Systems Analysis Midterm
Microsoft's ____ is one of the major Web-based development environments. A. .NET B. WebSphere C. NetSphere D. .WEB
.NET
Nearly _____ percent of total costs occur after the purchase of hardware and software. A. 95 B. 15 C. 45 D. 80
80
Which of the following is true of a traditional systems development environment? A. systems design is influenced by compatibility issues B. systems are designed to run on local and wide-area company networks C. systems often utilize Internet links and resources D. scalability is not affected by telecommunications, limitations, and local networks
A,B,C
A(n) _____ resembles a horizontal flowchart that shows the actions and events as they occur. A. sequence diagram B. state transition diagram C. activity diagram D. business model diagram
Activity diagram
In a use case, an external entity, called a(n) _____,initiates a use case by requesting the system to perform a function or process. A. beneficiary B. user C. domain D. actor
Actor
One of the disadvantages of _____ methods of system development is that the overall project might be subject to scope change as user requirements change. A. object-oriented analysis B. agile C. structured analysis D. rapid application development
Agile
The line from the actor to the use case is called a(n) _____. A. Association B. Aggregation C. Lifeline D. Observation
Association
The line from the actor to the use case is called a(n) _____. A. observation B. lifeline C. aggregation D. association
Association
An object has certain _____,which are characteristics that describe the object, such as the make, model, and color of a car. A. keys B. attributes C. indices D. elements
Attributes
A _____ measures the time a package takes to process a certain number of transactions. A. newsgroup B. parameter C. benchmark D. middleware
Benchmark
Adding more people to a project actually might increase the time necessary to complete the project because of a principle called _____. A. Moody's Law B. Brooks' Law C. Hooke's Law D. Bernoulli's Law
Brooks' Law
In the context of in-house software development options, the choice between developing versus purchasing software often is called a _____ decision. A. build or make B. subscription C. transactional D. build or buy
Build or buy
A(n) _____ shows the object classes and relationships involved in a use case. A. class diagram B. association diagram C. use case diagram D. modeling diagram
Class diagram
Some industry leaders predict that ____ computing will offer an overall online software and data environment supported by supercomputer technology. A. interpolated B. mainframe C. outsourced D. cloud
Cloud
Two or more _____ depend on a predecessor task. A. precursor tasks B. dependent tasks C. concurrent tasks D. ancestor tasks
Concurrent tasks
To produce a control break report, the records must be arranged, or sorted, in _____. A. control break order B. subgroup field order C. character break order D. control field order
Control field order
In a source document, the _____ contains codes, identification information, numbers, and dates that are used for storing completed forms. A. totals zone B. authorization zone C. heading zone D. control zone
Control zone
A(n) _____ is a series of tasks that, if delayed, would affect the completion date of the overall project. A. dynamic path B. absolute path C. critical path D. relative path
Critical path
In a sequence diagram, a lifeline is identified by a _____ line. A. red B. dashed C. solid D. curved
Dashed
A _____ shows a logical structure, with all possible combinations of conditions and resulting actions. A. pseudo table B. decision table C. validation table D. database table
Decision table
A _____ cannot be started until a previous task is completed. A. predecessor task B. dependent task C. precursor task D. concurrent task
Dependent task
In an approach called ____ prototyping, systems analysts use prototyping to verify user requirements, after which the prototype is discarded and implementation continues. A. discard B. design C. trash D. recycled
Design
In _____, systems analysts use a prototype to verify user requirements, after which the prototype is discarded and implementation continues. A. system prototyping B. command prototyping C. design prototyping D. layout prototyping
Design prototyping
Internet-based commerce is called _____ and includes two main sectors: B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business). A. Electronic commerce B. network-oriented commerce C. virtual trading D. online trading
Electronic commerce
_____ enabled computer-to-computer transfer of data between companies, usually over private telecommunications networks. A. Electronic data interchange (EDI) B. Radio frequency identification (RFID) C. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) D. Object-oriented (O-O) analysis
Electronic data interchange (EDI)
_____ allows objects to be used as modular components anywhere in a system. A. dynamic addressing B. encapsulation C. linear addressing D. technical feasibility
Encapsulation
The _____ must include users, who will participate in the selection process and feel a sense of ownership in the new system. A. quality audit team B. evaluation and selection team C. maintenance team D. development and testing team
Evaluation and selection team
A(n) _____ is a technique that uses a common yardstick to measure and compare vendor ratings.
Evaluation model
Since diagram 0 is a(n) _____ version of process 0, it shows considerably more detail than a context diagram. A. condensed B. exploded C. contracted D. extrapolated
Exploded
A data flow diagram (DFD) does not show the external entities that provide data to the system or receive output from the system. T/F?
F
A method is an adjective that describes the object's current status. T/F?
F
A request for quotation (RFQ) is less specific than a request for proposal (RFP). T/F?
F
A software package that can be used by many different types of organizations is called a vertical application. T/F?
F
An object includes data, but not the processes that affect that data. T/F?
F
Benchmark tests must precisely match the day-to-day situation at your company. T/F?
F
Data stores are shown in a context diagram because data stores are external to the system. T/F?
F
Due to complexity, IT generally takes longer to move offshore than manufacturing. T/F?
F
Due to the limited range of input and interaction among participants, few companies believe that a joint application development (JAD) group does not produce the best definition of a new system. T/F?
F
Empowerment makes an IT department less productive because it must spend more time responding to the daily concerns of users and less time on high-impact systems development projects that support strategic business goals. T/F?
F
In a knowledge management system, a knowledge base consists of logical rules that identify data patterns and relationships. T/F?
F
Just as objects are similar to adjectives, attributes resemble verbs that describe what and how an object does something. T/F?
F
Sensitive data can be encrypted, or coded, so only users with decoding software can read it. T/F?
F
Since middle managers focus on a longer time frame, they need less detailed information than top managers, but somewhat more than supervisors who oversee day-to-day operations. T/F?
F
The personal interview usually is the least expensive fact-finding technique. T/F?
F
The responsibilities of a systems analyst at a small firm are exactly the same as those at a large corporation. T/F?
F
There is a major trend toward web-based architecture; it is rare to find firms that still rely on traditional systems. T/F?
F
There is a standard method for assigning the weight factors in an evaluation model. T/F?
F
Transaction processing (TP) systems are inefficient because they process a set of transaction-related commands individually rather than as a group. T/F?
F
Using batch input, data entry is performed continuously. T/F?
F
When planning an information system, a company must consider how a new system will interface with older systems, which are called horizontal systems. T/F?
F
When use cases are identified, all the related transactions should be kept separate. T/F?
F
Generally, reports used by individuals at higher levels in an organization include more detail than reports used by lower-level employees. T/F?
F
When determining outsourcing fees, a ____ model uses a set fee based on a specified level of service and user support A. Fixed fee B. Usage C. Subscription D. Transaction
Fixed fee
The _____ is a top-down representation of a process. A. total cost of ownership (TCO) B. functional decomposition diagram (FDD) C. Unified Modeling Language (UML) D. Rapid Economic Justification (REJ)
Functional Decomposition Diagram (FDD)
A _____ consists of horizontal bars, connected with arrows that indicate task dependencies. A. Scatter chart B. viewport C. wireframe D. Gantt chart
Gantt chart
The term _____ is familiar to IT professionals, who know that the best time to avoid problems is when the data is entered. A. garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) B. poor start, poor finish (PSPF) C. good input, bad output (GIBO) D. weak hand, weak hold (WHWH)
Garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)
Centralized IT departments no longer produce reams of printed _____ reports. A. batch B. audit C. yellowbar D. greenbar
Greenbar
Which of the following is a general category of system requirements? A. Login security B. Daily reports C. Response time D. Inputs
Inputs
Some firms offer _____, which provide powerful web-based support for transactions such as order processing, billing, and customer relationship management. A. Internet business services (IBS) B. outsource hosting provider (OHP) C. application service provider (ASP) D. fixed outsourcing services (FOS)
Internet business services (IBS)
In modular design, _____ also is called looping. A. process description B. iteration C. sequence D. selection
Iteration
When planning an information system, a company must consider how a new system will interface with older systems, which are called _____. A. enterprise applications B. network operating systems (NOS) C. operating applications D. legacy systems
Legacy systems
In a sequence diagram, a _____ represents the time during which an object above it is able to interact with the other objects in the use case. A. focus point B. lifeline C. schematic matrix D. validity link
Lifeline
The first step in creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) is to _____. A. determine time requirements B. list all tasks C. estimate task completion time and cost D. mark all recognizable events
List all tasks
In data and process modeling, a(n) _____ shows what the system must do, regardless of how it will be implemented physically. A. physical model B. logical model C. relational model D. organizational model
Logical model
The main reason for offshore outsourcing is to _____. A. ship bulky raw materials B. manage operations only in one country C. lower bottom-line costs D. manage operations only in one country
Lower bottom-line costs
A car performs a(n) _____ called OPERATE WIPERS when it is sent a message with the wiper control. A. method B. role C. command D. objective
Method
An object's _____ are the tasks or functions that the object performs when it receives a command to do so. A. roles B. utilities C. instances D. methods
Methods
Identify a major web-based development environment. A. Microsoft's .NET B. Cisco's CSR C. Oracle DBA D. HP ArcSight
Microsoft's .NET
Web-based software usually requires additional layers, called _____, to communicate with existing software and legacy systems. A. freeware B. shareware C. middleware D. public domain software
Middleware
A major advantage of object-oriented (O-O) designs is that systems analysts can save time and avoid errors by using _____ objects. A. dynamic B. feasible C. modular D. linear
Modular
The _____ method of developing systems produces code that is modular and reusable. A. object-oriented analysis B. adaptive C. structured analysis D. rapid application development
Object-oriented analysis
Structured analysis is called a(n) _____ technique because it focuses on processes that transform data into useful information. A. iterative B. process-centered C. inferred D. model-specific
Process-centered
A _____ chart displays complex task patterns and relationships. A. Gantt B. Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) C. Pareto D. Scatter
Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)
____ produces an early, rapidly constructed working version of a proposed system. A. Prototyping B. Outsourcing C. Coding D. Benchmarking
Prototyping
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) represents an object as a _____ with the object name at the top, followed by the object's attributes and methods. A. circle B. rectangle C. pentagon D. rhombus
Rectangle
________ describe what objects need to know about each other, how objects respond to changes in other objects, and the effects of membership in classes, superclasses, and subclasses. A. Instances B. Relationships C. Aggregates D. Clusters
Relationships
When companies use a _____, they already know the specific products or service they want and need to obtain price estimates or bids from vendors. A. request for quotation (RFQ) B. net present value (NPV) C. request for proposal (RFP) D. return on investment (ROI)
Request for quotation (RFQ)
One of the main activities in the systems analysis phase is _____, which involves fact-finding to describe the current system and identification of the specifications for the new system. A. objective modeling B. requirements modeling C. user-based modeling D. goal-based modeling
Requirements modeling
_____ is a percentage rate that compares the total net benefits received from a project to the total costs of the project. A. Net present value (NPV) B. An acquisition process C. return on investment (ROI) D. Payback analysis
Return on investment (ROI)
_____ describes how instances of one class relate to instances of another class. A. Scope B. Cardinality C. A deliverable D. A modifier
Scope
A firm that offers outsourcing solutions is called a _____. A. subscription provider B. software provider C. service provider D. resource provider
Service provider
Although the traditional model of software acquisition still accounts for more software acquisition, a new model, called ____, is changing the picture dramatically. A. Hardware as a Help B. Processing as a Product C. Software as a Service D. Storage as a Solution
Software as a service
In the accompanying figure, the sequence structure is the completion of _____. A. a process step that is repeated until a specific condition changes B. steps in a chronological order, one after another C. a specific condition that is repeated until a process changes D. one or more process steps based on the results of a test or condition
Steps in a chronological order, one after another
When determining outsourcing fees, a _____ has a variable fee based on the number of users or workstations that have access to the application. A. fixed fee model B. usage model C. transaction model D. subscription model
Subscription model
If a software package is purchased, consider a _____, which offers additional support and assistance from the vendor. A. supplemental maintenance agreement B. request for proposal C. fixed fee model D. software license
Supplemental maintenance agreement
For a use case diagram, the _____ shows what is included in the system and what is not included in the system. A. system design B. system boundary C. system layout D. system matrix
System boundary
When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who complained about errors in their statements, a _____ might select every tenth customer for review. A. systematic sample B. random sample C. stratified sample D. comprehensive sample
Systematic sample
In a systems development life cycle (SDLC) model, the purpose of the _____ is to build a logical model of the new system. A. systems analysis phase B. systems implementation phase C. systems design phase D. systems support and security phase
Systems analysis phase
A company considering outsourcing must realize that the solution can be only as good as the outsourcing firm that provides the service. T/F?
T
After one identifies a system's objects, classes, and relationships, one should develop an object relationship diagram that provides an overview of the system. T/F?
T
Although the UML can be used for business process modeling and requirements modeling, it is mainly used to support O-O system analysis and to develop object models. T/F?
T
An application service provider (ASP) provides more than a license to use the software; it rents an operational package to the customer. T/F?
T
An object represents a real person, place, event, or transaction T/F?
T
By designing a system in-house, companies can develop and train an IT staff that understands the organization's business functions and information support needs. T/F?
T
Cloud computing can be viewed as an online SaaS and data environment. T/F?
T
For horizontal applications or small systems, using a demo copy to enter a few sample transactions could be an acceptable application test. T/F?
T
In a state transition diagram, the states appear as rounded rectangles with the state names inside T/F?
T
Object-oriented methods provide an easy transition to O-O programming languages such as C++, Java, and Swift. T/F?
T
System requirements fall into five general categories: outputs, inputs, processes, performance, and controls. T/F?
T
The focus indicates when an object sends or receives a message. T/F?
T
A transparent interface does not distract a user and calls no attention to itself. T/F?
T
Data flow diagram (DFD) entities are also called _____ because they are data origins or final data destinations. A. gray holes B. data stores C. terminators D. pseudocodes
Terminators
_____ is an example of a nonprofit organization that publishes standards and reports for its members and the general public. A. Microsoft B. Oracle C. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) D. The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC)
The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC)
Priscilla is providing the junior analysts in her firm with some real-world illustrations to explain some of the recommendations that they must be prepared to make to clients, based on what they have studied in their coursework, in order to solidify their understanding. Which is a reason Priscilla will share with the new analysts for recommending that a client purchase a software package? A. The client wants to develop internal resources and capabilities B. The client is looking for the lowest possible costs C. The client has unique business requirements that must be satisfied by this software application D. The client has some existing technology in place whose requirements must be met by the new software
The client is looking for the lowest possible costs
Identify a typical example of a system requirement for the performance category. A. The purchasing system must provide suppliers with up-to-date specifications. B. The student records system must produce class lists within five hours after the end of registration. C. Each input form must include date, time, product code, customer number, and quantity. D. The manager of the sales department must approve orders that exceed a customer's credit limit.
The student records system must produce class lists within five hours after the end of registration.
A(n) _____ represents the steps in a specific business function or process. A. relationship diagram B. use case C. data flow unit D. interaction diagram
Use case
In the rapid application development (RAD) model in the accompanying figure, during the _____ phase, users interact with systems analysts and develop models and prototypes that represent all system processes, outputs, and inputs. A. requirements planning B. cutover C. construction D. user design
User design
In a _____ system, the distinction blurs between input, output, and the interface itself. A. topology-centered B. network-centered C. system-centered D. user-centered
User-centered
In a data dictionary, some data elements have _____ rules. For example, an employee's salary must be within the range defined for the employee's job classification. A. range B. mastered C. domain D. validity
Validity
Building an application in a ____ environment can offer greater benefits, and sometimes greater risks, compared to a traditional environment. A. GUI B. Web-based C. cloud D. multinational
Web-based
Which of the following is an example of a horizontal application? A. real estate firms B. college applications C. accounting packages D. construction companies
accounting packages
In data flow diagrams (DFDs), a process resembles a _____, where the inputs, outputs, and general functions of the process are known, but the underlying details are not shown. A. business rule B. black box C. decision table D. terminator
black box
A _____ graphically displays one or more business processes, such as handling an airline reservation, filling a product order, or updating a customer account. A. business matrix model (BMM) B. business process model (BPM) C. business indexing model (BIM) D. business strategic model (BSM)
business process model (BPM)
A(n) _____ is a condition, restriction, or requirement that the system must satisfy. A. index B. constraint C. milestone D. viewport
constraint
A _____ usually causes specific actions, such as printing subtotals for a group of records in a report. A. subgroup B. character break C. concatenation character D. control break
control break
A _____ improves input quality by testing the data and rejecting any entry that fails to meet specified conditions. A. data mining rule B. data requirements rule C. data validation rule D. data load rule
data validation rule
In a typical organizational model, top managers _____. A. develop long-range plans, called strategic plans, which define a company's overall mission and goals B. provide direction, necessary resources, and performance feedback to supervisors and team leaders C. oversee operation employees and carry out day-to-day functions, coordinating operational tasks and people D. include users who rely on transaction processing (TP) systems to enter and receive the data they need to perform their jobs
develop long-range plans, called strategic plans, which define a company's overall mission and goals
If variable input data is needed, a _____ must be provided to explain what is needed. A. menu bar B. dialog box C. toggle button D. list box
dialog box
A _____ workstation is a network terminal that supports a full-featured user interface, but limits the printing or copying of data, except to certain network resources that can be monitored and controlled more easily. A. command-line B. disked C. thick D. diskless
diskless
A data dictionary specifies a data element's _____, which is the set of values permitted for the data element. A. record B. domain C. index D. array
domain
A(n) _____ displays only those records that meet a specific condition or conditions. A. exigency report B. detail report C. summary report D. exception report
exception report
In a sequence diagram, the _____ indicates when an object sends or receives a message. A. focus B. command line C. request link D. lifeline
focus
A red Mustang is a(n) _____ of the CAR class. A. metric B. index C. instance D. key
instance
A(n) _____ is a specific member of a class. A. file B. instance C. key D. index
instance
Knowledge management systems use a large database called a(n) _____ that allows users to find information by entering keywords or questions in normal English phrases. A. inference engine B. knowledge base C. knowledge database management system D. inference manager
knowledge base
Input _____ is a template or pattern that restricts data entry and prevents errors. A. key B. legend C. pattern D. mask
mask
In a sequence diagram, a _____ is identified by a line showing direction that runs between two objects. A. response B. message C. method D. procedure
message
When maintaining schedules, if enough _____ and frequent checkpoints exist, problems will be detected rapidly. A. activity diagrams B. data flow diagrams C. viewports D. milestones
milestones
A major advantage of object-oriented (O-O) designs is that systems analysts can save time and avoid errors by using _____ objects. A. feasible B. modular C. linear D. dynamic
modular
In a(n) _____ design, one can create individual components that connect to a higher-level program or process. A. modular B. dissociated C. integral D. archetypical
modular
In a data flow diagram (DFD), a spontaneous generation process is a process that has _____. A. no output B. at least one output and one input, but the output obviously is insufficient to generate the input shown C. at least one input and one output, but the input obviously is insufficient to generate the output shown D. no input
no input
Companies use various _____ methods to maintain output integrity and security. A. output stream B. output control C. output data D. output aesthetic
output control
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) symbol for a use case is a(n) _____ with a label that describes the action or event. A. triangle B. dashed line C. rectangle D. oval
oval
A _____ represents the work that one person can complete in one day. A. person-day B. work-day C. person-work D. work-duration
person-day
The concept that a message gives different meanings to different objects is called _____. A. encapsulation B. polymorphism C. linear addressing D. dynamic addressing
polymorphism
A(n) _____ shows the data that flow in and out of system processes. A. process model B. object model C. business model D. network model
process model
In older systems, often the user interface mainly consisted of _____ screens that allowed a user to send commands to the system. A. quality-control B. physical-control C. network-control D. process-control
process-control
Business support systems _____. A. provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company B. simulate human reasoning by combining a knowledge base and inference rules that determine how the knowledge is applied C. process data generated by day-to-day business operations D. include email, voice mail, fax, video conferencing, word processing, automated calendars, database management, spreadsheets, and integrated mobile computing systems
provide job-related information support to users at all levels of a company
A(n) _____ is a data validation rule that is used to verify that data items fall between a specified minimum and maximum value. A. asynchronous check B. range check C. existence check D. sequence check
range check
When companies use a _____, they already know the specific products or service they want and need to obtain price estimates or bids from vendors. A. request for quotation (RFQ) B. request for proposal (RFP) C. net present value (NPV) D. return on investment (ROI)
request for quotation (RFQ)
To evaluate _____, a systems analyst needs information about projected future volume for all outputs, inputs, and processes. A. scalability B. compatibility C. reliability D. applicability
scalability
IBM describes WebSphere as a software platform for _____ environments. A. integrated development B. service-oriented architecture C. integrated development D. business process outsourcing
service-oriented architecture
_____ is the starting point for measuring the performance, accuracy, and completeness of the finished system before entering the systems design phase. A. software requirements specification B. software license C. maintenance agreement D. request for quoting document
software requirements specification
Prototyping includes all of the following benefits EXCEPT ____. A. users and systems developers can avoid misunderstandings B. managers can evaluate a working model more effectively than a paper specification C. system requirements, such as reliability and maintainability, can be rated adequately D. systems analysts can develop testing and training procedures before the finished solution is available
system requirements, such as reliability and maintainability, can be rated adequately
The goal of _____ is to build a system that is effective, reliable, and maintainable. A. systems analysis B. systems design C. systems auditing D. systems reporting
systems design
The systems implementation phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) includes an assessment, called a _____, to determine whether the system operates properly and if costs and benefits are within expectation. A. systems estimation B. systems verification C. systems validation D. systems evaluation
systems evaluation
Printed output is used in _____, which are output documents that are later entered back into the same or another information system. A. milestone documents B. tender documents C. turnaround documents D. policy documents
turnaround documents
A _____ utilizes standard business software, such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, which has been configured in a specific manner to enhance user productivity. A. user query B. user interface C. user application D. user configuration
user application
In the context of in-house software development options, a firm that enhances a commercial package by adding custom features and configuring it for a particular industry is called a(n) _____. A. business process outsourcing (BPO) firm B. enterprise resource planner (ERP) C. online service provider (OSP) D. value-added reseller (VAR)
value-added reseller (VAR)
A software package developed to handle information requirements for a specific type of business is called a(n) _____. A. vertical application B. horizontal application C. asymmetric application D. symmetric application
vertical application
Building an application in a _____ environment can offer greater benefits, and sometimes greater risks, when compared to a traditional environment. A. web-based B. cloud C. GUI D. multinational
web-based
A _____ is a document that describes a company, lists the IT services or products needed, and specifies the features required. A. request for proposal (RFP) B. return on investment (ROI) C. request for quotation (RFQ) D. present net value (PNV)
request for quotation (RFQ)
