IT 510 Ch 4

Question 1

Actor

Answer 1

An external entity with a specific role. In a use case model, actors are used to model interaction with the system.

Question 2

Brainstorming

Answer 2

A fact-finding technique for gaining information through the use of a small group discussion of a specific problem, opportunity, or issue.

Question 3

Closed-ended question

Answer 3

Query that limits or restricts the range of responses. Used in the interview process when specific information or fact verification is desired.

Question 4

Construction phase

Answer 4

A phase that focuses on program and application development tasks similar to the SDLC.

Question 5

Cutover phase

Answer 5

A phase that resembles the final tasks in the SDLC implementation phase, including data conversion, testing, changeover to the new system, and user training.

Question 6

Document review

Answer 6

A review of baseline documentation. A useful fact-finding technique that helps an analyst understand how the current system is supposed to work

Question 7

Engaged listening

Answer 7

The ability to really concentrate on what someone is saying and avoid the temptation to hear what is expected. Also includes noticing nonverbal communication

Question 8

Fact-finding

Answer 8

A step in the requirements modeling process that involves gathering facts about a systems project using techniques such as interviews, documentation review, observation, questionnaires, sampling, and research

Question 9

Fill-in form

Answer 9

A template used to collect data on the Internet or a company intranet

Question 10

Functional decomposition diagram (FDD)

Answer 10

A top-down representation of business functions and processes. Also called a structure chart.

Question 11

Hawthorne Effect

Answer 11

A phenomenon where employees who know they are being observed are more productive

Question 12

Histogram

Answer 12

A common tool for showing the distribution of questionnaire of sampling results. It takes the form of a vertical bar chart.

Question 13

Informal structure

Answer 13

An organization based on interpersonal relationships, which can develop from previous work assignments, physical proximity, unofficial procedures, or personal relationships

Question 14

Input

Answer 14

Necessary data that enters a system, either manually or in an automated manner.

Question 15

Interview

Answer 15

A planned meeting during which information is obtained from another person

Question 16

Leading question

Answer 16

Query that suggests or favors a particular reply

Question 17

Observation

Answer 17

A fact-finding technique where an analyst sees a system in action. Observation allows the verification of statements made in interviews.

Question 18

Open-ended question

Answer 18

Query that allows for a range of answers. It encourages spontaneous and unstructured responses, and is useful in understanding a larger process

Question 19

Output

Answer 19

Electronic or printed information produced by an information system

Question 20

Performance

Answer 20

System characteristics such as speed, volume, capacity, availability, and reliability.

Question 21

Personal information manager (PIM)

Answer 21

A tool that helps manage tasks and schedules. Many handheld devices also include this function.

Question 22

Pool

Answer 22

The overall diagram in business process modeling notation (BPMN).

Question 23

Process

Answer 23

Procedure or task that users, managers, and IT staff members perform. The logical rules of a system that are applied to transform data into meaningful information. In data flow diagrams, a process receives input data and produces output that has a different content, form, or both.

Question 24

Productivity software

Answer 24

Applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics programs.

Question 25

Questionnaire

Answer 25

A document containing a number of standard questions that can be sent to many individuals. Also called a survey.

Question 26

Random sample

Answer 26

A selection taken in a random, unplanned manner. For example, a random sample might be a sample that selects any 20 customers.

Question 27

Range-of-response question

Answer 27

Closed-ended question that asks the person to evaluate something by providing limited answers to specific responses or on a numeric scale.

Question 28

Requirements planning phase

Answer 28

A phase that combines elements of the systems planning and systems analysis phases of the SDLC.

Question 29

Research

Answer 29

An important fact-finding technique that include the review of journals, periodicals, and books to obtain background information, technical material, and news about industry trends and developments.

Question 30

Sampling

Answer 30

A process where an analyst collects examples of actual documents, which could include records, reports, or various forms.

Question 31

Scalability

Answer 31

A characteristic of a system, implying that the system can be explained, modified, or downsized easily to meet the rapidly changing needs of a business enterprise

Question 32

Scrum

Answer 32

A popular technique for agile project management. Derived from a rugby term. In Scrum, team members play specific roles and interact in intense sessions.

Question 33

Security

Answer 33

Hardware, software, and procedural controls that safeguard and protect a system and its data from internal or external threats.

Question 34

Sequence diagram

Answer 34

A UML diagram that shows the timing of transactions between objects as they occur during system execution

Question 35

Site visit

Answer 35

A trip to a physical location to observe a system in use at another location

Question 36

Stratified sample

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

Structured brainstorming

Answer 37

A group discussion where each participant speaks when it is his or her turn, or passes.

Question 38

Survey

Answer 38

A document containing a number of standard questions that can be sent to many individuals. Also called a questionnaire.

Question 39

Swim lane

Answer 39

In a business process diagram, the overall diagram is called a pool, and the designated customer areas are called swim lanes

Question 40

System requirement

Answer 40

A characteristic or feature that must be included in an information system to satisfy business requirements and be acceptable to users

Question 41

Systematic sample

Answer 41

A sample that occurs at a predetermined periodicity. For example, every tenth customer record might be selected as a systematic sample for review

Question 42

Unified modeling language (UML)

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Unstructured brainstorming

Answer 43

A group discussion where any participant can speak at any time

Question 44

Use case diagram

Answer 44

A visual representation that represents the interaction between users and the information system in UML.

Question 45

User design phase

Answer 45

In this phase, users interact with systems analysts and develop models and prototypes that represent all system processes, outputs, and inputs.

Question 46

Zachman Framework for Enterprise Architecture

Answer 46

A model that asks the traditional fact-finding questions in a systems development context.