How to Pass ICT2621: Mastering Systems Analysis & Design (2025)

Module: ICT2621 (Structured Systems Analysis and Design)
Type: Year Module
Prescribed Textbook: Systems Analysis and Design (Tilley, S., 12th Edition)

Introduction

ICT2621 is the bridge between “business” and “code.” Unlike programming modules where you just write functions, this module teaches you how to design a system before a single line of code is written.

It is a Year Module, which means you have more time to digest the content, but it also means it is easy to fall behind. The syllabus is based on the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

The “Hidden Trap”: Assessment 3

According to the 2025 Tutorial Letter 101, your year mark is calculated from 4 assessments.

Assessment 1 (Quiz): 20%
Assessment 2 (Quiz): 20%
Assessment 3 (Written): 40% (⚠️ CRITICAL)
Assessment 4 (Quiz): 20%

The Strategy:
Most students do well in the quizzes (Assessments 1, 2, & 4) because they are Multiple Choice. However, Assessment 3 is a written assignment where you have to draw diagrams and explain concepts. This is where students lose the most marks. If you fail Assessment 3, your year mark tanks.

The 3 Pillars of ICT2621

To pass this module, you need to master three specific types of diagrams. You will likely be asked to draw these in the exam:

1. Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs)

You need to know how to draw Context Diagrams (Level 0) and detailed Level 1 diagrams.

Tip: Learn the difference between a “Process” (circle/rounded rectangle), a “Data Store” (open rectangle), and an “External Entity” (square). If you use the wrong symbol, you lose marks immediately.

2. Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)

This links to your database modules. You must be able to look at a business scenario (e.g., “A student registers for many modules”) and draw the boxes and lines that represent that relationship.

Focus: Cardinality (One-to-Many vs Many-to-Many).

3. Normalization (3NF)

You will be given a “messy” database table and asked to clean it up into 3rd Normal Form (3NF).

Tip: Practice separating repeating groups into their own tables.

Top Tips for Distinction

1. Get the Right Textbook Edition
The 12th Edition of Systems Analysis and Design (Tilley) is mandatory. The definitions in the quizzes are taken word-for-word from this book. If you use the 10th or 11th edition, you might get the Multiple Choice definitions wrong.

2. Use Software for Diagrams
For Assessment 3, do not draw by hand unless you have to. Use tools like:

Draw.io (Free and runs in the browser)
Microsoft Visio (If you have a license)
Word Shapes (Painful, but works)

3. Watch Out for Plagiarism (Turnitin)
Since Assessment 3 is written, it goes through Turnitin. Do not copy-paste definitions from the textbook or use AI to write your paragraphs. UNISA is very strict on this for ICT2621. Paraphrase everything.

Conclusion

ICT2621 is less stressful than coding modules because your code doesn’t “crash.” However, it requires precision. If you can draw a perfect DFD and ERD, you are almost guaranteed to pass.

Good luck!