Test 1 Practice Flashcards
Structured analysis is called a(n) _____ technique because it focuses on processes that transform data into useful information.
process-centered
Business support systems provide ______ _____ information support to users at all levels of a company.
Job-related
In a(n) _____ model, the result of each phase is called a deliverable, which flows into the next phase.
waterfall
In object-oriented design, built-in processes called _____ can change an object’s properties.
methods
Identify a method of developing systems that is well-suited to traditional project management tools and techniques.
structured analysis
Time tested and easy to understand.
The systems implementation phase of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) includes an assessment, called a _____, to determine whether the system operates properly and if costs and benefits are within expectation.
systems evaluation
The _____ method of developing systems produces code that is modular and reusable.
object-oriented analysis
Structured analysis is a traditional systems development technique that uses a series of phases, called the _____, to plan, analyze, design, implement, and support an information system.
systems development life cycle (SDLC)
The overall aim of a ____ _____is to avoid seeking goals that are unrealistic, unprofitable, or unachievable.
SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis
_____ are the benefits that can be measured in dollars.
Tangible benefits are benefits that can be measured in dollars.
The objective of _____ is to gather data about project usability, costs, benefits, and schedules.
fact-finding
A systems analyst conducts a preliminary investigation to study the _____ and recommend specific action.
systems request
Projects with very general scope definitions are at risk of expanding gradually, without specific authorization, in a process called _____.
project creep
Systems development typically starts with a _____.
systems request
A(n) _____ is a series of tasks that, if delayed, would affect the completion date of the overall project.
critical path
A _____ represents the work that one person can complete in one day.
person-day
A _____ displays the same information as the Gantt chart, including task dependencies, but uses task boxes to include much more detail.
network diagram
A(n) _____ is a recognizable reference point that can be used to monitor progress.
event
Knowing what is expected and when to go into detail is directly related to knowing _____.
who your targets are
_____ lists each risk and assesses the likelihood that it could affect a project.
Risk identification
Project monitoring, done by a project manager requires what?
Guiding, supervising, and coordinating a project team’s workload
When preparing a slide presentation, try to follow the 7 by 7 rule, which states that there should be _____.
no more than seven items per slide and no more than seven words per item
Project scheduling, an activity of a project manager, _____.
involves staffing, which includes selecting the project team and assigning specific tasks to team members
A _____ chart displays complex task patterns and relationships.
Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)
PERT is a bottom-up technique because it analyzes a large, complex project as a series of individual tasks, just as a pyramid is built from the bottom up using individual blocks.
When preparing written documents, which suggestion should be kept in mind?
Keep your writing concise and well-organized.
In a report, the findings section is used to _____.
describe the major conclusions/ explain the logical design
In a report, the recommendations section is used to _____.
present the best system alternative with a brief explanation
Which is a suggestion for speakers to keep in mind if they are nervous when facing an audience?
Turn the nervousness into an advantage.
Which is an example of indirect costs?
Insurance expenses
Project team members’ salaries
Hardware purchases used only for new systems
Which process involves determining how long it takes an information system to pay for itself?
payback analysis
The cost of customer dissatisfaction, lower employee morale, and reduced information availability are examples of _____.
intangible costs
Identify an example of direct costs.
Project team members’ salaries
purchase of hardware that is used only for the new system.
In a fixed charge method, the IT group is regarded as a _____ center, which is a department that is expected to break even or show a profit.
profit
Which term is used for the total time that a user is connected actively to a remote server?
Connect time
In a systems development life cycle (SDLC) model, the purpose of the _____ _____ ____is to build a logical model of the new system.
systems analysis phase
_____ is a systems development technique that produces a graphical representation of a concept or process that systems developers can analyze, test, and modify.
Modeling
The _____ often begins with a request to the IT department.
systems planning phase
In object-oriented analysis, objects possess characteristics called _____.
properties
Disadvantages of agile methods:
Team members need a high level of technical and communications skills.
Lack of structure and documentation can introduce risk factors.
Overall project might be subject to scope change as user requirements change.
Examples of company-wide applications, called legacy applications, include order processing systems, payroll systems, and company communications networks.
T or F
false
Disadvantages of structured analysis:
Changes can be costly, especially in later phases.
Requirements are defined early, and can change during development.
Users might not be able to describe their needs until they can see examples of features and functions.
Every firm has an underlying corporate culture. A corporate culture is the set of beliefs, rules, traditions, values, and attitudes that define a company and influence its way of doing business. To be successful, a systems analyst must understand the corporate culture and how it affects the way information is managed. Companies sometimes include statements about corporate culture in their mission statements. A systems analyst must understand the firm’s culture and find it comfortable. If the company encourages personal growth and empowerment, work is much more enjoyable.
T or F
T
What are advantages of object-oriented analysis:
Integrates easily with object-oriented programming languages.
Code is modular and reusable, which can reduce cost and development time.
Easy to maintain and expand because new objects can be created using inherited properties.
Knowledge workers include cooks, drivers, and janitors.
T or F
F
What are disadvantages of object-oriented analysis?
Somewhat newer method that might be less familiar to development team members.
Interaction of objects and classes can be complex in larger systems.
What are advantages of structured analysis:
Traditional method that has been very popular over time.
Relies heavily on written documentation.
Frequent phase iteration can provide flexibility comparable to other methods.
Well-suited to traditional project management tools and techniques.
What are advantages of agile methods?
Very flexible and efficient in dealing with change.
Stresses team interaction and reflects a set of community-based values.
Frequent deliverables constantly validate the project and reduce risk.
What are knowledge workers?
Systems analysts, programmers, accountants, researchers, trainers, human resource specialists, and other professionals. Knowledge workers provide support for an organization’s basic functions.
What is an information system prototype? Define it and list at least one advantage and one disadvantage.
A prototype is a working version of a or part of an information system. Being a prototype it is not a complete example of how a system can work. However, it does provide a basis to work on or serve as an example of a good idea.
What term is used for ease of comprehension and is analyzed by measuring specific characteristics of syllables, words, and sentences?
readability
Because significant resources are required, who usually initiate large-scale projects?
Top management
Quick Response codes contain more information than traditional bar codes, but less than RFID tags.
T or F
T
When assessing schedule feasibility, a systems analyst must consider the interaction between ____ and ____.
time and costs
Of the measures of feasibility, questions such as “Does management support the project?” and “Will the new system require training for users?” would help predict a system’s _____.
operational feasibility
_____ includes ongoing support and maintenance costs, as well as acquisition costs.
TCO (total cost of ownership)
A _____ is an analysis tool that represents the possible causes of a problem as a graphical outline.
fishbone diagram
A systems analyst conducts a preliminary investigation to study the _____ and recommend specific action.
systems request
_____ ______means that the projected benefits of a proposed system outweigh the estimated costs.
Economic feasibility
Using _____, a supplier can use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on each crate, case, or shipping unit to create a digital shipping list.
EPOD (electronic proof of delivery)
A _____ cannot be started until a previous task is completed.
dependent
What is probable-case estimate (P)?
The median amount of days it will take to complete a part of the project.
When several tasks can start at the same time, each is called a(n) _____ task.
concurrent
The three legs of a project triangle are ?
cost, scope, and time
Scope is the size of the project in terms of complexity, quality, how detailed the project should be and the amount of features the project has.
Cost indicates the amount of paid resources necessary for the project’s completion.
Time is the last leg of the triangle and it indicates the duration of a project.
What are examples of operational costs?
system maintenance, ongoing training, annual software license fees, and communications expense.
What is a fixed cost?
Costs that occur regularly, like salaries and hardware rental charges
