Chapter 13 Systems Analysis and Design

Chapter 13Systems Analysis and Design

Multiple Choice

1. Which phase of the SDLC are information needs identified?a) preliminary investigationb) systems analysisc) systems designd) systems developmentAnswer: ADifficulty level: MediumPage: 358Response: The information problems or needs are identified in the preliminary phase of the SDLC.

2. In this phase of the SDLC, new or alternative information systems are designed.a) preliminary investigationb) systems analysisc) systems designd) systems developmentAnswer: CDifficulty level: EasyPage: 358Response: New or alternative information systems are designed in the systems design stage of the SDLC.

3. In this phase of the SDLC, the new information systems are installed and adapted to the new system, and people are trained to use them.a) preliminary implementationb) systems analysisc) systems designd) systems developmentAnswer: ADifficulty level: MediumPage: 358Response: In the systems implementation phase, the new information system is installed and adapted to the new system, and people are trained to use them.

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4. This phase of the SDLC is known as the “ongoing phase” where the system is periodically evaluated and updated as needed.a) preliminary investigationb) systems designc) systems implementationd) systems maintenanceAnswer: DDifficulty level: EasyPage: 358Response: The systems maintenance phase is the ongoing phase of the SDLC.

5. A recent survey by Money magazine determined that out of 100 widely-held jobs that they researched, the top job classification was a a) network administratorb) cryptographerc) systems analystd) computer engineerAnswer: DDifficulty level: HardPage: 358Response: Money magazine determined that the top job classification was a computer engineer.

6. Many organizations have determined that there is a __________ -year backlog of work for systems analysts.a) oneb) twoc) threed) fourAnswer: CDifficulty level: HardPage: 359Response: Organizations have determined that there is a three-year backlog of work for systems analysts.

7. The first step in preliminary analysis is toa) purchase suppliesb) hire consultantsc) define the problemd) propose changesAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 360

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Response: The first step in the preliminary analysis is to define the problem.

8. In the preliminary investigation phase of the SDLC, which one of the following tasks would not be included?a) briefly defining the problemb) suggesting alternative solutionsc) gathering the datad) preparing a short reportAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 360Response: Gathering the data would not be included in the preliminary investigation phase.

9. In order to obtain financing for the analysis phase, the systems analyst musta) prepare a preliminary investigation reportb) justify the expense of upgradingc) consider abandoning the projectd) train users on the new systemAnswer: A Difficulty level: MediumPage: 361Response: Management need a preliminary investigation report before deciding to finance the analysis phase.

10. The first step of the systems analysis phase of the SDLC is to a) propose changesb) analyze datac) gather datad) write system analysis reportAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 362Response: The first step of the systems analysis phase involves gathering the data.

11. Which of the following shows levels of management and formal lines of authority?a) organization chartb) decision tablec) pyramid diagramd) grid chartAnswer: A

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Difficulty level: EasyPage: 362Response: Organization chart describes the formal lines of authority.

12. A list of questions used in analysis is called a(n)a) organization chartb) interview guidelinec) grid tabled) checklistAnswer: DDifficulty level: EasyPage: 363Response: A checklist is a list of questions.

13. What type of analysis starts with the “big picture” and then breaks it down into smaller pieces?a) financialb) reversec) top-downd) executiveAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 363Response: Top-down analysis method is used to identify the top-level components of a complex system.

14. Which of the following is used to show the rules that apply to a decision when one or more conditions apply?a) system flowchartb) decision tablec) grid chartd) checklistAnswer: BDifficulty level: MediumPage: 364Response: A decision table shows the decision rules that apply when certain conditions occur.

15. Which of the following tools shows the data or information flow within an information system?a) grid chartb) decision table

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c) system flowchartd) data flow diagramAnswer: D Difficulty level: MediumPage: 365Response: Data flow diagrams show the data or information flow within an information system.

16. These software packages evaluate hardware and software alternatives according to requirements given by the systems analyst.a) project managementb) automated design toolsc) spreadsheetsd) report generatorsAnswer: BDifficulty level: MediumPage: 365Response: Automated design tools are software packages that evaluate hardware and software alternatives according to requirements given by the systems analyst.

17. Which of the following is not found on a data flow diagram?a) entitiesb) processc) offline storaged) fileAnswer: CDifficulty level: HardPage: 365Response: Data flow diagrams show entities, processes, and file.

18. The final step of the systems analysis phase in the SDLC is to a) gather datab) write system analysis reportc) propose changesd) analyze dataAnswer: BDifficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: The final step of the systems analysis phase is to write the report.

19. Which of the following would not be described in the systems analysis report?a) the current information system

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b) the requirements for a new systemc) the development scheduled) the training requirements for usersAnswer: D Difficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: User requirements are not described in the systems analysis report.

20. Which of the following tasks is not part of the systems design phase?a) designing alternative systemsb) selecting the best systemc) writing a systems design reportd) suggesting alternative solutionsAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: Suggesting alternative solutions is part of the preliminary investigation phase.

21. The first task to complete in the design phase of the SDLC is toa) design alternative systemsb) select the best designc) examine hardware requirementsd) write a systems design reportAnswer: ADifficulty level: HardPage: 366Response: The first task is to design alternative systems.

22. After designing alternative systems, the system analyst musta) prepare a system design reportb) diagram the systemc) prepare a data flow diagramd) select the best alternativeAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: After designing alternative systems, the system analyst must select the best system.

23. The final task in the design phase of the SDLC is toa) select the best design

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b) design alternative systemsc) prepare a system design reportd) examine hardware requirementsAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: The final task in the systems design phase is to write a systems design report.

24. A feasibility study is used to determine the proposed systems. a) resource requirementsb) costs and benefitsc) availability of hardware and softwared) all of the aboveAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 367Response: Feasibility study determines all of these things.

25. Determining if employees, managers, and clients will resist a proposed new system is part of this feasibility study. a) technical feasibilityb) economic feasibilityc) organizational feasibilityd) operational feasibilityAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 367Response: Operational feasibility is used to determine if the proposed new system will be accepted or rejected by employees, managers, or clients.

26. Determining whether expected cost savings and other benefits will exceed the cost of developing an alternative system is related to a) technical feasibilityb) economic feasibilityc) organizational feasibilityd) operational feasibilityAnswer: BDifficulty level: MediumPage: 367Response: Economic feasibility is used to determine if the expected benefits will exceed the costs.

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27. The first step of systems development is to purchase or custom designa) softwareb) a networkc) hardwared) training materialsAnswer: ADifficulty level: MediumPage: 368Response: The first step is to either purchase the software or have it custom designed.

28. The final step of development is toa) acquire softwareb) acquire hardwarec) prepare a systems development reportd) test the systemAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 368Response: After the hardware and software have been installed, the final step involves testing the system.

29. During which phase of the SDLC are users trained to use the new system?a) preliminary investigationb) systems implementationc) systems developmentd) systems maintenanceAnswer: BDifficulty level: MediumPage: 369Response: Users are trained on the new system during the implementation phase of the SDLC.

30. The first step in implementing a new system is to determine the a) hardware requirementsb) software requirementsc) conversion typed) best alternativeAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 369

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Response: The first step is to determine the type of conversion to be used.

31. The __________ approach conversion type simply involves abandoning the old system and using the new.a) directb) pilotc) phasedd) parallelAnswer: ADifficulty level: MediumPage: 369Response: In the direct approach, the conversion is done simply by abandoning the old and starting up the new.

32. The old and new systems run side by side for a period of time when using the __________ approach to implementation.a) directb) parallelc) phasedd) pilotAnswer: BDifficulty level: EasyPage: 370Response: In the parallel approach, old and new systems are operated side by side until the new one has proved to be reliable.

33. Although this conversion approach (__________) is considered low risk, keeping enough equipment and people active to manage two systems at the same time can be very expensive.a) directb) parallelc) phasedd) pilotAnswer: BDifficulty level: EasyPage: 370Response: Parallel is low-risk but expensive to run two systems at the same time.

34. Using the __________ approach, a new system is tested in one part of the organization before being implemented in others.a) directb) phased

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c) pilotd) parallelAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: In the pilot approach, the new system is tried out in only one part of the organization.

35. The __________ implementation approach is broken down into smaller parts that are implemented over time.a) pilotb) directc) paralleld) phasedAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: In the phased approach, the new system is implemented gradually over a period of time.

36. The implementation approach that is the least risky would be thea) direct approachb) parallel approachc) phased approachd) pilot approachAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: The phased approach is the least risky approach.

37. This implementation approach (__________) is preferred when there are many people in an organization performing similar operations.a) directb) parallelc) phasedd) pilotAnswer: DDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: The pilot approach is preferred when there are many people in an organization performing similar operations.

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38. The final step of the implementation phase of the SDLC is toa) train the usersb) develop documentationc) select the conversion typed) write the implementation reportAnswer: ADifficulty level: MediumPage: 371Response: Training the users is the last step in the implementation phase of the SDLC.

39. Which of the following phases of the SDLC is considered as the “ongoing process”?a) systems developmentb) systems analysisc) systems designd) systems maintenanceAnswer: D Difficulty level: MediumPage: 371Response: Systems maintenance is a very important, ongoing activity.

40. The ongoing testing and analysis of an existing system is called system__________.a) maintenanceb) implementationc) designd) analysisAnswer: ADifficulty level: EasyPage: 371Response: Ongoing testing and analysis of an existing system is called system maintenance.

41. During a systems audit, the system performance is compared toa) similar systemsb) newer systemsc) the design specificationsd) competing systemsAnswer: CDifficulty level: MediumPage: 372

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Response: In the systems audit, the system’s performance is compared to the original design specifications.

42. A modifiable model built before the actual system is installed is called a(n)a) sampleb) examplec) templated) prototype Answer: DDifficulty level: HardPage: 373Response: Prototyping means building a model or prototype that can be modified before the actual system is installed.

43. The process of building a model that demonstrates the features of a proposed product, service or system is called aa) JADb) RADc) templated) prototype Answer: DDifficulty level: HardPage: 373Response: Prototyping means building a model or prototype that can be modified before the actual system is installed.

44. A modifiable model of a proposed product, system, or system is called a(n)a) prototypeb) benchmarkc) factord) templateAnswer: ADifficulty level: MediumPage: 373Response: Prototyping is a modifiable model.

45. RAD stands fora) Redundant Array of Disksb) Rapid Application Developmentc) Remove and Destroyd) Replication Applet DiagramAnswer: B

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Difficulty level: MediumPage: 373Response: RAD is an acronym for rapid applications development.

True/False

46. A systems analyst uses the six-phase systems lifecycle to improve and maintain information systems.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 358Response: Systems analysts use the six-phase SDLC model.

47. During the preliminary investigation phase of the SDLC, you first suggest alternatives and then define the problem.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: EasyPage: 359Response: During the preliminary investigation phase of the SDLC your problems or needs are identified.

48. The final step in the preliminary investigation is to create an organization chart.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 360Response: The final step is to prepare a short report to summarize the results of the preliminary investigation and to suggest alternative systems.

49. Gathering data and information in the first step of systems analysis can be achieved through conducting interviews and doing observation.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 362Response: Data is obtained from observations and interviews.

50. An organization chart details the physical location and purpose of the servers on a network.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: EasyPage: 362

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Response: An organization chart shows levels of management and formal lines of authority.

51. Analyzing data can help pinpoint why a system doesn’t work as expected.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 363Response: The idea behind analyzing data is to learn how information currently flows in an organization and to pinpoint why it isn’t flowing appropriately.

52. A checklist is a tool used to organize and remember the questions to ask regarding current systems.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 363Response: A checklist is a list of questions.

53. Using the top-down analysis method means to start with the smallest part of the system and craft larger pieces.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 363Response: Top-down analysis is used to identify the top-level components of a complex system. Each component is broken down into smaller and smaller components.

54. A grid chart shows the relationship between input and output documents.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 364Response: A grid chart shows the relationship between input and output documents.

55. A decision table shows the various rules that apply to a decision when certain conditions exist.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 364Response: A decision table shows the decision rules that apply when certain conditions occur.

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56. A system flowchart shows the procedural path that data takes from department to department.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 364Response: A system flowchart shows the flow of input data to processing and finally to output, or distribution of information.

57. A data flow diagram shows the path from input to processing to output.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 365Response: A data flow diagram shows the data or information flow within an information system.

58. “CASE” stands for “Computer Aided Software Engineering”.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 365Response: CASE is an acronym for Computer Aided Software Engineering tools.

59. Information problems or needs are discussed during the systems design phase of the SDLC.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: Problems or needs are discussed during the preliminary investigation phase of the SDLC.

60. Suggesting an alternative simply means to define some procedures that could be used instead of those that are currently in place.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 366Response: An alternative means to define some procedure that could be used instead of the one current in place.

61. The first step of the systems design phase of the SDLC is to select the best alternative.Answer: False

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Difficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: The first step is to design alternative systems.

62. In the design phase of the SDLC, alternative systems are analyzed for economic, physical, and operational feasibility.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 367Response: Alternative systems are analyzed for economic, technical, and operational feasibility.

63. Technical feasibility refers to the availability of reliable hardware, software, and training to make the system work.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 367Response: Technical feasibility relates to the idea of having reliable hardware, software, and training available to make the system work.

64. In the systems design phase of the SDLC, the systems design report usually concludes by proposing one of the analyzed alternatives.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 367Response: The report usually concludes by recommending one of the alternatives.

65. Application software for new information systems always requires having it custom-designed to meet the needs of the organization.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 368Response: Application software can be purchased off-the-shelf and modified, or it can be custom-designed.

66. New or alternative systems are designed during the system’s development phase of the SDLC.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 368

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Response: New or alternative systems are designed during the system’s design stage.

67. Hardware and software are normally acquired during the implementation phase of the SDLC.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 368Response: Hardware and software are acquired during the development phase of the SDLC.

68. The final step of the development phase in the SDLC is to test the system.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 369Response: After the software and hardware have been installed, the final step is to test the system.

69. Another name for the system’s implementation phase of the SDLC is called execution. Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 369Response: Another name is conversion.

70. Conversion as it relates to implementation is the process of converting – from the old system to the new and training people to use the new system.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 369Response: Conversion is the process of going from the old system to the new system.

71. The direct approach to conversion is to simply replace the old system with the new one.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 369Response: Direct approach involves abandoning the old and starting up the new.

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72. The direct approach to conversion is the least risky of the four conversion methods. Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 369Response: The direct approach is the most risky of the four conversion methods.

73. The parallel approach to conversion involves running the new system and the old system side-by-side for a while.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 370Response: In the parallel approach, old and new systems are operated side-by-side until the new one has proved to be reliable.

74. The parallel approach to conversion is used only in cases in which the cost of failure or of interrupted operation is great. Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: The parallel approach is used only in cases in which the cost of failure or of interrupted operation is great.

75. In the pilot approach, the new system is immediately implemented throughout the organization. Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: In the pilot approach, the new system is tried out in only one part of the organization.

76. The phased approach to conversion is considered one of the least risky approaches.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: The phased approach is considered one of the least risky approaches.

77. The pilot approach to conversion is preferred when there are many people in an organization performing different operations.Answer: False

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Difficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: The pilot approach is preferred when there are many people in an organization performing similar operations.

78. The phased approach to conversion is more appropriate for organizations in which people are performing different operations. Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: The phased approach is more appropriate for organizations in which people are performing different operations.

79. If only the accounting department were on the new system, you are using the phased approach to conversion.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 370Response: You would be using a pilot approach to conversion.

80. The maintenance phase is an ongoing process.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: EasyPage: 371Response: The maintenance phase is an ongoing process for any system.

81. During a systems audit, the system’s performance is compared to the original specifications.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 372Response: In the systems audit, the system’s performance is compared to the original design specifications.

82. RAD and prototyping are two alternative approaches to the traditional system’s development life cycle mode.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 372Response: RAD and prototyping are two alternatives to the SDLC model.

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83. A changeable model is called a prototype.Answer: TrueDifficulty level: MediumPage: 373Response: A changeable model is called a prototype.

84. When developing a new system, RAD is usually considered as an inexpensive alternative to the traditional SDLC steps.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: HardPage: 373Response: RAD is expensive as it requires the use of powerful development software, small specialized teams, and highly trained personnel.

85. The final step of systems analysis is to prepare a preliminary investigation report.Answer: FalseDifficulty level: MediumPage: 366Response: The final step is to prepare a systems analysis report.

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