Chapter 1: Introduction to PSM Flashcards
What is the Purpose of the PSM?
To find a solution to an information problem that exists within an information system.
Describe the Analysis stage
Where the information system is examined, to determine what problems may exist or how new elements are added.
What activities does the Analysis stage involve?
Solution Requirements, Solution constraints, Solution scope
Who are the stakeholders?
Anyone who has a valid connection or interest in the system or information problem
Recall what an information system includes
- Data
- Processes
- People
- Digital systems (software & hardware)
How do you determine the solution requirements
Using a range of tools to represent the information problem such as:
1. Context diagrams
2. Data flow diagrams (DFDs)
3. Use case diagrams (UCD)
What is the difference between functional and non-functional requirements?
Simply put, functional requirements are what the solution is REQUIRED to actually DO. Whereas the non-functional requirements are just attributes of the solution.
Give some examples of Non-functional solution requirements
- Maintainability
- User-friendliness, Usability
- Response Rates, Reliability, Robustness
- Portability
Acronym (MURP)
Reliable vs Robustness
If a software is reliable, it is CONSISTENT.
If a software is robust, it means it is capable of working under unexpected conditions/circumstances.
What are the typical constraints in a solution
- Cost
- Speed of processing
- Security requirements
- Capacity
- Equipment availability
- Legal requirements
What is the scope?
The RANGE of a solution, defines the boundaries of the solution, also outlining what it will and will not do.
Define effectiveness
A measure of how well a solution, information managaement strategy or a network, function
What are some measures of effectiveness in a solution?
- Accessibility, Accuracy, Attractiveness
- Clarity, Communication, Completeness
- Readability, Relevance
- Timeliness
- Usability
What are some measures of effectiveness of an information management strategy
Currency of files, ease of retrieval, data and security integrity
What are some measures of effective networks?
Maintainability, reliability, security of data during storage AND TRANSMISSION.
Define efficiency
A measure of how much time, cost and effort is applied to achieve intended results
List measures of efficiency in a SOLUTION
Cost of file manipulation, its functionality and the speed of processing
List measures of efficiency in a network
Processing time, operational costs and level of automation
What does the design stage consist of
1) The Solution Design:
- Planning of how the solution will function given the requirements
2) Determining the criteria that will be used to evaluate the solution
(EVALUATION CRITERIA)
What does the Planning solution functionality (solution design) involve
- Working out how the data that is required will be named, structured, validated, manipulated and stored.
- Showing how the various components of the solution relate to one another.
- To design how information will be PRESENTED in the software solution
Data dictionaries, data structure diagrams, pseudocode and object descriptions are used for what
To work out how data is named, structured, manipulated and stored
How do you show that the various components of a solution relate to one another?
With the use of DFDs (Data flow diagrams), context diagrams and use case diagrams.
What are the different ways to design how information will be presented in a software solution?
Using tools such as annotated diagrams and mock ups.
What advantages are there in compiling test data during the design stage?
Provides the developers a valuable insight into the exact parameters of the input and output
Why is the evaluation criteria determined early, in the design stage?
So that the developer has a better understanding of how the success of the solution will be ultimately judged.
What activities are in the Development stage?
4 main activities:
- Coding (manipulation)
- Validation
- Testing
- Documenting
What does the term ‘due diligence’ mean?
When performed adequately and effectively
What advantages are there in using coding conventions for the naming of program elements?
For eliminating sloppy and hard-to-read code which can be quite unprofessional, leading to good habits including the naming and structure of code with ample internal documentation
What is Validation?
The process of determining the reasonableness of the data
What does testing refer to?
The programmer adds elements to the program, testing them to see that they are working and to modify or fix them as needed.
Why is documentation needed?
Documentation is written to support the variety of users of the solution.
Types of documentation
Internal documentation-
placed inside the program code to assist future programmers who wish to modify the solution
System support documentation-
electronic or hardcopy form, can be produced for different groups from those who are using the system to those who are maintaining it.
What should an evaluation contain
Evaluating the software solution, and determining a strategy.
What does evaluating the solution involve
Using the evaluation criteria previously stated in the design stage, the evaluation draws upon the criteria to see how well the solution has met the requirements and needs
How DO you find the best way to see if a solution has met the required needs
A strategy is used to determine this, including a timeline for the evaluation, what data will be collected using what methods, and how the data relates to the evaluation criteria
