MIDTERM EXAM Flashcards
With a report generator, users can control how a screen will display captions, data fields, data, and other visual attributes.
False
Widespread use of object-oriented languages has spurred interest in object-oriented (O-O) computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) and Unified Modeling Language (UML)-based modeling tools,
which can provide a seamless development sequence from planning to actual coding.
True
Although generic computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tools can be used to plan and design any type of information system, it usually is easier to use an integrated development environment (IDE).
True
Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a world leader in software engineering and development.
True
A drawback of a computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) environment is that it does not provide an overall framework for a developer to create a series of graphical models based on data available
in a central repository.
False
One of the most vexing problems for computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tools has always been integration.
True
In a specific software environment, an integrated development tool is ineffective.
False
Using a forward engineering computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tool, an analyst can transform existing application source code into a working model of the system.
False
Agile teams use only whiteboard sketching for drawing instead of modeling tools.
False
A code generator allows users to modify a report easily at any stage of the design process.
False
Once a data element has been defined in the repository, it can no longer be accessed and used by processes and other information systems.
False
Object-oriented development relies heavily on data flow diagrams (DFDs) and structure charts.
False
A(n) _____ represents the steps in a specific business function or process.
use case
_____ enable objects to communicate and interact as they perform business functions and transactions required by a system.
Relationships
In a class diagram, each class appears as a(n) _____, with the class name at the top, followed by the class’s attributes and methods.
rectangle
_____ describes how instances of one class relate to instances of another class.
Cardinality
An object has certain _____, which are characteristics that describe the object, such as the make, model, and color of a car.
attributes
A _____ consists of horizontal bars, connected with arrows that indicate task dependencies.
Gantt chart
A _____ might involve maximums for one or more resources, such as time, dollars, or people.
constraint
Project reporting, an activity of a project manager, _____.
includes informing management, users, and the project team about the progress of a project
A _____ represents the work that one person can complete in one day.
person-day
_____ give the project managers an opportunity to seek input and conduct brainstorming sessions.
Project status meetings
_____, a free cloud-based project management tool, runs in a browser window, so there is no software to install to use it.
Gantter
Critical Thinking Questions
Mauricio, a project manager at a reputed firm, has been assigned to handle a new project that the firm has received. This project involves a lot of scheduling that has to be handled by Mauricio.
Mauricio estimates that the first module of the project could be completed in as few as 15 days or could take as many as 25 days, but most likely will require 20 days. What is the 20 day estimate called?
probable-case estimate (P)
In a data dictionary, _____ refers to whether the data element contains numeric, alphabetic, or character values.
type
The major benefit of _____ is that it gives a clear picture of current system functions before any modifications or improvements are made.
the four-model approach
Typical process description tools include _____.
decision trees
A data flow diagram (DFD) shows _____.
how a system transforms input data into useful information
Since diagram 0 is a(n) _____ version of process 0, it shows considerably more detail than a context diagram.
exploded
In a data flow diagram (DFD), a gray hole is a process that has _____.
at least one input and one output, but the input obviously is insufficient to generate the output shown
Among the symbols in the accompanying figure, a _____ receives input data and produces output that has a different content, form, or both.
process
In a data dictionary, a(n) _____ is the smallest piece of data that has meaning within an information system.
field
In a data flow diagram (DFD), the Gane and Sarson symbol for a process is a _____.
rectangle with rounded corners
The objective of a _____ is to use the combined judgement and experience of several analysts to evaluate systems projects.
computer resources committee
Projects with very general scope definitions are at risk of expanding gradually, without specific authorization, in a process called _____.
project creep
_____ limitations result when a system that was designed for a specific hardware configuration becomes obsolete when new hardware is introduced.
Performance
Which is an example of a tangible benefit?
An online package tracking system that improves service and decreases the need for clerical staff
Hardware-based security controls include _____.
biometric devices
_____ includes ongoing support and maintenance costs, as well as acquisition costs.
TCO (total cost of ownership)
In object-oriented analysis, an object is a member of a(n) _____, which is a collection of similar objects.
class
During the _____ of the systems development life cycle (SDLC), a new system is constructed.
systems implementation phase
Transaction processing (TP) systems _____.
process data generated by day-to-day business operations
_____ enabled computer-to-computer transfer of data between companies, usually over private telecommunications networks.
Electronic data interchange (EDI)
A(n) _____ shows the data that flow in and out of system processes.
process model
_____ design and construct web pages, monitor traffic, manage hardware and software, and link web-based applications to a company’s information systems.
Web support specialists
Supporters of neutral locations for interviews believe that it _____.
keeps interruptions to a minimum so people can concentrate fully
Representing requirements deals with _____ the problem.
describing
When phrasing interview questions, a systems analyst should avoid _____ that suggest or favor a particular reply.
leading questions
To evaluate _____, a systems analyst needs information about projected future volume for all outputs, inputs, and processes.
scalability
Critical Thinking Questions
Case 4-1
John has finished compiling a list of the various members of the joint application development (JAD) group and the list is as follows: John is the JAD project leader, Tom is the representative from top management, Jennifer is a manager, Alen and Ian are users, Linda and Alex are systems analysts, and Clark is the recorder.
There have been some rumblings within the firm that this development project is not necessary so John and others feel it is important to explain the reason for the project at the outset. Whose name goes next to this point on the agenda?
Tom
A _____ shows a logical structure, with all possible combinations of conditions and resulting actions.
decision table
In a data flow diagram (DFD), a black hole is a process that has _____
no output
A _____ documents the details of a functional primitive and represents a specific set of processing steps and business logic.
process description
A data dictionary specifies a data element’s _____, which is the set of values permitted for the data element.
domain
By showing processes as _____, an analyst can create data flow diagrams (DFDs) that show how the system functions but avoid unnecessary detail and clutter.
black boxes
The data dictionary usually records and describes a default value, which is the _____.
value for the data element if a value otherwise is not entered for it
The iteration structure is the completion of _____.
process step that is repeated until a specific condition changes
The selection structure is the completion of _____
one or more process steps based on the results of a test or condition
User productivity systems _____.
include groupware programs that enable users to share data, collaborate on projects, and work in teams
Transaction processing (TP) systems _____.
process data generated by day-to-day business operations
In a typical company organizational model, middle managers _____.
provide direction, necessary resources, and performance feedback to supervisors and team leaders
_____ is a systems development technique that tests system concepts and provides an opportunity to examine input, output, and user interfaces before final decisions are made.
Prototyping
A _____ answers questions, troubleshoots problems, and serves as a clearinghouse for user problems and solutions.
user support specialist
Agile methods typically use a(n) _____ , which represents a series of iterations based on user feedback.
spiral model
The process of concentrating on what is said in an interview and noticing any nonverbal communication that takes place is called _____.
engaged listening
In an interview, _____ are questions that ask a person to evaluate something by providing limited answers to specific responses or on a numeric scale.
range-of-response questions
Critical Thinking Questions
Case 4-1
John has finished compiling a list of the various members of the joint application development (JAD) group and the list is as follows: John is the JAD project leader, Tom is the representative from top management, Jennifer is a manager, Alen and Ian are users, Linda and Alex are systems analysts, and Clark is the recorder.
As John develops the agenda, he wants to put the name of the appropriate person next to the agenda item. Whose name would he put next to the final task on the agenda, the task of documenting the results of the JAD session and preparing the report that will be sent to JAD team members?
His own
In addition to direct evaluations, systems developers must identify and document indirect expenses that contribute to the _____.
total cost of ownership (TCO)
A repository, a computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tool feature, organizes and documents system development tasks.
False
It seems clear that computer-aided systems engineering (CASE) tools will continue to evolve and become more powerful.
True
Currently, use of completely online cloud-based development environments is increasing.
True
Structured development methods use a variety of diagrams, such as use case, class, sequence, and transition state diagrams.
False
The features of an object-oriented (O-O) approach include modular design and single-use code, which increases costs and slows down development.
False
Nonspecific CASE tools such as Visible Analyst can be used in any development environment.
True
Project managers always must be aware of the _____, so they can monitor the vital tasks and keep a project on track.
critical path
A(n) _____ is a recognizable reference point that can be used to monitor progress.
event
Two or more _____ depend on a predecessor task.
concurrent tasks
Adding more people to a project actually might increase the time necessary to complete the project because of a principle called _____.
Brooks’ law
A(n) _____ is an event that could affect a project negatively.
risk
_____ components can provide automated responses to sales inquiries, online order processing, and inventory tracking.
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Determining the _____ means defining the specific boundaries, or extent, of a project.
project scope
_____ are advantages that are difficult to measure in dollars but are important to a company.
Intangible benefits
Which is an example of a discretionary project?
Creating a new report for a user
The _____, named after a nineteenth-century economist, is a widely used tool for visualizing issues that need attention and is drawn as a vertical bar graph.
Pareto chart
A car performs a(n) _____ called OPERATE WIPERS when it is sent a message with the wiper control.
method
A _____ shows how an object changes from one state to another, depending on events that affect the object.
state transition diagram
A major advantage of object-oriented (O-O) designs is that systems analysts can save time and avoid errors by using _____ objects.
modular
A _____ is a visual summary of several related use cases within a system or subsystem.
use case diagram
_____ can involve a modeling process called what-if analysis, which allows a project manager to vary one or more element(s) in a model to measure the effect on other elements.
Quantitative risk analysis
A _____ includes a review of a project’s scope, stakeholders, budget, schedule, and any other internal or external factors that might affect the project.
risk management plan
A _____ displays the same information as the Gantt chart, including task dependencies, but uses task boxes to include much more detail.
network diagram
The first step in the creation of a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)/Critical Path Method (CPM) chart is to _____.
identify all the project tasks
A _____ is a review of a project team member’s work by other members of a team.
structured walk-through
A _____ (sometimes called an epic) is a simple, high-level statement of a requirement.
feature
Which technique involves each participant speaking or passing when it is his or her turn?
structured brainstorming
_____ is a planned meeting during which a systems analyst obtains information from another person.
An interview
When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who complained about errors in their statements, a _____ might select any 20 customers.
random sample
