Systems ANalysis Design Exam 01 Flashcards
(177 cards)
1
Q
What are the three primary activities in project identification and selection?
A
Identifying potential development projects, classifying and ranking IS development projects, selecting IS development projects
2
Q
Who identifies potential development projects as a top-down source?
A
Key members of top management and steering committee
3
Q
Which selection method has a greater strategic focus?
A
Top Management
4
Q
What is the focus of the steering committee in project selection?
A
Cross-functional focus and greater organizational change
5
Q
Which selection method is characterized by a narrow, nonstrategic focus?
A
Functional Area
6
Q
What is the primary consideration for the development group in project selection?
A
Integration with existing systems focus
7
Q
Fill in the blank: The primary deliverable from the first phase of planning is a _______.
A
schedule of specific IS development projects
8
Q
What strategy in systems analysis and design involves reviewing the project after each phase?
A
Incremental commitment
9
Q
What are the Agile methodologies’ three key principles?
A
- A focus on adaptive rather than predictive methodologies
- A focus on people rather than roles
- A focus on self-adaptive processes
10
Q
List the four values of the Agile Manifesto.
A
- Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
- Working software over comprehensive documentation
- Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
- Responding to change over following a plan
11
Q
What is a system?
A
Components working together, boundary, environment, inputs, outputs, subsystems, decomposition
12
Q
What is the purpose of modeling?
A
To represent systems and their processes
13
Q
True or False: The exam will include open-ended and close-ended questions.
A
True
14
Q
What is the next phase after project initiation and planning?
A
Incremental commitment
15
Q
What is a Go/No Go decision point?
A
A review point to justify the continuation of a project
16
Q
When is prototyping most useful?
A
When user requirements are not clear, few users are involved, designs are complex, specific requirements are desired, and tools/data are available to build a prototype
Prototyping helps clarify requirements through iterative development.
17
Q
What are drawbacks of prototyping?
A
Tendency to avoid formal documentation, difficulty adapting to other users, built as standalones, S D L C checks often bypassed
S D L C refers to Software Development Life Cycle.
18
Q
What are disadvantages of interviewing individuals?
A
Reconciling contradictions, may require new questions, not an efficient process
Individual interviews can lead to inconsistent information.
19
Q
What are advantages of group interviews?
A
More effective use of time, allows synergy among group members
Group dynamics can enhance idea generation.
20
Q
What is the primary disadvantage of group interviews?
A
Difficulty in scheduling with multiple people involved
21
Q
What is the nominal group technique (NGT)?
A
A facilitated process that supports idea generation by groups, starting with individual idea generation followed by pooling ideas under a facilitator
NGT helps prioritize problems or features generated by the group.
22
Q
What are guidelines for effective interviewing?
A
- Don’t imply right/wrong answers
- Listen carefully
- Record notes within 48 hours
- Don’t set expectations unless known
- Seek variety in perspectives
23
Q
What are traditional methods of collecting system requirements?
A
- Individually interview informed people
- Interview diverse groups
- Observe workers
- Study business documents
24
Q
What deliverables are expected from requirements determination?
A
- Interview transcripts
- Meeting minutes
- Existing written information
- Computer-based information
25
What are the characteristics of a good systems analyst?
* Impertinence
* Impartiality
* Relax constraints
* Attention to detail
* Reframing
26
What do systems analysts need to understand?
* Business objectives
* Information needed for jobs
* Data handled
* Data transformation and storage
* Data handling dependencies
* Processing rules
* Policies and guidelines
* Key events affecting data values
27
What are the two subphases of analysis?
Requirements determination and requirements structuring
28
What is the benefit of direct observation of users?
Provides a more accurate view of how employees interact with information systems
## Footnote
However, behavior may change under observation.
29
What can analyzing existing documents reveal?
* Problems with existing systems
* Opportunities for new needs
* Key people in the current system
* Organizational values
* Special information processing circumstances
* Left out features of current software
* Processing rules
30
What is the difference between a formal system and an informal system?
* Formal system: official way as documented
* Informal system: actual way it works
31
What is evolutionary prototyping?
Begins by modeling part of the target system, evolving the rest from those parts, and the prototype becomes the actual production system
32
What is throwaway prototyping?
Prototype is quickly developed as a mockup and not preserved once the system is built
33
What is Joint Application Design (JAD)?
A structured process for users, managers, and analysts to collaboratively specify or review system requirements
## Footnote
JAD sessions aim to collect requirements simultaneously from key stakeholders.
34
What are typical participants in a JAD session?
* JAD session leader
* Users
* Managers
* Sponsor
* Systems analysts
* Scribe
* IS staff
35
What are contemporary methods for collecting system requirements?
* JAD sessions
* Iterative development of system prototypes
36
What is the comparison between observation and document analysis?
Observation has high information richness, extensive time required, high expense, good for follow-up, but may change behavior. Document analysis is low in richness, low to moderate time and expense, limited follow-up, and does not change behavior.
37
What is the first element of project initiation?
Establishing the project initiation team
38
What is the purpose of developing a project charter?
To outline the objectives, scope, and stakeholders of the project
39
What does project planning involve?
Describing the project scope, alternatives, and feasibility
40
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a document that describes what the project will deliver.
Project Scope Statement (PSS)
41
What are the guidelines for better cost estimating?
* Have clear guidelines for creating estimates
* Use experienced developers and/or project managers
* Develop a culture of responsibility for accurate estimates
* Use historical data for better estimates
* Update estimates as the project progresses
* Monitor progress and record discrepancies
42
What does TCO stand for in project cost determination?
Total Cost of Ownership
43
True or False: Recurring costs are associated with project start-up.
False
44
Name three commonly used economic cost-benefit analysis techniques.
* Net Present Value (NPV)
* Return on Investment (ROI)
* Break-Even Analysis (BEA)
45
What is the process of assessing the development organization’s ability to construct a proposed system called?
Technical feasibility
46
Define tangible costs.
Costs associated with an information system that can be measured in dollars and with certainty
47
What are intangible benefits from the development of an information system?
* Competitive necessity
* More confidence in decision quality
* Improved processing efficiency
* Increased organizational flexibility
* Improved resource control
48
What is economic feasibility?
The process of identifying the financial benefits and costs associated with a development project
49
Fill in the blank: A _______ is the justification for an information system in terms of economic benefits and costs.
Business case
50
What factors are included in project risk assessment?
* Project size
* Project structure
* Development group
* User group
51
What does operational feasibility assess?
The degree to which a proposed system solves business problems or takes advantage of opportunities
52
What does the term 'schedule feasibility' refer to?
Assessing the degree to which project timelines meet organizational deadlines
53
True or False: Legal and contractual feasibility evaluates how stakeholders view the proposed system.
False
54
What is the major outcome from the project initiation and planning phase?
Baseline Project Plan (BPP)
55
List the four major sections of the baseline project plan.
* Introduction
* System Definition
* Feasibility Assessment
* Management Issues
56
What is the role of historical data in cost estimating?
To help establish better estimates of costs, risks, schedules, and resources
57
Fill in the blank: _______ costs are those that can be easily measured in terms of dollars.
Tangible
58
What potential consequences may arise from failing to assess and manage risks?
* Failure to attain expected benefits
* Inaccurate cost estimates
* Inaccurate duration estimates
* Inadequate system performance
59
What is a primary concern of the feasibility assessment section of a project?
Gaining rough estimates of human resource requirements
60
What are the three primary activities involved in project identification and selection?
* Identifying potential projects
* Classifying and ranking IS development projects
* Selecting IS development projects
## Footnote
These activities help organizations determine which projects to pursue based on strategic importance and organizational needs.
61
Who typically identifies potential projects in an organization?
* Key member of top management
* Steering committee (top-down source)
* User departments (bottom-up source)
* Development group or senior IS manager
## Footnote
Different sources contribute to the identification of projects, reflecting various organizational perspectives.
62
What is the selection method characteristic of top management?
* Greater strategic focus
* Largest project size
* Longest project duration
* Enterprise-wide consideration
## Footnote
Top management often evaluates projects based on their alignment with organizational strategy.
63
What is a characteristic of the steering committee in project selection?
* Cross-functional focus
* Greater organizational change
* Formal cost-benefit analysis
* Larger and riskier projects
## Footnote
The steering committee is responsible for overseeing projects that affect multiple areas of the organization.
64
What is the focus of the functional area in project selection?
* Narrow, nonstrategic focus
* Faster development
* Fewer users, management layers, and business functions involved
## Footnote
Functional areas often prioritize quick project completion over strategic alignment.
65
What is the primary focus of the development group in project selection?
* Integration with existing systems focus
* Fewer development delays
* Less concern with cost-benefit analysis
## Footnote
The development group prioritizes seamless integration and efficiency in project execution.
66
Define Information Systems Planning (ISP).
Orderly means of assessing the information needs of an organization and defining new systems, databases, and technologies that will best satisfy those needs.
## Footnote
ISP is crucial for aligning technology with business objectives.
67
What is the primary deliverable from the first phase of planning?
Schedule of specific IS development projects.
## Footnote
This deliverable outlines the planned projects to be undertaken based on the organization's needs.
68
What is incremental commitment in systems analysis and design?
Strategy in which the project is reviewed after each phase and continuation of the project is re-justified.
## Footnote
This approach helps to ensure that resources are allocated effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
69
What must an organization analyze to benefit from a planning-based approach for identifying and selecting projects?
Its information needs.
## Footnote
Understanding information needs is essential for setting project priorities and aligning them with strategic goals.
70
True or False: Corporate strategic planning occurs after project identification and planning.
False
## Footnote
Corporate strategic planning must occur before project identification to guide project selection.
71
Fill in the blank: The _______ statement makes it clear what business a company is in.
[mission]
## Footnote
A mission statement provides direction and purpose for the organization.
72
What do objective statements express in corporate strategic planning?
An organization’s qualitative and quantitative goals for reaching a desired future position.
## Footnote
These statements help in measuring the success of the organization against its goals.
73
What is the primary role of a Systems Analyst?
Organizational role most responsible for analysis and design of information systems
74
Define systems development methodology.
A standard process followed in an organization to conduct the steps necessary to analyze, design, implement, and maintain IS
75
What does SDLC stand for?
Systems Development Life Cycle
76
List the key principles of the Agile Manifesto.
* Satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of valuable software
* Welcome changing requirements
* Deliver working software frequently
* Businesspeople and developers work together daily
* Build projects around motivated individuals
* Face-to-face conversation as the most efficient method
* Working software as the primary measure of progress
* Continuous attention to technical excellence
* Promote sustainable development
* Simplicity is essential
* Best architectures emerge from self-organizing teams
* Team reflects on how to become more effective
77
What are the phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
* Planning
* Analysis
* Design
* Implementation
* Maintenance
78
True or False: Agile methodologies are well matched to large products and teams.
False
79
Fill in the blank: eXtreme Programming emphasizes _______ programming teams.
two-person
80
What are the three primary roles in a Scrum team?
* Product owner
* Development team
* Scrum master
81
What is the purpose of the Sprint Review in Scrum?
Focusing on the product, what has been accomplished, and what needs to be done
82
Define the term 'Product Backlog' in Scrum.
Listing of potential requirements
83
What is the main focus of Agile methodologies?
Adaptive rather than predictive methodologies
84
What is the output of the Analysis phase in the SDLC?
Description of current system and where problems or opportunities exist
85
What characterizes the Implementation phase in the SDLC?
Occurs when the information system is coded, tested, installed, and supported in the organization
86
List the critical factors that distinguish Agile and Traditional approaches to system development.
* Size
* Criticality
* Dynamism
* Personnel
* Culture
87
True or False: The Agile approach thrives in a culture of clear practices and procedures.
False
88
What is a key advantage of eXtreme Programming?
Increased communications among developers
89
What does the term 'Physical Design' refer to in the SDLC?
Logical specifications transformed into technology-specific details
90
What phase follows the Analysis phase in the SDLC?
Design
91
Fill in the blank: Agile methodologies focus on _______ rather than roles.
people
92
What is the purpose of tools in the context of systems development?
Assist in the execution of specific tasks or activities within the information systems lifecycle
93
List examples of methodologies in systems development.
* Waterfall
* Agile
* Scrum
* Spiral
* DevOps
94
What is the main output of the Maintenance phase in the SDLC?
New versions or releases of software with associated updates
95
Describe the 'Increment' artifact in Scrum.
Represents the sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during a sprint
96
What is the primary role of a systems analyst?
Bridging the gap between business needs and IT solutions
## Footnote
Systems analysts help organizations leverage technology to achieve their objectives.
97
What skills are essential for systems analysts?
Technical skills, business acumen, effective communication
## Footnote
These skills enable systems analysts to identify, analyze, design, and implement information systems.
98
What is the goal of systems analysts?
Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes through technology
## Footnote
They design solutions that align with organizational goals.
99
How do business analysts support organizations?
By bridging the gap between business requirements and technology solutions
## Footnote
They focus on business needs and opportunities for improvement.
100
What is a key responsibility of a business analyst?
Defining project scope, objectives, and requirements
## Footnote
This ensures that solutions align with business goals.
101
List the components of an Information System.
* Hardware
* Software
* Data
* Procedures
* People
* Internet
## Footnote
These components work together to meet organizational needs.
102
What does the IPO model stand for?
Input, Process, Output
## Footnote
This model describes the flow of information in a system.
103
Define a system.
A group of components working together toward a common goal
## Footnote
This definition applies to various types of systems, including personal computer systems.
104
What is the purpose of modeling?
* To communicate
* To help understand
## Footnote
Modeling simplifies reality by abstracting unnecessary details.
105
What are some forms of models?
* Diagrams
* Mathematical Equations
* Prototypes
* Simulations
* Statistical Models
* Computer Programs
* Conceptual Models
## Footnote
These forms serve various purposes in systems analysis and design.
106
True or False: Systems analysts only focus on technical aspects of an organization.
False
## Footnote
They need to understand both business and technical aspects to create effective solutions.
107
What are common challenges faced in group work?
Scheduling problems, group conflict, uneven contribution, different expectations, getting stuck, groupthink.
108
How can scheduling problems in group work be addressed?
Be understanding of others’ schedules, consider using virtual meeting spaces, take turns picking the venue and time.
109
True or False: Group conflict is always detrimental to group work.
False. Group conflict is natural and often necessary.
110
What is a recommended approach to resolving group conflict?
Focus on the task, find common ground, address conflicts directly and respectfully.
111
What can be done to ensure equal contributions in group work?
Set clear guidelines, assign roles, and speak with members who are not contributing.
112
Fill in the blank: Early communication is key for focusing on _______ in group work.
common goals.
113
What should be done if a group gets mentally stuck?
Reread project expectations, have a brainstorming session, create a mind map, seek help from the professor.
114
What is 'groupthink'?
'Groupthink' occurs when members agree to avoid conflict, stifling creativity and constructive evaluation.
115
List the roles typically assigned in group work.
* Leader
* Organizer
* Editor(s)
* Researcher(s)
* Writer(s)
* Trouble-Shooter/Brainstormer
* Presenter(s)
116
What is a group contract?
A document that formalizes expectations of group members, including roles, responsibilities, and communication guidelines.
117
What behaviors are expected from group members regarding punctuality?
All members will be punctual, attend all meetings unless unavoidable, and remain until tasks are completed.
118
What should group members do if they are unable to meet a deadline?
Seek help from other members in time to avoid a delay.
119
Fill in the blank: The group will actively seek a _______ of opinion based on the opinions of every member.
consensus.
120
What is the role of a 'devil's advocate' in group work?
Keeps an open mind to problems, possibilities, and divergent or opposing ideas.
121
What are the steps for resolving an impasse in group discussions?
* Isolate areas of disagreement
* Leader decides relevance of dispute
* Leader sets time for discussion
* Leader calls a vote.
122
True or False: Group meetings must always be conducted in person.
False. Group meetings can use virtual technology.
123
What is one way to keep a group project organized?
Create a timeline and divide projects into manageable chunks.
124
Fill in the blank: A place for each group member to sign indicates their agreement to the _______.
contract.
125
What is the purpose of a communication plan in group work?
To set mutually agreed upon ground rules for contribution and ensure accountability.
126
What is a system?
A system is a group of components working together toward a common goal
## Footnote
Example: A personal computer system consists of hardware components working together.
127
What are the key systems concepts?
* Components
* Boundary
* Environment
* Inputs
* Processes
* Outputs
* Subsystems
* Decomposition
128
What does the IPO Model represent?
Input → Process → Output
## Footnote
Example: ATM withdrawal includes user input, system processing, and cash output.
129
What are the 5 Components of an Information System (IS)?
* Hardware
* Software
* Data
* People
* Processes
130
What is the role of a Systems Analyst?
Bridges business needs and IT solutions
## Footnote
Must have technical skills, business acumen, and communication skills.
131
What is a model?
A model is an abstraction of reality
## Footnote
Purpose includes communication, problem-solving, and system understanding.
132
What is a group contract?
A formal agreement outlining group expectations
## Footnote
Includes roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and dispute resolution methods.
133
List common group roles.
* Leader
* Organizer
* Editor
* Researcher
* Writer
* Presenter
134
What are the steps in conflict resolution?
* Identify the disagreement
* Discuss openly
* Vote if necessary
* Leader makes the final decision if a tie occurs
135
What are the phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
* Planning
* Analysis
* Design
* Implementation
* Maintenance
136
What is involved in the Planning phase of SDLC?
* Identify business needs
* Define system objectives
* Develop the Baseline Project Plan (BPP)
137
What distinguishes Traditional SDLC (Waterfall) from Agile?
* Flexibility: Low (Waterfall) vs High (Agile)
* Development Speed: Slower (Waterfall) vs Faster (Agile)
* Customer Involvement: Low (Waterfall) vs High (Agile)
* Documentation: Heavy (Waterfall) vs Minimal (Agile)
* Risk Handling: Late-stage detection (Waterfall) vs Continuous evaluation (Agile)
138
Where do project ideas come from?
* Top-down
* Bottom-up
* Development teams
139
What are the project selection criteria?
* Strategic Alignment
* Financial Value
* Technical Feasibility
* Risk & Complexity
140
What are the key deliverables in project initiation?
* Business Case
* Project Scope Statement (PSS)
* Baseline Project Plan (BPP)
141
List the types of feasibility assessments.
* Economic Feasibility
* Technical Feasibility
* Operational Feasibility
* Schedule Feasibility
* Legal/Contractual Feasibility
* Political Feasibility
142
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) include?
* One-time costs: Development, installation
* Recurring costs: Maintenance, training
143
What are characteristics of a good systems analyst?
* Impertinence
* Impartiality
* Relax Constraints
* Attention to Detail
* Reframing
144
What are traditional methods for collecting system requirements?
* Interviews
* Observations
* Document Analysis
145
What is Joint Application Development (JAD)?
Facilitated sessions where users, managers, and analysts define requirements
## Footnote
Pros: Faster decision-making; Cons: Scheduling challenges.
146
What are the core principles of Agile?
* Adaptive
* People-focused
* Self-adaptive
147
What are the values of the Agile Manifesto?
* Individuals & interactions over processes & tools
* Working software over documentation
* Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
* Responding to change over following a rigid plan
148
What is Extreme Programming (XP)?
Short, incremental cycles, automated testing, teamwork
149
What roles are involved in Scrum?
* Product Owner
* Scrum Master
* Development Team
150
What are Sprints in Scrum?
Work is done in 2-4 week cycles
151
What is a system?
A group of components working together toward a common goal
## Footnote
Example: personal computer system
152
What does the boundary of a system define?
What is in the system and outside the system
## Footnote
Similar to the notion of scope
153
What are the components of an Information System?
* Hardware
* Software
* Data
* Procedures
* People
* Internet
154
What is the difference between a Systems Analyst and a Business Analyst?
Systems analysts focus on system functionality; business analysts bridge business requirements and technology solutions
155
What is a model?
An abstraction of reality, a simplification of reality
## Footnote
Only necessary details are included
156
What are the forms of models?
* Diagrams
* Mathematical Equations
* Prototypes
* Simulations
* Statistical Models
* Computer Programs
* Conceptual Models
157
What is the purpose of modeling?
To communicate and to help understand
158
What are the phases of the SDLC?
* Planning
* Analysis
* Design
* Implementation
* Maintenance
159
What is the output of the planning phase in SDLC?
A schedule of specific IS development projects
160
What is the traditional waterfall methodology?
Once one phase ends, another begins, making it difficult to go back
## Footnote
Results in great expense to make changes
161
What are the three key principles of Agile Methodologies?
* Focus on adaptive methodologies
* Focus on people
* Focus on self-adaptive processes
162
What does the Agile Manifesto value?
* Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
* Working software over comprehensive documentation
* Customer collaboration over contract negotiation
* Responding to change over following a plan
163
What is eXtreme Programming characterized by?
* Short, incremental development cycles
* Focus on automated tests
* Emphasis on two-person programming teams
164
What is the purpose of a project charter?
Empowers the project manager to spend money and start working
165
What are the categories of feasibility factors?
* Economic
* Technical
* Operational
* Scheduling
* Legal and contractual
* Political
166
What is a tangible benefit?
A benefit from the creation of an information system that can be measured in dollars and with certainty
167
What is the Net Present Value (NPV)?
Uses a discount rate to establish the present value of a project
168
Fill in the blank: The amount of time required for the cumulative cash flow from a project to equal its initial and ongoing investment is called the _______.
Break Even Point
169
True or False: The Scrum Master should be considered a project manager.
False
170
What is a product backlog?
A wishlist of what would make a product great
171
What is a burndown chart?
A visual representation to track the progress of a project
172
What is the purpose of a daily scrum?
To facilitate communication among team members
173
What is the planning fallacy?
The tendency to be overoptimistic when estimating the time to complete a project
174
What is the Fibonacci sequence used for in Scrum?
To estimate tasks relatively
175
What is the goal of a sprint in Scrum?
To reach a demo of the minimal viable product
176
What is the significance of the 80-20 principle in Scrum?
80% of the value will come from 20% of effort or time on a project
177
What is incremental commitment in systems analysis and design?
A strategy where the project is reviewed after each phase
