Ch 5 - Alyssa *done* Flashcards
What design of a system focuses on the translation of business requirements into improved business processes, irrespective of any technological implementation?
Logical Design
What is the purpose of the physical design?
ID best IT system to support improve processes based on the “blueprint” from the logical design.
Graphical representation of key data flows, focusing on the movement and storage of data within the system.
Data Flow Diagram
T/F: With DFD’s, you are concerned with where the data is going, what will happen to it, and where it will be stored.
False. Not concerned with what happens to it at this point.
What is RFP?
Request for Proposal - A proposal inviting vendors to bid on the project. This proposal defines the organization’s goals needs in a specific but simple, outlining the systems requirements (hardware, software, and service agreements). This includes the needs analysis and logical design. Structured approach minimizing risk of omitting important criteria.
What is the process perspective?
In logical design, the process perspective focuses on the business processes and activities in which the organization engages and on how data flow through the HRIS.
What is an entity?
an EXTERNAL agent that either receives or supplies data to the HR system. Could be person, place, system or department.
Advantages of a DFD over narrative
- Freedom from committing to technical implementation too early
- Deeper understanding of the inter relatedness of systems and subsystems
- Allow for stronger communication of system knowledge to employees
- Ensure a deeper analysis of the proposed system to determine if all business processes have been identified
T/F. A process represents a business activity, the goal being to change or transform inputted data into a useful output.
T
What should be the first major activity in the physical design phase?
Re-evaluating the feasibility/value of continuing on with a new system.
Advantages of building software internally
Complete control over the process, and will be able to completely tailor it to the business’ needs (increased flexibility and creative solutions)
Disadvantages of building software internally
Could end up being more expensive, higher risk and more software testing needed, challenging to integrate with other systems, may not have all the necessary skills internally (or will have to get them).
T/F. Most COTS will meet 90% of an organization’s needs because an organization’s operations are fairly generic.
F. 70%
What is the “vanilla” approach?
Changing business processes to adapt to the software so it meets almost all of the organization’s needs.
What are the risks of using an ASP?
May expose firm’s internal confidential information and business processes and may not lead to reduced time/money because still as many steps as if you were building internally.
What is an alliance program?
Most major software vendors supplement their mainline enterprise solutions by investing in alliances with other independent software vendors. This is to provide a total solution to make both vendors products more attractive and effective, allowing them to compete better.
What are the four areas of consideration used to select a vendor?
Functionality, IT Architecture and Integration, Price, Vendor longevity and viability
Examples of hidden costs you must look out for
customization costs, licensing fees, upgrade fees, employee training costs, operation and maintence
What is technical feasibility?
Focusing on the current technological capabilities, and the technological capabilities required for implementation of the proposed system. Can current technology be used or will a new technological architecture be needed to implement the proposed system changes?
What type of feasibility is concerned with how well a proposed project fits in with the organization’s strategic plans?
Operational feasibility.
What is more of a challenge to organizations when implementing a system, political factors or technical issues?
Political factors in the organization (power redistribution, individual resistance or disruptions) and antitrust issues.
How is economic feasibility defined and measured?
It is the process of determining whether the costs of developing, implementing, and running the system are worth the benefits derived from its use. Measured through a thorough cost-benefit analysis.
Major factors in project failures (discussed in lecture/lab)
Scope creep
lack of phase containment (doing the right thing at the right time)
