IS and Comm B - Systems Design and Other Elements Flashcards
An employee mistaken enters 4/31 in the date field. The best programmed edit check to detect this error is
reasonableness
Expert systems have ______ that represent the facts and inferences it knows
knowledge bases
Features in Traditional programs that are not in an Expert system include
- sequential control structures
- distinct input/output variables
- passive data elements
In a large database system maintained on a mainframe computer, the most common medium for data files for the database is
hard disk
When implemented, the control ______ would best assist in meeting the control objective that a system have the capability to hold users accountable for functions performed
activity logging
The following task would be included in a document flowchart for processing cash receipts:
compare control and remittance totals
Routines that utilize the computer to check the validity and accuracy of transaction data during input are called
edit programs
Operating system is
a software program that controls the overall operation of a computer system
A compiler is
a computer program that converts a source program into an object program
Compatibility check/test is
a procedure for checking a password to determine if its user is authorized to initiate the type of transaction or inquiry he or she is attempting to initiate
A checkpoint/restart procedure is primarily designed to recover from
hardware failure
Internal checks are
- limit check
- identification
- sequence check
- error log
- transaction log
- arithmetic proof
Limit check is
a check to identify if data have a value higher or lower than a predetermined amount
Identification is
a check to determine if data is valid
Sequence check is
a check on the sequencing of info
Error log is
an up-to-date log of all identified errors
Transaction log is
a detailed record of every transaction entered in a system through data entry and provides the basic audit trail
Arithmetic proof is
a check to compute the calculation and validate the result
Characteristics of computer machine language include
- internal binary code
- hexadecimal code
- on/off electrical switches
Assembly language is
a programming language in which each machine language instruction is represented by mnemonic characters (symbolic language)
Many companies and government organizations would like to convert to open systems in order to
use less expensive computing equipment
In general, running open systems:
- increases # of available vendors
- decreases the average purchase from one vendor
- decreases volume discounts
- reduce economies of scale
- reduce reliance on proprietary components
The purpose of a software monitor is to
collect data on the use of various hardware components during a computer run
Specialized programs that are made available to users of computer system to perform routine and repetitive functions are referred to as
service “canned” programs
Relationship between source, object, and compiler programs
A source program “source code” is a computer program written in a source language which is translated into the object program by using a translation program like a compiler
A decision table indicates the
alternative logic conditions and actions to be taken in a program
Example of a decision table is
a chart that indicates shipping costs based on total purchase price
Purch. Ship
$ 1-$50 $4
$50-$100 $5
$101-$250 $7
An ERP system has the following advantages over multiple independent functional systems:
increased responsiveness and flexibility while aiding in the decision making process
The _______ transaction processing mode provides the most accurate and complete information for decision making
online
An application is
a computer program for performing a specific function ex. payroll program
Batch processing is
a method where items to be processed are collected in groups to permit fast and convenient processing
Distributed data processing is
a network or interdependent computers where certain functions are centralized, other functions are decentralized, and processing is shared among two or more computers
_______ could be used to reduce the cost of preparing and updating flowcharts
Flowcharting software
The batch processing of business transactions can be the appropriate mode when
economy of scale can be gained because of high volumes of transactions
A disk storage unit is preferred over a magnetic tape drive because the disk storage unit
offers random access to data files
Real time system is characterized by
- online files
- prompt input from users
- an extensive communication network
- random access
- immediate update
- low level language
Decision tables differ from program flowcharts in that decision tables emphasize
logical relationships among conditions and actions
A flowchart is
a graphic depiction using symbols to show the control flow, primary actions, and interrelationships of a task or a set of tasks
Compared to online, real-time processing, batch processing has the disadvantage of
stored data only being current after the update process
The implementation phase of an accounting software application would include
- obtaining and installing hardware
- documenting user procedures
- training users
- entering and verifying test data
Identifying inputs and outputs would occur in the ________ phase which _______ implementation
systems design and development phase; precedes
The best depiction of the path of data as it moves through an IS is
system flowcharts
A data dictionary is
an organized description of the data items stored in a database and their meaning
Source code application is
a description of record layouts used by application programs
Data control language is
a way to describe the privileges and security rules governing database users
Database recovery log file is
a record of the before and after images of updated records in a database
A characteristic common to companies that have converted to a database system is that before conversion the companies had
redundant data fields
A tool useful in conducting a preliminary analysis of internal controls in an organization or organizational unit is
flowcharting
CCI developed a mgmt reporting software package that enables members interactively to query a data warehouse and drill down into transaction and trend information via various network set-ups. This is known as
an online analytical processing system
A key difference in controls when changing from a manual system to a computer system is
the methodology for implementing controls change
A primary function of a database mgmt system (DBMS) is
the capability to create and modify the database
A fundamental purpose of a DBMS is to
reduce data redundancy
Master file is
where cumulative info about an organization is stored and is similar to a ledger in a manual system
Transaction file is
where data about transaction that occur during a specific period of time is contained and similar to a journal in a manual system
A new policy on e-mail would not include
erasing EE email immediately upon terminiation
Prompting is
an online data entry control that uses the computer to control the data entry process
An online data entry technique that can be employed when inexperienced personnel input data is the use of
prompting
An advantage of a computer-based system for transaction processing over a manual system is that
the computer-based system will be more efficient at producing F/S
A type of flowchart representing areas of responsibility (such as depts.) as columns is called horizontal or _______ flowcharts
document
A control designed to catch errors at the point of data entry is
a self-checking digit
If a database has integrity, this means that the
database has only consistent data
A modem is a device that
allows computer signals to be sent over a telephone line
Devices that used only to perform sequential file processing will not permit
data to be edited on a real-time basis
Sequential file processing is
a system where files are arranged serially, one after another, and the program must start at the first record and read all succeeding records until the required record is found or until the end of the file reached
A systems program
manipulates application programs
An AP clerk is accused of making unauthorized changes to previous payments to a vendor. Proof could be uncovered in
transaction logs
ROM (read only memory) is
a memory component for the storage of elementary software info that cannot be modified by the user of the system or program
RAM (random access memory) is
a temporary read-write memory component of a computer that can be accessed at any point in time without accessing other info
In a microcomputer system, the place where parts of the operating system program and language translator program are permanently stored is
ROM
A central element of mgmt IS is
the processing of data items is based on decision models
Phases of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) are
PAD-ID-TIM
1 system Planning 2 system Analysis 3 system Design 4 Implementation and Deployment 5 Testing and Integration 6 system Maintenance
The type of control plan particular to a specific process or subsystem, rather than related to timing of occurrence is
application controls
Operational Risk controls can be broken down into the 3 types:
preventive
detective
corrective
A value added network (VAN) is a privately owned network that performs the function of
routing data transactions between trading partners
An input validation routine not appropriate in a real-time operation is
sequence check
Input validation checks and controls that should be performed in a real-time operation include
field check, sign check, and redundant data check
Check digit is
an input control consisting of a single digit at the end of an id code that is computed from the other digits in a field. If the id code is mis-keyed, a formula will reveal that the check digit is not correct and the field will not accept the entry
Field check is
an edit check in which the characters in a field are examined to ensure they are of the correct field type
ex. # in # field
Redundant data check is
an edit check that requires the inclusion of 2 identifiers in each input record and if these values do not match those on record, the record will not be updated
Sign check is
an edit check that verifies that the data in a field has the appropriate arithmetic sign
During the ______ phase of the SDLC is when training would occur
implementation
The greatest financial threat to an organization that implemented the financial accounting module of an ERP system from a major vendor exists from errors detected during
implementation
In the systems development cycle, coding is
part of the detailed design phase
An integrated group of programs that supervises and supports the operations of a computer system as it executes user’s application programs is
an operating system
The data processing cycle (DPC) includes
collection (input), refinement, processing, maintenance, and output
Multiprocessing is
the simultaneous execution of 2 or more tasks usually by using 2 or more processing units that are part of the same system
Multiprogramming is
the appearance of simultaneous execution of 2 programs as a single processing unit switches back and forth between the programs
*it does not allow multiple programs to be executed at exactly the same time
In the business information systems, the term “stakeholder” refers to
anyone in the organization who has a role in creating or using the documents and data stored on the computers or networks
Change control is
the process of modifying application software, including requesting a change, reviewing the effectiveness of the change, approving the change, and implementing the change
Mgmt of company has a lack of segregation of duties within the application environment, with programmers having access to development and production. The programmers have the ability to implement application code changes into production without monitoring or a quality assurance function. This is considered a deficiency in
change control
In a continuous improvement environment, automated monitoring of controls is
optional
*helpful but not necessary