Please explain the process you use to analyze an existing computer system.

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This operational question seeks to explore your experience in analyzing existing systems, as well as your knowledge of the protocols associated with systems analysis. During an interview, it is important that you listen to the interviewer's question in its entirety before formulating your answer. It is common for candidates to begin to think about the answer before the interviewer has completed the question. This may result in you not answering the question completely or thinking you understand the question and providing an answer that is not relevant. Be careful to avoid this pitfall.

"When analyzing an existing computer system, the first thing I do is to audit the system to discover all the resources, components, and elements it is using. The next step is to speak with the users to fully understand their tasks and the information they need the system to produce. Finally, I audit the system software to be aware of all the programs it is running, the revision levels, and the licenses associated with them. I can then formulate an analysis that fully describes the system and comments about its ability to perform the tasks required by the users."

Anonymous Answer

"When analyzing a computer system is important to consider the whole as well as its components and the interaction of those components among each other. Back at ****, I was tasked with leading the upgrade of our learning platform. Upon analyzing the system I noted that the task was not only the actual software upgrade but to train the end-users on the new GUI and ensure that the information won't get corrupted on the process. Therefore I set out to create a phased implementation, running both systems in parallel and managing a phased approach. First I rolled it out to the early adopters then to those excited by it yet slightly scared by the change, and at last those more skeptics. This allowed allocating resources to train end-users and support personnel on the new software before their go-live date. In addition, I created the proper provisions to ensure that there was no impact on the system availability by choosing the end-year holidays to perform the upgrade. As a result not only we had a seamless transition but our end-user engagement increased by 10% and our help desk requests lowered by 5% since we reused the training material to create self-help guides for the users."

Amanda's Feedback

Using an example is typically a very impactful way to answer, and you've done well by sharing the positive outcomes achieved in this scenario. However, you can strengthen this answer further by talking about the specific phases you utilize in your phased implementation approach and why you approach each phase at a specific point. This helps the interviewer understand your thought process and overall strategy.