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ISEB Diploma in Systems Development
To gain the Diploma in Systems Development, candidates must pass four written examinations on a number of systems development topics, each of which leads to a certificate which has value in its own right. The examinations for the 'core' modules are of one-hour duration. To convert their set of certificates into the Diploma, candidates
then attend an interview with two ISEB examiners to confirm their technical, business and interpersonal competencies.
Core Modules
There are three core modules in the Diploma, which all candidates must attain.
These modules (and, indeed, the optional modules) may be gained in any order.
Systems Development Essentials
This module is suited to business analysts who need a good understanding of systems development:
- The role of the analyst and system designer
- Systems architecture
- Development lifecycles, methods and approaches, in particular the Agile approach
- Systems investigation and development using Agile.
- Quality assurance.
Systems Modelling Techniques
This module provides a more detailed knowledge of the techniques used in modelling IT systems. The techniques covered on this module are those from the Unified Modeling Language (UML):
- The benefits of standardised approaches
- Views of an IT system (process, static data, event-driven, user-interface)
- Construction of models from each viewpoint, using Activity Diagrams, Use Case Diagrams, Class Models, Sequence Diagrams, State Machine Diagrams.
- Consistency checking between the models
- Validation against business objectives.
Systems Design and Implementation Techniques
This module focuses on the techniques used to design and implement the IT system:
- Input/output design
- Interface design
- Data design and normalisation
- Process design and specification
- Controls and security
- Physical design
- Testing
- Implementation methods, training and post-implementation issues.
Specialist Modules
Candidates must choose one of the following specialist modules to complete their set of
certificates. Which they choose will depend on their own background and preferences
(business versus technical, for example), what
their organisation requires and the nature of their current roles. The available modules are:
Integrating Off-the-shelf Software Solutions
Many organisations now chose to fulfill their information system requirements through purchasing
and implementing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software package solutions. This certificate is
particularly relevant to analysts who are selecting, customising and implementing off-the-shelf
software package solutions. Highlights include:
- Establishing the strategic issues of the off-the-shelf software package approach
- Defining a framework for effective software package selection, customisation and integration
- Defining functional, non-functional, product, supplier and system integration requirements at an appropriate level
- Structuring and distributing the Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Presenting recommendations about the fit of an off-the-shelf software package against agreed requirements
- Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the software package approach to systems development.
Software Testing
This module examines the key role of testing in the development of IT systems:
- Principles of testing
- Testing throughout the lifecycle
- Dynamic testing techniques
- Static testing
- Test management
- Tool support for testing.
This is a one-hour, closed book, multiple-choice examination.
Business Analysis Essentials
This module is most suited to candidates who need to combine their technical roles
with working alongside business analysts or system users:
- Strategic analysis tools (for example, PESTLE, MOST, SWOT)
- Initial analysis of business problems, for instance using 'rich pictures'
- Business perspectives
- Business activity modelling
- Gap analysis
- Business case development.
This is a one-hour, open book, scenario-based examination.
Foundation in Business Analysis
This encompasses a broad range of techniques within the structure of the business analysis process model. The ISEB qualification in based on the BCS publication Business Analysis. The course covers the topics within this publication and provides the knowledge that underpins other core and specialist qualifications.
- Introduction to business analysis and the role of the business analyst
- Business strategy analysis
- The Business Analysis Process Model
- Investigation techniques
- Stakeholder analysis
- Modelling the business system
- Business process modelling
- Requirements engineering
- Modelling the IT system
- Making a business and financial case
- Managing business change
Enterprise & Solution Architecture Intermediate
- Architecture and architects
- Architecture precursors, including drivers and business case
- Architecture frameworks
- Business Architecture
- Data Architecture
- Software Architecture
- Applications Architecture
- Design for Non-functional requirements
- Infrastructure architecture
Oral Examination
The oral examination lasts for 45-50 minutes and the candidate is required to demonstrate that
they can put the competencies gained in the written examinations into a coherent
context. They must also show that they
have the interpersonal skills required to function effectively as a systems developer.
Further information
Assist Knowledge Development offers courses leading to all certificates in the Systems Development
Diploma and can provide detailed course outlines, prices and course dates. Please contact Martin Pearson,
either by phone on 01844 211665 or by email at
martin.pearson@assistkd.com.
More information on the Systems Development Diploma can be obtained at the ISEB website:
www.iseb.org.uk
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