Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7.2 Function-oriented
design view
Shared memory
F1
F2
F3
F5
F4
7.3 Structure-Oriented Approach
The structure-oriented approach to system design is a set of methodologies,
techniques, and modeling practices based on the structured approach to software
engineering. This approach can be broken down into two subcategories: the pro-
cess-oriented approach and the data-oriented approach. Both of these focus on
identifying all of the data attributes that will constitute the system being devel-
oped. In this section, we will explain these approaches and their associated
practices, as well as the ways in which they come together to form the larger
structure-oriented approach to system design.
7.3.1 Process-Oriented Approach
Process-oriented approach is used to examine input, output and processing of a
given application to determine the data needs of the system. Applying the process-
oriented approach, system professionals look at all reports, display screens, cal-
culations and decisions needed for a process. Data flow Diagrams are used for a
process-oriented approach. The process-oriented approach works well if the sys-
tems professionals know input, process and output from a system in advance. This
approach is effective for transaction-based applications such as accounts, payroll
etc. Each of these applications usually has a very stable set of input.
7.3.2 Data-Oriented Approach
The system professionals working with future users use a data-based approach.
This approach is used when processes of a system, inputs, and outputs are unde-
fined. The focus of the data requirements for the decisions is based on the data.
The first step of a data-oriented approach is to discuss potential decisions that will
be made from the system with the users of the system. The second step in data-
