Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 1

Chapter 1
The Systems Development Environment

True-False Questions

1. The analysis and design of information systems is driven from a technical perspective.

Answer:False Reference: p. 3

2. Information systems analysis and design is an organizational improvement process.

Answer:True Reference: p. 3

3. An important result of systems analysis and design is application software.

Answer:True Reference: p. 4

4. A methodology adopted by an organization will be consistent with its general management

style.

Answer:True Reference: p. 4

5. Techniques are comprehensive, multiple-step approaches to systems development that

guide an analyst’s work and influence the quality of the final product.

Answer:False Reference: p. 4

6. A knowledge engineer is the organizational role most responsible for the analysis and design
of information systems.

Answer:False Reference: p. 5

7. The systems development environment in the late 1990s focused on systems integration.

Answer:True Reference: p. 6

8. In many cases, organizations do not run applications in-house, choosing instead to use an
application on a per-use basis by accessing through an application service provider.

Answer:True Reference: p. 7

9. A transaction processing system is one of the three information systems classes.

Answer:True Reference: p. 7

10. Management information systems automate the handling of data about business activities or
transactions.

Answer:False Reference: p. 7

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
2

11. The analysis and design of a TPS means focusing on a firm’s past procedures for processing
transactions, whether those procedures were automated or manual.

Answer:False Reference: p. 7

12. Developing a MIS calls for a good understanding of what kind of information managers
require and how managers use information in their personal lives.

Answer:False Reference: p. 8

13. A DSS is composed of a database, mathematical or graphical models of business processes,

and a user interface.

Answer:True Reference: p. 8

14. An information center is a collection of integrated, subject-oriented databases designed to

support the decision support function, where each unit of data is relevant to some moment in
time.

Answer:False Reference: p. 9

15. The systems analysis and design for a DSS should concentrate on the user dialogue and
model base, not the database.

Answer:False Reference: p. 9

16. Systems developers of DSS often use methods that prototype the system and iteratively and
rapidly redevelop the system based on trial use.

Answer:True Reference: p. 9

17. The systems development method associated with a management information system is
concerned with understanding relationships between data so data can be accessed and
summarized in a variety of ways.

Answer:True Reference: p. 10

18. The systems development method associated with a transaction processing system is
concerned with capturing, validating, and storing data and with moving data between each
required step.

Answer:True Reference: p. 10

19. A systems development methodology is a standard process followed in an organization to

conduct all the steps necessary to analyze, design, implement, and maintain information
systems.

Answer:True Reference: p. 9

20. The systems development life cycle is the traditional methodology used to develop, maintain,
and replace information systems.

Answer:True Reference: p. 9
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 3

21. The systems development life cycle is a sequentially ordered set of phases.

Answer:False Reference: p. 10

22. In the systems development life cycle, it is possible to complete some activities in one phase
in parallel with some activities of another phase.

Answer:True Reference: p. 10

23. Sometimes the systems development life cycle is iterative.

Answer:True Reference: p. 10

24. The first phase in the systems development life cycle (SDLC) is planning.

Answer:True Reference: p. 11

25. During the analysis phase, someone identifies the need for a new or enhanced system.

Answer:False Reference: p. 13

26. During the design phase, analysts convert the description of the recommended alternative
solution into logical and physical system specifications.

Answer:True Reference: p. 13

27. The second subphase in systems analysis is to investigate the system and determine the
proposed system’s scope.

Answer:False Reference: p. 13

28. Design is the second phase of the SDLC in which the current system is studied and
alternative replacement systems are proposed.

Answer:False Reference: p. 13

29. Often the choices of language, database, and platform are already decided by the
organization or by the client, and these information technologies must be taken into account
in the physical design of the system.

Answer:False Reference: p. 13

30. Logical design is tied to a specific hardware and software platform.

Answer:False Reference: p. 13

31. During physical design, the logical specifications of the system from the logical design are
transformed into technology-specific details from which all programming and system
construction can be accomplished.

Answer:True Reference: p. 13

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4

32. Implementation is the fourth phase of the SDLC in which the information system is coded,
tested, installed, and supported in the organization.

Answer:True ium Reference: p. 13

33. During installation, the new system becomes part of the daily activities of the organization.

Answer:True Reference: p. 13

34. Documentation and training programs are finalized during the physical design phase.

Answer:False Reference: p. 14

35. The maintenance phase often resembles the life cycle itself.

Answer:True Reference: p. 15

36. The amount of time and effort devoted to maintenance depends a great deal on the
performance of the previous phases of the life cycle.

Answer:True Reference: p. 15

37. A description of the current system identifying where problems or opportunities are with a
general recommendation on how to fix, enhance, or replace the current system is a product
of the design phase.

Answer:False Reference: p. 15

38. eXtreme Programming is not one of the Agile Methodologies.

Answer:False Reference: p. 16

39. The traditional waterfall SDLC narrowly defines the end user or customer’s role.

Answer:True Reference: p. 18

40. One of the criticisms of the traditional SDLC is that it focuses on milestone deadlines, leading
to too little focus on doing good analysis and design.

Answer:True Reference: p. 18

41. JAD is not a necessary component of RAD.

Answer:False Reference: p. 18

42. A prototype should only be built with a visual development tool.

Answer:False Reference: p. 18

43. CASE tools are built around a central repository for system descriptions and specifications.

Answer:True Reference: p. 19
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 5

44. Maintenance is the final phase of the SDLC in which an information system is systematically
repaired and improved.

Answer:True Reference: p. 14

45. Involving the end user in analysis and design is a key advantage to the prototyping
technique.

Answer:True Reference: p. 19

46. CASE refers to software tools that provide automated support for some portion of the
systems development process.

Answer:True Reference: p. 19

47. JAD is a structured process in which users, managers, and analysts work together for
several days in a series of intensive meetings to specify or review system requirements.

Answer:True Reference: p. 21

48. RAD is becoming less and less a legitimate way to develop information systems.

Answer:False Reference: p. 21

49. Joint Application Development is a systems development methodology created to radically

decrease the time needed to design and implement information systems.

Answer:False Reference: p. 21

50. The three key principles of Agile Methodologies include a focus on adaptive rather than
predictive methodologies, a focus on people rather than roles, and a focus on self-adaptive
processes.

Answer:True Reference: p. 22

Multiple Choice Questions

51. The complex organizational process through which computer-based information systems are
developed and maintained best defines:

a. information systems analysis and design

b. joint application design
c. prototyping
d. none of the above

Answer:a Reference: p. 4

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6

52. Software designed to support the payroll function would best be classified as:

a. application software
b. system software
c. design software
d. analysis software

Answer:a Reference: p. 4

53. Computer software designed to support organizational functions or processes best defines:

a. system software
b. application software
c. design software
d. analysis software

Answer:b Reference: p. 4

54. Comprehensive, multiple-step approaches to systems development that will guide your work
and influence the quality of your final product defines:

a. techniques
b. tools
c. methodologies
d. data flows

Answer:c Reference: p. 4

55. The particular processes that an analyst will follow to help ensure that his work is complete,
well-done, and understood by project team members best defines:

a. techniques
b. tools
c. methodologies
d. data flows

Answer:a Reference: p. 5

56. The person in an organization who has the primary responsibility for systems analysis and
design is the:

a. systems analyst
b. end user
c. internal auditor
d. business manager

Answer:a Reference: p. 5
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 7

57. Large, complex systems that consist of a series of independent system modules best
describes:

a. transaction processing systems

b. customer relationship management systems
c. supply chain management systems
d. enterprisewide systems

Answer:d Reference: p. 6

58. Which of the following are true statements regarding today’s analysis and design of
information systems?

a. More and more systems implementation involves a three-tier design.

b. There is a movement to wireless system components.
c. There is a continued focus on developing systems for the Internet and for firms’ intranets
and extranets.
d. All of the above.

Answer:d Reference: p. 7

59. Which of the following is one of the three classes of information systems mentioned in the
textbook?

a. transaction processing systems

b. neural networks
c. expert systems
d. production systems

Answer:a Reference: p. 7

60. Transaction processing systems:

a. automate the handling of data about business activities

b. are designed to help organizational decision makers make decisions
c. attempt to codify and manipulate knowledge rather than information
d. take relatively raw data that have been previously captured and convert them into a
meaningful aggregated form that managers need to conduct their responsibilities

Answer:a Reference: p. 7

61. Which of the following can be considered a goal of TPS development?

a. improve transaction processing by speeding it up

b. use fewer people
c. improve efficiency and accuracy
d. all of the above

Answer:d Reference: p. 7

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62. Management information systems:

a. automate the handling of data about business activities

b. are designed to help organizational decision makers make decisions
c. attempt to codify and manipulate knowledge rather than information
d. take relatively raw data that have been previously captured and convert them into a
meaningful aggregated form that managers need to conduct their responsibilities

Answer:d Reference: p. 8

63. Decision support systems:

a. automate the handling of data about business activities

b. are designed to help organizational decision makers make decisions
c. attempt to codify and manipulate knowledge rather than information
d. take relatively raw data that have been previously captured and convert them into a
meaningful aggregated form that managers need to conduct their responsibilities

Answer:b Reference: p. 8

64. Which of the following requires a systems development method that uses a data orientation
most often used for understanding user requirements?

a. expert system
b. transaction processing system
c. management information system
d. decision support system

Answer:c Reference: pp. 9

65. Which of the following is an IS characteristic for a transaction processing system?

a. often involves semi-structured problems and the need to access data at different levels of
detail
b. provides expert advice by asking users a sequence of questions dependent on prior
answers
c. has a high-volume, data capture focus
d. draws on diverse yet predictable data resources to aggregate and summarize data

Answer:c Reference: p. 10

66. Which of the following is an IS characteristic for a management information system?

a. often involves semi-structured problems and the need to access data at different levels of
detail
b. provides expert advice by asking users a sequence of questions dependent on prior
answers
c. has a high-volume, data capture focus
d. draws on diverse yet predictable data resources to aggregate and summarize data

Answer:d Reference: p. 10
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 9

67. Which of the following is an IS characteristic for a decision support system?

a. often involves semi-structured problems and the need to access data at different levels of
detail
b. provides expert advice by asking users a sequence of questions dependent on prior
answers
c. has a high-volume, data capture focus
d. draws on diverse yet predictable data resources to aggregate and summarize data

Answer:a Reference: p. 10

68. Which of the following utilizes process orientation as its systems development method?

a. management information system

b. transaction processing system
c. expert system
d. decision support system

Answer:b Reference: p. 10

69. Which of the following utilizes data and decision logic orientations as its systems
development methods?

a. management information system

b. transaction processing system
c. expert system
d. decision support system

Answer:d Reference: p. 10

70. The traditional methodology used to develop, maintain, and replace information systems best
defines:

a. SDLC
b. RAD
c. OOAD
d. prototyping

Answer:a Reference: p. 9

71. Which of the following is a true statement regarding the SDLC phases?

a. The life cycle is a sequentially ordered set of phases.

b. It is not possible to complete some activities in one phase in parallel with those of
another phase.
c. The SDLC is not iterative.
d. The life cycle can be thought of as a circular process in which the end of the useful life of
one system leads to the beginning of another project to develop a new version of or
replace an existing system.

Answer:d Reference: p. 10

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
10

72. During the SDLC planning phase, which of the following activities is undertaken?

a. New system requirements are identified.

b. A formal, preliminary investigation is undertaken.
c. A presentation of why the system should or should not be developed by the organization
is given.
d. Both b and c.

Answer:d Reference: p. 12

73. The second phase of the SDLC in which system requirements are studied and structured
best defines:

a. planning
b. analysis
c. design
d. implementation

Answer:b Reference: p. 13

74. The output for the analysis phase is the:

a. description of the alternative solution

b. physical system specifications
c. work plan for the project
d. priorities for systems and projects proposal

Answer:a Reference: p. 13

75. Analysts convert the description of the recommended alternative solution into logical and
then physical system specifications during:

a. planning
b. implementation
c. analysis
d. design

Answer:d Reference: p. 13

76. The part of the design phase of the SDLC in which the logical specifications of the system
from logical design are transformed into technology-specific details from which all
programming and system construction can be accomplished best describes:

a. implementation
b. object modeling
c. physical design
d. logical design

Answer:c Reference: p. 13
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 11

77. Which of the following is a true statement regarding logical design?

a. Logical design is tied to a specific hardware and software platform.

b. Logical design does not concentrate on the business aspects of the system.
c. Technical specifications are developed.
d. All functional features of the system chosen for development in analysis are described
independently of any computer platform.

Answer:d Reference: p. 13

78. The phase of the SDLC in which an information system is systematically repaired and
improved is referred to as:

a. analysis
b. implementation
c. maintenance
d. physical repair

Answer:c Reference: p. 14

79. Which of the following are deliverables for the planning phase?

a. functional, detailed specifications of all system elements

b. priorities for systems and projects; an architecture for data, networks, and selection
hardware, and IS management are the result of associated systems
c. description of current system and where problems and opportunities are with a general
recommendation on how to fix, enhance, or replace current system
d. code, documentation, training procedures, and support capabilities

Answer:b Reference: p. 15

80. Which of the following are deliverables for the analysis phase?

a. functional, detailed specifications of all system elements

b. priorities for systems and projects; an architecture for data, networks, and selection
hardware, and IS management are the result of associated systems
c. description of current system and where problems and opportunities are with a general
recommendation on how to fix, enhance, or replace current system
d. code, documentation, training procedures, and support capabilities

Answer:c Reference: p. 15

81. Which of the following are deliverables for the implementation phase?

a. functional, detailed specifications of all system elements

b. priorities for systems and projects; an architecture for data, networks, and selection
hardware, and IS management are the result of associated systems
c. description of current system and where problems and opportunities are with a general
recommendation on how to fix, enhance, or replace current system
d. code, documentation, training procedures, and support capabilities

Answer:d Reference: p. 15

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
12

82. Turning system specifications into a working system that is tested and then put into use
describes:

a. implementation
b. physical design
c. maintenance
d. analysis

Answer:a Reference: p. 13

83. An iterative process of systems development in which requirements are converted to a

working system that is continually revised through close collaboration between an analyst
and users best defines:

a. Joint Application Design

b. Participatory Design
c. prototyping
d. systems development life cycle

Answer:c Reference: p. 18

84. A structured process in which users, managers, and analysts work together for several days
in a series of intensive meetings to specify or review system requirements best describes:

a. RAD
b. JAD
c. Agile Methodologies
d. object-oriented analysis and design

Answer:b Reference: p. 21

85. Which of the following is a true statement about RAD?

a. The focus of RAD is on system integration.

b. The bulk of the work in RAD takes place in the requirements planning phase.
c. RAD requires moderate user involvement.
d. The emphasis in RAD is generally less on the sequence and structure of processes in
the life cycle and more on doing different tasks in parallel with each other and on using
prototyping extensively.

Answer:d Reference: p. 21

86. Which of the following grew out of the convergence of the increased speed and turbulence of
doing business in the late 1980s and early 1990s and the ready availability of high-powered,
computer-based tools to support systems development and easy maintenance?

a. JAD
b. RAD
c. Object-oriented programming
d. CASE

Answer:b Reference: p. 21
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 13

87. Which of the following is a systems development methodology created to radically decrease
the time needed to design and implement information systems?

a. eXtreme Programming
b. OOAD
c. RAD
d. JAD

Answer:c Reference: p. 21

88. Oracle’s Designer, Computer Associates’ Advantage Gen, and IBM’s Rational Rose are
examples of:

a. visual programming languages

b. DBMS
c. third-generation programming languages
d. CASE tools

Answer:d Reference: p. 19

89. The three key principles shared by the Agile Methodologies include:

a. a focus on predictive methodologies

b. a focus on roles
c. a focus on self-adaptive processes
d. all of the above

Answer:c Reference: p. 22

90. Principles identified in the Agile Manifesto include:

a. Our highest priority is to satisfy the customer through early and continuous delivery of
valuable software.
b. Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Agile processes harness
change for the customer’s competitive advantage.
c. Deliver working software frequently, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a
preference to the shorter timescale.
d. all of the above.

Answer:d Reference: p. 23

91. Fowler recommends using an agile process when your project involves:

a. unpredictable or dynamic requirements

b. responsible and motivated developers
c. customers who understand the process and will get involved
d. all of the above

Answer:d Reference: p. 23-24

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
14

92. Systems development methodologies and techniques based on objects rather than data or
processes best defines:

a. objects
b. participatory design
c. object-oriented analysis and design
d. entity analysis and design

Answer:c Reference: p. 25

93. Which of the following is a true statement about eXtreme Programming?

a. eXtreme Programming’s overall philosophy is that code will be integrated into the system
it is being developed for and tested within a few hours after it has been written.
b. eXtreme Programming minimizes customer involvement during each of its phases.
c. eXtreme Programming distinguishes and separates the planning, analysis, design, and
construction phases.
d. eXtreme Programming uses an approach similar to the traditional SDLC for capturing
and presenting system requirements and design specifications.

Answer:a Reference: p. 24

94. Which of the following is a structure that encapsulates attributes and methods that operate
on those attributes?

a. module
b. object
c. container
d. case

Answer:b Reference: p. 25

95. Which of the following is based on an iterative, incremental approach to systems

development and has inception, elaboration, construction, and transition phases?

a. JAD
b. RAD
c. RUP
d. eXtreme Programming

Answer:c Reference: p. 26

96. During which of the following RUP phases will analysts define the scope, determine the
feasibility of the project, understand user requirements, and prepare a software development
plan?

a. transition
b. construction
c. elaboration
d. inception

Answer:d Reference: p. 26
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 15

97. Which of the following RUP phases provides an architecture for the project at the end of its
phase?

a. elaboration
b. transition
c. inception
d. construction

Answer:a Reference: p. 26

98. Which of the following RUP phases involves correcting problems, beta testing, user training,
and conversion of the project?

a. elaboration
b. transition
c. inception
d. construction

Answer:b Reference: p. 26

99. A logical grouping of objects that have the same attributes and behaviors best defines:

a. attribute
b. module
c. object class
d. object

Answer:c Reference: p. 25

100. The property that occurs when entity types or object classes are arranged in a hierarchy and
each entity type or object class assumes the attributes and methods of its ancestors best
defines:

a. inheritance
b. polymorphism
c. aggregation
d. generalization

Answer:a Reference: p. 25

Fill In the Blanks

101. Information systems analysis and design is the complex organizational process whereby
computer-based information systems are developed and maintained.

Reference: p. 4

102. Application software is computer software designed to support organizational functions or

processes.

Reference: p. 4

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
16

103. Systems analyst is the organizational role most responsible for the analysis and design of
information systems.

Reference: p. 5

104. A systems development methodology is a standard process followed in an organization to

conduct all the steps necessary to analyze, design, implement, and maintain information
systems.

Reference: p. 9

105. The systems development life cycle is the traditional methodology used to develop,
maintain, and replace information systems.

Reference: p. 9

106. Planning is the first phase of the SDLC in which an organization’s total information system
needs are identified, analyzed, prioritized, and arranged.

Reference: p. 11

107. Analysis is the second phase of the SDLC in which system requirements are studied and
structured.

Reference: p. 13

108. Design is the third phase of the SDLC in which the description of the recommended solution
is converted into logical and then physical system specifications.

Reference: p. 13

109. Logical design is the part of the design phase of the SDLC in which all functional features of
the system chosen for development in analysis are described independently of any computer
platform.

Reference: p. 13

110. Physical design is the part of the design phase of the SDLC in which the logical
specifications of the system from logical design are transformed into technology-specific
details from which all programming and system construction can be accomplished.

Reference: p. 13

111. Implementation is the fourth phase of the SDLC in which the information system is coded,
tested, installed, and supported in the organization.

Reference: p. 13

112. Maintenance is the final phase of the SDLC in which an information system is systematically
repaired and improved.

Reference: p. 14
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 17

113. Prototyping is an iterative process of systems development in which requirements are

converted to a working system that is continually revised through close collaboration
between an analyst and users.

Reference: p. 18

114. Joint application design is a structured process in which users, managers, and analysts
work together for several days in a series of intensive meetings to specify or review system
requirements.

Reference: p. 21

115. Computer-aided software engineering tools are software tools that provide automated
support for some portion of the systems development process.

Reference: p. 19

116. Rapid application development is a systems development methodology created to

radically decrease the time needed to design and implement information systems.

Reference: p. 21

117. Object-oriented analysis and design refers to systems development methodologies and
techniques based on objects rather than data or processes.

Reference: p. 25

118. An object is a structure that encapsulates attributes and methods that operate on those
attributes.

Reference: p. 25

119. Inheritance is the property that occurs when entity types or object classes are arranged in a
hierarchy and each entity type or object class assumes the attributes and methods of its
ancestors.

Reference: p. 25

120. An object class is a logical grouping of objects that have the same (or similar) attributes and
behaviors (methods).

Reference: p. 25

121. The Rational Unified Process is an object-oriented systems development methodology; it

establishes four phases of development.

Reference: p. 26

122. During the inception phase of RUP, analysts define the scope, determine the feasibility of
the project, understand user requirements, and prepare a software development plan.

Reference: p. 26

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
18

123. During the construction phase of RUP, the software is actually coded, tested, and
documented.

Reference: p. 26

124. During the elaboration phase of RUP, analysts detail user requirements and develop a
baseline architecture.

Reference: p. 26

125. The four phases of RUP include inception, elaboration, construction, and transition.

Reference: p. 26

Matching Questions
Match each of the following RUP phases with its corresponding definition.
a. inception
b. elaboration
c. construction
d. transition

126. During this phase, analysts define the scope, determine the feasibility of the project,
understand user requirements, and prepare a software development plan.

Answer: a Reference: p. 26

127. During this phase, the system is deployed and the users are trained and supported.

Answer: d Reference: p. 26

128. During this phase, the software is actually coded, tested, and documented.

Answer: c Reference: p. 26

129. During this phase, analysts detail user requirements and develop a baseline architecture.

Answer: b Reference: p. 26
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 19

Match each of the following terms with its corresponding definition.

a. object-oriented analysis and design
b. object
c. inheritance
d. object class
e. Rational Unified Process
f. Rapid Application Development

130. An object-oriented systems development methodology; it establishes four phases of

development: inception, elaboration, construction, and transition; each phase is organized
into a number of separate iterations.

Answer: e Reference: p. 26

131. Systems development methodologies and techniques based on objects rather than data or
processes.

Answer: a Reference: p. 25

132. The property that occurs when entity types or object classes are arranged in a hierarchy and
each entity type or object class assumes the attributes and methods of its ancestors.

Answer: c Reference: p. 25

133. A structure that encapsulates attributes and methods that operates on those attributes.

Answer: b Reference: p. 25

134. A logical grouping of objects that have the same attributes and behaviors.

Answer: d Reference: p. 25

135. A systems development methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to
design and implement information systems.

Answer: f Reference: p. 21

Match each of the following IS characteristics with its corresponding IS type.

(Answers may occur more than once.)
a. transaction processing system
b. management information system
c. decision support system

136. May involve forecasting future data from historical trends and business knowledge.

Answer: b Reference: p. 10

137. Provides guidance in identifying problems, finding and evaluating alternative solutions, and
selecting or comparing alternatives.

Answer: c Reference: p. 10

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Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment
20

138. High-volume, data capture focus.

Answer: a Reference: p. 10

139. Draws on diverse yet predictable data resources to aggregate and summarize data.

Answer: b Reference: p. 10

140. Potentially involves groups of decision makers.

Answer: c Reference: p. 10

141. Often involves semi-structured problems and the need to access data at different levels of
detail.

Answer: c Reference: p. 10

Match each of the following SDLC phases with its corresponding definition.
a. maintenance
b. design
c. analysis
d. implementation
e. planning

142. The first phase of the SDLC in which an organization’s total information system needs are
identified, analyzed, prioritized, and arranged.

Answer: e Reference: p. 11

143. The second phase of the SDLC in which system requirements are studied and structured.

Answer: c Reference: p. 13

144. The third phase of the SDLC in which the description of the recommended solution is
converted into logical and then physical system specifications.

Answer: b Reference: p. 13

145. The fourth phase of the SDLC, in which the information system is coded, tested, installed,
and supported in the organization.

Answer: d Reference: p. 13

146. The final phase of the SDLC in which an information system is systematically repaired and
improved.

Answer: a Reference: p. 14
Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment 21

Match each of the following phases with its corresponding products, outputs, or
deliverables. (Answers may occur more than once.)
a. maintenance
b. analysis
c. implementation
d. planning
e. design

147. Code, documentation, training procedures, and support capabilities.

Answer: c Reference: p. 15

148. New versions or releases of software with associated updates to documentation, training,
and support.

Answer: a Reference: p. 15

149. Detailed steps, or work plan, for a project; specification of system scope and high-level
system requirements or features; assignment of team members and other resources; system
justification or business case.

Answer: d Reference: p. 15

150. Description of current system and where problems or opportunities are with a general
recommendation on how to fix, enhance, or replace the current system; explanation of
alternative systems and justification for the chosen alternative.

Answer: b Reference: p. 15

151. Technical, detailed specifications of all system elements; acquisition plan for new technology.

Answer: e Reference: p. 15

152. Functional, detailed specifications of all system elements.

Answer: e Reference: p. 15

Essay Questions
153. List and define the five major SDLC phases.

The major SDLC phases include planning, analysis, design, implementation, and
maintenance. Planning is the first phase of the SDLC in which an organization’s total
information system needs are identified, analyzed, prioritized, and arranged. Analysis is the
second phase of the SDLC in which system requirements are studied and structured. During
the third phase, the design phase, a description of the recommended solution is converted
into logical and then physical system specifications. Implementation is the fourth phase of
the SDLC in which the information system is coded, tested, installed, and supported in the
organization. Maintenance is the fifth and final phase of the SDLC in which an information
system is systematically repaired and improved.

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154. Discuss two different approaches to improving development.

Several approaches are discussed in the text. Two of these approaches are prototyping and
JAD. Prototyping is defined as an iterative process of systems development by which
requirements are converted to a working system that is continually revised through close
work between an analyst and users. The analyst builds the prototype from requirements
supplied by the end users. Once the prototype is completed, it is evaluated by the end
users. Based on the feedback provided by the end users, the analyst will modify the
prototype. This results in an iterative process that continues until users are satisfied.
Prototyping has two advantages: (1) the large extent to which prototyping involves the user
in analysis and design; and (2) its ability to capture requirements in concrete form. Joint
Application Design (JAD) is defined as a structured process in which users, managers, and
analysts work together for several days in a series of intensive meetings to specify or review
system requirements. By promoting group participation, time and organizational resources
are better managed. Also, the group is more likely to develop a shared understanding of the
IS purpose.

155. List and define the three classes of information systems.

Transaction processing systems automate the handling of data about business activities.
Management information systems take relatively raw data available through a TPS and
converts them into a meaningful aggregated form that managers need to conduct their
responsibilities. Decision support systems are designed to help organizational decision
makers make decisions.

156. What are methodologies, techniques, and tools?

Methodologies are comprehensive, multiple-step approaches to systems development.

Techniques are particular processes that you follow to help ensure that your work is
complete, well done, and understood by others. Tools are typically computer programs that
make it easier to use and benefit from techniques and to follow faithfully the guidelines of the
overall development methodology. The techniques and tools should support the chosen
methodology. Methodologies, techniques, and tools work together to form an organizational
approach to systems analysis and design.

157. Identify the products of the SDLC phases.

Products for the planning phase include priorities for systems and projects; an architecture
for data, networks, and selection hardware, and IS management are the result of associated
systems; detailed steps, or work plan, for the project; specification of system scope and high-
level system requirements or features; assignment of team members and other resources;
and the system justification or business case. The products for the analysis phase include a
description of the current system and where problems or opportunities are with a general
recommendation on how to fix, enhance, or replace the current system; and an explanation
of alternative systems and justification. The design phase provides functional detailed
specifications of all system elements and technical, detailed specifications of all systems
elements; and an acquisition plan for new technology. Implementation provides code,
documentation, training procedures, and support capabilities. Maintenance products include
new versions or releases of software with associated updates to documentation, training, and
support.
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158. What is RAD? Compare and contrast RAD to the traditional SDLC.

Rapid application development is a systems development methodology created to radically

decrease the time needed to design and implement information systems. RAD phases are
shortened, more streamlined, and carried out in parallel. The planning and design phases
focus on system function and user interface requirements. RAD tends to examine the
system in isolation from other systems and limits iteration to the design and development
phases.

159. What are the three necessary components of RAD?

JAD, prototyping, and CASE tools are the three necessary RAD components.

160. What is meant by Agile Methodologies? Identify the three key principles that the Agile
Methodologies share.

The Agile Methodologies are a response to the problems associated with the traditional
SDLC methodology. The three key principles are a focus on adaptive rather than predictive
methodologies, a focus on people rather than roles, and a focus on a self-adaptive process.

161. What is object-oriented analysis and design?

Object-oriented analysis and design refers to systems development methodologies and

techniques based on objects rather than data or processes. The goal of OOAD is to make
systems elements reusable.

162. Identify and briefly describe the four RUP phases.

Inception, elaboration, construction, and transition are the four RUP phases. During the
inception phase, analysts define the scope, determine the feasibility of the project,
understand user requirements, and prepare a software development plan. During the
elaboration phase, analysts detail user requirements and develop a baseline architecture.
During the construction phase, the software is coded, tested, and documented. During the
transition phase, the system is deployed and the users are trained and supported.

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