ProcessModeling

Question 1

Describe the purpose of process modeling.

Answer 1

Process modeling graphically represents the processes that capture, manipulate, store, and distribute data between a system and its environment and among system components.

Question 2

Define a context data flow diagram (DFD).

Answer 2

A context data flow diagram (DFD) outlines the scope of a system, showing the system boundaries, external entities that interact with the system, and major information flows.

Question 3

How many symbols are used in data flow diagramming mechanics?

Answer 3

Only four symbols are used in data flow diagramming mechanics.

Question 4

Explain the role of a data store in a DFD.

Answer 4

A data store represents data at rest within the system.

Question 5

Identify the function of a source/sink in a DFD.

Answer 5

A source/sink is an external entity that serves as the origin or destination of data outside the system.

Question 6

What does a data flow represent in a DFD?

Answer 6

A data flow is depicted by arrows that show the movement of data between processes, data stores, and external entities.

Question 7

Describe the components included in a context diagram.

Answer 7

A context diagram includes the system boundaries, external entities that interact with the system, and major information flows between the entities and the system.

Question 8

How does a DFD of a new logical system differ from a DFD of a current logical system?

Answer 8

A DFD of a new logical system is technology independent and shows data flows, structure, and functional requirements, while a DFD of a current logical system helps analysts understand the existing system.

Question 9

What is the significance of having only one process symbol in a context diagram?

Answer 9

Having only one process symbol in a context diagram simplifies the representation of the entire system as a single process, focusing on interactions rather than internal details.

Question 10

Define the term ‘process’ in the context of a DFD.

Answer 10

In the context of a DFD, a process refers to the work or actions performed on data within the system.

Question 11

Describe a Level-0 Diagram.

Answer 11

A Level-0 Diagram is a data flow diagram that represents a system’s major processes, data flows, and data stores at a high level of detail.

Question 12

Define the purpose of processes in a data flow diagram.

Answer 12

The purpose of processes in a data flow diagram is to transform inputs into outputs.

Question 13

How does functional decomposition work in data flow diagrams?

Answer 13

Functional decomposition is an iterative process of breaking a system description down into finer detail.

Question 14

What is a Primitive DFD?

Answer 14

A Primitive DFD is the lowest level of a data flow diagram.

Question 15

Explain the relationship between Level-0 and Level-1 diagrams.

Answer 15

A Level-1 diagram results from the decomposition of a Level-0 diagram.

Question 16

Define a Level-n diagram in the context of data flow diagrams.

Answer 16

A Level-n diagram is the result of nested decompositions from a process on a Level-0 diagram.

Question 17

What is the Conservation Principle in data flow diagrams?

Answer 17

The Conservation Principle states to conserve inputs and outputs to a process at the next level of decomposition.

Question 18

Describe the concept of balancing in data flow diagrams.

Answer 18

Balancing refers to the conservation of inputs and outputs to a data flow diagram process when that process is decomposed to a lower level.

Question 19

List the four different types of data flow diagrams.

Answer 19

The four different types of data flow diagrams are Current Physical, Current Logical, New Logical, and New Physical.

Question 20

How does a Current Physical DFD differ from a Current Logical DFD?

Answer 20

In a Current Physical DFD, process labels identify the technology used to process the data, while in a Current Logical DFD, physical aspects of the system are removed as much as possible.

Question 21

What changes are made in a New Logical DFD compared to a Current Logical DFD?

Answer 21

A New Logical DFD includes additional functions and removes obsolete ones.

Question 22

Describe the representation of a New Physical DFD.

Answer 22

A New Physical DFD represents the physical implementation of the new system.

Question 23

Describe the importance of completeness in DFDs.

Answer 23

Completeness ensures that the DFD includes all necessary components for a comprehensive representation of the system.

Question 24

How does consistency apply to DFDs?

Answer 24

Consistency means that information presented at one level of the DFD must also be reflected at other levels to maintain clarity and accuracy.

Question 25

Define the timing aspect when drawing DFDs.

Answer 25

Timing refers to the practice of drawing DFDs as if the system has never started and will never stop, providing a clear view of processes.

Question 26

Explain the concept of iterative development in the context of DFDs.

Answer 26

Iterative development involves the expectation that the DFD will need to be redrawn several times as the understanding of the system evolves.

Question 27

What are primitive DFDs?

Answer 27

Primitive DFDs represent the lowest logical level of decomposition in a data flow diagram.

Question 28

How can DFDs be used for gap analysis?

Answer 28

DFDs can help discover discrepancies between different DFDs or within a single DFD, highlighting areas that need attention.

Question 29

Identify a benefit of using DFDs in analyzing inefficiencies.

Answer 29

Inefficiencies in a system can often be identified through the analysis of DFDs, allowing for targeted improvements.

Question 30

Describe the process modeling for Pine Valley Furniture’s Webstore using DFDs.

Answer 30

The process modeling involved completing a JAD session and translating the Webstore system structure into data flow diagrams, identifying six high-level processes.

Question 31

Summarize the key objectives of understanding logical process modeling via DFDs.

Answer 31

Key objectives include drawing well-structured DFDs, decomposing them into lower-level diagrams, and balancing high-level and low-level diagrams.

Question 32

Explain the differences between current physical, current logical, new physical, and new logical DFDs.

Answer 32

These differences pertain to the various states of the system being modeled, reflecting its current and future processes and structures.

Question 33

How can DFDs be utilized in analyzing information systems?

Answer 33

DFDs serve as tools for analyzing information systems by providing a visual representation of data flows and processes.