Chapter 4 Flashcards
random sample
A random sample is taken in a random,
unplanned manner. For example, a
random sample might be a sample that
selects any 20 custom
interview
A planned meeting during which
information is obtained from another
person.
personal information manager
A tool such as Microsoft Outlook that
helps manage tasks and schedules.
Many handheld devices also include this
function.
Open-ended questions
Question that allows for a range of answers. They encourage spontaneous and unstructured responses, and are useful in understanding a larger process.
questionnaire
A document containing a number of
standard questions that can be sent to
many individuals. Also called a survey.
unstructured brainstorming
A group discussion where any
participant can speak at any time.
swim lanes
In a business process diagram, the
overall diagram is called a pool, and the
designated customer areas are called
swim lanes.
requirements planning phase
A phase that combines elements of the
systems planning and systems analysis
phases of the SDLC.
Research
An important fact-finding technique. Research can include the review of journals, periodicals, and books to obtain background information, technical material, and news about industry trends and developments
brainstorming
A fact-finding technique for gaining
information, through the use of a small
group discussion of a specific problem,
opportunity, or issue.
fill-in form
Form used to collect data on the
Internet or a company in
Outputs
Electronic or printed information
produced by an information system.
Zachman Framework for enterprise
Architecture
A model that asks the traditional factfinding questions in a systems
development context.
structured brainstorming
A group discussion where each
participant speaks when it is his or her
turn, or passes.
Closed-ended questions
Question that limits or restricts the range of responses. Used in the interview process when specific information or fact verification is desired.
Rapid economic Justification (REJ)
A method for measuring total costs and
benefits developed by Microsoft and
used to analyze and optimize IT
investments.
functional decomposition diagram (FDD)
A top-down representation of business
functions and processes. Also called a
structure chart.
Document review
A review of baseline documentation. A
useful fact-finding technique that helps
an analyst understand how the current
system is supposed to work.
use case diagram
A visual representation that represents
the interaction between users and the
information system in UML (Unified
Modeling Language).
leading questions
Question that suggests or favors a
particular reply.
Scalability
Scalability means that a system can be
expanded, modified, or downsized easily
to meet the rapidly changing needs of a
business enterprise.
Security
Hardware, software, and procedural
controls that safeguard and protect a
system and its data from internal or
external threats.
systematic sample
A sample that occurs at a predetermined periodicity. For example, every tenth customer record might be selected as a systematic sample for review
system requirement
A characteristic or feature that must be
included in an information system to
satisfy business requirements and be
acceptable to users.
Range-of-response questions
Closedended questions that asks the
person to evaluate something by
providing limited answers to specific
responses or on a numeric scale.
Hawthorne Effect
A phenomenon where employees who
know they are being observed are more
productive.
stratified sample
A sample where a set metric is collected across functional areas. For example, a certain percentage of transactions from every work shift, or five customers from each of four zip codes, could be a stratified sample.
engaged listening
The ability to really concentrate on what someone is saying, and avoid the temptation to hear what is expected. Also includes noticing non-verbal communication.
Scrum
A popular process with agile developers; refers to a powerful effort to achieve short-term goals, derived from a rugby term. In Scrum, team members play specific roles and interact in intense sessions.
user design phase
In this phase, users interact with
systems analysts and develop models
and prototypes that represent all
system processes, outputs, and inputs.
Unified Modeling Language (UML)
A widely used method of visualizing and documenting software systems design. UML uses object-oriented design concepts, but it is independent of any specific programming language and can be used to describe business processes and requirements generally.
actor
An external entity with a specific role.
In a use-case model, actors are used to
model interaction with the system.
Inputs
Necessary data that enters a system,
either manually or in an automated
manner.
site visit
A visit to a physical location to observe
a system in use at another location.
cutover phase
A phase that resembles the final tasks in the SDLC implementation phase, including data conversion, testing, changeover to the new system, and user training.
survey
A document containing a number of
standard questions that can be sent to
many individuals. Also called a
questionnaire
observation
A fact-finding technique where an
analyst sees a system in action.
Observation allows the verification of
statements made in interviews.
sequence diagram
A diagram that shows the timing of
transactions between objects as they
occur.
construction phase
A phase that focuses on program and
application development tasks similar to
the SDLC.
informal structure
An informal structure usually is based on interpersonal relationships and can develop from previous work assignments, physical proximity, unofficial procedures, or personal relationship
Performance
System characteristics such as speed,
volume, capacity, availability, and
reliability.
pool
In business process modeling notation
(BPMN), the overall diagram is called a
poo
histogram
A common tool for showing the
distribution of questionnaire or
sampling results. It takes the form of a
vertical bar chart.
sampling
As it relates to information systems, sampling is a process where an analyst collects examples of actual documents which could include records, reports, or various form
Productivity software
Software such as word processing,
spreadsheet, database management,
and presentation graphics programs.
agile methods
A standard set of shapes and symbols
used to represent events, processes,
and workflows in computer-based
modeling tools.
business process model (BPM)
A graphical representation of one or
more business processes.
business process modeling notation
BPMN
A standard set of shapes and symbols
used to represent events, processes,
and workflows in computer-based
modeling tools.
data flow diagram (DFD)
Diagram that shows how the system
stores, processes, and transforms data
into useful information.
joint application development (JAD)
A popular systems development technique that uses a crossmatrixed task group of users, managers and IT professionals that work together to gather information, discuss business needs, and define the new system requiremen
personal information manager (PIM)
A tool such as Microsoft Outlook that
helps manage tasks and schedules.
Many handheld devices also include this
function.
processes
Procedure or task that users, managers, and IT staff members perform. Also, the logical rules of a system that are applied to transform data into meaningful information.
rapid application development (RAD)
A team-based technique that speeds up information systems development and produces a functioning information system. RAD is similar in concept to joint application development (JAD), but goes further by including all phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
requirements modeling
Modeling that is used in the systems planning phase of the SDLC. It involves fact-finding to describe the current system and identify the requirements for the new system
system requirements document
A system requirements document, or software requirements specification, contains the requirements for the new system, describes the alternatives that were considered, and makes a specific recommendation to managemen
total cost of ownership (TCO)
A number used in assessing costs, which
includes ongoing support and
maintenance costs, as well as acquisition
costs.
