MIS Chapter 7

47. An IT department has just received its newest onslaught of system maintenance requests from the finance, marketing and accounting divisions and has added them to the growing list of fixes needed. Tomorrow, there will be a request placed by the CTO that there is to be a new processing system put into place that will take the place of the current MS Word system. The best alternative is to utilize a custom program that will replace the original program.

False

49. The Design phase of the SDLC uses the requirements that were gathered during analysis to actually build (and code if necessary) the final system.

False

54. One systems development option is to let users build their own system using tools like Excel and Access, with support from the Microsoft help desk.

False

55. CRUD stands for Create, Redesign, Update and Deploy - and is a matrix of table functions in databases.

False

57. In the analysis phase, architecture decisions are made and written up in the 'hardware and software specifications'.

False

31. System requirements are communicated through a collection of design documents and physical processes and data models.

True

32. The decision to make, to buy, or to outsource influences the design tasks that are performed throughout the rest of the design phase.

True

33. CASE repository entries are updated to reflect specific technology decisions as they are made.

True

35. Building a system in-house builds technical skills and functional knowledge that one may not want to allow to walk out of the door.

True

46. The score column in the Alternative Matrix represents how easily specific criteria are met by the alternative.

True

48. A department head is apprehensive as to what implementation system he should employ. The best method of ensuring a successful and efficient installation of the new systems would be to utilize an alternative matrix.

True

50. The Design phase of the SDLC builds on the logical designs from the analysis phase (like logical ERDs and logical DFDs)

True

51. The design phase decides how the new system will operate.

True

52. During the initial part of design, the project team converts the business requirements for the system into system requirements.

True

53. One systems development option is to have a system developed by using an outsourcing strategy.

True

15. Outsourcing firms called _____________ supply software applications and/or software related services through the Internet. a. Application Service Providers (ASPs) b. Enterprise Resource Providers (ERPs) c. System Development Life Cycle Companies (SDLCs) d. Information Technology Developers (ITDs) e. None of these

a) Application Service Providers (ASPs)

29. Which is NOT a factor in choosing a development option? a. Data base normalization b. In-house experience c. Time frame d. Project skills e. Project management

a) Data base normalization

25. If (a) the business need is unique, (b) there is a desire to build in-house skills; (c) the time frame is flexible, it might be best to: a. Do in-house / custom development b. Buy an ERP system c. Outsource to India d. Purchase a software package e. Hire a consultant

a) Do in-house/custom development

16. A time and arrangements deal is considered: a. Very flexible b. Very rigid c. Cheaper than any other option d. Useless when considering a systems design e. Always the best option for any project

a) Very flexible

28. An advantage of custom development might be: a. You get a system that is tailored to the current business and meets specific needs b. The rapid development of custom systems c. The low cost (as compared to buying a package) d. The low risk factor e. The ability for in-house developers to work on systems that are in new programming languages and in technologies that are unknown to them prior to the development

a) You get a system that is tailored to the current business and meets specific needs

9. For efficiency purposes, it is wise to___________ when there is a basic software need to be satisfied. a. Implement a company-wide project team to handle a custom software scripting b. Purchase a packaged system c. Design a blueprint and contract an outside vendor to develop a program d. Make do with the current software package e. Utilize a professional consultant to develop a system of servers7

b) Purchase a packaged system

17. Fixed-price contracts are considered: a. Very flexible b. Very rigid c. Always cheaper than any other option d. Useless when considering a systems design e. Always the best option for any project Ans: b

b) Very rigid

6. _______ repository entries are updated to reflect specific technology decisions as they are made. a. DFD b. Sequential c. CASE d. Hardware e. None of these

c) CASE

24. Which of the following is normally NOT done in the design phase of the SDLC? a. Decisions for hardware and software purchases are made b. User interactions are planned out (inputs, outputs, user interfaces) c. Cost / Benefits of the new system are carefully calculated d. Logical DFDs and ERDs are converted into physical DFDs and ERDs e. The physical data model is created

c) Cost/Benefits of the new system are carefully calculated

22. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) serve what purpose? a. Integrate systems with one another b. Create synergy amongst staff members c. Solicit information from providers d. Engage mobile computers with mainframe technology e. Develop morale amongst managers

c) Solicit information from providers

12. What makes systems integration so difficult? a. Finding the original data to install on the new server b. Creating a ghost drive to house the old information c. Installing new software packages on older machines d. Bringing legacy system data and new data together e. None of these

d) Brining legacy system data and new data together

30. In terms of project management, which option might require excellent project management skills and a proven methodology? a. Outsourcing to Nebraska b. Outsourcing to India c. Buying a packaged solution d. Doing custom development e. Buying an ERP system

d) Doing custom development

20. Application service providers might be best associated with: a. In-house development b. Packaged software c. Unique and strategic systems d. Outsourcing e. Internet Service Providers

d) Outsourcing

5. The system inputs and outputs will be designed along with a plan or__________ of the way the system's features will be navigated. a. Blueprint b. Compass c. Instructional Guide d. Roadmap e. FAQ

d) Roadmap

14. Which is probably true about packaged software a. In most cases, the software is a perfect fit for the companies need b. Packaged software works best where the company has a unique need c. The time frame is flexible to long d. The business need is common e. The project has a highly skills project manager who has been with the company for many years and has an excellent relationship with both business users and the IT development staff

d) The business need is common

21. Outsourcing is used when: a. The project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor efforts b. There is a desire to build in-house skills c. In-house functional and technical skills exist d. The business need is not core to the business e. None of these

d) The business need is not core to the business

4. Where are the decisions stored that are made regarding the hardware and software that will be purchased to support the new system? a. Order Manifest b. Hardware Sales Receipt c. Suppliers' Computer System d. President's Office e. Hardware and Software Specification

e) Hardware and Software Specification

38. The key challenge in systems integration is avoiding a system wide crash upon installation of legacy software.

False

44. The only skills that are applied during systems projects are technical.

False

45. The only skills that are applied during systems projects are functional.

False

60. If the expertise needed to build a system are not readily available that is a good reason to buy a packaged software solution

False

37. A workaround is a custom-built add-on program that interfaces with packaged applications to handle specific needs.

True

39. Outsourcing requires the least in-house resources.

True

40. Application Software Providers (ASPs) should be utilized when considering non-core programming and/custom needs.

True

41. Time and arrangements deals are potentially more expensive if the service provider requires unforeseen resources to complete the project on time.

True

42. A common need to the business should be satisfied by contracting with an Application Service Provider (ASP).

True

43. Custom development that can be achieved by the in-house team and core business practices are both examples of times when outsourcing is not an option.

True

56. During the design phase, the project team carefully considers the nonfunctional business requirements (such as performance, cultural and political aspects).

True

58. A reason to use custom development is to get exactly what you want?

True

59. A reason to use a packaged software solution is when there is no need to "reinvent the wheel"

True

61. Backlogs and backlog creation are a CON when discussing custom development

True

13. Another name for custom development might be: a. Offshore outsourcing b. In-house development c. Vendor supplied in-house consulting d. CASE tools e. Package software

b) In-house development

1. In what SDLC stage do we determine the business needs for an information systems project? a. The design phase b. The analysis phase c. The dissection stage d. The installation stage e. The big bang stage

b) The analysis stage

34. Prototyping is the interface design step that often uncovers additional information that is needed in the system, leading to a revision of the physical DFDs or ERPs.

False

36. In a custom software case, all parts of the system need to be completely customized and scripted to the company's specifications including ancillary software to the current system.

False

10. Workarounds are: a. Not supported by a vendor who supplied the software b. Designed by the vendor c. Created to interface two software packages that are compatible with each other d. Enterprise Wide Software Packages that are designed for satellite use e. None of these

a) Not supported by a vendor who supplied the software

7. Which of the following lists indicates the correct ordering of deliverables in a system specification document? a. System Acquisition Weighted Alternative Matrix, Interface Design, Physical Data Model Data Storage Design b. Data Storage Design, Interface Design, Architecture Design, Updated Crud Matrix c. Hardware and Software Specifications, Interface Design, Data Storage Design, Architecture Design d. Program Design Specifications, Physical Data Model, Data Storage Design, Architecture Design e. Update CASE Repository Entries, Update CRUD Matrix, Interface Design, Architecture Design

a) System Acquisition Weighted Alternative Matrix, Interface Design, Physical Data Model Data Storage Design

3. In the initial stage of design, what are business requirements converted into? a. System Requirements b. Work Order Summary c. Computer Qualifications Checklist d. Vanilla System e. Hardware Blueprint

a) System Requirements

18. Custom development is used when: a. The business need is unique b. The business need is not core to the business c. The project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor efforts d. The time frame is short e. The skills are not strategic

a) The business need is unique

23. The following document is utilized with possible vendors on projects with smaller budgets, instead of sending a lengthy document to all possible vendors: a. Request for Proposal (RFP) b. Request for Information (RFI) c. Request for Quote (RFQ) d. Request for Efficient Information Distribution (REID) e. More Optimal Desires (MOD)

b) Request for Information (RFI)

27. One problem with using packages software systems is: a. It takes a very long time to get the system and get it installed b. The company has to accept the functionality that is provided with the system c. Many common software packages have been written and tested and are readily available d. There are many good software packages that are reasonable in price e. Most software packages allow for some customization

b) The company has to accept the functionality that is provided with the system

11. Systems Integration refers to: a. The process of synching all computers to the mainframe b. The delivery of systems to the final destination office c. Combining packaged software, the legacy system and new software d. Adding the original hard drives to a newer system e. Creating a new software to monitor power consumption

c) Combining packaged software, the legacy system and new software

2. System design is the determination of the overall system architecture-consisting of a set of physical processing components, _______________, and the communication among them-that will satisfy the system's essential requirements. a. Workmanship b. Order entry methods, HR feedback c. Hardware, Software, People d. Engineering data plans, fiber optic specifications e. None of these

c) Hardware, Software, People

8. If on a limited time budget, the best way to be sure you remain efficient and effective in designing a system is to utilize the ____________. a. Porters 5 Forces Model b. Outsourcing Model c. RAD and Timeboxing Techniques d. Hire/Fire Motivational Theory e. Not Attempt the Project

c) RAD and Timeboxing Techniques

26. If (a) the business need is common; (b) the skills needed are not strategic; (c) the time frame is short; it might be best to: a. Use in-house / custom development b. Hire a vendor to write the code for you c. Outsource to India d. Purchase a software package e. Hire a consultant

d) Purchase a software package

19. Packaged systems are used when: a. The business need is not core to the business b. There is a desire to build in-house skills c. The time frame is flexible d. The project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor efforts e. The decision to outsource is strategic

d) The project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor efforts