System Analysis and Design Midterm Test Bank Spring 2018
System Analysis and Design Midterm Test Bank Spring 2018
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The ____ phase of the SDLC includes four main activities: requirements modeling, data and process
modeling, object modeling, and consideration of development strategies.
a. systems planning c. systems design
b. systems analysis d. systems implementation
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 142
2. One of the main activities in the systems analysis phase is ____ modeling, which involves fact-finding
to describe the current system and identification requirements for the new system.
a. objective c. goal-based
b. requirements d. user-based
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 142
3. ____ enable a systems analyst to identify a problem, evaluate the key elements, and develop a useful
solution.
a. Analytical skills c. Interpersonal skills
b. Artistic skills d. Confrontational skills
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 143
4. Greater user involvement in the system development process usually results in ____.
a. poorer communication c. slower development times
b. more satisfied users d. both b and c
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 143
5. ____ are especially important to a systems analyst who must work with people at all organizational
levels, balance conflicting needs of users, and communicate effectively.
a. Analytical skills c. Interpersonal skills
b. Artistic skills d. Confrontational skills
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 143
8. In a(n) ____, team members prepare to lunge at each other to achieve their objectives.
a. dodge c. scrum
b. resequencing d. adaptation
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 148
9. Using a(n) ____, an analyst can show business functions and break them down into lower-level
functions and processes.
a. UML c. FDD
b. TCO d. REJ
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 150
11. The ____ is a widely used method of visualizing and documenting software systems design.
a. UML c. FDD
b. TCO d. REJ
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 151
12. A(n) ____ is a UML technique that visually represents the interaction between users and an
information system.
a. TCO c. use case diagram
b. data schematic d. user-based flowchart
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 151
13. In a use case diagram, the user becomes a(n) ____, with a specific role that describes how he or she
interacts with a system.
a. agent c. interlocutor
b. actor d. master
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 151
14. A(n) ____ diagram shows the timing of interactions between objects as they occur.
a. timing c. orientation
b. ordering d. sequence
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 152
15. All of the following are categories of system requirements EXCEPT ____.
a. outputs c. performance
b. dynamics d. controls
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 153
16. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the output category.
a. Manufacturing employees must swipe their ID cards into data collection terminals that
record labor costs
b. The contact management system must generate a daily reminder list for all sales reps
c. The student records system must allow record access by either the student name or the
student number
17. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the input category.
a. As a final step in year-end processing, the payroll system must update employee salaries,
bonuses, and benefits
b. Response time must not exceed four seconds
c. The system must provide log-on security at the operating system level and at the
application level
d. Student grades must be entered on machine-scannable forms prepared by the instructor
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 154
18. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the process category.
a. The Web site must report online volume statistics every four hours and hourly during peak
periods
b. The system must be operated seven days a week, 365 days a year
c. The video rental system must not execute new rental transactions for customers who have
overdue tapes
d. All transactions must have audit trails
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 154
19. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the performance category.
a. The purchasing system must provide suppliers with up-to-date specifications
b. Each input form must include date, time, product code, customer number, and quantity
c. The manager of the sales department must approve orders that exceed a customer’s credit
limit
d. The student records system must produce class lists within five hours after the end of
registration
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 154
20. ____ is a typical example of a system requirement for the control category.
a. The customer analysis system must produce a quarterly report that identifies changes in
ordering patterns
b. The system must maintain separate levels of security for users and the system
administrator
c. The data entry screens must be uniform, except for background color, which can be
changed by the user
d. The warehouse distribution system must analyze daily orders and create a routing pattern
for delivery trucks
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 154
21. To evaluate ____, a systems analyst needs information about projected future volume for all outputs,
inputs, and processes.
a. scalability c. compatibility
b. reliability d. applicability
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 155
22. The term ____ refers to a system’s ability to handle increased business volume and transactions in the
future.
a. scalability c. compatibility
b. reliability d. applicability
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 155
23. In addition to direct costs, systems developers must identify and document indirect expenses that
contribute to the ____.
a. TCO c. FDD
b. REJ d. UML
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 155
24. Microsoft has developed a method for measuring a system’s total costs and benefits, called ____,
which is a framework to help IT professionals analyze and optimize IT investments.
a. TCO c. FDD
b. REJ d. UML
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 156
25. In a(n) ____ structure, which usually is based on interpersonal relationships, some people have more
influence or knowledge than appears on an organization chart.
a. spontaneous c. informal
b. unstructured d. open-ended
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 159
28. In an interview, ____ are questions that ask a person to evaluate something by providing limited
answers to specific responses or on a numeric scale.
a. open-ended questions c. leading questions
b. closed-ended questions d. range-of-response questions
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 160
30. If an interviewee gives only short or incomplete responses to open-ended questions, a systems analyst
should do all of the following EXCEPT ____.
a. switch to closed-ended questions
b. give the interviewee easy access to supporting material that might be needed
31. In projects where it is desirable to obtain input from a large number of people, a(n) ____, such as that
shown in the accompanying figure, can be a valuable tool.
a. interview c. sample
b. questionnaire d. research report
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 166
32. The kind of document shown in the accompanying figure starts with a heading, which includes ____.
a. a brief statement of purpose
b. the name and telephone number of the contact person
c. the deadline date for completion and how and where to return the form
d. all of the above
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 167
33. When studying an information system, examples of actual documents should be collected using a
process called ____.
a. stratification c. indexing
b. randomization d. sampling
ANS: D PTS: 1 REF: 167
34. When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who complained about errors in
their statements, a ____ might select every tenth customer for review.
a. systematic sample c. random sample
b. stratified sample d. comprehensive sample
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 168
35. When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who complained about errors in
their statements, a ____ could ensure the sample is balanced geographically by selecting five
customers from each of four zip codes.
a. systematic sample c. random sample
b. stratified sample d. comprehensive sample
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 168
36. When preparing a representative sample from a list of 200 customers who complained about errors in
their statements, a ____ might select any 20 customers.
a. systematic sample c. random sample
b. stratified sample d. comprehensive sample
ANS: C PTS: 1 REF: 168
37. A common tool for showing the distribution of a questionnaire or sampling results is a vertical bar
chart called a(n) ____.
a. flowchart c. agile method
b. histogram d. Venn diagram
ANS: B PTS: 1 REF: 171
38. Some ____, which are enormously popular handheld computers, can accept handwritten input, while
others have small keyboards.
a. PIMs c. PDAs
b. laptops d. Visios
39. A ____, such as Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Organizer, can help manage meetings, interviews,
appointments, and deadlines and provide a personal calendar and a to-do list, with priorities and the
capability to check off completed items.
a. PIM c. PDA
b. laptop d. Visio
ANS: A PTS: 1 REF: 173
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Compared with traditional methods, when properly used, JAD can result in ____.
a. less expense and greater manageability if the group is too large
b. more accurate statement of system requirements
c. better understanding of common goals
d. stronger commitment to the success of the new system
ANS: B, C, D PTS: 1 REF: 145
2. When preparing a checklist of specific tasks to observe and questions to ask, a systems analyst should
consider ____.
a. asking sufficient questions to ensure a complete understanding of the present system
operation
b. observing all steps in a transaction and noting the documents, inputs, outputs, and
processes involved
c. talking to the people who receive current reports to see whether the reports are complete,
timely, accurate, and in a useful form
d. examining each form, record, and report
ANS: A, B, C, D PTS: 1 REF: 165
3. When designing a questionnaire, all of the following are ideas to keep in mind: ____.
a. providing clear instructions that will answer all anticipated questions
b. arranging questions in a logical order
c. trying to lead the response or use questions that give clues to expected answers
d. phrasing all questions to avoid misunderstandings, and use simple terms and wording
ANS: A, B, D PTS: 1 REF: 167
4. When recording facts, a systems analyst should document the work by ____.
a. recording information as soon as it is obtained
b. recording findings in such a way that they can be understood by someone else
c. organizing documentation so related material is located easily
d. using the most complex recording method possible
ANS: A, B, C PTS: 1 REF: 170
5. When recording and documenting information, ____ can create reports, summaries, tables, and forms.
a. Microsoft Word c. Corel WordPerfect
b. Microsoft Outlook d. OpenOffice.org Writer
ANS: A, C, D PTS: 1 REF: 171
MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE
1. JAD provides a fast-track approach to a full spectrum of system development tasks, including
planning, design, construction, and implementation. _________________________
ANS: F
RAD
Rapid application development
Rapid application development (RAD)
RAD (Rapid application development)
2. An agile approach emphasizes continuous feedback, and each incremental step is affected by what was
learned in the prior steps. _________________________
3. In a sequence diagram, vertical arrows represent messages from one object to another.
_________________________
ANS: F, horizontal
ANS: F, most
5. A graphic modeling program allows you to manage details of a complex project, create queries to
retrieve specific information, and generate custom reports. _________________________
ANS: F, database
TRUE/FALSE
1. Each activity within the systems analysis phase has an end product and one or more milestones.
2. Because it is linked to a specific development methodology, systems developers use JAD whenever
group input and interaction is not desired.
3. IT professionals recognize that successful systems must be user-oriented, and users need to be
involved, formally or informally, at every stage of systems development.
4. Because of the limited range of input and interaction among participants, few companies believe that a
JAD group produces the best definition of a new system.
5. Compared with traditional methods, the entire RAD process is expanded and, as a result, the new
system is built, delivered, and placed in operation much later.
6. The main objective of all RAD approaches is to extend development time and expense by excluding
users from every phase of systems development.
7. Because use cases depict a system through the eyes of a user, common business language can be used
to describe the transactions.
8. System requirements serve as benchmarks to measure the overall acceptability of a finished system.
9. System requirements fall into five general categories: outputs, inputs, processes, performance, and
controls.
10. In addition to helping to gather and analyze facts, many programs also perform fact-finding for
systems analysts.
11. When fact-finding, asking what is being done is the same as asking what could or should be done.
12. Knowledge of a company’s formal and informal structures helps a systems analyst determine the
people to interview during the systems analysis phase.
13. In the early stages of systems analysis, interviews usually focus on specific topics, but as the fact-
finding process continues, the interviews are more general.
14. Creating a standard list of interview questions helps a systems analyst to keep on track and avoid
unnecessary tangents.
15. A list of topics should be sent to an interviewee several days before the meeting, especially when
detailed information is needed, so the person can prepare for the interview and minimize the need for a
follow-up meeting.
16. When conducting an interview, after asking a question, allow the person enough time to think about
the question and arrive at an answer.
17. Although taking notes during an interview has both advantages and disadvantages, the accepted view
is that note taking should be extensive.
19. Personal observation allows a systems analyst to verify statements made in interviews and determine
whether procedures really operate as they are described.
20. When designing a questionnaire, the most important rule of all is to make sure that questions collect
the right data in a form that can be used to further fact-finding.
21. When designing a questionnaire, arrange questions in a random order, intermixing simple and more
complex topics.
22. Before publishing a form on the Internet or a company intranet, a systems analyst should protect it so
users can change the layout or design but cannot fill it in.
23. The main objective of a sample is to ensure that it represents the overall population accurately.
24. A single site visit usually gives true pictures, so it is unnecessary to visit more than one installation.
25. The ability to manage information is the mark of a successful systems analyst and an important skill
for all IT professionals.
COMPLETION
1. The deliverable, or end product, of the systems analysis phase is a(n) ____________________, which
is an overall design for the new system.
2. A common technique that allows users to participate in various development tasks is called
____________________, which is a user-oriented technique for fact-finding and requirements
modeling.
ANS:
joint application development
JAD
joint application development (JAD)
JAD (joint application development)
ANS:
rapid application development
RAD
RAD (rapid application development)
rapid application development (RAD)
4. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, the ____________________ phase combines elements
of the systems planning and systems analysis phases of the SDLC.
5. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, during the ____________________ phase users
interact with systems analysts and develop models and prototypes that represent all system processes,
outputs, and inputs.
6. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, the ____________________ phase focuses on program
and application development tasks similar to the SDLC.
ANS: construction
7. In the RAD model in the accompanying figure, the ____________________ phase resembles the final
tasks in the SDLC implementation phase.
ANS: cutover
9. The ____________________ is a model that asks the traditional fact-finding questions in a systems
development context.
ANS:
Zachman Framework for Enterprise Architecture
Zachman Framework
10. A(n) ____________________ is a planned meeting during which a systems analyst obtains
information from another person.
ANS: interview
11. When phrasing interview questions, a systems analyst should avoid ____________________ that
suggest or favor a particular reply.
12. The process of concentrating on what is said in an interview and noticing any nonverbal
communication that takes place is called ____________________.
13. ____________________ is a fact-finding technique that can help a systems analyst understand how
the current system is supposed to work.
14. The ____________________ of current operating procedures is a fact-finding technique that gives a
systems analyst additional perspective and a better understanding of system procedures.
ANS: observation
15. When observing people at work, a systems analyst should consider the ____________________,
which suggests that worker productivity improves during observation.
16. A(n) ____________________ is a document containing a number of standard questions that can be
sent to many individuals.
ANS:
questionnaire
survey
17. A questionnaire can be a traditional paper form, or a(n) ____________________ can be created and
data collected on the Internet or a company intranet.
18. ____________________ is an important fact-finding technique that can include the Internet, IT
magazines, and books to obtain background information, technical material, and news about industry
trends and developments.
ANS: Research
19. Online forums and ____________________ are good resources for exchanging information with other
professionals, seeking answers to questions, and monitoring discussions of interest.
ANS: newsgroups
20. Research can involve a visit to a physical location, called a(n) ____________________, where the
objective is to observe a system in use at another location.
MATCHING
Identify the letter of the choice that best matches the phrase or definition.
a. TCO f. open-ended
ESSAY
ANS:
The four phases of the RAD model are requirements planning, user design, construction, and cutover.
REQUIREMENTS PLANNING The requirements planning phase combines elements of the systems
planning and systems analysis phases of the SDLC. Users, managers, and IT staff members discuss
and agree on business needs, project scope, constraints, and system requirements. The requirements
planning phase ends when the team agrees on the key issues and obtains management authorization to
continue.
USER DESIGN During the user design phase, users interact with systems analysts and develop models
and prototypes that represent all system processes, outputs, and inputs. The RAD group or subgroups
typically use a combination of JAD techniques and CASE tools to translate user needs into working
models. User design is a continuous, interactive process that allows users to understand, modify, and
eventually approve a working model of the system that meets their needs.
CONSTRUCTION The construction phase focuses on program and application development tasks
similar to the SDLC. In RAD, however, users continue to participate and still can suggest changes or
improvements as actual screens or reports are developed.
CUTOVER The cutover phase resembles the final tasks in the SDLC implementation phase, including
data conversion, testing, changeover to the new system, and user training. Compared with traditional
methods, the entire process is compressed. As a result, the new system is built, delivered, and placed in
operation much sooner.
2. JAD, RAD, and agile methods all have advantages and disadvantages. What are they?
ANS:
Compared with traditional methods, JAD is more expensive and can be cumbersome if the group is too
large relative to the size of the project. Many companies find, however, that JAD allows key users to
participate effectively in the requirements modeling process. When users participate in the systems
development process, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership in the results, and support for
the new system. When properly used, JAD can result in a more accurate statement of system
requirements, a better understanding of common goals, and a stronger commitment to the success of
the new system.
RAD has advantages and disadvantages compared with traditional structured analysis methods. The
primary advantage is that systems can be developed more quickly with significant cost savings. A
disadvantage is that RAD stresses the mechanics of the system itself and does not emphasize the
company’s strategic business needs. The risk is that a system might work well in the short term, but the
corporate and long-term objectives for the system might not be met. Another potential disadvantage is
that the accelerated time cycle might allow less time to develop quality, consistency, and design
standards. RAD can be an attractive alternative, however, if an organization understands the possible
risks.
Agile, or adaptive, methods are very flexible and efficient in dealing with change. They are popular
because they stress team interaction and reflect a set of community-based values. Also, frequent
deliverables constantly validate the project and reduce risk. Some potential problems exist, however.
For example, team members need a high level of technical and interpersonal skills. Also, a lack of
structure and documentation can introduce risk factors. Finally, the overall project may be subject to
significant change in scope as user requirements continue to evolve during the project.
3. What are the issues to consider as you compile your checklist of specific tasks you want to observe
and questions you want to ask during an observation of current operating procedures?
ANS:
1. Ask sufficient questions to ensure that you have a complete understanding of the present system
operation. A primary goal is to identify the methods of handling situations that are not covered by
standard operating procedures. For example, what happens in a payroll system if an employee loses a
time card? What is the procedure if an employee starts a shift 10 minutes late but then works 20
minutes overtime? Often, the rules for exceptions such as these are not written or formalized;
therefore, you must try to document any procedures for handling exceptions.
2. Observe all the steps in a transaction and note the documents, inputs, outputs, and processes
involved.
3. Examine each form, record, and report. Determine the purpose each item of information serves.
4. Consider each user who works with the system and the following questions: What information does
that person receive from other people? What information does this person generate? How is the
information communicated? How often do interruptions occur? How much downtime occurs? How
much support does the user require, and who provides it?
5. Talk to the people who receive current reports to see whether the reports are complete, timely,
accurate, and in a useful form. Ask whether information can be eliminated or improved and whether
people would like to receive additional information.
CASE
Kieran has finished compiling the list of the various members of the JAD group: He is the JAD project
leader, Malia is the representative from top management, Simon is a manager, Alisa and Ian are users,
Shakira and Max are systems analysts, and Devon is the recorder.
1. As Kieran develops the agenda he wants to put the name of the appropriate person next to the agenda
item. Whose name would he put next to the final task on the agenda, the task of documenting the
results of the JAD session and preparing the report that will be sent to JAD team members?
a. Devon
b. Malia
c. Shakira
d. his own
ANS:
D
2. There have been some rumblings within the firm that this development project is not necessary so
Kieran and others feel it is important to explain the reason for the project at the outset. Whose name
goes next to this point on the agenda?
a. his own
b. Simon
c. Max
d. Malia
ANS:
D
Perry has inherited an Excel sheet that lists all of the system requirements for his team’s new project,
but unfortunately, his predecessor did not label the requirements with categories—or in some cases
failed to categorize them correctly—so he needs to take care of this so the requirements can be sorted
correctly.
3. Perry knows that there were supposed to be three performance examples but he finds four in the
spreadsheet. Which one of these is mislabeled as a performance example?
a. The system must automatically generate an insurance claim form.
b. Response time must not exceed four seconds.
c. The online inventory control system must flag all low-stock items within one hour after
the quantity falls below a predetermined minimum.
d. The records system must produce key reports within five hours of the end of each fiscal
quarter.
ANS:
A
4. Perry has found one system requirement that he thinks could fit into a couple of different categories.
What is the best categorization of this requirement: An employee record must be added, changed, or
deleted only by a member of the human resources department?
a. performance
b. control
c. process
d. input
ANS:
B