Systems Analysis and Development

Question 1

What is Rapid Application Development (RAD)?

Answer 1

An iterative approach to systems development which follows a build, test, and evaluate process.

Question 2

What is Linear Methodology?

Answer 2

A step by step approach to systems development. Is divided into stages.

Question 3

Advantages and Disadvantages of Iterative Methodology?

Answer 3

• Good for smaller projects
• Fast
• Extensive user input and testing
• Less controlled
• Risk of not ever finishing

Question 4

Advantages and Disadvantages of Linear Methodology?

Answer 4

• Easy to understand
• Suitable for complex projects
• Clear goals are set out
• Difficult and expensive
• Software only delivered at end
• Does not match reality well

Question 5

What is the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

Answer 5

Process used for creating a new system from scratch or analysing an existing system and creating an improved one.

Question 6

What are the phases of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

Answer 6

1. Preliminary Analysis
2. Analysis
3. Design
4. Develop
5. Implementation
6. Evaluation and Maintenance

Question 7

What happens in the Preliminary Analysis phase of the SDLC?

Answer 7

1. Define the problem of the system
2. Complete a feasibility report

Question 8

What is a Feasibility Report?

Answer 8

Tests:
* Technical - Is technology avaliable?
* Operation - Will it be easy to use?
* Economical - Is it profitable?
* Schedule - Can it be completed on time?

Question 9

What happens in the Analysis phase of the SDLC?

Answer 9

1. Work out a model of current system
2. Find requirements of new system

Question 10

What happens in the Design phase of the SDLC?

Answer 10

1. Design physical and logical aspects
2. Use CASE tools

Question 11

What are CASE Tools? (Give Examples)

Answer 11

Computer-Aided Software Engineering Tools are software application programs which automate SDLC activities. E.g. ChatGPT, Github Co-Pilot, MS Visio

Question 12

What happens in the Development phase of the SDLC?

Answer 12

1. Acquire hardware and software
2. Choose whether to buy or make code
3. Using resources to construct product

Question 13

What happens in the Implementation phase of the SDLC?

Answer 13

Implement the system into the organisation using
1. Direct Changeover
2. Parallel Running
3. Phased Implementation
4. Pilot Running

Question 14

What happens in a Direct Changeover?

Answer 14

Old system is stopped completely and new systems starts immediately.

Question 15

What happens in Parallel Running?

Answer 15

New system starts running and both will continue to run until old system is removed.

Question 16

What happens in Phased Implementation?

Answer 16

New system is introduced in phases, where the new system slowly takes over the old system until it has completely replaced it.

Question 17

What happens in Pilot Running?

Answer 17

New system is tested in one part of the business, once the pilot is running successfully the system is added to the rest of the business.

Question 18

What happens in the Evaluation and Maintenance phase of the SDLC?

Answer 18

1. Get feedback from customers to evaluate system
2. Continually roll out updates to add features or fix bugs

Question 19

List the Data Gathering Techniques.

Answer 19

• Observation
• Questionnaire
• Interview
• Sampling
• Forms

Question 20

What is a Questionnaire? List the Advantages and Disadvantages.

Answer 20

Set of questions that participants select answers to.
* Cheap and easy distribution
* Inflexible design

Question 21

What is Observation? List the Advantages and Disadvantages.

Answer 21

A person goes out to observe/watch customers use the system to gather information.
* Can see interactions and data moving through organisation
* Expensive and intimidating

Question 22

What is a Interview? List the Advantages and Disadvantages.

Answer 22

The people come and talk in front of panel, and the panel can ask questions.
* In-depth responses and you can ask further questions.
* Expensive and time consuming

Question 23

What are Forms (Data Collection Method)? List the Advantages and Disadvantages.

Answer 23

Analyze data moving through an organization by looking at the forms involved.
* Very informational and can be done over internet
* Requires expert and forms can be confusing

Question 24

What is Sampling? List the Advantages and Disadvantages.

Answer 24

Gathering information about a large amount of data using only a sample.
* Much faster and more efficient
* Won’t see all data

Question 25

What is a Gantt Chart?

Answer 25

A bar chart that illustrates the project schedule.

Question 26

What is a PERT Chart?

Answer 26

A flow diagram that uses lines to represent time taken to complete tasks.

Question 27

What is the System Boundary?

Answer 27

The system boundary defines the scope of the system, what is inside or outside of the system.

Question 28

What is Systems Documentation?

Answer 28

Documentation describes an information system and helps users and staff use it to ensure successful operation and maintenance.

Question 29

What is a System Manual?

Answer 29

A system manual describes the system’s functions and how they are implemented. Is prepared during the analysis and design phases.

Question 30

What is a User Manual?

Answer 30

Consists of instructions and information to help users interact with the system. May include an overview, description of processes, instructions for usage, examples and FAQs.