Systems analysis & design: An essential part of IS education

Systems analysis and design has been as critical building block in Information Systems (IS) education since the inception of the IS major. Whether it is taught using the traditional or “structured approach” or the object-oriented approach, it exposes students to the different methods, tools, and techniques used in developing new systems, develops students analytical and problem-solving skills, teaches fact-finding and data gathering techniques, and provides teamwork skills. All of these are valuable skills for systems analysts. This paper introduces the reader of this special issue on systems analysis and design education to the issue, discusses with the two approaches to teaching systems analysis and design, and ways that it is taught in the various curricula.