Question 3

Mr Robert is working as the head of the accounting department in HARDA Limited for a decade. HARDA Limited wants to move from the legacy system to a new accounting information system. For this purpose, Mr Robert contacted a system professional, Paul Walker. During the initial meeting, Paul reveals that our system analysis team will first examine the old system, such as reviewing key documents and observing the workers perform their tasks. This initial analysis will enable us to determine which aspects are working well and which should be preserved. Robert disagrees with his opinion. Robert indicates that we have been through these types of projects before, and what always ends up happening is that we do not get the new system we are promised. We get a modified version of the old system.

Paul Walker is still strict with his opinion and says that I can guarantee you that this will not happen again. As a system analyst, I need a proper understanding of the old system. What is working well and what is not. Despite these strong arguments, Robert says that I would feel much more comfortable if we first started with a list of our requirements. We should spend some time up-front determining exactly what we want the system to do for my department. Then your systems people can come in and determine what portions to salvage if you wish. Just dont constrain us to the old system!

Required: Whose position you sympathise with the most. And what method would you propose they take? Why? [7 Marks. Word Limit: Up to 300 words]