The latest edition of this book attempts to upgrade and revise features from the previous edition. The author is at least partially successful in these efforts.

The book attempts to introduce a broad spectrum of issues in systems analysis and design (SAD), with an emphasis on analysis issues and tools. To do this in a book of 412 pages, and in 17 well-written chapters, is a highly ambitious goal. With this objective in mind, the author is again moderately successful.

After an introductory chapter, and a short overview of the system development lifecycle (SDLC) in chapter 2, the author launches into a major discussion of the user interface. I was not overly pleased with the placement and content of this chapter, although the author does point out many of the pitfalls in the analysis of the user interface, and the potential problems faced.

Chapter 4 gives another brief overview of analysis tools, while chapters 5 and 6 include more complete presentations on process-based and logic data modeling tools. The latter two chapters contain seven of the nine useful mini-projects spread throughout the book.

Chapter 7 discusses Web-based interface tools, while chapter 8 is one of my favorites: a clear presentation on the use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) and scalable vector graphics (SVG), and their place in the development process. One could debate whether eight percent of a book with these objectives should be spent on this topic, however.

Design spec tools are briefly discussed in chapter 9, and the next two chapters belatedly introduce several computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools and techniques. The next three chapters are, in some cases overly brief, introductions to the very important topics of acceptance testing, business process reengineering, and security. The chapters are well written. Chapter 15 contains a fine discussion on data warehousing. The author has revised chapter 16, on Web and e-commerce concepts, which addresses component middleware for complex systems design. Finally, chapter 17 is a very brief chapter on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 standards for SAD.

The book contains five well-developed and adequately sized case studies that are independent of the nine mini-projects spread throughout the book. There are discussion and review questions at the end of some of the major chapters as well.

In summary, the book is usable for the goals proposed by the author. However, some of the topics and sections of the book seem to be included ad hoc, and an applied course would require a supplemental CASE tool for optimum learning and enhancement. This could be a valuable introductory book for students, but it will be of little utility for those with experience in the field.