ISDS-406 Midterm - Save
What is a black hole process?
Data flowing into a process and never coming back out
What element is never found on a context level diagram?
Data stores
Which element is never included in context diagrams?
Data stores
Which element is never included in context diagrams?
Data stores inside the process/system
How are data stores depicted in the diagram?
Data stores show a repository of data that allows addition and retrieval of data. Data stores usually have the shape of an open-ended rectangle and are usually given a unique reference number, such as D1, D2, D3
C.
Define the improvements and concepts of the old system
What is a use case?
Depicts a set of activities performed to product some output result.
What is the system request?
Describes business reasons, defines system value, force sponsor to formalize ideas, lists key elements
What is the purpose of a use case?
Describes how a system interacts with its environment by illustrating the activities that are performed by the users of the system and the system's responses.
Describe system request and what it is used for?
Describes the project sponsor, business requirement, business value, and other issue regarding the system needs and the design of the system.
Tangible vs Intangible benefits; development vs. operational costs
Tangible Benefits: Can be quantified and measured easily. Intangible Benefits: Results from an intuitive belief that the system provides Development Costs: Occur during the project when the system is being built or acquired. Operational Costs: Ongoing cost throughout project
Tangible vs. intangible benefits
Tangible benefit is calculable such as increased in sales while intangible benefit is based on intuition and belief such as customer loyalty
How is the ROI calculated ?
(Total benefits- total costs)/total costs= ROI
What are business needs, business requirements, and business values?
Business Need: the business-related reason for initiating the system. Business Requirement: the new or enhanced business capabilities that the system will provide. Business Value: the benefits that the system will create for the organization.
What does BPA stand for and what is it?
Business Process Automation: When technology components are used to complement or substitute manual information processes with the intent of gaining cost efficiencies.
What is a BPM?
Business Process Management. A methodology used by organizations to continuously improve end-to-end business processes
What is BPM?
Business Process Management: A methodology used by organizations to continuously improve end-to-end business process. BPM is consisted of a four step continuous cycle.
List at least three system analyst roles?
Business analyst role, Infrastructure analyst role, Change management analyst, project management analyst and Project manager.
Definitions of business needs, business requirements, business value
Business need is the reason for the project to be initiated. Business requirement refers to the business capabilities that the system will need to have. Business value describes the benefits that the organization should expect from the system.
Definitions of business needs, business requirements, business value
- Business needs: The business-related reason for initiating the system. BNs can arise as a solution to some kind of "pain" within the organization, or due to perceived improvement opportunities. BNs can also happen when a company identifies unique and competitive way of using IT. - Business requirements: driven by business need, BRs describe the reasons for developing the system and outline the benefit it will provide. BRs also summarize the features and capabilities the system will have to include. - Business value: tangible and intangible values brought about by the system, often determined by the project sponsor.
Which gathering strategies are best for creating moderate improvements in effectiveness or efficiencies?
- Duration analysis - Activity-based costing - Informal benchmarking
What is the difference between a Casual Use Case format and a Fully Dressed Use Case format?
A Fully Dressed Use Case format includes the following additional sections: Alternative Courses Information for Steps Summary Inputs and Source Outputs and Destination
Process model
A Graphical way of representing how a business system should operate. It illustrates the processes or activities that are performed and how data move among them. A process model can be used to document the current system (i.e., the as-is-system) or the new system being developed (i.e., to-be-system), whether computerized or not.
What is a black hole?
A black hole occurs in a DFD all data flows of a process is pointing to the process. This means there are inputs but no outputs.
How is a process displayed in a data flow diagram?
A circle or rounded rectangle.
What is the primary objective of the systems analyst is?
Create value for the organization
Informal benchmarking is commonly used in what kind of business process?
Customer-facing business processes
Which DFD diagram is the most detailed? a) context b) level 4 c) level 1 d) level 2
D
Which of these are the advantages of system prototyping? a) Provides a system for user to evaluate, quickly b) It is very useful when users have difficulty expressing the requirements for the system c) Improves the overall quality of systems by having an emphasis on early development of test plans d) A and B
D) A and B.... (Provides a system for user to evaluate, quickly AND it is very useful when users have difficulty expressing the requirements for the system)
When designing interview questions, there are 3 types of question you can design. Which of these are not those types cover in chapter 3? a) Open-ended questions b) Closed-ended questions c) Probing questions d) Binary JI question
D) Binary Jl question
Processes on Level 0 diagram each decompose into separate _______ diagram(s). A) Level 2 B) Context C) Dfd D) Level 1
D) Level 1
Which of the following is not part of a system request? A) Business Need B) Business Requirements C) Special Issues or Constraints D) Sponsor Expectation
D) Sponsor Expectation
A process without an input is sometimes called a
Miracle error
What is a Logical process model?
Model that describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted
What is a Physical process model?
Model that includes the process implementation information that is needed to ultimately build the system.
What is the logical process model?
Models that describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted.
What kinds of motivation should be used?
Monetary rewards should be used cautiously. Intrinsic rewards prove far greater motivators. Some examples of intrinsic rewards include: recognition, achievement, the work itself, responsibility, advancement, and a chance to learn a new skill.
Nowadays, how are a majority of questionnaires distributed to individuals?
Most questionnaires are distributed in electronic form. This could either be through web or e-mail.
What does context diagram show?
shows the context into which the business process fits; shows the overall business process as just one process; shows all the external entities that receive information from or contribute information to the system.
What are the 7 ways to characterize a project?
size, cost, purpose, length, risk, scope, economic value
What is a systems request?
A document that outlines the business need and high-level requirements for a new system
What is a Work Plan?
A dynamic schedule that records and keeps track of all of the tasks that need to be accomplished over the course of the project.
What is a fixed-format question?
A fixed format question is a questionnaire strategy done to collect information and opinions through multiple choice questions that are well structured and can easily be tabulated.
What does "Process Model" mean?
A formal way of representing how a business process operates.
What is a Process Model?
A formal way of representing how a business process operates.
What is a 'methodology' in Systems Analysis?
A formalized approach to implementing the SDLC
What about a fully dressed case is different from a casual case?
A fully dressed case includes an 'Information for Steps' column to show the information that flows in or out of the steps.
What is the difference between a casual use case and a fully dressed use case?
A fully dressed use case includes Alternative Courses, Summary Inputs and Outputs, as well as Additional Use Case Issues. While a casual use case is used when fewer details are needed.
What's a fully dressed use case?
A fully dressed use case is very thorough, detailed, and highly structured. For instance, information that flows in or out of the steps is displayed in a column. This helps to fully explain the user-system interactions outlined in the steps next to Normal Course. If the user does not meet one of the steps in the Normal Course, an alternative course is followed. At the end of the fully dressed use case, inputs, source, outputs, and destination are summarized. Systems Analyst adds: -Alternative courses -Inputs and outputs for steps -Summary inputs and outputs
What is a process model?
A graphical way of representing how a business system should operate
What is a gray hole?
A gray hole is a DFD process error in which specific data goes into the process but a different set of data comes out.
What is a grey hole?
A grey hole in DFD occurs when a process has output data flows and no input data flows.
What is a work breakdown structure?
A list of tasks ordered hierarchically. It is also the backbone of the project workplan.
USE CASE: What is the Normal Course?
A major part of a use case that describes the major steps performed to execute the response to the event, the inputs used for the steps, and the outputs produced by the steps.
What information is included in a Process?
A number A name (verb phrase) A description (if necessary) At least one output data flow At least one input data flow
USE CASE: What are Preconditions?
A part of a use case that define the state the system must be in before the use case commences.
USE CASE: What are Exceptions?
A part of a use case that describes any error conditions or exceptions that may occur as the use case steps are performed.
USE CASE: What are Postconditions?
A part of a use case that describes the final products or end result of a successful use case execution.
What is an external entity?
A person, organization, or system that is external to the focal system
In relation to Requirements Determination, what is a requirement?
A requirement is simply a statement of what the system must do or what characteristics it needs to have.
What is a data flow?
A single piece of data or a logical collection of data
What is a requirement?
A statement of what the must do or what characteristics it needs to have.
What is a functional requirement?
A statement of what the system MUST do.
What is a requirement?
A statement of what the system must do or what characteristics it needs to have.
What is a technology analysis strategy?
A strategy in which analysts and employees both list important and interesting technologies. The group goes through each list and identifies how each might be applied to the business and how the business might benefit.
What is a system proposal?
A system proposal compiles the detailed requirements definition statement, use cases, process models, and data model together with a revised feasibility analysis and work plan.
The main deliverable of the analysis phase is often accompanied by a presentation to the approval committee. What is this presentation called?
A system walkthrough
What is a temporal trigger?
A temporal trigger is a time-based event, where an external trigger is initiated by an outside source.
What is Throwaway Prototyping?
A version of RAD that includes the development of prototypes, but uses them primarily to explore design alternatives rather than as the actual new system.
What is the numbering system for a Level 0 DFD? A) 1.0, 2.0, 3.0... B) 0 C) 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1...
A) 1.0, 2.0, 3.0...
If economic feasibility answer the question of "Should we build it?" Then, what does a technical feasibility answer the question of: a) Can we build it? b) Who should built it? c) If we build it, Will they come? d) When can we build it?
A) Can we build it?
Which of these question is consider to be a medium-level question from the "Top-Down and Bottom-up" Question strategies? a) How can we reduce the number of return items that customers order? b) How can we improved our customer service? c) How can we reduce waiting time at cashiers' station to improve customer satisfaction? d) A and C
A) How can we reduce the number of return items that customers order?
Which of the following is NOT a category in a feasibility analysis? A) Operational Feasibility B)Organizational Feasibility C) Economic Feasibility D)Technical Feasibility
A) Operational Feasibility
What are business requirements?
Business requirement refers to the business capabilities that the system will need to have.
Four types of nonfunctional requirements:
Operational, performance, security, cultural and political
What is the document that project managers use to track scheduling, cost, and resources?
Project work plan
What are the types of triggers in a use case? A. Internal and External B. External and Temporal C. Dependent and Independent D. Manual and Automated
B. External and Temporal
Definition of Business Requirement?
Business requirements describe the reasons for developing the system and outline the capabilities it will provide the organization.
What are the three major types of requirements?
Business requirements, User requirements, and System requirements.
What kind of question is used when the analyst is looking for specific, precise information?
Closed-ended question
What are some of the disadvantages of the waterfall development technique?
Design must be completely specified before programing begins and takes a lot of time to complete
What is the cash flow method?
Evaluating the costs and benefits of certain projects over a number of years.
Iterative development is a variant of the Waterfall development methodology ( True / False)
False
T/F - Intangible benefits enable a company to collect revenues.
False
T/F A context diagram includes data stores
False
T/F. During the planning phase, functional requirements of the new system are determined
False
T/F: Giving everyone on the team the same raise will increase motivation.
False
The level of detail DFD's can only go up to is level 3.
False
The project sponsor and the project manager are the same person. (True/False)
False
True or False, A project only requires a single use case.
False
True or False. Operational costs are expenses incurred during creation of system
False
True or False: DFDs must be ordered sequentially
False
True or False: Process Model is an informal way of representing how a business model operates.
False
True or False? Parallel development relies on only one iteration of the analysis phase.
False
True or false. A nonfunctional requirement is what the software should do.
False
True/False: Individual employees and/or users who use the system should be named on a system's DFD.
False
True/False: Informal bench marking is uncommon in customer facing business processes?
False
Use cases are the same as process diagrams.
False
True or False? Analysis is the final phase in the SDLC.
False, Implementation is the final phase in the SDLC.
Throwaway Prototyping presents the user with multiple systems simultaneously and lets the user decide which they like best. (True/False)
False.
Intangible Benefits
intangible benefits cannot be measured in monetary terms but they do have a very significant business impact
What are the agile development strengths
Fast delivery results and works well in projects with undefined or changing requirements.
What is the process of examining the technical, economic, and organizational pros and cons of developing a new system?
Feasibility Analysis
Functional or Nonfunctional requirement? "System must store customer data for 3 years"
Functional
What are the two types of system requirement?
Functional Requirement and Nonfunctional Requirement
What is a System Requirement?
Functional Requirement and Nonfunctional requirement
B.
Identify the current situation
What are important steps in each use case?
Identify the major steps and any exceptions you anticipate Identify elements with each major step Confirm use case with users
What do change agents do?
Identify the organizational improvements needed, design systems to implement those changes, and train and motivate others to use the systems.
What document the analyst has to be prepare as a post-interview follow-up?
Interview report
What is the role of the project sponsor?
The person who initiates the project and who serves as the primary point of contact for the project on the business side.
Who is the project sponsor in a system request?
The person who initiates the project and who serves as the primary point of contact for the project on the business side.
DATA FLOW requires what attributes in a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
• a name (a noun) • a description • one or more connections to a process
In the systems analysis phase, the first step is requirements modeling. When business processes are investigated and what the new system must do is documented.
True
Scope creep happens when new requirements are added to the project after the original project scope was defined and "frozen." True or False?
True
T/F - Use cases convey only the user's point of view.
True
T/F A normal course is a set of major steps that are performed to execute the response to the event
True
T/F The process model illustrates activities that are performed and how data moves between them
True
T/F: Functional requirements come in two forms process oriented and information oriented.
True
Technical people generally are not motivated by money as long as they feel they are paid a fair salary.
True
The 'actor' element in a use case can be a person, another software system, or a hardware device. ( True / False )
True
The level of the Data Flow Diagrams can represent the amount of decimals(or dots) in each numbering scheme. (True/False)
True
The processes in the level 1 data flow diagram are the children of the parent process in the level 0 diagram.
True
The processes of DFD's do not necessarily have to be sequential.
True
True or False: "Normal course includes actions of both actor and system in response to those actions."
True
True or False: A JAD facilitator's three key functions are: 1. Ensure group sticks to agenda 2. Help define jargon 3. Record group's input on public display
True
True or False: A null modality means that it is not required to have that end of the relationship in an ER model.
True
True or False: Documentation is a good technique that project teams put in place during the planning phase.
True
True/False: One of the benefits of an Electronic JAD is to help overcome group dynamic issues, such as dominance, status differences, and fear of reprisal.
True
True/False: Problem analysis is effective in improving a system's efficiency or ease of use, but provides minor improvements to business value.
True
True/False: System analysts work with a combination of business and technical people.
True
Use Cases describe what a user is trying to accomplish with a system. (True/False)
True
What is the greatest problem facing experienced designers?
Using the space effectively.
What is V-Model Development?
V-Model development is a type of waterfall development where after the code of the system is written, all of its components are tested in a reverse manner (implementation, design, analysis), placing an emphasis on high quality from repeated testing.
If you have lots of Time to build the system, want to make sure every phase is correctly finished and you are doing enough planning, which programming model would you use?
Waterfall
Which of the following methodologies might be most appropriate if you have a system project with: clear requirements; very familiar technologies; not all that complex; reasonably reliable; a very long time schedule and the schedule visibility is not important?
Waterfall
What are the project methodologies mentioned in chapter 2?
Waterfall - Parallel - V-model Rapid Application Development - Iterative Development - System Prototyping - Throwaway Prototyping Agile - Extreme Programming
What are business requirements?
What the system needs to do in order to satisfy business user needs. It summarizes the features and capabilities that need to be included.
What is activity elimination?
When the consequences of eliminating every single step of the business process are analyzed one by one. Alternatives to theses steps are generated as analysts and managers think of ways the business could continue to function.
When can a data store be depicted in the Context diagram?
When the data store is external from the system.
When would you want to use system prototyping methodology? (When is it useful)
When user requirements are unclear.
What is the most powerful indication that a system needs to be changed?
When users create their own forms or add additional information to existing ones.
When should you use a bottom-up interview approach?
When you are familiar with the general issues the as-is system currently faces, but need some minor details filled in. Or when you are interviewing lower-level staff who do not know high-level details about the system.
When would you NOT want to use the waterfall methodology?
You wouldn't use the waterfall methodology when you have a short deadline to meet.
A data store is
a collection of data that is stored in some way.
Example of a Business Process Management
a company that has customers facing many departments changes the customer service business process using a centralized database system
Define system proposal
a document compiling the detailed requirements definition statement, use cases, process model, and data model together with a revised feasibility analysis and work plan
Which of the following has a high depth of information? a) Interviews b) Questionnaires c) Observations d) Document Analysis
a) Interviews
Which of the following is an information gathering technique for systems development? a) JAD b) GLAD c) Regression d) email
a) JAD
DATA STORE requires what attributes in a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
• a number • a name (a noun) • a description • one or more input data flows • one or more output data flows
A PROCESS requires what attributes in a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
• a number • a name (verb phase) • a description • at least one output data flow • at least one input data flow
What are three Rapid Application Development approaches?
1. Iterative development 2. System prototyping 3. Throw-away prototyping
Which of the four stages of the SDL is responsible for deciding how the system will operate? A.) Planning Phase B.) Analysis Phase C.) Design Phase D.) Implementation Phase
Answer: C.
What is the four stages of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)? What generally happens during each one?
- 4 stages of the SDLC: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation - Planning: Determine why and how a system should be built. Approval of a project is a function of two entities: - system request: summarize business needs, the value of a system that support those needs. - feasibility analysis: technical feasibility, economic feasibility, organizational feasibility (will it be used?). Approved projects enter project management, in which the project manager creates work plan, staffs the projects, and put techniques in place to aid in control. Deliverable: project plan. - Analysis: seeks to answer who use the system, what the system will do, and where and when it will be used; investigates current system(s), identifies improvement opportunities, and develop concepts for the new system. - Analysis strategy: studies the as-is system and envisions designs of the to-be system - Requirements gathering: develop system concept based on analysis of gathered info. The system concept is then used to develop a set of business analysis models - that describe how the business will operate. The models typical represent data and processes needed to support the business. - System proposal: analysis + system concept + models -> system proposal to be evaluated by project sponsor and approval committee. - Design: Determine how exactly the system will operate in terms of hardware, software, and network infrastructure; user interfaces, forms, and reports used; specific programs, databases, files needed. - Determine design strategy: system developed by company's programmers? Outsourced? Buy existing package? - Develop basic architecture and interface design - Develop database and file specifications - Develop program design: defines what programs to write and what each will do - Implementation: the system is built or purchased. - System construction: system is built and tested. - System installation: turn off old system and turn on new system. Training plan is crucial: teach users how to use the system and manage changes caused by the new system. - Support plan: post-implementation reviews, ways to determine changes needed for the system.
Electronic JAD sessions overcome what disadvantages of normal JAD sessions?
- Groupthink - Unequal contribution of members (some dominate the discussion while others don't participate at all) - Time inefficiency (e-JAD sessions reduce time needed by 50-80%)
What are the roles of the system users?
- Make decisions that influence the project - Perform hands-on activities for the project - Ultimately determine whether the project is successful by using or not using the system
What are the elements of a system request?
- Project sponsor: the person who initiates the project and who serves as the primary point of contact for the project on the business side. - Business need: The business-related reason for initiation the system - Business Requirements: the business capabilities that the system will provide - Business Value: The benefits that the system will create for the organization - Special Issues or Constraints: Issues that are relevant to the implementation of the system that need to be known by the approval committee
What are some common problems and how to face them when facilitating JAD sessions?
- Reducing domination - Encouraging noncontributors - Side discussions - Agenda merry-go-round - Violent agreement - Unresolved conflict - True conflict - Use humor
Causes of risk
- Weak personnel - Scope creep - Poor design - Overly optimistic estimates
What are some things to avoid when trying to motivate your group members (or employees)?
- assign unrealistic deadlines - ignore good efforts - create a low-quality product - give everyone on the project a raise - make an important decision without the team's input - maintain poor working conditions
What are 6 "de-motivators" for a team leader to avoid?
- assigning unrealistic deadlines -ignoring good efforts -accepting a low-quality product -giving everyone on the project the same raise -making an important decision without the team's input -maintain poor working conditions
What are some techniques that can be used at the start of a project to keep conflict to a minimum?
- clearly define plans for the project - make sure the team understands how the project is important to the organization - develop detailed operating procedures and communicate these to the team members - develop a project charter - develop schedule commitments ahead of time - forecast other priorities and their possible impact on the project
What are methodology sources for selecting project methodology?
- internally developed by organizations -consulting firms -software vendors -government agencies
What are the options for dealing with risk?
- publicize - avoid - eliminate
When using the data flow diagrams, a top-level (DFD) is the context diagram. How many context diagrams are used?
-All process models have only one context diagram that shows the overall business process as a single process.
The Use Case is first developed in the Design phase. True or false?
-False. The Use Case occurs in the Analysis phase.
The primary objective of a system analyst is to create a wonderful system. True or false?
-False. The primary goal of a business analyst is to create value for the organization, which for most companies is means increasing profit.
The first step in the analysis phase (Understanding the existing system) can never be skipped. True or False.
-False. There may be no current system, the existing system and processes are irrelevant to the future system, or the project team is using a RAD or agile development methodology in which the as-is-systems not emphasized. Under these conditions the step can be skipped.
What are the strengths of agile development?
-Fast delivery of results -Works well in project with undefined or changing requirements
What are the weaknesses of conducting questionnaires?
-Response is often low -Incomplete questionnaires returned -Tend to be inflexible -Body language cannot be observed -Cannot clarify a vague or incomplete answer to any question -Difficult to prepare a successful questionnaire
Why are feasibility reports and system requests recommended?
-The reports and documents summarize key actions and financial investments that might promote and enhance ones business.
Which is true of use cases?
-They are formal ways of representing how a business system interacts with its environment -They illustrates the activities that are performed by the users of the system -They can be thought of as an external or functional view of a business process -They sometimes are called 'business scenarios' (although 'use case' is generally preferred)
All DFD process names must be a verb phrase - they must start with a verb and include a noun? True or False
-True
The approval committee act as the portfolio manager, with the goal of maximizing benefits versus costs and balancing other factors of the portfolio. True or false.
-True
What are the likes about a system analyst's work?
-challenge -technology -variety -constant change -problem solving
What are the dislikes about a system analyst's work?
-management's lack of communication/recognition end-user mistakes and demands stress/pressure/burnout ever-changing business technology unrealistic deadlines
What are the weaknesses of agile development?
-requires discipline requires high involvement of project sponsor -significant users involvement is essential -initial high learning curve -works best in smaller projects -more coordination required because analysts/designers/users all work together in every iteration
Describe business needs, business requirements, and business value
1) Business need: describe the reason for creating the system. 2) Business requirement: It summarizes the features and capabilities the information systems must include. 3) Business value: The gain from the system. Tangible (can be measure and identified easily) and intangible (intuitive belief the system is providing an important, but hard to measure that benefit the organization. 4) Special issues: issues that are relevant to the implementation of the system
List the 4 Steps for Writing Use Cases.
1. Identify the use case, 2. Identify the major steps within each use case, 3. Identify elements within a step, 4. Confirm the use case
What are the three types of feasibility? and what do they entail ?
1) Economic feasibility (cost benefit analysis)( will it provide business value?) A) Development cost B) Annual operating cost C) Annual benefits D) Intangible benefits and costs 2) Technical feasibility (risk technical analysis) ( can we build it? ) The extent to which the system can be designed, developed and installed by the IT. A) Familiarity with application: less familiarity generates risks. B) Familiarity with technology: less familiarity generates risks. C) Project size: Large project have more risks D) Compatibility: the harder it is to integrate the system with company's existing technology, the higher the risk. 3) Organizational feasibility ( will it be used?) A) Project champions B) Senior management C) Users D) Other stockholders E) Is the project strategically aligned with the business ?
What are the three main things the project manager has to balance?
1) Project Size 2) Project Cost 3) Project Time
List of issues associated to project selection
1) Size 2) Cost 3) Purpose 4) Length 5) Risk 6) Scope 7) Economic Value
What are the two different types of errors that can occur in in DFDs?
1) Syntax Errors - grammatical errors made by the analyst when he or she creates the DFDs. 2) Semantic Errors - can be viewed as a misunderstandings by the analyst while collecting, analyzing and reporting information about the system.
What are the three steps involved in the basic process of analysis?
1) Understand the existing situation (the as-is system) 2) Identify improvements 3) Define requirements for the new system (the to-be system)
When managing a project, what are some actions you should NOT take as a manager?
1. Assign unrealistic deadlines 2. Ignore good efforts 3. Create a low-quality product 4. Give everyone on the project a raise 5. Make an important decision without team input 6. Maintain poor working conditions
What are three common errors when building DFD?
1. Black hole 2. Miracle 3. Gray hole
How DFDs are organized into levels (Context, Level 0, Level 1, etc.) and how to number the processes in each level
1. Context = shows overall process as just one process 2. Level 0 = shows all major processes that comprise the overall system - internal components of process 0 3. Level 1 = for every major process on the level 0 diagram Shows internal process that comprise a single process on the level 0 diagram (and how info moves to and from each of these processes) Context Diagram = "Process 0" Level 0 = numbered with integer value (1, 2, 3, etc) Level 1 = have one "dot" parent # dot unique number (1.1, 1.2, etc) Level 2 = have two dots parent dot unique number (1.1.1, 1.1.2, etc)
What is the law of conservation of data?
1. Data at rest stays at rest until moved by a process. 2. Processes cannot consume or create data.
Law of conservation of data?
1. Data stays at rest until moved by a process 2. Processes cannot consume or create data
What steps are part of the BPM 4-step continuous cycle?
1. Define and map the steps in a business process 2. Create ways to improve on steps in the process that adds value 3. Find ways to eliminate or consolidate steps in the process that don't add value 4. Create or adjust electronic workflows to match the improved process maps
Disadvantages of Waterfall Development in project methodology options?
1. Design must be completely specified before programming begins. 2. Long time elapses between the completion of the system proposal in the analysis phase 3. The delivery of system, and testing may be treated almost as an afterthought in the implementation phase. 4. The deliverables are often a poor communication mechanism.
What are the main project standards when planning a project?
1. Documentation Standards 2. Coding Standards 3. Procedural Standards 4. Specification Requirement Standards 5. User Interface Design Standards
What are some of the primary roles involved in JAD sessions.
1. Facilitator 2. Scribes 3. Project sponsor 4. Key managers 5. Key users 6. Systems analysts
What are some weaknesses of a JAD session?
1. Facilitator required 2. Can take valuable time from other work 3. Coordination required and group issues arise
Name 3 useful checks to help ensure that models are semantically correct.
1. Have the users role-play the process as it is described in the DFDs by starting at the first process and attempting to perform it by using only the inputs specified and producing only the outputs specified. 2. Ensure consistent decomposition, which can be tested by examining the lowest-level processes in the DFDs. 3. Ensure that technology is consistent throughout the model so that everyone who reads the model has a shared understanding.
What 3 key functions does a JAD facilitator perform?
1. He or she ensures that the group sticks to the agenda 2. Must help the group understand the technical terms and jargon that surround the system development process and help the participants understand the specific analysis techniques used. 3. Records the groups input on a public display area, which can be a white board, flip chard, or computer display.
Stages of the System Development Life Cycle
1. Planning 2. Analysis 3. Design 4. Implementation
What are the four phases of the SDLC
1. Planning 2. Analysis 3. Design 4. Implementation
What are the deliverables for each phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
1. Planning Phase -System request with feasibility study -Project plan 2. Analysis Phase -System proposal 3. Design Phase -System specification 4. Implementation Phase -Installed system -Test plan programs -Migration plan -Support plan -Problem report -Change request -Post-implementation -Audit Report
Describe the four elements of a DFD, what they represent, and how they are depicted visually.
1. Process - an activity or function that is performed for some specific business reason. They contain a number, a name (verb phrase), a description, one or more input data flows. Fields are: labels (name), type (process), description (what is it), process number, and process description (structured english). They are depicted visually as rounded squares with a number and name below it. 2. Data Flow - a single fact, such as quantity available (sometime called a data element), or a logical collection of several facts. They are the glue that holds the processes together. They are represented by an arrow with a name above it. 3. Data store - a collection of data that is stored in some way (which is determined later when creating the physical model). Every data store is named with a noun and is assigned an identification number and description. Data stores form the starting point for the data model and form the logical connection between the process model and data model. They are visually depicted as a rectangular box with an identification number and a name. 4. External entity - a person, organization, organization unit, or system that is external to the system but interacts with it (customer, clearinghouse, government organization, accounting system). The external entity typically corresponds to the primary actor identified in the use case. They are visually depicted as a box with a name and description.
Pros and cons of an analyst's work
1. Pros: - High paid salary - interact with variety fields - work with up to date Technology - Challenging and Problem Solving reward - Constantly changing 2. Cons: - Management's lack of communication/recognition - End-user mistakes and demands - Stress/ Pressure/Burnout - Ever-changing business technology - Unrealistic deadlines.
What are the the four duties of a project manager?
1. Select the best methodology 2. Develop a project work plan 3. Establish a staffing plan 4. Create ways to coordinate and control the project
Describe the five major steps in conducting JAD sessions.
1. Selecting participants - determine who should be included and why they should be included (what contribution will they make to the project?) 2. Design the JAD session - plan the activities and techniques that will be incorporated into the JAD session in order to accomplish the session goals. 3. Prepare for the JAD session - review related material; review JAD plan; inform participants about the process and the contributions they'll be expected to make. 4. Conduct the JAD session - establish rapport with the participants; define session ground rules; follow session plan and have a facilitator conduct various activities and techniques; record information. 5. Prepare post-JAD report - summarize the session in a post-JAD report.
What are the steps to timeboxing?
1. Set the date for the system delivery 2. Prioritize the functionality that needs to be included in the system 3. Build the core of the system 4. Postpone functionality that cannot be provided within the time frame 5. Deliver the system with core functionality 6. Repeat steps 3 - 5, to add refinements and enhancements
What are the 7 ways to characterize projects?
1. Size 2. Cost 3. Length 4. Risk 5. Scope 6. Purpose 7. Economic value
What are the two parts to the law of conservation of data?
1.Data at rest stays at rest until moved by a process. 2.Processes cannot consume or create data.
What are the three steps for the basic process of analysis?
1. Understand the existing situation (the as-is system) 2. Identify improvements 3. Define requirements for the new system (The to-be system).
A fully dressed use case is not always necessary but does provide value in certain circumstances. When are they especially valuable?
1. User representatives are not closely engaged with the development team throughout the project. 2. The application is complex and has a high risk associated with system failure. 3. Comprehensive test cases will be based on the user requirements. 4. Collaborating remote teams need a detailed, shared understanding of the user requirements.
What is a 1:N relationship?
1:N is a database relationship that is between "1" parent entity and "N" many child entities.
A Use case consists of a name, number, and what else? A. Start Date B. Length C. Project Manager D. Brief description
Answer: E
How do you number a level 1 DFD?
1.1 1.2 1.3, 2.1 2.2 2.3 etc...
System request element
5 elements: Project Sponsor, Business need, Business requirements, business value, and special issues
What is prototyping development methodology?
A BAD approach that creates a rough version of a system quickly and "grows" it into a final system with repetitive refinement.
What is the purpose of DFDs?
A DFD shows what kind of information will be input to and output from the system, where the data will come from and go to, and where the data will be stored.
What is the definition of process model and what it is used to document (hint: as-is OR to-be system) ?
A process model is a graphical way of representing how a business system should operate. It illustrates the process or activities that are performed and how data move among them. A process model can be used to document the current system (as-is system) or the new system being developed (to-be system).
Use Case
A use case is a description of how a system interacts with its environment by illustrating the activities that are performed by the users of the system and the system's responses.
What is a Use Case?
A use case is a description of how a system interacts with its environment by illustrating the activities that are performed by the users of the system and the system's responses.
How many activities can one process perform?
A. 2 B. 5 C. unlimited D. 1 Answer is D.
Every data store has all EXCEPT...
A. A number B. One or more connections to a process C. A name (a noun) D. One or more input data flows E. A description
What is a process model, as discussed in Ch 5?
A. A process that is exemplary in the industry (a best practice) to be implemented in a system B. A table listing the various processes that are to be automated by the system C. A graphical way of representing how a business system should operate Answer is C
Use cases are more extensively used in which phase? A. Analysis phase B. Design phase C. Implementation phase D. Planning phase
A. Analysis phase
In regards to process models, which of the following is a specific type of diagram that is thoroughly explained in Ch 5?
A. Data Flow Diagram (DFD) B. Integration Definition for Function Modeling (IDEFO) C. Use Case Sequence (UCS) D. Entity-Relationship (E-R) diagram Answer is A
The top-level Data Flow Diagram (DFD) in every business process model is known as the:
A. External entity B. Internal entity C. Data Store D. Context Diagram. Answer is D.
What of the following is NOT one of the four main elements/symbols in the type of diagram that is thoroughly explained in Ch 5?
A. External entity (or agent) (rectangle) B. Data Store (open rectangle) C. Customer (triangle) D. Process (rounded rectangle or circle) E. Data Flow (arrow) Answer is C
The Context Diagram defines how the business process or computer system interacts with its environment- primarily the ___________ entities.
A. Internal B. External C. Public Answer is B.
Which of the following is NOT a type of trigger?
A. Internal B. External C. Temporal D. Periodic E. Two of the above (A & D) Answer is E
4. Information in the data dictionary is called: A. Metadata B. Cached information C. Compiled data D. Data repository E. File silo
A. Metadata
What are the benefits of benchmarking?
A. Study how other organizations perform a business process to learn how your organization can do something better B. Helps the organization introduce ideas that employees may never consider C. Common for "customer-facing" business processes D. All of the above (Answer)
Which of the following is a process-oriented functional requirement? A. The system must allow registered customers to review their own order history for the past 3 years. B. The system must retain order history for 3 years. C. The system must include real-time inventory levels at all warehouses. D. The system must include budgeted and actual sales and expense amounts for the current year and 3 previous years.
A. The system must allow registered customers to review their own order history for the past 3 years.
A data store must have at least one input or one output of data. A. True B. False
A. True
Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria to consider when selecting a development methodology? A. Whether the system has been recently approved B. Whether the system has unclear user requirements C. Whether the system has a short time schedule D. Whether the system is complex
A. Whether the system has been recently approved
What are advantages and disadvantages to Waterfall development methodologies?
Advantages are that requirements are identified long before programming begins, and requirement changes are limited as the project progresses. Disadvantages are that the design must be completely specified before programming begins, so a long time elapses between the completion of the system proposal in the analysis phase and the delivery of the system, and testing may be treated almost as an afterthought in the implementation phase.
What is Agile Development?
Agile Development is a group of programming-centric methodologies that focus on streamlining the SDLC.
Describe agile scrum.
Agile scrum is related to small teams of 3 to 9 defining short-term attainable goals. When met, the team meets again and creates another short-term plan.
What is the numbering format for a lv 0 DFD?
All integers, 1, 2, 3, etc.
D.
All of above
What is an example of an external trigger? Fire alarm ringing Needing a chemical Customer places order All of the above
All of the above
What is top-down interview?
An Interview starts with broad general issues and gradually works towards more specific ones.
Define a "process"
An activity or function performed for a specific business reason
What does a process represent in DFD?
An activity or function performed for a specific business reason. It can be manual or computerized.
What is Activity-Based Costing?
An analysis that examines the cost of each major process or step in a business process rather than the time taken.
What is the difference between an external and temporal trigger?
An external trigger is an action-based trigger, set in motion by some event outside of the system. A temporal trigger is a time-based trigger that occurs based on a time frame, rather than an external event.
What is bottom-up interview?
An interview starts with very specific questions and moves to broad questions.
How is a data store displayed in a data flow diagram?
An open rectangle or parallel lines.
What does the term project portfolio management refer to?
An organization might have a large number of potential projects (project portfolio), and management must decide on appropriate projects based on size, cost, risk, etc.
How many steps does Analysis phase have? and what are they?
Analysis phase has three steps: analysis strategy, requirements gathering and system proposal.
What is the second phase of SDLC and what happens in this stage?
Analysis phase: determine strategy, collect and analysis requirements, prepare and present system proposal
The term analysis refers to...
Analysis refers to breaking a whole into its parts understanding the parts' nature, function, and interrelationships. 3 Basic Analysis Steps: - Understand the as-is system - Identify improvements - Define the to-be system
What purpose does an analysis strategy serve?
Analysis strategies were developed to guide the project team's efforts in the "analysis" phase
What is activity-based costing (analysis)?
Analysis that examines the cost of each major process or step in a business process rather than the time taken.
What is duration analysis?
Analysis that requires a detailed examination of the amount of time it takes to perform each process in the current as-is system.
What is a steering committee?
Another name for an approval committee for a system request.
Agile Development was developed to overcome what? A. Limitations of traditional and even RAD technologies B. Over abundance of system processes C. Modifying project size and scope D. Time delay between project tasks
Answer: A
Which statement is false? A) Motivating the team with monetary rewards is always a good idea B) Giving recognition is a one of the Do's in motivation C) Maintaining poor working conditions is not a form of motivation D) Giving a chance to learn new skills is a form of motivation
Answer: A
A top level Data Flow Diagram (DFD) consists of: A. Level 1 diagram B. Context diagram C. Level 2 diagram D. Level 3 diagram
Answer: B
What is an example of an agile development method? A) Iterative development B) Scrum C) V-model D) System Prototyping E) None of the above
Answer: B
Which of the following is NOT true about the roles of Use Cases? A.) They define the expected interactions between user and system. B.) Used extensively in the Design phase. C.) Flow easily into the creation of process models and the data model. D.) Express and clarify user requirements.
Answer: B
What are the aspects of good time boxing? A) High quality is stressed B) Repeat to add refinements and enhancements C) Set a tight but realistic deadline D) Other functions will be added later E) All of the above
Answer: E
Which of the options below are development costs? A) Cloud storage fees B) Software upgrades C) Consultant fees D) Vendor installation E) C and D F) A and B
Answer: E
Which of the following is not a Project Selection issue? A. Purpose B. Size C. Cost D. Type E. Economic Value
Answer: Type
What are the four techniques for managing risk?
Avoidance, Transfer (insure or share), Reduction (mitigation), and Retention (accept)
What is a strength mentioned for observation as a requirements elicitation technique? A.Understand multiple perspectives at once B. Data gathered may be highly reliable C. Relatively inexpensive D. Time-efficient
B
Which of the followings are false about Project Portfolio Management? A. Companies stay up to date on projects and adapt to changing conditions B. It is a type of project management software C. It collects information regarding a project D. It manages information regarding a project
B
What is the best development method for a start up that is somewhat of a pioneer? A) Waterfall B) Agile C)V-Model D)Parallel
B) Agile
Which of the following is not a Developmental cost? A) Consultant Fees B) Cloud Storage Fees C) Office Space and Equipment D) Hardware and Software
B) Cloud Storage Fees Option B is an Operational Cost
Which of the following elicitation techniques is considered the "most important and most used fact-finding technique?" A) Questionnaires B) Interview C) Observation D) Document Analysis
B) Interview
Which of the following does not belong in Functional requirements? A) Purchasing B) Performance C) Searching and Browsing D) Promoting
B, Performance belongs in Nonfunctional.
Which best describes the purpose of a Project Charter? A. A fixed deadline for a project B. Describes the project's objective, norms and ground rules C. A formal way of representing how a business process operates D. Lists the roles that are required for the project.
B. Describes the project's objective, norms and ground rules
Use cases are: A. System driven B. Event driven C. Orginizational driven D. Individually driven
B. Event driven
What is JAD abbreviated for? A. Joint Additional Development B. Joint Application Development C. Joint Applicant Developer D. Joint Additional Developer
B. Joint Applicatoin Development
6. Lines on an ERD diagram indicates: A. Hierarchies between processes B. Relationships among the data C. Plurality of data items D. Uniqueness of data items E. Primary keys
B. Relationship among the data
Which of the following documents provides a summary of the business requirements? A. System proposal B. System request C. Use cases D. Requirement definitions
B. System request
Which development strategy would be the most appropriate if a business had an abundance of time, wanted to make sure each requirement is fulfilled appropriately, move from each phase of the SDLC phase by phase only when the previous phase is fully completed and adequate, and the system to be implemented would have to accommodate a very complex business process? A. Rapid Application Development B. Waterfall Development C. Agile Development D. Any of the strategies above would work.
B. Waterfall Development
What is BMP?
BMP stands for¬ business process management. This is a methodology used by organizations to continuously improve end-to-end business process.
What is Business Process Management?
BPM is a methodology used by organizations to continuously improve end-to-end business processes.
What is a business need, business requirements, and business value?
BUSINESS NEED: The business-related reason for initiating the system BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS: The new or enhanced business capabilities that the system will provide BUSINESS VALUE: The benefits that the system will create for the organization
What are the sections of a casual use case format?
Basic Information / Preconditions / Normal Course / Post Conditions / Exceptions
What are the elements of a use case?
Basic elements: -Name, number, priority, and brief description -Actor (person or system) -Trigger (Types: external or temporal) Details: -Preconditions -Normal course -Post conditions -Exceptions
Use cases generally have three parts:
Basic information, inputs and outputs, and details
Why is choosing a methodology not a simple task?
Because there is no wrong or right method.
A process without an output is sometimes called a
Black hole error
What are the three common errors of DFD?
Black hole, gray hole, and miracle
"Functional requirements" is A. A statement of characteristics the system must have B. A statement of how the system should be built C. A statement of what the system must do D. All of the above
C
These are key roles in developing information systems, EXCEPT: A. Researches problems B. Plans Solutions C. Recommends business decisions D. Coordinates development E. Recommends software and systems
C
Which development methodology most strongly emphasizes system quality through test plan development? A. Waterfall B. Parallel C. V-Model D. Iterative E. Systems Prototyping F. Throwaway Prototyping G. Agile Development
C
What percentage of time is usually spent on planning? A) 45% B) 55% C) 15% D) 19%
C) 15%
A functional requirement can be: A) Process-oriented B) Information-oriented C) Both A and B D) None of the above
C) Both A and B
Which of the following is a weakness of JAD? A) Harder to see process-based functional requirements B) The response rates are often low C) Group issues may arise D) Cannot clarify a vague or incomplete answer to any question
C) Group issues may arise
Which of the following is an example of an Intangible benefit? A) Reductions in staff B) Better Supplier prices C) Higher Quality Products D) Reductions in inventory
C) Higher Quality Products
What step comes first when constructing a data flow diagram? A) Draw Data Flow B) Build EAD Table C) Identify External Entities D) Draw Context Diagram
C) Identify External Entities
Which of the following is NOT an example of a tangible benefit? A) Increased sales B) Reductions of staff C) Increased market share D) Reduction in IT cost
C) Increased market share
Everyday at 12:00pm, a report is generated. This is an example of: A) Time trigger B) Temporal trigger C) External trigger D) Process case
C) Temporal trigger
Which of the following is not a feasibility analysis? A)Economic B)Organizational C)Management D)Technical
C)Management
Which of the following is not a systems analyst role? A) Systems Analyst B) Project Manager C)Systems Manager D) Business Analyst
C)Systems Manager
What is not a benefit of business process management? A. Increased process agility. B. Increased process efficiency. C. Increased process flow rate. D. Process alignment with industry's best.
C.
3. Which is not included in every data flow? A. A Name B. A Description C. A Number D. One or More Connections to a Process
C. A number
Which of the following is not included in a DFD data flow? A. A name B. At least one input data flow C. A number D. One or more connections to a process
C. A number
What is considered a "Do" when motivating employees? A. Ignore good efforts B. Give everyone on the project a raise C. Assign realistic deadlines D. Maintain poor working conditions
C. Assign realistic deadlines
Which of these choices is not recommended as a method for motivating employees? A. Responsibility B. Recognition C. Bonuses D. Chance to learn new skill
C. Bonuses
Which if the following is NOT a part of the basic process of analysis? A. Understand the existing situation B. Identify Improvements C. Create a data flow diagram D. Define requirements for the new system
C. Create a data flow diagram
Which element is never included in context diagrams? A. External Entity B. Process C. Data Store D. Data Flows
C. Data Store
Which of the following is not a weakness of agile methodologies? A. Requires discipline B. Initial high learning curve C. Fast delivery of results D. Significant user involvement is essential
C. Fast delivery of results
Which of the following is Not Non-functional? a. Operational b.Performance c.Informational d. Cultural and Political
C. Informational
What is not a reason to use a Fully Dressed use case format? A. High Complexity B. High Risk C. Low Risk D. Users not closely involved with dev. team.
C. Low Risk
Which of the following requirement analysis strategies advises the managers and project sponsor to see products and services from the customer's point of view? A. Informal Benchmarking B. Document Analysis C. Outcome Analysis D. Activity Elimination
C. Outcome Analysis
Which gathering strategy asks users to identify problems and solutions? A.) Root Cause Analysis B.) Solution Analysis C.) Problem Analysis D.) Duration Analysis
C.) Problem Analysis
What does a cost benefit analysis look like?
Chart/Spreadsheet that has the years as the columns, and the Benefits, development costs, operational costs, and NPV as the rows.
What set of project characteristics affect the methodology selection decision?
Clarity of user requirements, familiarity with technology, system complexity, system reliability, short time schedule, & schedule visibility
What are the three types of interview questions?
Closed-ended, Open-ended, Probing
What are the key aspects of working on a team (3 C's)?
Communication Conveyance Convergence
What are the 3 key aspects of working together in a team?
Communication, Conveyance, Convergence
The three key aspects of teamwork?
Communication: Expectations and team cohesion Conveyance: Sharing task information and work Convergence: Making decisions about the work
What are the 3 C's of working on a team ?
Communication: Expectations and team decision Conveyance: Sharing task information and work Convergence: Making decisions about the work
What is the benefit of project portfolio management
Companies can stay up to date on projects and adapt to changing conditions
What is the benefit of a PPM (project portfolio management) software?
Companies can stay up to date on projects and adapt to changing conditions.
Who can develop the "design strategy?"
Company's own programmers, outsourced to another firm, or the company and buy and install a prewritten software package
What is CASE?
Computer-Aided Software Engineering - software that automates all or part of the development process. Some CASE software packages are primarily used during the analysis phase to create integrated diagrams of the system and to store information regarding the system components.
What is CASE?
Computer-Aided Software Engineering is used during the analysis phase to create integrated diagrams of the system and to store information regarding the system components, also automates all or part of the development process.
What does data flow in a DFD describe?
Content of the data flow.
Before creating a DFD level 0 diagram you should create what diagram?
Context Diagram
What two data flow diagrams are always included?
Context Diagram and Level 0 Diagram
How DFDs are organized into levels (Context, Level 0, Level 1, etc.) and how to number the processes in each level?
Context Diagram: The top level DFD in every business process model, whether a manual system or a computerized system, is the context diagram. It shows the entire system in context with its environment. All process models have one context diagram. Level 0 Diagram: Shows all the major processes at the first level of numbering (processes numbered 1-3), the data stores, external entities, and data flows among them. The purpose of the level 0 DFD is to show all the major high level processes of the system and how they relate to each other and the stored data. Level 0 diagrams show only how the major high level processes in the system interact. Level 1 diagrams: A more explicit DFD, shows how it operates in greater detail. In general, all processes have as many level 1 diagrams as there are processes on the level 0 diagram. Every process in the level 0 DFD would be decomposed into its own level 1 DFD. Level 2 diagrams: If any of the processes in the level 1 diagram appear to be busy with multiple inflows and outflows, it may be appropriate to decompose that process into a lower level child diagram. The ultimate goal is to decompose a process so that each child process performs one essential task, not multiple tasks.
Project managers always face tradeoffs among three critical aspects of a project. What are they?
Cost, Size, Time
Three critical aspects of a project can be imagined as a triangle, where if one leg of the triangle is increased in size, the other two are forced to increase as well. What are these three aspects
Cost, Size, Time
What are the three main things that Project Managers have to balance?
Cost, Size, and Time.
Which of the following is NOT a con of an analyst's work? A) Management's lack of communication/recognition B) End-user mistakes and demands C)Unrealistic deadlines D)Variety in work
D)Variety in work
What is the project manager's primary tool for managing the project? A) CASE repository B) Staffing Plan C) System Prototype D) Project Work Plan
D, Project Work Plan
An actor in a use case can be which of the following? A. A person B. A software system C. A hardware device D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Which of the following is not a key role of system analyst's role? A. Analyzing the business situation B. Identifying opportunities for improvements C. Designing and information system to implement the improvements D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Which of the following is true? A) Open-ended questions are design to gather rich information. B) Closed-ended questions are specific answers. C) Probing questions follows up on what has just been discussed. D) All the Above
D. All three are correct.
Which one of the following is not an external trigger? A. Customer places an order B. Fire alarm rings C. Hotel staff needs to make a reservation D. DVD becoming overdue
D. DVD becoming overdue
Which one is temporal trigger? A. Customer places an order B. Fire alarm rings C. Hotel staff needs to make reservation D. DVD becoming overdue
D. DVD becoming overdue. This is because temporal triggers are the passage of a certain amount of time.
Issues with data models do not include... a. Data structures and properties are reasonably permanent b. Smaller than process models and are constructed more rapidly c. Similar to the existing system d. Data flow diagrams
D. Data flow diagrams
Which of the following function does infrastructure analyst plays? A. Develops ideas and suggestions for ways that IT can support and improve business process. B. Identify the business value that the system will create C. Eliciting the requirements from the stakeholders associated with the new system D. Ensures that the new information system conforms to organizational standards and helps to identify infrastructure changes.
D. Ensures that the new information system conforms to organizational standards and helps to identify infrastructure changes.
Which of the phases is usually the longest and most expensive, but can be the least complex? A. Planning B. Analysis C. Design D. Implementation
D. Implementation
Which phase of the systems development life cycle typically takes the longest to complete? A. Planning B. Analysis C. Design D. Implementation
D. Implementation
Which of the following is not the type of information normally included in a project work plan? A. Duration variance B. Completion status C. Task dependencies D. None of the above
D. None of the above
Which is not a shape depicted in DFD? A. Rectangles B. Arrows C. Circles D. Pentagons
D. Pentagons
______ is one of the best gathering strategies for finding small improvements over current situation. A. Activity Elimination B. Informal Benchmarking C. Outcome Analysis D. Problem Analysis
D. Problem Analysis
5. The three major parts of an ERD Diagram are: A. process, data flow, data store B. attribute, modularity, cardinality C. relationship, data flow, entity D. relationship, attribute, entity E. process, entity and relationship
D. Relationship, attribute, entity
Which of the following is not included in the systems development life cycle? A. Planning B. Design C. Implementation D. Sales
D. Sales
A context level diagram does all of the following EXCEPT: A. Shows the context of the business process. B. Shows the overall process labeled process zero. C. Shows all external entities that contribute to the process D. Shows stored data via data stores.
D. Shows stored data via data stores.
All of the following methods are recommended for system requirements elicitation EXCEPT: A. Interviews B. Questionnaires C. Joint Application Development sessions (JAD) D. Snapchat
D. Snapchat
Which is not a shape depicted in DFD? A. Rectangles B. Arrows C. Circles D. Squares
D. Squares
Which of the following project methodology options is least useful when it comes to reliability? a. Waterfall Development b. Agile Development c. Throwaway Prototyping d. System Prototyping
D. System Prototyping
Which of the following is the single main deliverable of the analysis phase? A. Revised feasibility analysis B. Use case document C. Revised project work plan D. System proposal
D. System proposal
All of the following are weaknesses of questionnaires EXCEPT: A. The response rate is low B. Body language cannot be observed C. Inability to clarify questions D. They are relatively inexpensive
D. They are relatively inexpensive
Most process models are composed of a set of _______
DFDs
Which element of the DFD is never included in the Context Diagram?
Data Flow
Data flows coming out of a data store indicate that information is retrieved from the __________________
Data Store
How many steps does Design phase have? and what are they?
Design phase has four steps: design strategy, architecture and interface design, database and file specifications and program design.
The Major Outputs section on a use case will give the _________
Destinations of that input
Key elements of Numerical cost/benefit analysis ?
Determine cash flow (costs & benefits over a selected number of years), Determine ROI, Determine BEP, Determine NPV
Design Phrase
Determine how exactly the system will operate in terms of hardware, software, and network infrastructure placed; user interfaces, forms, and reports used; specific programs, databases, files needed.
What is the main goal of the Analysis Phase?
Develop a clear understanding of the new system's requirements
What is the difference between development and operational costs?
Developing costs are one time costs, operational are ongoing
What are upfront costs in making a system?
Development Costs
What are the four categories of the costs and benefits?
Development Costs, Operational Costs, Tangible Benefits, Intangible Benefits.
What is the difference between development and operation costs?
Development costs are those that occur during the project when the system is being built or acquired. Operational costs are ongoing, to ensure maintenance.
Development vs. operational costs
Development costs often defined as one-time cost. This costs incurred while the system is during the creation of the system. Operational costs are tangible costs that are required to operate the system such as salaries for operational staff. OC is often defining as ongoing cost.
What does a context level data flow diagram look like?
Diagram that focuses mainly on the processes or activities that are performed. The context level DFD is essentially the overall system.
Definition of Intangible Benefits
Difficult to incorporate into the economic feasibility analysis because they are based on intuition and belief rather than "hard numbers"
What are demotivators? What to "do not" do as an employer?
Do not... Assign unrealistic deadlines. Ignore good efforts. Accept a low quality product. Give everyone on the project the same raise. Make an important decision without the team's input. Maintain poor working conditions.
Do's and don'ts of motivating employees
Do's: Recognition, Highlight achievement, The work itself, Responsibility, Advancement, Provide opportunities to learn new skills, Encourage communication. Don'ts: Assign unrealistic deadlines, Ignore good efforts, Accept a low-quality product, Give everyone on the project the same raise, Make an Important decision without the team's input, Maintain poor working conditions.
An external entity is a(n): A. Person B. Organization C. Organization unit. D. System that is external to the system E. All of the above
E. All of the above
Which of the following data flow diagrams are incorrect when corresponding to their symbols in the Gane and Sarson model Data Flow Diagram Element A. Process Rounded Off Square (Circle for DeMarco and Yourdon model) B. Data Flow Arrow w/ Name C. Data Store Open Box D. External Entity Box E. All of the above are correct
E. All of the above are correct
Which of the following is not a commonly used elicitation technique? A. Interviews B. Observation C. Questionnaires D. JAD Sessions E. None of the above
E. None of the above
What is the basic information necessary to start every use case?
Each use case has a name that should be as simple and accurate as possible. Each use case also has a sequential number so it is easily referable. Each use case may have a priority assigned to indicate the relative significance in the overall system.
What feasibility is determined by identifying costs and benefits associated with the system?
Economic
Measuring the projected benefits of a proposed system over the estimated cost is what?
Economic Feasibility
What feasibility approach uses the target question, "Should we build it?" Explain the factors of this approach.
Economic Feasibility - Development costs, operating costs vs benefits, intangible costs and benefits.
Role of use cases
Express and clarify user requirements; define the expected interaction between user and system.
What are two types of event triggers?
External and Temporal
What are the two types of triggers that are labeled in Use Cases? Can one Use Case have both triggers occur?
External and Temporal. No, only one trigger can occur in a use case.
A manager should choose a project with the highest return regardless of cost TRUE/FALSE
FALSE
Data Flow Diagrams do not go past level 1 TRUE/FALSE
FALSE
In the interviewing process you do not need to talk to low-level employees TRUE/FALSE
FALSE
(T/F) Functional requirements refer to behavioral properties that the system must have, such as performance and usability.
False
A strength of Throwaway prototyping methodology is that it allows users to get to work with the prototype very quickly.
False
Accepting a low-quality product is necessary in order to increase the motivation for future work from an employee.
False
An effective way to motivate employees is to award them monetary assets for their good work. (True/False)
False
Child Diagrams show less information that parent diagrams.
False
Data stores are included on the context diagram. (True/False)
False
Open-ended questions are used when the analyst is looking for a specific piece information.
False (closed-ended)
True or False: Problem analysis and root cause analysis strategies are great for finding the "most-broken process"
False - most helpful for a narrow focus
True/False: Waterfall Development has many variations including RAD approaches and Agile Development.
False, Waterfall Development only has two other variations which are Parallel Development and V-Model.
The level of a data flow diagram is based on the number of processed in the DFD.
False, a DFD only has three levels of detail and a context diagram
True or False? The level of a data flow diagram is based on the number of processes in the DFD.
False, if a diagram has more than one process, it's a DFD, which is why is called a Data Flow Diagram because it basically maps out a process through multiple steps that explains more in detail from start to end the way a process unfolds. If it has a single process, labeled 0, it's a Context Diagram.
True or False? It is a good idea to give everyone on a project a raise if it was executed well.
False, if everyone is given the same reward, then high performing people will think mediocrity is acceptable.
Customer placing an order would be considered a temporal trigger. (True/False)
False, the customer placing an order would be a external trigger.
(T/F) Most large organizations now build project teams with only one analyst.
False.
T/F: A casual use case is better than a fully-dressed use case.
False.
T/F: Data Stores are part of a DFD internally.
False.
A data store is where a user can purchase additional data for their project. True or False?
False. A data store is a collection of data that is stored in some way.
True or False: Adding numerous staff or team members will increase productivity.
False. Adding staff will add overhead, and is NOT always productive.
True or false? An example of Risk Avoidance or Risk Elimination is: to wear a seatbelt to reduce the impact or to drive slower to reduce the probability.
False. An example of Risk Avoidance or Risk Elimination is to not travel by car and to walk whenever possible. To wear a seatbelt to reduce the impact or to drive slower to reduce the probability is an example of Risk Reduction or Risk Mitigation. (Risk Assessment Handout).
(T/F) Data flow names describe how it is implemented.
False. It describes the content of the data flow but not how it is implemented.
True of false: A data store should include a name (verb phrase).
False. It should include a name, but it should be a noun.
Feasibility analysis is a description of how a user interacts with its environment by illustrating the activities that are performed by the users of the system and the system's responses. (T/F)
False. It's a use case
(T/F) An organization must be "all agile" or "all waterfall".
False. Many software developers integrate both waterfall and agile into their software development practices.
T/F Outcome analysis starts by having the analysts and managers develop a list of important and interesting technologies.
False. Outcome Analysis focuses on understanding the fundamental outcomes that provide value to customers.
The SDLC phase consists of 5 phases: Drafting, Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation. (T/F)?
False. The SDLC phase consists of only 4 phases: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation.
T/F The context level diagram includes process, data flow, and data store.
False. The context level diagram includes external entities, data flow, and process.
The project sponsor and the project manager are the same person. (True/False)
False. The project sponsor and the project manager are not necessarily the same person because a project sponsor can be any other person in the company, not necessarily in management, who sees a significant need for change and would like to sponsor it.
True or False: External Entities are represented in the shape of Triangles in a Data Flow Diagram.
False. They are represented in the shape of rectangles on the diagram.
(True/False) Bottom-up is an appropriate strategy for most interview.
False. Top-down is an appropriate strategist for most interview (It is the most common approach).
True or False. Waterfall methodology is a great option when you have a short time schedule.
False. Waterfall includes long periods of time in between the completion of the system proposal and the delivery of the system.
(T/F) A casual use case format is very thorough, detailed, and highly structured.
False.)
(T/F) Use cases have no correlation to Level 1 Data Flow Diagrams.
False.) Usually, each major step in the use case becomes a process on the Level 1 DFD.
True or False. The goal of JAD is to collect facts from existing documentation.
False: The goal is to produce complete requirements definition document
True/False: Outcome analysis, technology analysis, and duration analysis help the team think "outside the box" and are very useful when the team is trying to create completely new ways of accomplishing the business processes.
False: Outcome analysis, technology analysis, and informal benchmarking help the team think "outside the box" and are very useful when the team is trying to create completely new ways of accomplishing the business processes.
A context level diagram shows all the major processes at the first level of numbering, the data stores, external entities, and data flows.
False; Level 0 diagram
What is Feasibility Analysis?
Feasibility guides the organization in determining whether to proceed with the project and also identifies the important risks associated with the project.
Between formal recognition and money, which is the better motivator?
Formal recognition
What is the difference between functional and non-functional requirements?
Functional requirements are what the system must do, non-functional requirements are characteristics the system must have.
What is the difference between a functional requirement and non functional requirement?
Functional requirements indicate what a system must do. Nonfunctional requirements indicate a statement of characteristics the system must have.
Two types of functional and four types of non-functional system requirements
Functional: Process and Information Non-Functional: Operational, Performance, Security, Cultural/Political
What are the two styles of DFD symbols?
Gane & Sarson Symbols and DeMarco & Yourdon Symbols
Examples of special issues in a system request.
Government-mandated deadline for May 30. System needed in time for Christmas holiday season. Top-level security clearance needed by project team to work with data.
Most JAD sessions try to follow a formal agenda, and most have formal___________ __________ that define appropriate behavior.
Ground Rules
How does technology analysis work?
Having analysts and managers develop a list of important and interesting technologies. Then, systematically identify how each one could be applied to the business process and how the business would benefit.
What are the four phases in the Systems Development Life Cycle?
I. Planning Phase II. Analysis Phase III. Design Phase VI. Implementation Phase
WHICH GATHERING TECHNIQUES PROVIDE THE HIGHEST DEPTH OF INFORMATION?
INTERVIEWS AND JAD SESSIONS
What problem occurs with parallel development?
If the subprojects are not completely independent, design decisions in one subproject may affect another, and at the end of the project, integrating the subprojects may be quite challenging.
What is the purpose of a process model?
Illustrate activities that are performed and how data moves between them
How many steps does Implementation phase have? and what are they?
Implementation phase has three steps: system construction, installation and support plan.
Definition of Tangible Benefits
Include revenue that the system enables the organization to collect, such as increased sales. Example: if the system produces a reduction in needed staff, lower salary costs result.
What are examples of intangible benefits?
Increased market share, increased brand recognition, higher quality products, improved customer service, better supplier relations.
What is the issue with using activity-based costing as an analysis?
Indirect costs must be considered when calculating the cost for the activity (e.g. rent, depreciation, etc)
What is informational benchmarking?
Informational benchmarking is common for "customer-facing" businesses. With informal benchmarking, manager and analysts think about other organizations, or visit them as customers to watch ow the business process is performed.
What are the five phases of project management?
Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control, Closure
What are the roles of a systems analyst?
Interaction with an array of people • Technical specialists (DBAs, network admins, programmers) • Business people (users, managers, steering committee) • Others (vendors, consultants) Variety of specialized roles • People-oriented: change management analyst, project management • Business-oriented: requirements analyst, business analyst • Technically-oriented: infrastructure analyst • Generalist: systems analyst
Methodology sources
Internally developed by organizations; consulting firms; software vendors; government agencies.
What is the importance of an interview report?
Interview reports allow the analyst to verify with the interviewee, that information gathered was accurate before using it to determine the requirements of the system.
What are the strengths of Interviews?
Interviewee can response freely and openly to questions, interviewee can be asked for more feedback, questions can be adapted or reworded for each individual, interviewee's nonverbal communication can be observed.
Which gathering technique gives an in-depth information?
Interviews and JAD sessions
During the analysis phase, when one is performing requirements gathering, what sources can you obtain these requirements from?
Interviews, group workshops, questionnaries
What does a Use case do?
Is what a user trying to accomplish through the system.
What is the purpose of the design strategy within the design phase?
It clarifies whether the system will be developed by the company's own programmers, whether its development will be outsourced to another firm, or whether the company will buy and install a prewritten software package.
What does "Architecture design" depict?
It describes the hardware, software, and network infrastructure of the "design" phase in a system
What is RAD (Rapid application development)?
It is a collection of methodologies that emerged in response to the weaknesses of waterfall development and its variations. RAD incorporates special techniques and computer tools to speed up the analysis, design, and implementation phases.
What is a work plan?
It is a dynamic schedule that records and keeps track of all the tasks that need to be accomplished over the course of the project.
What is Requirements Determination?
It is a performance to transform the system request's high-level statement of business requirements into a more detailed, precise list of what the new system must do to provide the needed value to the business.
What is a program specifications?
It is a written documents that include explicit instructions on how to program pieces of code.
What is the system request?
It is an essential document that initiates the process for software development, it describes business reasons, defines system value, force sponsor to formalize ideas, lists key elements
What happens during the Planning Phase?
It is the fundamental process of understanding why an information system should be built and how the project team will go about building it. -Project initiation-the system's business value is identified -After project approval, it enters project management- create a work plan, staff the project put techniques in place to help control and direct the project through the entire SDLC.
What is the break-even point?
It is the number of years it takes a firm to recover its original investment in the project from net cash flow.
What is risk management? List some examples.
It is the process of assessing and addressing the risks that are associated with developing a project. many things can cause risk: weak personnel, scope creep, poor design, and overly optimistic estimates.
What is an alternative data flow?
It is when a process can produce different data flows under different circumstances
What does a project work plan look like?
It lists all of the tasks in the work break down structure, along with important task information such as the person assigned to perform the tasks, the actual hours that the tasks took, and the variances between estimated and actual completion times. At a minimum, the information should include the duration of the task, the current statuses of the tasks, and the task dependencies. This is in an excel sheet/table look-a-like format
What is listed in the normal course of a use case?
It lists the steps that are performed when everything flows smoothly in the system.
What is the meaning of a fully dressed use case?
It means that the use case is thorough, detailed, and highly structured.
What is the purpose of an actor?
It refers to a person, another software system, or a hardware device that interacts with the system to achieve a useful goal.
What does a requirement definition document(statement) look like?
It's a straightforward text report that simply lists the functional and non-functional requirements in an outline format.
What is Iterative Development?
Iterative development is a form of RAD where one "run-through" of the analysis-design-implementation process creates a basic version of the system with only the most essential components. After that version is tested, user feedback is collected, the development process is repeated as many times as needed to refine the system and improve its performance.
What are the three RAD approaches?
Iterative, System Prototyping, and Throw-away Prototyping
What is an electronic JAD stand for?
Joint Application Development
What information gathering technique allows the project team, users and management to work together to identify system requirements?
Joint Application Development (JAD)
What does JAD stand for and what's the purpose of it?
Joint Application Development (or Design) Its purpose is to gather information by grouping project sponsors, key managers, and key users with systems analysts to complete requirements definition document.
What is a JAD session?
Joint application design is a process used to collect business requirements while developing new information systems design project in a company.
What is the key role of a systems analyst?
Key role in developing information systems • Analyzing the business situation • Designing an information system to implement the improvements • Designing an information system to implement the improvements
Level 0 DFD
Level 0 DFD shows all major high-level processes (first level of numbering) of the system and how they relate to each other and to stored data. ** All process models have one and only one level 0 DFD.
What level diagram would this process fall under? 1.2.5
Level 2 DFD
How is risk calculated?
Likelihood x Potential Impact
Explain Project Charter
Lists the project's norms and ground rules. For example, the charter may describe when the project team should be at work, how the group will communicate with each other, and the procedures for updating the work plan as tasks are completed.
What is Logical Model?
Logical Model is model that describes processes, without suggesting how they are conducted (computerized or manual.
State the differences between logical and physical process models.
Logical process models are models that describe process without suggesting how they are conducted. When reading a logical process model, you will not be able to tell whether a process is computerized or manual. Physical models define physical details during the design phase. Physical models provide information that is needed to ultimately build the system.
What is a logical process model?
Logical process models describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted.
What is the difference between logical and physical process models?
Logical process modes describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted. Physical process models provide the information to ultimately build the system.
Difference between logical and physical process models
Logical: Models that describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted. Physical: Model that includes the process implementation information that is needed to ultimately build the system.
Give three examples of business needs for a system?
Maintain or improve the competitive position; perform a business function more efficiently; and take advantage of a new business opportunity.
Which is probably NOT true about building use cases?
Major costs are analyzed
Who should be interviewed in the early stages of the project to get a broad understanding?
Managers
What are the elements of a use case and a brief description of its purpose.
Name - Simple, yet descriptive, title of use case Number - Serves to reference a use case Description - Purpose of use case Priority - Indicates significance of the use case Actor - person, another software, or a hardware device that interacts with the system to achieve goal Trigger - Event that causes use case to begin Preconditions - What must be done before the use case starts Normal Course - Steps that are performed to execute the response to the event Alternative Course - Other ways that can lead to the successful end of the event Postconditions - Final products of use case Exceptions - Describes any errors or exceptions that may occur that can happen in the normal course Summary - Inputs and Outputs, all possibilities of that can occur, even outside of normal course
What are some main elements of a use case?
Name, ID, Priority, Description, Actor, Trigger (external or temporal), Post-condition, Normal course, Precondition, and Exception (if any).
What is score creep?
New requirement is added to the project after original project scope was defined
Are data stores included into the context diagram?
No, the data stores are "within" the system.
In cases where a process has an input and output, is it best practice to do a double headed arrow?
No. Best practice is to have two separate arrows going in opposite directions.
"System must be accessible to mobile users" is an example of a Functional or Nonfunctional system requirement?
Nonfunctional
Functional or Nonfunctional requirement? "24/7 365 system up-time / reliability"
Nonfunctional
Functional or Nonfunctional requirement? "Only managers can access the system"
Nonfunctional
Operational, Performance, Security and Cultural and Political represent what type of requirement?
Nonfunctional Requirement
Which type of requirements are defined as the quality attributes, design and implementation constraints, and external interfaces which a product must have?
Nonfunctional requirements
What are the two types of functional requirements and their differences?
Process-oriented: a process the system should perform Information-oriented: information the system must contain
What are the elements of a casual use case?
Normal course, exceptions, preconditions, and postconditions
A technique where the analyst watches how people perform their activities is _______
Observation
How many process does a context diagram have?
One process that is numbered zero.
What type of questions are recommended for a high-level manager when conducting an interview for requirements elicitation? And for a low-level employee?
Open-ended questions are recommended for higher ranking employees when they can answer broad, policy-oriented questions. Closed-ended questions are more suited for lower level employees when they can answer specific questions about daily business processes.
How is an open-ended question different from a close-ended question?
Open-ended questions offer a wider range of response from the interviewee. Close-ended questions allow the interviewer control the interview, and include straight-forward answers that do not need to be interpreted.
Define open-ended and close-ended questions.
Open-ended questions seek a more wide-ranging response from the interviewee while a close-ended question enable analysts to control the interview and obtain the information they need
what are operation costs?
Operational costs are the costs of a system that occur even after the system has been set up
What are the four types of Non-functional Requirements?
Operational, Performance, Security, Cultural and Political
Behavioral properties the system in the Nonfunctional Requirements must have:
Operational, Performance, Security, Cultural and political
What feasibility approach uses the target question, "If we build it, will they come?" Explain the factors of this approach.
Organizational Feasibility - Is the project strategically aligned with the business goals? Stakeholder, champion, management, and user support / effort, understanding, and congruence.
Under project selection and management, what are trade-offs?
Organizations give up something in return for something else in order to keep its portfolio well balanced.
What is outcome analysis?
Outcome analysis focuses on understanding the fundamental outcomes that provide value to customers
What does outcome analysis focus on?
Outcome analysis focuses on understanding the fundamental outcomes that provide value to the customers.
What is the four stages of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)? What generally happens during each one?
PLANING: Project initiation ( prepare system request , perform preliminary feasibility analysis) Project Plan ( work plan and staffing plan) ANALYSIS: - Determine analysis strategy - Collect and analyze requirements - Prepare and present System Proposal DESIGNING: - Determine Design Strategy (build/ buy/outsource) - Design system components(architecture, interface, database) - Present to steering committee IMPLEMENTING - System construction - System Installation ( training, conversion to new system) - On-Going system support
What are the two variations of the waterfall development?
Parallel Development and V-Model
What are the two variants of Waterfall Development?
Parallel Development and V-model
What is one variant of the waterfall development?
Parallel Development. After the analysis phase, a general design for the whole system, is created. Then the project is divided into a series of subprojects that can be designed and implemented in parallel. Once all subprojects are complete, there is a final integration of the separate pieces, and the system is delivered.
What is e-JAD?
Participants use special software on networked computer to anonymously submit ideas, view all ideas generated by group, and rate and rank ideas through voting.
Who should your interviewees be when determining requirements?
People at all levels of the organization - managers of different levels, as well as staff-level employees.
What is a physical process model?
Physical process models are like logical process models, but also include process implementation information
Three main things that project managers have to balance
Plan and control the project within a specified TIME FRAME, at minimum COST, with the DESIRED OUTCOMES.
What is the industry standard percentages to calculate estimates for the SDLC phases?
Planning --> 15% Analysis --> 20% Design --> 35% Implementation --> 30%
What is the first phase of the development lifecycle?
Planning phase
How many steps does Planning phase have? What are they?
Planning phase has two steps: -Project initiation: Prepare system request Perform preliminary feasibility analysis -Project management: Project Plan, including work plan & staffing plan
What is the first phase of SDLC and what happens in this stage?
Planning phase: project initiation - prepare system request, perform analysis and set up project plan
There are four fundamental phases when building an information system using the SDLC, What are the four phases?
Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation
Which of these Elements is not apart of a System Request Project Sponsor Business Need Business Requirement Preconditions Special Issues or Constraints
Preconditions is an element for Use Cases. A system request has five elements, the missing element is the Business Value.
What is Process Model?
Process Model is a graphical way of representing how a business system should operate. A process model can be used to document the current system (as-is system) or the new system (to-be system), whether computerized or not.
What are the two types of functional requirement?
Process and Information
What are the two types of functional requirements?
Process and Information
What are the elements of a DFD?
Process, Data Flow, External Entity, & Data Store
What are the four elements of a Data Flow Diagram?
Process, Data flow, Data store, External entity.
Process-oriented or Information-oriented functional requirement? "System must show students their current class schedule"
Process-oriented (Storing the data is information-oriented, but displaying it is process-oriented)
Two types of functional requirements:
Process-oriented, Information-oriented
What must DFD's always include between agents?
Processes
What is the second part of the law of conservation of data?
Processes cannot consume or create data.
What are the four symbols in the DFD (Data Flow Diagram) Language?
Processes, Data Flows, Data Stores, and External Entities
What three factors are part of the "Project Managers Balancing Act"?
Project Cost Project Size Project time
Who is the leader of a project?
Project Manage. The leader of a project is normally NOT the project sponsor because the project sponsor is typically the initiator of a need.
What are the duties of a Project Manager (who is not always the Systems Analyst)?
Project Managers select the best project methodology, establish the staffing plan, and create ways to coordinate and control the project.
Who creates a Work Plan
Project manager
Besides size, cost & scope, what are some other ways to characterize/categorize projects ?
Purpose- What is the purpose of the project? Is it meant to improve the technical infrastructure? Support a current business strategy? Length- How long will the project take before completion? How much time will go by before value is delivered to business? Risk- How likely is it that the project will succeed or fail? Economic Value- How much $ does the org. expect to receive in return for the amount the project cost?
When are questionnaires the most effect information gather method?
Questionnaires are the most efficient method of information gathering when getting information from a large number of individuals outside the organization.
What is a free-format question?
Questions are designed to allow the user to have a free response. They are open-ended and encourage the user to write their thoughts. Responses are unpredictable and much harder to tabulate results.
How are external entities depicted in DFDs?
Rectangles
What does the term 'Actor' refer to in regards to use cases?
Refers to a person, another software system, or a hardware device that interacts with the system to achieve a useful goal.
How is risk calculated?
Risk = Probability x Potential Impact
What is root cause analysis?
Root cause analysis focuses on problems rather than the solutions. It generates a list of current problems and prioritizes them. Allows team to correct a problem with the proper solution.
What is schedule visibility?
Schedule visibility refers to the state of a project, relative to the schedule. Being aware of this is important to managers so that they have a good idea of when to expect project completion.
What is it called when new requirements are added to the project after the original project scope was defined?
Scope Creep
the project keeps bigger and bigger as user adds up to the requirements.
Scope Creep
What is scope creep? What is timeboxing?
Scope Creep: the continuous or uncontrolled growth in a project's scope, at any point after the project begins. This can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled. Timeboxing: this technique sets a fixed deadline for a project and delivers the system by that deadline no matter what, even if the functionality needs to be reduced.
What is scope creep?
Scope creep refers to changes, continuous or uncontrolled growth in a project's scope, at any point after the project begins. This can occur when the scope of a project is not properly defined, documented, or controlled. . This is the number one reason why projects tend to go over budget.
What are the duties of the project manager?
Select best project methodology, develop a project work plan, establish the staffing plan, create ways to coordinate and control the project
What are duties of a project manager? (ch2)
Select best project methodology. Develop a project work plan. Establish staffing plan. Create ways to coordinate and control the project.
Duties of a project manager
Select the best project methodology Develop a project work plan Establish a staffing plan Create ways to coordinate and control the project
What are the agile development weaknesses?
Significant user involvement is essential, Initially high learning curve, mostly works in smaller projects, more coordination required because designers and users all work together.
Different ways to characterize/categorize projects (i.e., categories to balance in the project portfolio perspective)
Size Cost Purpose Length Risk Scope Economic Value
3 Key ways to characterize/categorize projects
Size- What is the size? How many ppl are needed to work on the project? Cost- How much will the project cost the organization? Scope- How much of the organization is affected by the system? A department? A division? The entire corporation?
What are the gathering strategies (problem analysis, root cause analysis, etc.)
Small Improvements over current situation: Problem and Root Cause Analysis. Creating moderate improvements in effectiveness: Duration Analysis, Activity-Based Costing, and Informal Bench-marking. Best for redesigning whole processes: Outcome Analysis, Technology Analysis, and Activity Elimination
What are examples of operational costs?
Software upgrades, software licensing fees, hardware repair and upgrades, cloud storage fees, operational team salaries, communications charges, user training.
What is one downside of JAD Sessions?
Sometimes people are reluctant to challenge the opinions of others , particularly their boss.
What is a Functional Requirement?
Specifies the support the system will provide to the user in fulfilling his/her work tasks.
Functional Requirements
Specify the support the system will provide to the user in fulfilling his/her work tasks.
Typical workplan entries include what?
Start date completion date priority estimated time actual time deliverables person assigned to task
What are the steps building a Data Flow Diagram?
Step 1 - Identify the external entities (actor/agent) Step 2 - Identify high-level process(es) (action verb) Step 3 - Identify data stores (destination like data respiratory or file) Step 4 - Build an Event-Agent-Data Store table Step 5 - Draw the Context Diagram Step 6 - Draw the data flow Step 7 - Repeat Step 1-4
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Throw-away Prototyping?
Strengths Uncertainty is minimized Important issues are understood before building the final system Weaknesses May take longer (compared to system prototyping)
What are strengths and weaknesses of using questionnaires? (ch3)
Strengths: quick answers, relatively inexpensive, anonymity, can be quickly analyzed and tabulated. Weaknesses: low response, incomplete ones may be useless, usually inflexible, cannot observe individual, no clarification if necessary, may be improperly designed.
What are strengths and weaknesses of using JAD? (ch3)
Strengths: understand multiple perspectives at once, documenting during user feedback. Weaknesses: needs a facilitator, takes time from other work, coordination required and group issues arise.
What is scope creep?
Subtle process that starts with small adjustments and ends up resulting in projects that take far longer to complete or even fail before they are finished.
An example of a nonfunctional requirement is ____________
System can be used in any of 100 offices worldwide
What are syntax and semantic errors?
Syntax: Refers to the structure of DFDs and the rules it should follow Follow the rules and DFD language Easier to correct than semantic mistakes Most common syntax error is violating the law of conservation of data: Data stays at rest unless it is moved Process cannot destroy input data and all processes must have an output Semantics: The meaning of the DFDs and whether they accurately describe the model and business process Check for consistent decomposition
What does SDLC stand for and what is it?
System Developement Life Cycle: It is the process of determining how an information systems (IS) can support business needs and includes designing the system, building it, and delivering it to users.
What is the final deliverable in the Analysis Phase and what does it consist of?
System Proposal, definitions statements, use cases, process models, and data model along with a revised feasibility analysis and work plan
What is generated by the department or person that has an idea for a new information system?
System Request
Three types of requirements are Business Requirements, User Requirements, and _____.
System Requirements
What is the deliverable of the Analysis Phase, and what does it include?
System proposal: a document compiling the detailed requirements definition statement, use cases, process model, and data model together with a revised feasibility analysis and work plan.
What is System Prototyping?
System prototyping is a form of RAD where a prototype of the final system is created, and refined repeatedly and as necessary based on user feedback (similar to a 'beta test'). After the prototype is significantly refined enough, it is released and implemented as the final deliverable.
What does SDLC stand for?
Systems Development Life Cycle
What is the SDLC?
Systems Development Life Cycle.
What does the process model document?
Systems Request
What is a systems analyst and what do they do?
Systems analyst are IT professionals that specializes in analyzing and designing information systems. They research problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems at the functional level, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements.
The term usability encompasses two related concepts, name those two concepts:
Systems that are easy to use and easy to learn.
Automatic scheduling is a temporal schedule TRUE/FALSE
TRUE
T/F: Is Waterfall is the most traditional SDLC methodology used in today's businesses?
TRUE
What is the difference between a tangible benefit and a intangible benefit?
Tangible benefits Revenue that the system enables the organization to collect (such as increased sales) • Increased sales • Reductions in staff • Reductions in inventory • Reductions in IT costs • Better supplier prices Intangible benefits More difficult to incorporate into the economic feasibility analysis • Increased market share • Increased brand recognition • Higher-quality products • Improved customer service • Better supplier relations
What is the difference between tangible and intangible benefits?
Tangible benefits are measured in monetary terms while intangible benefits cannot be measured in monetary terms BUT have a very significant business impact.
Tangible Benifits
Tangible benefits are those measured in monetary terms
What is a tangible benefit in detail?
Tangible benefits include revenue that the system enables the organization to collect, such as increased sales. In addition, the system may enable the organization to avoid certain costs, leading to another type of tangible benefit: cost savings.
What is the definition of business value?
Tangible value: The value gained from a project that is easily quantifiable (e.g., reduction of costs). Intangible value: Intuititve belief that the project provided value to the company that is not easily quantifiable (e.g., better company culture)
What feasibility approach uses the target question, "Can we build it?" Explain the factors of this approach.
Technical Feasibility - Familiarity with application, familiarity with technology, project size, and compatibility.
What are the 3 types of feasibility that require analysis in the planning phase?
Technical Feasibility, Economic Feasibility, and Organizational Feasibility
What are the three feasibility analysis?
Technical Feasibility, Economic Feasibility, and Organizational Feasibility.
Define temporal.
Temporal is related to time.
What is the deliverable at the end of the analysis phase?
The System Proposal
What is the deliverable of the Analysis Phase?
The System Proposal
Who is the actor of a use case?
The actor refers a person, another software system, or a hardware device that interacts with the system to achieve a useful goal.
What are among the fist steps an analyst must take in determining system requirements?
The analyst is to identify the primary sources of requirements, including the project sponsor, project champion, all users of the system, and possibly others.
While determining the systems requirements, who must the analyst consider to be included in the requirements definition?
The analyst should include all key "stakeholders" (people who can affect the system or who will be affected by the system). This could include managers, employees, staff members, and even some customers and suppliers.
Define technical feasibility.
The extent to which the system can be successfully designed, developed, and installed by the IT Group. It basically measures how well the proposed system solves the problems stated by the customer.
What is the first level of a DFD?
The context diagram
Elements of systems request
The five elements of system request is Project Sponsor, Business need, Business requirements, business value, and special issues or constraints. Project Sponsor is the person who initiates the project and who serves as the primary point of contact for the project on the business side. Business need is the business-related reason for initiating the system. Business requirements is the new or enhanced business capabilities that the system will provide. Business value is the benefits that the system will create for the organization. Special issues or constraints is the issues that pertain to the approval committee's decision.
What is the Planning Phase of the SDLC?
The fundamental process of understanding why an information system should be built and determining how the project team will go about building it.
What is the goal of Waterfall Development?
The goal is carry out each phase thoroughly before moving forward, ensuring correct and high-quality outcomes.
What is the goal of use case analysis?
The goal is to create a set of use cases that describe all the tasks that users need to perform using the system.
What is the highest level diagram?
The highest level diagram is a context diagram which represents the entire system.
What is the definition of normal course?
The normal course lists the steps that are performed when everything flows smoothly in the system. The "typical" flow of how the process will go without any alternative routes.
Who is the project sponsor?
The person who drives the project and provides key requirements. Usually in a management position
How is a problem analysis different from a root cause analysis?
The problem analysis strategy asks users to identify problem and come up with solutions whereas the root cause strategy challenges assumptions about why the problem exists in the first place.
What is the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle)?
The process of determining how an info system can support business needs, designing the system, building it, and delivering it to users.
What is a project charter and what does it include ?
The project charter is a document that lists the project norms and ground rules. For example, the charter may describe when the project team should be at work, when staff meetings will be held, how the group will communicate with each other, and the procedures for updating the work plan as tasks are completed.
Role of the project sponsor, and why IT is not always the project sponsor
The project sponsor: - often develops the initial vision of the new system - makes sure the project is moving in the right direction from the perspective of the business - serves as primary point of contact for the project team One of the project sponsor's goal is to make sure the project is in line with the business perspective. Therefore the project sponsor should come from a business function such as marketing, accounting, or finance. This explains why IT is not always the project sponsor. A IT person may not be very knowledgeable about the business and its operation - the project should be based on a business need, not just on technology. Often the IT department is not aware of all the needs or processes in other departments, but a project sponsor could have a greater level of expertise that the IT department might not have.
What are the three categories of feasibility analysis and what they entail?
The technical feasibility (Can we build it?) The economic feasibility (Will it provide business value?) The organizational feasibility (If we build it, will it be used?)
What is the main concept of the Waterfall Development? List its two different variants.
The project team proceeds sequentially from one phase to the next. The key deliverables for each phase are lengthy and are presented to the approval committee and project sponsor for approval as the project moves from phase to phase. Parallel development methodology V-model
What are the pros and cons of being analyst?
The pros of being analyst: 1) Challenge 2) Technology 3) Variety 4) Constant change 5) Problem solving The cons of being analyst: 1) Unrealistic deadline 2) Management's lack of communication/ recognition 3) End-user mistakes and demands 4) Stress/pressure/burnout 5) Ever-changing business technology
What is the purpose of a level 0 DFD and how many do all process models have?
The purpose of the level 0 DFD is to show all the major high - level processes of the system and how they relate to each other and stored data. One.
What is the role of project sponsor?
The role of project sponsor: He initiates the project. He is a person or group that has interest in the success of the project, the project sponsor develops the initial vision of the new system. Goes through the SDLC to make sure that the project is going on the right direction. The project sponsor also serves as the primary contact for the project team.
What are the two interview approaches?
The two interview approaches are the top down (broad to specific) and the bottom up (specific to broad)
Waterfall Development
The waterfall development was first introduced by Dr.Winston W. Royce and it is a software development process. Based upon the SDLC and assumes that a project phase has to be completed before moving onto the next phase
In what case are questionnaires preferable over interviews?
There are a large number of users outside of the organization whose input is valuable.
What is the purpose of a context diagram?
There are several levels of DFDs, so the context diagram is the top level showing the entire system in context with the environment. Lower levels then give more detail.
What is timeboxing?
This technique sets a fixed deadline for a project and delivers the system by that deadline no matter what, even if functionality needs to be reduced. It basically is a restriction boundary on the times spent on an activity.
How do decision trees display information?
They display decision logic through the use of IF statements as a set of nodes (questions) and branches (answers).
Why are open-ended questions important when determining system requirements?
They provide a richer, wider-ranging response from the interviewee. They can also reveal unrelated information that may also be important in the analysis phase.
Task dependencies
This means that one or more tasks depend on another task. A task cannot be performed until another task is completed.
Which of the system development models would be best for developing a reliable, yet complex system?
Throwaway prototyping
What is timeboxing?
Time estimates techniques may reveal that that the project requires more time than is available.
A technique that sets a fixed deadline for a project and delivers the system by that deadline no matter what, even if functionality needs to be reduced.
Time-Boxing
When is timeboxing helpful?
Timeboxing helps in these situations: - Set a tight but realistic deadline. Identify core, essential functional requirements - Team limits its focus just to essential functions - High quality is stressed - Other functions will be added later - Repeat to add refinements and enhancements
What is timeboxing?
Timeboxing is allotting a fixed, maximum unit of time for an activity. That unit of time is called a time box. The goal of timeboxing is to define and limit the amount of time dedicated to an activity.
Why is there a separation between logical and physical process models?
To allow focus on how the business should run, and not worry about the implementation details
What goes into creating a project work plan?
To create a work plan, the project manager identifies the tasks that need to be accomplished and determines how long each one will take. Then the tasks are organized within a work breakdown structure.
What is the primary goal for the systems analyst?
To create value for the organization (usually increasing profits).
Why are IS projects created?
To fulfill a business need: - Enable a business need or strategy - Support merger/ acquisition - Fix a "pain point" - Utilize new technology - Outgrowth of Business Process Management (BPM)
What is the main purpose of a planning phase?
To prepare a system request and preliminary feasibility analysis.
In a use case what event causes the use case to begin?
Trigger
(T/F) A work plan is a dynamic schedule that records and keeps track of all the tasks that need to be accomplished over the course of the project.
True
A Data flow diagram can have as many levels as needed
True
A use case depicts a set of activities performed to produce some output result. True or False?
True
A use case that is fully dressed is one that is very thorough, detailed, and highly structured to help more fully explain the user-system interactions that flows in or out of the steps. (True/False)
True
All data stores must have at least one input data flow unless they are created and maintained by another information system. (True/False)
True
Analysis Phase refers to breaking a whole into its parts with the intent of understanding the parts' nature, functions, and interrelationships. (True/False)
True
Benchmarking refers to studying how other organizations perform a business process in order to learn how your organization can do something better.
True
Cases do not use non functional requirements. (True/False)
True
Context Diagram is always process 0
True
Context diagrams never show data stores. (True/False)
True
Data stores form the starting point for the data model and form the logical connection between the process model and the data model. (True/False)
True
The actor in a use case refers to a person, another software system, or a hardware device that interacts with the system to achieve a useful goal. TRUE OR FALSE.
True.
True or False: All process models have one and only one level 0 Data Flow Diagram (DFD.)
True.
A.
Understand the current situation
What are the three steps of the Analysis Phase?
Understand the current situation (e.g., "As-Is" system), Identify Improvements , Define requirements and concepts of the new system (the to-be system).
Name the four general stages of tests:
Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, and Acceptance Testing.
What is the difference between "lower CASE and "upper Case"?
Upper CASE are software used primarily during the analysis phase to create integrated diagrams of the system and to store store information regarding the system components. While Lower CASE are design-phase tools that create diagrams and then generate code for database tables and other system functionality.
Name, Number, Trigger, and major inputs are the major parts of a ___
Use Case
The relation between use cases and data flow diagrams is generally
Use cases are developed first and then data flow diagrams ensue
Name at least three different systems development methodologies...
Waterfall Development, Parallel Development, Rapid Application Development (RAD), Iterative Development, Agile Development
What are the two major Project Methodologies?
Waterfall development and Rapid Application Development(RAD)
What is Waterfall Development?
Waterfall development is both a kind of methodology and a development method itself. It produces a system deliverable by going through the 4 phases (planning, analysis, design, implementation) in order, rarely going backwards, making sure the system is fully adequate before moving on to the next stage. Advantages: Requirements are identified long before programming begins, and requirement changes are limited as the project progresses
Waterfall and its 2 variants
Waterfall move from phase to phase. Emphasis on deliverable from one phase flowing into the next phase. Parallel Development subdivides the project into sub projects that can be worked on at the same time. Reduce the overall project length. V model emphasizes system quality through test plan development
What are a couple factors that cause risk in risk management?
Weak personnel, scope creep, poor design, and overly optimistic estimates.
What are the benefits of using CASE?
With CASE tools, tasks are much faster to complete and alter; development information is centralized; and information is illustrated through diagrams,which typically are easier to understand. Potentially CASE can reduce maintenance costs, improve software quality, and enforce discipline; and some project teams even use CASE to assess the magnitude of changes to the project.
When do you use timeboxing?
You use timeboxing when an organization has little patience for projects that take a long time. Timeboxing is great to use for RAD, and timeboxing sets a fixed deadline and delivers the system by that deadline no matter what. It ensures that project teams don't spend to much time on "finishing touches."
A data flow diagram (DFD) is
a graphical representation of the flow of data through an information system, modelling its process aspects.
What is an external entity?
a person, organization, or system that is external to the system we are creating. It has interactions with the system by adding data to the system or receiving data from the system (External entities do not perform processes)
How many processes are in the context diagram? a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
a. 1
Which of the following is not a conversion plan? a. Contingency plan b. Business Contingency Plan c. Migration Plan d. Training Plan
a. Contingency plan
Question text Which of the following is NOT one of the three main steps of the analysis phase? a. Decide whether to build or buy elements of the new system b. Define requirements for the new system c. Identify improvements d. Understand the existing situation
a. Decide whether to build or buy elements of the new system
Which of the following is not a category of feasibility analysis? a. Developmental b. Technical c. Economical d. Organizational
a. Developmental
Which of the following is NOT one of the project methodologies explained in Chapter 2? a. Forward-backward development (e.g., Prototype-User development, X-model) b. Agile development (e.g., XP, Scrum) c. Waterfall development (e.g., traditional, parallel development, V-model) d. Rapid application development (RAD) (e.g., iterative, system prototyping, throwaway prototyping)
a. Forward-backward development (e.g., Prototype-User development, X-model) Correct
Which of the following is NOT one of the project methodologies explained in Chapter 2? a. Forward-backward development (e.g., Prototype-User development, X-model) Correct b. Agile development (e.g., XP, Scrum) c. Waterfall development (e.g., traditional, parallel development, V-model) d. Rapid application development (RAD) (e.g., iterative, system prototyping, throwaway prototyping)
a. Forward-backward development (e.g., Prototype-User development, X-model) Correct
3. Name 3 useful checks to help ensure that models are semantically correct.
a. Have the users role-play the process as it is described in the DFDs by starting at the first process and attempting to perform it by using only the inputs specified and producing only the outputs specified. b. Ensure consistent decomposition, which can be tested by examining the lowest-level processes in the DFDs. c. Ensure that technology is consistent throughout the model so that everyone who reads the model has a shared understanding.
Logical process models are: Select one: a. Models that describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted b. Coded logic models c. Models based upon implementing the if-then-else programming structure d. Developed by the infrastructure analyst e. Created in the system walkthough
a. Models that describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted
What is not an example of Business Requirements? a. Reach a new market segment b. Produce performance reports c. Enhance online user support d. Provide online access to information e. Capture customer demographic information
a. Reach a new market segment
Use cases are used more to delineate: a. System requirements b. System proposals c. Data flows d. Resources in the system
a. System requirements
Which of the following are the two types of event triggers? (Please select two.) Select one or more: a. Temporal trigger b. Customer-based trigger c. External trigger d. Gun trigger
a. Temporal trigger c. External trigger
There are 3 main steps in conducting feasibility analysis. Which of the following is NOT one of those steps? Select one: a. The system feasibility b. The technical feasibility c. The economical feasibility d. The organizational feasibility
a. The system feasibility
Which following option is considered to be a 'functional requirement? a. The system will allow employees to search open booking dates b. The system should connect to printers wirelessly c. The system should support a sales staff of 15 salespeople d. The system should run on tablet devices e. All of the above
a. The system will allow employees to search open booking dates
Which of the following statements about the waterfall methodology is true? (Hint: We are using the Waterfall methodology for the case project in this course) a. The waterfall methodology moves sequentially from planning, to analysis, to design, to implementation. b. The waterfall methodology is iterative (i.e., cyclical) -- several rounds of planning, analysis, design, and implementation occur. c. The waterfall methodology is useful when organizations want to quickly develop a working prototype.
a. The waterfall methodology moves sequentially from planning, to analysis, to design, to implementation. Correct
Which of the following is true about the roles of project manager and systems analyst? a. They can be the same person, but often are not (especially in larger organizations) b. They are always the same person c. They should never be the same person
a. They can be the same person, but often are not (especially in larger organizations)
Which of the following is true about the roles of project manager and systems analyst? a. They can be the same person, but often are not (especially in larger organizations) b. They should never be the same person c. They are always the same person
a. They can be the same person, but often are not (especially in larger organizations)
What is the overall goal of JAD? a. produce a complete requirements definition document. b. To discover information through a large number of people. c. To identify tasks and create a work breakdown. d. To discover the return on investment in a company.
a. produce a complete requirements definition document.
Normal course includes both the _____ and ______ in response
actor, system
Which of the following diagrams show all the major processes, external entities and major data stores? a. Context diagram b. Level-0 diagram c. Level-1 diagram d. Level-2 diagram
b. Level-0 diagram
Business value
are the benefits that the system will create for the organization. Ex: 3% increase in sales, 1% increase in market share
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON THE PROJECT CHARTER EXCEPT. A) COMMUNICATION METHOD B) DATE OF COMPLETION OF PROJECT C) COLLABORATING TOOLS D) TEAM MEMBERS
b
Which of the following are not one of the concepts managers needs to balance? a) Price b) Usability c) Time d) Cost
b) Usability
In reference to risk management, all of the following can cause risks, EXCEPT: a) scope creep b) over-engineering c) overly optimistic estimates d) weak personnel
b) over-engineering
Parallel methodology is BEST characterized as: Select one: a. A 'Quick and Dirty' system b. A series of versions c. A method for exploring design alternatives d. A method for stressing customer satisfaction e. More explicit testing
b. A series of versions
Which of the following is the correct term for A popular technique for creating process models? a. Flow Chart Diagramming b. Data Flow Diagramming c. Data Chart Diagramming d. Process Diagramming
b. Data Flow Diagramming
A process model describes business strategy a. True b. False
b. False
Which of the following is the most straightforward and commonly used requirements analysis strategy? a. Root Cause Analysis b. Problem Analysis c. Duration Analysis d. Outcome Analysis
b. Problem Analysis
Newegg identifying inventory shortage on Skylake-based Core i7 processors through the approach of a. Problem analysis b. Root cause analysis c. Outcome analysis d. System Proposal
b. Root cause analysis
Which is not a requirements analysis strategy? a. Identifying improvements b. Root cause analysis c. Developing requirements for to-be system d. Understanding of screen design, layout and navigation
b. Root cause analysis
What question does an economic feasibility ask? a. Can we build it b. Should we build it? c. If we build it, will they come? d. Once built, out will be the monetary outcome?
b. Should we build it?
Which one of the following methodologies is most appropriate developing systems for situations with limited familiarity with technology? a. Waterfall development method b. Throwaway prototyping method c. Agile development method d. System prototyping method e. All of the above
b. Throwaway prototyping method Throwaway prototyping is particularly appropriate because it explicitly encourages the developers to create design prototypes for areas with high uncertainty. Iterative development is good as well because opportunities are created to investigate the technology in some depth before the design is complete. System prototyping is not appropriate because the early prototypes that are built usually only scratch the surface of the new technology.
Which is not a major job aspect of project management? a. Time b. Trust c. Scope d. Money
b. Trust
Why is it sometimes hard to settle on an appropriate writing style for a use case? a. Use cases are read by a wide variety of people, ranging from business users to system developers. b. Use cases are focused on convincing a user of certain requirements, so they must be tailored specifically to the user. c. Use cases are focused on convincing the project manager to include certain requirements, so they must be tailored specifically to the preferences of the project manager.
b. Use cases are focused on convincing a user of certain requirements, so they must be tailored specifically to the user.
Which is not a weakness of System Prototyping Methodology a. Overlooked features may be hard to add later b. User faced with using incomplete system for a time c. Superficial analysis may cause problems d. Initial design may be poor
b. User faced with using incomplete system for a time
A use case is a description of how a system interacts with its environment by illustrating... Select one: a. how the nonfunctional requirements of the system are important for each of its users. b. the activities that are performed by the users of the system and the system's responses. c. the time and location restraints of the users and how the system accommodates these restraints.
b. the activities that are performed by the users of the system and the system's responses.
Which technique to resolve incongruency, sets a fixed deadline for a project and delivers the system by that deadline no matter what, is called _________________ a. questionnaires b. timeboxing c. Interviews d.Use Case
b. timeboxing
Which one of these should you not do as a project manager? a.) Acknowledge staff for their good efforts b.) Give everyone on the team an equal raise c.) Assign realistic deadlines d.) Reward staff with a nice dinner for a good job
b.) Give everyone on the team an equal raise
Which of the seven development methodologies breaks down the project into a series of versions to be developed subsequently? a.) V-Model b.) Iterative Development Model c.) Parallel Model d.) Waterfall Model
b.) Iterative Development Model
Which of the seven development methodologies was introduced to address the lengthy time frame of the waterfall method? a.) V-Model b.) Iterative Development Model c.) Parallel Model d.) Waterfall Model
c.) Parallel Model
Which of the following is the CORRECT statement ? a. A system request represent a brief summary of a business mission b.A system request represent a brief summary of a business need c.A system request represent a brief summary of a business vision d.A system request represent a brief summary of a business objective
b.A system request represent a brief summary of a business need
Definition of agility;
being able to adapt to changes in customer demands, etc.
Errors to avoid when creating DFDs
black hole, miracle, gray hole
Which development process is used for short amounts of time and small teams? a) Waterfall b) Visual Basic c) Agile d) Project
c) Agile
Which of the following is NOT an element of a use case a) Trigger b) Exception c) Functionality d) Brief Description
c) Functionality
Which of the following isn't a "don't" when it comes to motivating employees? a) Ignore good efforts b) Assign unrealistic deadlines c) Give out incentives to those who deserve it d) Give everyone on the project a raise
c) Give out incentives to those who deserve it
If you're trying to gather data with as little involvement possible which of the following wouldn't you chose? a) Questionnaires b) Document Analysis c) JAD d) Observations
c) JAD
All of the following are tangible benefits to a system except? a) increased sales b)reduced staff c)better supplier relations d)reductions in inventory e)better supplier prices
c) better supplier relations is a intangible benefit.
Which of the following is NOT a way to characterize/categorize projects a) size b) risk c) department d) purpose
c) department
What is not part of a Casual Use Case? a. Actor b. Preconditions c. Alternative Courses d. Exceptions
c. Alternative Courses
Which of the following are ways to manage risk? a. Technical, Economic, Organizational b. Denial, Bargaining, Acceptance c. Avoidance, Reduction, Transfer, Acceptance
c. Avoidance, Reduction, Transfer, Acceptance
Which is an example of a Use Case element? a. External b. Temporal c. Both A and B d. None of the above
c. Both A and B
Which of the following is not a type of information normally included in a use case? a. Actor b. Exceptions c. Budget constraints d. Trigger
c. Budget constraints
Which of the following is not an element of system request? a. Business Need b. Project Sponsor c. Business Forecast d. Business Value
c. Business Forecast
Which of the following is not a requirements analysis strategy? a. Problem Analysis b. Root Cause Analysis c. Cost Analysis d. Outcome Analysis
c. Cost Analysis
Which of these is not an element of use case? a) Trigger b) Actors c) Data flow d) Normal course
c. Data flow - This is a term referring to a piece of data or a collection of data in a DFD
Which section of the Use Case describes any error conditions that would prevent the system from completing the task? a. Actor b. Normal Course c. Exceptions d. Postconditions.
c. Exceptions
If time is your main current priority for a project, why is it not optimal to add more staff to a project, even if you have flexibility in the budget? a. Adding more people to the project actually IS the optimal way to decrease time, as long as there is more money available to pay them b. More people on the project means more money spent on salary and wages, and costs should always be kept to a minimum c. More people on the project means more required coordination and communication
c. More people on the project means more required coordination and communication
Throttling internet speeds is an example of: a. Functional b. Cats c. Nonfunctional d. JAD
c. Nonfunctional
Which is False about a Project Manager? a. Responsible for managing the project b. Has the responsibility of the outcome of the project (Failure/Success) c. Is not involved in the planning and only in the monitoring and responding to risk 4. Ensures that the objectives are within scope
c. PM are involved with the planning, monitoring and responding to risk
Which one is NOT a nonfunctional requirement? a. Operational b. Security c. Process-oriented d. Performance
c. Process-oriented
Which of the following sections is not included in a System Proposal? a. Work Plan b. Data Model c. Risk Assessment d. System Request
c. Risk Assessment
This course follows the responsibilities of a(n)... a. Database Administrator b. Programmer c. System Analyst d. Project Manager
c. System Analyst
When developing systems with unclear user requirements, which one of the following methodologies is most appropriate to use? a. Crystal method b. Waterfall development method c. System prototyping or throwaway prototyping method d. Lean development method e. All of the above
c. System prototyping or throwaway prototyping method When it is difficult to state the user requirements clearly, users may need to interact with technology to really understand what a new system can do and how to best apply it to their needs. Agile is also suitable if on-site user involvement is available.
Timeboxing helps in these situations EXCEPT: a. High quality is stressed b. Team limits its focus just to essential functions c. Team limits its focus just to additional functions d. Set a tight but realistic deadline.
c. Team limits its focus just to additional functions
Which of the following statements is FALSE? a. Users may find it difficult to understand the process models and data models created by analysts; use cases are written in prose and outlines that are easier to understand without explanation. b. Users may not know what is and is not possible for the system to do technically, but use case analysis focuses on what the user needs to accomplish. c. Users will save time because use cases can be created by the user on their own, without having to interact with the analyst. d. Use cases are helpful in understanding exceptions and error handling requirements.
c. Users will save time because use cases can be created by the user on their own, without having to interact with the analyst.
Which one is NOT true about use cases? a. Clarifying functional requirements b. Uses Triggers c. Uses nonfunctional requirements d. All of them is true
c. Uses nonfunctional requirements
Which of the following is NOT one of the criteria to consider when selecting a development methodology? a. Whether the system has a short time schedule b. Whether the system has unclear user requirements c. Whether the system has been recently approved d. Whether the system is complex
c. Whether the system has been recently approved
Which of the following is the best way to ensure accurate appropriation of a DFD model? a.) Validate the model through a walk-through b.) Role-play the process in the DFD c.) Checking for syntax and semantic errors d.) Examining the lowest-level process in the DFD
c.) Checking for syntax and semantic errors
Which of these development method is best suited creating a complex system? a.) System Prototyping b.) Agile Development c.) Throwaway Prototyping d.) Iterative Development
c.) Throwaway Prototyping
What are the DFD levels?
context diagram, level 0 diagram, level 1 diagram, level 2 diagram and below, and alternative data flows
What is another name for economic feasibility analysis?
cost benefit analysis
1. Which is probably true about building use cases? a) Analysts are involved b) Users are involved c) Analize Major processes d) All of the above
d) All of the above
Which of the following isn't a way of managing problems in JAD sessions? a) Encouraging noncontributors b) Side discussions c) Use humor d) Ignore those that don't want to contribute
d) Ignore those that don't want to contribute
What is the order of the System Development Life Cycle phases? a) Analysis, Planning, Design, Implementation b) Implementation, Planning, Design, Analysis c) Planning, Design, Analysis, Implementation d) Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation e) None of the above
d) Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation
Which is true regarding requirement analysis? a. Problem analysis and root cause analysis tend to be most useful in situations with a narrow focus where efficiency gains are sought. b. Outcome analysis focuses on understanding the fundamental outcomes that provide value to customers. c. Duration analysis and activity-based costing strategies help the team find the most "broken" business processes so that those processes can be redesigned and improved. d. All of above are true.
d. All of above are true
Which one is not part of a Project Work Plan? a. Task ID b. Status c. Dependency d. All of them are on a Project Work Plan
d. All of them are on a Project Work Plan
According to the textbook, there are five commonly used requirement gathering techniques. Which of the following is NOT one of those five? a. Interviews b. Questionnaires c. Observation d. CASE tools e. Document analysis
d. CASE tools
Role-playing the use case with actual users is a good way to: Select one: a. Identify the use case b. Identify the major steps within each use case c. Identify elements within steps d. Confirm the use case e. Identify the primary actor
d. Confirm the use case
Which of the following is NOT one of the four main elements/symbols in the type of diagram that is thoroughly explained in Chapter 5? a. External entity (or agent) (rectangle) b. Process (rounded rectangle or circle) c. Data flow (arrow) d. Customer (triangle) e. Data store (open rectangle)
d. Customer (triangle)
Which is not a section within an Use Case? a. Normal Course b. Postconditions c. Trigger d. DFD Entity
d. DFD Entity
What is the name of the project management software released by Microsoft, used commonly in industry? a. Microsoft Visio b. Microsoft OneNote c. Microsoft CASE d. Microsoft Project e. Microsoft Groove
d. Microsoft Project
Which is the correct order? a. Analysis, Planning, Design, Implementation b. Design, Analysis, Planning, Implementation c. Design, Implementation, Planning, Analysis, d. Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation
d. Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation
Which of the following is not a source of technical risk? a. Lack of familiarity with the business application area b. Lack of familiarity with technology c. Project size d. Software licensing fees e. Compatibility with existing systems
d. Software licensing fees
Whch is not an aspect of a deliverable? a. Feasibility analysis b. Work plan c. System proposal d. System-Walk through
d. System-Walk through
Many times it is tempting for the analyst to focus only on system requirements and/or technical diagrams. However, there are several reasons why the analyst should utilize use case analysis instead. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of use case analysis over more technically-focused analysis techniques? In other words, which of the following statements is FALSE? a. Use cases are helpful in understanding exceptions and error handling requirements. b. Users may find it difficult to understand the process models and data models created by analysts; use cases are written in prose and outlines that are easier to understand without explanation. c. Users may not know what is and is not possible for the system to do technically, but use case analysis focuses on what the user needs to accomplish. d. Users will save time because use cases can be created by the user on their own, without having to interact with the analyst.
d. Users will save time because use cases can be created by the user on their own, without having to interact with the analyst.
Which of the following methodologies is not preferred when system development projects have short time schedules? a. Iterative development method b. System prototyping method c. Agile method d. Waterfall development method e. Rapid Application Development (RAD)
d. Waterfall development method Waterfall based methodologies are the worst choice when time is at a premium, because they do not allow for easy schedule changes.
What "don'ts" should you not do with employees? a. assign unrealistic deadlines b. Give everyone on the project a raise c. make an important decision without team's input d. all of the above
d. all of the above
Which of the following is a systems analyst responsible for? a. helps to analyze the business situation b. identify opportunities for improvements c. design an information system that adds value to the organization d. all of the above
d. all of the above
Which is not one of three steps of the Analysis Phase? a. understand the current situation b. Identify improvements c. Define requirements and concepts of the new system d. make sure all requirements are understood
d. make sure all requirements are understood
2. Which of the following is NOT considered to be an external entity? a.) Person b. Organization c.) System outside of the scope d.) Data store
d.) Data store
Which of these notations are used in creating DFDs in the textbook? a.) Gane and Young b. Demarco and Sarson c.) Chen and Crow d.) Gane and Sarson
d.) Gane and Sarson
Which is FALSE for staffing considerations? a.) Try to match skills to project needs when possible. b.) Consider interpersonal and technical skills c.) Staffing levels will change over a project's lifetime d.) The more individuals on a team, the more productive the team is
d.) The more individuals on a team, the more productive the team is
Which of the seven development methodologies follow a phase-to-phase cycle? a.) V-Model b.) Iterative Development Model c.) Parallel Model d.) Waterfall Model
d.) Waterfall Model
Tangible vs intangible benefits; development vs. operational costs
development costs = upfront costs operational costs = ongoing costs tangible benefits = physical changes (staff, inventory, costs, prices) + improvements in sales intangible benefits = quality/customer/brand/market share improvment
Every data store has a) A number b) A name (a noun) c) A description (if necessary) d) One or more data (input/output/both) e) All of the above f) None of the above
e) all of the above
Which of the following is NOT one of the four main use case steps? Select one: a. Identify the use cases. b. Identify the major steps within each use case. c. Identify elements (e.g., triggers, inputs, outputs) within steps. d. Confirm the use case with the user. e. Create a condensed version of the use case to share with others.
e. Create a condensed version of the use case to share with others.
_______ are error conditions encountered while performing use case steps.
exceptions
What type of trigger is "customer placing an order"?
external trigger
Define root cause analysis
focus on problems first rather than solutions
What is requirements determination?
is performed to transform the system request's high-level statement of business requirements into a more detailed, precise list of what the new system must do to provide needed value to the business.
In a use case the postcondition
is the final product or the preconditions for the next use case in the series
What's the purpose of process description?
is to explain what the process does and provide additional information that the DFD does not provide.
_________________ process models describe processes without suggesting how they are conducted
logical
Ways to motivate the staff
monetary rewards (use cautiously), intrinsic rewards: recognition, give responsibility, mention the good work, advancement
Basic elements of a use case - names and purpose of each
name: relevant to the process that will happen (i.e. "Request a chemical") number: ID description: what will happen in the event priority: relative significance actor: person (or another system) that interacts with the system to achieve a useful goal trigger: event that causes the use case to begin -> external: events that occur outside the system -> temporal: passage of a certain amount of time
what is a cultural/political requirement ?
nonfunctional requirement; cultural and political factors and legal requirements that affect the system
What is an operational requirement?
nonfunctional requirement; the physical and technical environments in which the system will operate
what is a performance requirement?
nonfunctional requirement; the speed, capacity, and reliability of the system
what is a security requirement?
nonfunctional requirement; who has authorized access to the system under what circumstances
The " " is the set of major steps that are performed to execute the response to the event.
normal course
The _____ is the set of major steps that are performed to execute the response to the event.
normal course
What are the 6 intrinsic reward strategies to motivate employees?
o Recognition o Achievement o The work itself o Responsibility o Advancement o Chance to learn new skills
Determine whether this is a development cost or operational cost. -user training
operational cost
What are the four "Nonfunctional Requirement" behaviors?
operational, performance, security, cultural
What are the two variants of the waterfall development methodology?
parallel development and the v-model
Break even point is also known as
payback method
The process of the functional requirement is that the system should...
perform as part of supporting a user task.
Business requirements describe the reasons for developing the _______ and outline the _______ it will provide the organization.
system, benefits
Tangible VS Intangible Compared
tangible benefits = physical changes (staff, inventory, costs, prices) + improvements in sales intangible benefits = quality/customer/brand/market share improvment
Determine whether this is a tangible or intangible cost. -Reduction in staff
tangible cost
The goal is to create a set of use cases that describe all the ______ that users need to perform using the system.
tasks
Implementation:
the system is built or purchased. The implementation phase is usually the longest and most expensive, but can also be the least complex
Do process models document the current (as-is) system or the new (to-be) system?
they can be used for either or.
Three main function of a project management?
time, cost, and scope
What's an aspect of managing and controlling the project?
timeboxing
______ are involved to keep project portfolio balanced.
trade offs
True or False: DFDs can flow directly from use cases
true
t/f: data flow diagrams are the best tools for doing a process model
true
Name the rule of thumb of team sizes for a software devlopment project:
under 8-10 people
What is the purpose of use cases?
• Depicts activities performed to produce some output result • Describes how an external user triggers an event which the system must respond • To help understand the situation and help convey the required user-system interactions
What is feasibility analysis?
• Detail Business case for the project • Compiled into a feasibility study • Critically important to reassess feasibility throughout the project
What are the strengths of JAD sessions (Joint Application Development)?
• Good for understanding multiple perspectives • It provides user feedback while documentation is being made
What is the purpose of a feasibility analysis?
• It guides the organization in determining whether to proceed with the project. • Identifies important risks associated with the project that must be managed when the project is approved
What the strengths of observation?
• The data gathered may be highly reliable • You get to see exactly what's being done • It is relatively inexpensive
What are the weaknesses of questionnaires?
• The response is often low (How to motivate participation?) • They tend to be inflexible because you can't follow up on responses • Body language cannot be observed • Cannot clarify a vague or incomplete answer to any question • It can be difficult to prepare a successful questionnaire
What are the weaknesses of interviews?
• They are very time consuming, which results in being costly • The success of the interview is highly dependent on the systems analyst's human relation skills • It may be impractical to interview everyone due to the location of the interviews
Context Level DFD
• Top-level DFD in every process model • Shows the context into which the business process fits • Shows the overall business process as just one process (process 'zero') • Shows all the external entities that receive information from or contribute information to the system
An EXTERNAL ENTITY requires what attributes in a Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
• a name (a noun) • a description