IT Flashcards
Describe the implementation step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 6 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. Before the new system is moved into production, existing data must be often be converted to the new system format and users must be trained on the new system; implementation of the new system may occur in one of four ways.
Describe the phased implementation method for new systems.
Implementation of a new system where the system is divided into modules that are brought online one or two at a time.
Describe the design step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 3 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. In the design phase, the technical specifications of the system are established; the design specification has two primary components: Technical architecture specification, creation of a systems model.
Define “application programmers”.
The team of programmers who, under direction of the lead analyst are responsible for writing and testing the program.
Describe the pilot implementation method for new systems.
Implementation of a new system similar to phased implementation, except rather than dividing the system into modules, the users are divided into smaller groups and are trained on the new system one group at a time.
Define “end user”.
In relation to systems development, the employees who will use the program to accomplish their tasks. Responsible for identifying the problem to be addressed and approving the proposed solution to the problem.
Describe the testing step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 5 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. The system is evaluated to determine whether it meets the specifications identified in the requirements definition.
Describe the composition of the information technology steering committee.
Members of the committee are selected from functional areas across the organization, including the IT department; the committee’s principal duty is to approve and prioritize systems proposals for development.
Define “lead systems analyst”.
The manager of the programming team: Usually responsible for all direct contact with the end user; Often responsible for developing the overall programming logic and functionality.
Describe the “cold turkey” (also called the “plunge” or “big bang”) implementation method for new systems.
Implementation of a new system where the old system is dropped and the new system put in place all at once.
Describe the development step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 4 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. During this phase, programmers use the systems design specifications to develop the program and data files.
Describe the parallel implementation method for new systems.
Implementation of a new systems where the new system and the old system are run concurrently until it is clear that the new system is working properly.
Describe the planning and feasibility study step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 1 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. When an application proposal is submitted for consideration, it is evaluated from three respects: Technical, Economic, and Operational feasibility.
Describe the analysis step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 2 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. During this phase the systems analysts work with end users to understand the business process and document the requirements of the system; the collaboration of IT personnel and end users to define the system is known as joint application development (JAD).
Describe the maintenance step of the systems development lifecycle (SDCLC) process.
Stage 7 of the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) process. Monitoring the system to ensure that it is working properly and updating the programs and/or procedures to reflect changing needs and requirements.
What are three important goals of input controls?
Validity, completeness, accuracy.
What purpose do check digit tests serve in accounting systems?
Ensures that validity of a number. Created by applying an arithmetic algorithm to the digits of a number, for example, a customer’s account number. The algorithm yields a single digit that is appended to the end of the code.
How does a reasonableness check (also called a logic test) improve data input?
Checks to see that data in two or more fields is consistent. For example, a Rate of Pay value of “$3,500” and a Pay Period value of “Hourly” may both be valid values for the fields when the fields are viewed independently. However, the combination (an hourly pay rate of $3,500) is not valid
How does closed loop verification improve data input?
This helps ensure that a valid and correct entry has been made. For example, after a customer’s account code is entered, the system looks up and displays additional information about the selected customer. For example, the system might display the customer’s name and address.
How do preprinted forms and preformatted screens improve data input?
They reduce the likelihood of data entry errors by organizing input data in a logical manner. When the position and alignment of data fields on an entry screens matches the organization of the fields on a source document, data entry is faster andmore accurate.
Why are input controls more important than processing and output controls?
Garbage in, garbage out (GIGO), if bad data enters the systems nothing good will come out of it.
Define “automated data capture.”
Use of automated equipment, such as bar code scanners, to reduce the amount of manual data entry . Reducing human involvement reduces the number of errors in the system.
How does a sequence check improve data input?
Verifies that all items in a numerical sequence (check numbers, invoice numbers, etc.) are present. It is a common control for assessing record completeness.
Define “default values.”
Pre-supplied data values for a field when that value can be reasonably predicted. For example, when entering sales data, the sales order date is usually the current date;. Fields using default values generate fewer errors than other fields.