1a Stages Of Life Cycle

Question 1

Describe the following stages of the systems life cycle. (i) Investigation and analysis(2 marks)

Answer 1

Max two from:
 establishes the nature of the problem (1) by collecting
evidence for analysis (1)
 reviews current solution/studies existing model (1) so
that user requirements can be established (1)  analyses data from

Question 2

Describe the Design stage (2 marks)

Answer 2

Follow a set of objectives (1) that matches the user’s requirements (1)
 considers methods of data capture (1) and how data
will be input, processed and stored (1)
 describes data structures to be used (1) and how
these relate to the processing required/queries
required/reports required/required output (1)
 user interface/planning of screens is considered (1)
detailing how validation will be used (1)
 describes error messages (1) and required feedback
to/from the user (1)
 test plan designed (1) for use in the testing of the
entire system (1)
 provides a detailed description (1) showing how the
new system will be constructed (1)
 identification of position in systems life cycle (Max 1).
[2]

Question 3

Describe the analysis and testing stages of the systems life cycle. (4 marks)

Answer 3

1 for identification, 1 for expansion / example: 4
the analysis stage concludes with a set of requirements (1) the analysis determines what needs to be done (1) analysis involves questionnaires/interviews/document analysis/observation (1) of current system (1)

the finished system is tested against the requirements specification (1) the testing determines whether what has been done works or not (1)
testing is to find bugs/errors (1) using normal/extreme/erroneous data/following a test plan (1) analysis is the first stage/comes before design (1)

Question 4

Describe the implementation and installation stages of the systems life cycle. (4 marks)

Answer 4

Accept for one mark: identification of position in systems life cycle one time
Implementation
eg:
 it uses the design specification/output from the design stage (1) and
takes it forward/puts it into practice (1)
 it is when the coding would be created (1) for the required inputs,
processing and required outputs (1)
 it is when off-the-shelf software is customised (1) dependent upon the
needs of the client (1)
 creates working software (1) that can be tested (1).
One from:\
Installation
eg:
 placing of finished project into use (1) parallel/phased/pilot/direct
strategy used (1)
 presents opportunity for staff training (1) using completed and tested
software code (1).
 Data transfer (1) where data keyed into new system (1)