In systems analysis, is the following statement accurate? “Functional decomposition is the process of breaking down the functions of an organization into greater and greater levels of detail.” State whether this characterization is correct or incorrect and consider its purpose in requirements analysis and design.

Introduction / Context:
Functional decomposition is a foundational technique in systems analysis and design. It takes a broad, high-level function and iteratively breaks it into smaller, more detailed subfunctions. Analysts use this method to understand scope, define boundaries, and reveal dependencies before design and implementation. This question asks whether that description—“breaking down the functions of an organization into greater levels of detail”—is correct.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is information systems analysis (not only programming).
• Decomposition aims to clarify what the system must do, independent of how it will be implemented.
• Artifacts may include context diagrams, top-level functions, and successively refined process hierarchies or data flow diagrams.

Concept / Approach:
The technique proceeds from a coarse “black box” view to finer “glass box” views. Each function is split into subfunctions until each is small enough to be well understood and testable. The approach improves traceability from business goals to requirements, supports estimation, and reduces ambiguity by focusing on observable inputs/outputs, preconditions, and postconditions at each level.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare the resulting hierarchy to requirements: every requirement should map to at least one leaf function; conversely, every leaf function should trace back to a business goal. Walkthroughs with stakeholders confirm completeness and clarity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “Incorrect” ignores the standard definition used in analysis, design, and quality frameworks.
• “Applies only to object-oriented analysis” is wrong; decomposition predates OO and is methodology-agnostic.
• “Valid only for code” is false; decomposition begins long before coding to clarify business processes.
• “Cannot be decided without a data dictionary” confuses data definition with process structuring.

Common Pitfalls:
Decomposing by organizational chart (who) instead of business capability (what); mixing design decisions (how) into early functional views; stopping too soon or decomposing too far into trivial tasks that add no clarity.

Final Answer:
Correct