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.
Describe “spooling (print queue) controls.”
Jobs sent to a printer that cannot be printed immediately are spooled—stored temporarily on disk—while waiting to be printed. Access to this temporary storage is controlled to prevent unauthorized access to printed files.
What purpose do run-to-run controls serve?
These counts to monitor the number of units in a batch as it moves from one programmed procedure (run) to another. Totals of processed transactions are reconciled to batch totals - a difference indicates an error.
Define “hardware controls.”
Controls built into the computer equipment to ensure that data is transmitted and processed accurately.
Define “parity check (parity bit).”
An example of a check digit. A 0 or 1 included in a byte of information which makes the sum of bits either odd or even.
What are processing controls?
Controls to ensure that master file updates are completed accurately and completely and to detect unauthorized transactions entered into the system and maintain processing integrity.
What is boundary protection in an accounting system?
When multiple programs and/or users are running simultaneously and sharing the same resource (usually the primary memory of a CPU), boundary protection protects program instructions and data from one program from being overwritten by program instructions and/or data from another program.
What purpose do output controls serve?
These controls ensure that computer reports are accurate and distributed as authorized.
What is an electronic audit trail?
Transactions are written to a transaction log as they are processed. The transaction logs are an electronic audit trail.
Define “diagnostic routines.”
Program utilities that check the internal operations of hardware components.
Define “supply chain management (SCM).”
The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the operations of the supply chain: the process of transforming raw materials into a finished product and delivering that product to the consumer. Supply chain management incorporates all activities from the purchase and storage of raw materials, through the production process, into finished goods through to the point-of-consumption.
What are customer relationship management (CRM) systems?
Technologies that facilitate managing e-relationships with clients. Both biographic and transaction information about existing and potential customers is collected and stored in a database. The CRM provides tools to analyze the information and develop personalized marketing plans for individual customers.
Define “electronic wallets.”
Software programs that allow the user to manage credit cards, user names, passwords, and address information in an easy-to-use, centralized location (e.g., RoboForm).
Define “electronic funds transfer (EFT).”
A technology for transferring money from one bank account directly to another without the use of paper money or checks. Reduces the time and expense required to process checks and credit transactions.
Define “electronic data interchange (EDI).”
The system-to-system exchange of business data (e.g., purchase orders, confirmations, invoices, etc.) in structured formats that allow direct processing of the data by the receiving system.
Define “token-based payment systems.”
Electronic cash, smart cards (cash cards), and online payment systems (e.g., PayPal); similar to electronic fund transfer (EFT), but governed by different laws.
Define “knowledge base (or knowledgebase)”.
A component of a knowledge management system. A special type of database designed for retrieval of knowledge. It provides the means to collect and organize the information and develop relationships among information components.
Describe a flat file system.
Early information technology systems used flat file technology. Flat files are characterized by independent programs and data sets, high degrees of data redundancy, and difficulty in achieving cross functional reporting.
Define “data mart”.
A specialized version of a data warehouse that contains data that is pre-configured to meet the needs of specific departments. Companies often support multiple data marts within their organization.
Define “expert system (knowledge-based system)”.
A computer program that contains subject-specific knowledge derived from experts. The system consists of a set of rules that are used to analyze information provided by the user of the system. Based on the information provided, the system recommends a course of action.
Describe the concept of knowledge management (KM)
Attempts to ensure that the right information is available at the right time to the right user. A variety of practices attempt to electronically capture and disseminate information throughout the organization. Knowledge management practices seek specific outcomes, including shared intelligence, improved performance, competitive advantage, and more innovation.
