Week 10 - Systems Development

Question 1

What is the purpose of system development?

Answer 1

To create a system that allows the
organisation to function more effectively.

Question 2

What are 3 reasons for systems development?

Answer 2

– Outdated system needs to be replaced.
– To improve strategic position (e.g. strengthen customer or
supplier relationships).
– A new business has no systems in place.

Question 3

What are the 5 stages to the systems development life cycle?

Answer 3

1. Investigation
2. Analysis
3. Design
4. Implementation
5. Maintenance and review

Question 4

What are the 3 components of the investigation stage in the systems development life cycle?

Answer 4

1. Problem identification
2. Problem scope
3. Feasibility - evaluation of alternatives

Question 5

What are the 2 components of the analysis stage in the systems development life cycle?

Answer 5

1. Systems analysis: understanding what the current system does and how it operates.
2. Requirement analysis: specifying what the new system will need to do.

Question 6

What are the 4 components of the design stage in the systems development life cycle?

Answer 6

1. Determining the outputs and then inputs
2. Logical design: describes how the new system will operate
3. Technical design: find the technology to allow implementation of logical design
4. Design approval

Question 7

What are the 2 components of the implementation stage in the systems development life cycle?

Answer 7

1. Implement the required networks, databases and programs for the system.
2. Conduct testing - prepare users for conversion through training and documentation

Question 8

What are the 3 implementation approaches?

Answer 8

1. Direct conversion: switching off the old system today and switching on the new system tomorrow.
2. Parallel conversion: running the new and system together for a period of time.
3. Phased-in conversion: gradual implementation.

Question 9

What are the 3 components of the maintenance stage in the systems development life cycle?

Answer 9

1. System improvement: adding new features or functions.
2. System modification: changing an existing feature.
3. Bug correction: fixing any errors.

Question 10

What are the 2 components of the review stage in the systems development life cycle?

Answer 10

1. Evaluates performance of the new system.
2. Considerations:
   – Project team’s performance.
   – New system’s performance.

Question 11

Why do businesses invest in information systems when the failure rate is so high?
a) The potential return is very attractive
b) All their competitors are investing
c) They believe ‘it won’t happen to me’
d) The CFO won’t speak up

Answer 11

a) The potential return is very attractive

Question 12

What are 2 alternative system development approaches?

Answer 12

– Prototyping: involves the progressive building of models and allowing users to experience these models and provide feedback on their operation and suitability.
– Agile/adaptive methods: involves short team-based efforts whereby a small amount of functionality is built designed and tested.

Question 13

What are some software selection options for SMEs?

Answer 13

Pre-developed programs:
– Adopting a package that already exists e.g. Microsoft Word or Xero.
– Advantages: lower costs, well developed and error free product.

Accounting packages:
– Mid-range accounting packages:
* Direct from the developer or a value-added reseller.
* Interlocking modules and optional ‘switches’.
– Simple accounting packages:
* Direct from the developer or big retailer.
* Fewer options.

Software as a service:
– Service providers (SPs) can also be used as a means for businesses to acquire access to a system or program through an independent provider.
– Delivery is generally web-based.
– Economies of scale and lower upfront investment.
– Issues: reliability, level of service and strategic nature.

Question 14

What are the 5 typical problems that can arise in system development projects?

Answer 14

• Conflict
• Escalation of commitment
• Project goal issues
• Technical skills
• Interpersonal skills

Question 15

What are 2 management tools that can be used in managing the systems development project?

Answer 15

• Gantt charts: graphical way of planning and controlling the progress of a systems development project.
• Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) systems: systems are software packages that can help in the various stages of systems development, particularly in the design of source code and user documentation.