. Whereas, programmers like to think independently, independence. They are patient, detailed-oriented, assertive, and persistent.
Network technology changes very fast, so employers care both about a person's current knowledge and also their ability to learn and adapt for the future
