Topic 5: Systems Development

Question 1

Agile/Adaptive Method

Answer 1

An alternative approach to systems development that involves short, team-based efforts whereby a small amount of functionality is built, designed and tested.

Question 2

Bug Correction

Answer 2

Involves fixing any errors in the system as a result of programming mistakes.

Question 3

Computer-aided Software Engineering (CASE) Systems

Answer 3

Software packages that can help in the various stages of systems development, but particularly in the design of source code and user documentation.

Question 4

Direct Conversion

Answer 4

Involves switching off an old system and immediately switching on a new system.

Question 5

Feasibility Analysis

Answer 5

Involves the evaluation of the alternatives identified to determine whether they are legitimate options for the business to consider at later stages of the development.

Question 6

Financial Feasibility

Answer 6

Assessment of the costs involved in adopting a new system, systematically compared with the financial benefits of a new system.

Question 7

Gantt Chart

Answer 7

A graphical way of planning and controlling the progress of a systems development project.

Question 8

Legal Feasibility

Answer 8

How the proposed system would operate given the legal environment faced by the organisation.

Question 9

Logical Perspective

Answer 9

An approach that is concerned with a design that is independent of the actual technology required for its implementation.

Question 10

Organisational Fit

Answer 10

How well the technology is aligned with the overall organisational strategy and strategic priorities.

Question 11

Parallel Conversion

Answer 11

Involves running the new system and the old system together for a period of time, or operating them in parallel.

Question 12

Phased-in Conversion

Answer 12

Involves a gradual implementation of the system throughout the organisation.

Question 13

Physical Perspective

Answer 13

Requires specification of the technical aspects of how a design will be achieved.

Question 14

Programmed Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) Chart

Answer 14

A chart constructed through the identification of all the activities that must take place for the project to be successfully completed, with time allocations given to each activity and activities sequenced based on necessary prerequisite and subsequent activities.

Question 15

Prototyping Approach

Answer 15

Involves the progressive building of models, allowing users to experience these models and provide feedback on their operation and suitability.

Question 16

Request For Proposal (RFP)

Answer 16

A document outlining the specifications for the new system, which is sent out to potential vendors.

Question 17

Schedule Feasibility

Answer 17

The ability of the proposed solution to be implemented within the period of time that is specified by the organisation.

Question 18

Strategic Feasibility

Answer 18

How well the proposed systems development alternative fits in with the organisation’s existing operating environment and strategy.

Question 19

System Improvement

Answer 19

Involves adding new features or functions to the system, thus increasing its potential usefulness.

Question 20

System Modification

Answer 20

Involves taking an existing feature and altering or changing it.

Question 21

Systems Development Scope

Answer 21

Defining what problems the systems development project will cover.

Question 22

Systems Development Steering Committee

Answer 22

Responsible for determining whether the systems development project should proceed; members typically occupy positions of power throughout the organisation.

Question 23

Technical Feasibility

Answer 23

The assessment of how well the organisation’s existing technology infrastructure meets the requirements of the proposed alternative.

Question 24

Total Cost of Ownership

Answer 24

The need to consider not just the initial costs of installing a system but also the ongoing costs following the implementation of a system.