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Modelling Lecture 5

The document discusses various modeling techniques used in system development, including Data Flow Diagrams (DFD), Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD), Flowcharts, Decision Tables, and Process Specifications. Each technique is defined, along with its key components, types, and advantages, emphasizing their importance in understanding, analyzing, and designing systems. The conclusion highlights the role of these techniques in ensuring efficient and structured system development.

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Muwanga Habibu
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12 views

Modelling Lecture 5

The document discusses various modeling techniques used in system development, including Data Flow Diagrams (DFD), Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD), Flowcharts, Decision Tables, and Process Specifications. Each technique is defined, along with its key components, types, and advantages, emphasizing their importance in understanding, analyzing, and designing systems. The conclusion highlights the role of these techniques in ensuring efficient and structured system development.

Uploaded by

Muwanga Habibu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modeling in System

Development
Lecture 5
Introduction

• Modeling is the process of creating abstract


representations of a system to understand, analyze, and
design its structure and behavior. Various techniques are
used to visualize and document the system's processes,
data, and decision-making.
1. Data Flow Diagrams (DFD)

Definition: A Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of how data


flows through a system, illustrating the input, processing, storage, and output of
data.
Key Components:
• External Entities: Sources or destinations of data outside the system.
• Processes: Activities that transform input data into output.
• Data Stores: Places where data is stored.
• Data Flows: Arrows that show the movement of data between components.
Example DFD for Online Shopping System

Context Diagram (Level 0)


• External Entities: Customer, Payment Gateway, Supplier
• Process: Online Shopping System
• Data Flows: Order Details, Payment Info, Shipping Request
Level 1 Breakdown
1. Customer places an order → Process: "Order Processing"
2. Order details stored → Data Store: "Orders Database"
3. Payment processed → Process: "Payment Verification"
4. Supplier notified → Process: "Send Order to Supplier"
Example of Basic DFD
Symbols and notations
are used to represent
Components of DFD
Types of DFDs:

• Context Diagram: A high-level view of the system showing its interaction with
external entities.
• Level 0 DFD: Shows major processes in the system.
• Level 1 DFD & Beyond: More detailed breakdown of processes.
Advantages:
• Helps understand the flow of data.
• Identifies redundancies and inefficiencies.
• Improves system design and documentation.
2. Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)

Definition: An Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) is a graphical representation of


data entities and their relationships in a database system.
Key Components:
• Entities: Objects in the system (e.g., Student, Course).
• Attributes: Properties of entities (e.g., Student_ID, Course_Name).
• Relationships: Associations between entities (e.g., A student enrolls in a course).
• Cardinality: Defines the number of occurrences (e.g., One-to-Many,
Many-to-Many).
Types of ERD Notations:

• Chen Notation: Uses rectangles (entities), ovals (attributes), and diamonds


(relationships).
• Crow’s Foot Notation: Uses symbols to indicate relationships more clearly.
Advantages:
• Helps in database design.
• Ensures data consistency and integrity.
• Simplifies system documentation.
3. Flowcharts

Definition: A Flowchart is a diagram that represents a process using various symbols


to show steps, decisions, and actions in a sequence.
Key Symbols:
• Terminator (Start/End): Oval shape.
• Process: Rectangle shape.
• Decision: Diamond shape.
• Input/Output: Parallelogram shape.
• Arrow: Shows flow direction.
Types of Flowcharts:

• System Flowchart: Represents the flow of data and processes in a system.


• Program Flowchart: Shows the logic of a program.
• Business Process Flowchart: Describes business workflows.
Advantages:
• Easy to understand and communicate.
• Helps identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Useful for programming and process automation.
4. Decision Tables

Definition: A Decision Table is a structured way to model complex


decision-making by listing all possible conditions and corresponding actions.
Components:
• Conditions: Factors influencing the decision.
• Actions: Possible responses based on conditions.
• Rules: Combination of conditions and the resulting action.
Example of a Decision Table:
Advantages:
•Helps in documenting complex business logic.
•Ensures completeness in decision-making.
•Useful in system rule validation.
Condition 1 Condition 2 Action 1 Action 2
Yes No X
No Yes X
5. Process Specification (Process Specs)

Definition: Process Specification (Process Specs) describes the logic, rules, and flow of a process in a structured format.
Methods for Process Specification:
• Structured English: Uses a subset of natural language to define processes.
• Decision Trees: Graphical representation of decisions and their possible outcomes.
• Pseudocode: Uses a programming-like structure to define logic.
• Mathematical Models: Uses formulas and equations to define rules.
Advantages:
• Ensures clarity in process implementation.
• Helps developers and analysts understand system behavior.
• Improves documentation for system maintenance.
Conclusion

• Modeling techniques like DFDs, ERDs, Flowcharts, Decision Tables,


and Process Specifications play a crucial role in system analysis and design.
Each technique serves a unique purpose, from data representation to
decision-making and process description, ensuring efficient and structured
system development.

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