Prepare to get hands-on using tools and strategies to design, analyze, and evaluate IT systems with confidence! During this course, you’ll explore how to connect technology with business needs and dive into practical projects using techniques such as data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and Unified Modeling Language (UML) to map and improve real-world systems.



IT Systems Design and Analysis
This course is part of IBM Systems Analyst Professional Certificate

Instructor: Skill-Up EdTech Team
Access provided by New York State Department of Labor
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Create data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and unified modeling language diagrams to visualize data, system architecture, and workflows
Evaluate existing IT systems by assessing system architecture, features, performance, and UI/UX to identify inefficiencies and propose improvements
Conduct cost-benefit analyses, operational feasibility studies, and risk assessments to compare IT solution alternatives and recommend solutions
Integrate system analysis, modeling, and evaluation techniques in a project to propose a digital transformation strategy for a business
Skills you'll gain
- Systems Design
- Computer Science
- Business Communication
- Risk Management
- Digital Transformation
- Systems Architecture
- Product Lifecycle Management
- IT Management
- Business Technologies
- Database Design
- Agile Methodology
- Business Systems Analysis
- Data Modeling
- Systems Analysis
- Information Technology
- Process Flow Diagrams
- Process Design
- Business Process Modeling
- Business Analysis
- Prototyping
Details to know

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11 assignments
June 2025
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There are 4 modules in this course
This module launches your system analysis journey with essential design and modeling skills for IT solution development. You’ll create data flow diagrams (DFDs) to trace how data moves through a system and entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs) to ensure data consistency. Then, you’ll use Unified Modeling Language (UML), including use case, class, sequence, and activity diagrams, to model system behavior and architecture. You’ll define workflows, map component interactions, and clarify how APIs and modules work together. You'll gain real-world skills and complete the module with the ability to identify bottlenecks, apply best practices, and build a toolkit to design scalable, user-aligned systems.
What's included
7 videos3 readings3 assignments6 plugins
In this module, you’ll step into the role of a systems analyst to evaluate and improve existing IT systems. You’ll learn how to assess infrastructure, map workflows, and identify performance gaps to boost efficiency, usability, and business alignment. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll explore enterprise solutions, integration challenges, and best practices. You'll identify outdated processes, uncover opportunities for automation, and assess technical structures and user experience to enhance functionality. After completing this module, you'll be able to analyze IT systems critically, recommend targeted improvements, and support scalable, user-centered technology solutions.
What's included
7 videos3 readings4 assignments8 plugins
In this module, develop the ability to make informed IT decisions through Solution Evaluation and Feasibility Analysis. You'll learn how to assess IT options using cost-benefit analysis, operational feasibility, and risk management. You'll learn to compare solutions, like cloud platforms, software systems, or custom builds, by balancing cost, functionality, and risk. Hands-on exercises prepare you to recommend solutions that are both practical and sustainable for your organization.
What's included
5 videos2 readings3 assignments5 plugins
In this final module, you’ll use your new skills to complete a real-world, comprehensive final project. You’ll apply system modeling, analysis, and evaluation techniques, supported by visual deliverables such as data flow diagrams (DFDs) and UML diagrams, to develop a digital transformation strategy for a retail business. This module also includes a final exam that validates your overall course knowledge. Take advantage of the course wrap-up to reflect on your learning and review the Congratulations and Next Steps reading to consider next steps in your system analysis journey.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment1 peer review2 plugins
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