The Computer Revolution/Programming/Conducting the Preliminary Investigation in system analysis and design

There are four steps in the first phase of system analysis and design, in computer programming. The first step is to identify the objective of the organization you are programming for. This includes identifying the objective or problem. This step is called conducting the preliminary analysis. Second you are to determine possible alternatives for the organization to use. This normally requires some research into methods that are and are not suitable for organization. Thirdly; describing the costs and benefits to the organization. Normally you would try to come up with solutions other than replacing the whole program. Finally you submit the preliminary plan. You want this to be as accurate and detailed as possible because the ultimate decision is based on this report.