3A: define + understand problem

Question 1

what does defining + understanding problem involve

Answer 1

formally identifying precise problem to be solved, determining if existing solution is viable or new solution is needed

Question 2

things to consider when defining problem

Answer 2

• client’s needs
• compatibility with existing software/hardware
• possible performance issues(internet/graphic intensive systems)
• boundaries of system

Question 3

what is considered a need of the client

Answer 3

an instance in which some necessity or want exists, implies some form of solution is required to meet the need

Question 4

importance of articulating needs of the client clearly

Answer 4

so that it will be easier to develop clear picture of problem to be solved

Question 5

how can a set of functionality requirements be created

Answer 5

through consultation + analysis of general statements

Question 6

systems analyst function

Answer 6

• analyses systems
• determines requirements
• designs new info systems

Question 7

tools to analyze needs

Answer 7

surveys, interviews, time management studies, business analysis

Question 8

surveys

Answer 8

completed by all key personnel; gathers info from lots of people, though detail + explanations are limited

Question 9

interviews

Answer 9

allows participants to express needs; detailed + good explanations, though expensive

Question 10

time management studies

Answer 10

how much time spent on function; highlights priority areas

Question 11

business analysis

Answer 11

examining different aspects of a business’ activities in search of areas for improvement; cost benefit analysis = profitable return

Question 12

reason for developing product

Answer 12

a client has need for it

Question 13

requirement meaning

Answer 13

features, properties or behaviors systems must have to achieve its purpose

Question 14

functionality requirement meaning

Answer 14

describes what the system will do
- if achieved, needs = met
- should be continually examined during d+d
- final evaluation: based on how well original requirements were met

Question 15

how to evaluate degree of success/failure of requirements

Answer 15

requirements must be stated in a way which can be easily verified; using scientific/mathematical statements

Question 16

compatibility issues

Answer 16

relating to range of OS, browsers, hardware, devices available for software, caused by various connections operating at various speeds resulting in errors/loss of connectivity

Question 17

common compatibility issues

Answer 17

• versions of systems
• COTS products, parent updates
• graphics cards != graphic code libraries
• screen resolution + size
• labels + fonts + other UI
• server connection over wireless networks
• HTML != W3C standards

Question 18

performance issues

Answer 18

• performance of systems are different in real-world conditions, and testing environments should simulate this
• for non-custom solutions with broad audience: specific performance requirements are hard to meet
• use efficient algorithms, visual aids

Question 19

common performance issues

Answer 19

• computer doesn’t seem to respond after function initiated
• poor response times, usually in data entry

Question 20

boundaries meaning

Answer 20

defines limits of the problem/system to be developed

Question 21

boundary considerations

Answer 21

• anything outside of system = environment
• system interacts with environment via interface, input + output via interface
• keyboard = human/computer interface
• internet service provider(ISP) = computer/internet interface

Question 22

why are boundaries needed

Answer 22

to determine boundaries of the problem; what is and what isn’t part of the system
- items in environment need to be considered if they will affect system
- interface needed if items within environment need to influence system

Question 23

system interaction with items in environment

Answer 23

items in environment can affect system, though system cannot alter environment

Question 24

what to do when defining a problem

Answer 24

define boundaries of problem so customer has realistic expectations of the limits of the new system