CHAPTER 1 Flashcards
Information systems analysis and design
The process of developing and
maintaining an information
system.
Application software
Software designed to process data and support users in an organization. Examples include spreadsheets, word processors, and database management systems.
System
A group of interrelated procedures used for a business function, with an identifiable boundary, working together for some purpose.
Component
An irreducible part or
aggregation of parts that makes
up a system; also called
a subsystem.
Interrelated
Dependence of one part of the
system on one or more other
system parts.
Boundary
The line that marks the inside
and outside of a system and that
sets off the system from its
environment.
Purpose
The overall goal or function
of a system.
Environment
Everything external to a system
that interacts with the system.
Interface
Point of contact where a system
meets its environment or where
subsystems meet each other.
Constraint
A limit to what a system can
accomplish.
Decomposition
The process of breaking the description of a system down into small components; also known as functional decomposition.
Modularity
Dividing a system up into chunks
or modules of a relatively
uniform size.
Coupling
The extent to which subsystems
depend on each other.
Cohesion
The extent to which a system or
subsystem performs a single
function.
Systems analyst
The organizational role most
responsible for the analysis and
design of information systems.
Systems development
methodology
A standard process followed in an organization to conduct all the steps necessary to analyze, design, implement, and maintain information systems.
Systems development life
cycle (SDLC)
The series of steps used to mark
the phases of development for an
information system.
Systems planning
and selection
The first phase of the SDLC, in which an organization’s total information system needs are analyzed and arranged, and in which a potential information systems project is identified and an argument for continuing or not continuing with the project is presented.
Systems analysis
Phase of the SDLC in which the
current system is studied and
alternative replacement systems
are proposed.
Systems design
Phase of the SDLC in which the system chosen for development in systems analysis is first described independently of any computer platform, (logical design) and is then transformed into technology-specific details (physical design) from which all programming and system construction can be accomplished.
Systems implementation
and operation
Final phase of the SDLC, in which the information system is coded, tested, and installed in the organization, and in which the information system is systematically repaired and improved.
Prototyping
Building a scaled-down version
of the desired information
system.
Computer-aided
software engineering
(CASE)
Software tools that provide
automated support for some
portion of the systems
development process.
Repository
A centralized database that contains all diagrams, forms and report definitions, data structures, data definitions, process flows and logic, and definitions of other organizational and system components; it provides a set of mechanisms and structures to achieve seamless data-to-tool and data-to-data integration.
Joint application design
JAD
A structured process in which users, managers, and analysts work together for several days in a series of intensive meetings to specify or review system requirements.
Rapid application
development (RAD)
Systems development methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to design and implement information systems.
Participatory design (PD)
A systems development approach that originated in northern Europe, in which users and the improvement of their work lives are the central focus.
Agile Methodologies
A family of development methodologies characterized by short iterative cycles and extensive testing; active involvement of users for establishing, prioritizing, and verifying requirements; and a focus on small teams of talented, experienced programmers.
