🔍 System analysis - visual examples
Five systemanalyses with diagrams: SDLC phases, stakeholders, hierarchy of requirements, Use Case and gap analysis. Examples are fictional, intended for teaching.
Life cycle of software development
SDLC - Seven Phases (Waterfall vs. Iterative)
Application
To sort out the development of software. Waterfall der when requirements are clear and unchanged. Agile - when requirements change and value wants to be delivered in instalments.
References
ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207:2017 · NIST SP 800-64 Rev. 2 · CMMI v2.0 · ISO/IEEE 15288:2023 (Systems life cycle).
Security integration
Safety needs to be considered in phase 2, not only in the end. The "Secure by Design' (NIST SSDF) principle includes security checks in all phases.
Analysis of interested parties
Stakeholder Power/Interest Matrix (Mendelow 1991)
Application
At the beginning of the project, before the requirements are collected. Review again when the organisation or priorities change.
References
PMI PMBOK Guide v6 (Chapter 13) · ISO 21500:2021 (Project management) · IIBA BABOK Guide v3 (10.7 Stakeholder List).
Safety stakeholder
DPO, CERT.LV and regulator are usually in the corner of the "Keep Satisfied" - big influence, but little involvement in everyday life. They shall be formally informed of the change (NIS2: 24/72 h).
Hierarchy of requirements
Functional vs Non-Functional Requirements (IEEE 830)
Application
Creating a claim document (SRS) before architecture. Hierarchy gives a common language to business, users and developers.
References
IEEE 830-1998 · ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2018 (Requirements engineering) · ISO/IEC 25010:2023 (System quality model) · FURS+ (Grady 1992).
NFR and safety
Authentication, encryption and audit log are non-functional requirements (NFR), not functions. They are often forgotten, but the NIS2 21 requires a clear record.
Use event diagram
UML Use Case - an example of an advert platform
Application
Collecting requirements when determining who (s) and how the system is used. The picture is more understandable than a long text - it is easier to check with users.
References
UML 2.5.1 (OMG 2017) · Cockburn A. (2001) - Writing Effective Use Cases · Jacobson I. (2011) - Use Case 2.0 (slices, narratives).
Missuse cases
The chart is supplemented by the 'misuse cases' - how an attacker could abuse the system. This is the basis for security thinking.
Gap analysis
Gap Analysis - Current (AS-IS) → Preferred (TO-BE)
Application
Planning strategy or preparing for audit. Shows what is missing, why and how much resources are needed to get to the desired position.
References
IIBA BABOK Guide v3 (6.3 Strategy analysis) · ISO/IEC 27003:2017 (ISM implementation) · McKinsey 7S · Lewin K. (1947) Force Field Analysis.
NIS2 compliance
Gap analysis compares existing controls with the requirements of NIS2 p. 21. For non-compliance can be punished up to 10 M EUR or 2% of annual turnover.