Computers are Your Future, 10e (Coyle)

Chapter 13 Systems Analysis and Design

1) Systems ________ identify and assess alternative solutions, make formal presentations to
managers, and help to develop the new system.
A) analysts
B) programmers
C) designers
D) developers

Reference: Systems Analysts: Communication Counts

2) Much of a systems analyst's job involves ________.

A) programming
B) communication
C) testing
D) documentation

Reference: Systems Analysts: Communication Counts

3) A collection of components organized into a functioning whole is known as a(n):

A) application program.
B) artificial intelligence program.
C) life cycle.
D) system.

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

4) The SDLC is an approach or model used to improve ________.

A) applications
B) the outsourcing process
C) size of the development team
D) quality

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

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5) The progression of a system from birth to maturation and then obsolescence is called the:
A) three-step cycle.
B) death spiral.
C) retirement progression.
D) life cycle.

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

6) Each phase of the SDLC is intended to address key issues and produce ________.
A) incremental budgets
B) test plans
C) requirements
D) deliverables

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

7) How many phases are in the SDLC?

A) Four
B) Five
C) Six
D) Eight

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

8) Which of the following is NOT one of the SDLC phases?

A) Analyze
B) Design
C) Integrate
D) Maintain

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

9) The ________ stage of the SDLC involves system maintenance and support.
A) second
B) third
C) fourth
D) fifth

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

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10) When should documentation of an information system be undertaken?
A) At the start of the project to report project goals
B) Throughout all phases of the life cycle
C) At the end of the project to summarize results
D) When the completed information system is shipped to consumers

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

11) The final judges of a system's functionality are the:

A) analysts.
B) developers.
C) programmers.
D) users.

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

12) How is the waterfall model used in systems analysis?

A) It develops a hierarchy of responsibility for employees working on the project.
B) It provides a framework for documentation needed at each step of the life cycle.
C) It provides a mechanism for returning to an earlier phase of the SDLC if problems occur.
D) It describes the flow of information from one phase of the cycle to the next.

Reference: The Waterfall Model

13) Which of the following is NOT a component of the first phase of the SDLC?
A) Defining the problem
B) Determining feasibility
C) Designing the software
D) Examining alternative solutions

Reference: Phase 1: Planning the System

14) Which of the following does NOT drive the need for a new system?
A) Deficiencies in performance
B) Lack of information quality
C) Leftover budget dollars
D) Security issues

Reference: Recognizing the Need for the System

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15) In the context of project management, what term refers to the totality of all project products
and features?
A) Scope
B) Magnitude
C) Extent
D) Degree

Reference: Scope Techtalk

16) The ________ usually includes members of senior and middle management, information
systems personnel, and users.
A) evaluation unit
B) management information group
C) executive board
D) information technology steering committee

Reference: Recognizing the Need for the System

17) A(n) ________ is an unacceptable or objectionable result.

A) symptom
B) problem
C) mistake
D) error

Reference: Defining the Problem

18) A(n) ________ is an underlying cause of an unacceptable or objectionable result.

A) symptom
B) problem
C) mistake
D) error

Reference: Defining the Problem

19) A ________ is used to analyze the information needs of end users of the system.
A) needs analysis
B) project plan
C) requirements analysis
D) feasibility study

Reference: Examining Alternative Solutions

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20) After system requirements have been determined, what should the project team do next?
A) contact an outsourcer
B) prepare the budget
C) look at a range of possible solutions
D) prepare a project proposal

Reference: Examining Alternative Solutions

21) Which software solution is usually the most expensive but provides the strictest control over
its development?
A) Externally contracted software
B) Internally developed software
C) Off-the-shelf software
D) Outsourced software

Reference: Examining Alternative Solutions

22) Which of the following is a common disadvantage of using off-the-shelf software as the
basis for a company's information system?
A) The software does not satisfy the specific needs of the company.
B) The software provides no documentation.
C) The software is too complex for personnel to learn.
D) The software often contains errors and code problems.

Reference: Examining Alternative Solutions

23) After an appropriate solution has been identified, who formulates the project plan?
A) Project sponsor
B) Systems analyst
C) Project leader
D) Outside vendor

Reference: Developing a Plan

24) Project plans are often graphically summarized with a ________ chart.
A) PERT
B) Gantt
C) DMAIC
D) ERD

Reference: Developing a Plan

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25) If a company wishes to track completion times of various phases of a project, it might make
use of a(n):
A) data flow diagram.
B) entity relationship diagram.
C) Gantt chart.
D) requirements analysis document.

Reference: Developing a Plan

26) The ________ identifies the project goals and specifies the activities that must be
accomplished for success.
A) feasibility study
B) project plan
C) entity relationship diagram
D) post-system implementation review

Reference: Developing a Plan

27) A project that is ________ feasible can be finished by staying within an organization's
available resources.
A) financially
B) operationally
C) tangibly
D) technically

Reference: Determining Feasibility

28) A project that is ________ feasible can be accomplished with existing, proven technology.
A) financially
B) operationally
C) tangibly
D) technically

Reference: Determining Feasibility

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29) A project that is ________ feasible can be completed within an organization's budget
constraints.
A) economically
B) operationally
C) tangibly
D) technically

Reference: Determining Feasibility

30) A(n) ________ analysis examines the gains and losses associated with a project.
A) design
B) economic
C) cost-benefit
D) fiscal

Reference: Determining Feasibility

31) When the interface of a new information system stimulates employee job satisfaction, it is
known as a(n) ________ benefit of the system.
A) design
B) intangible
C) social
D) tangible

Reference: Determining Feasibility

32) Increased sales, faster response time, and decreased complaints are examples of ________
benefits.
A) design
B) intangible
C) social
D) tangible

Reference: Determining Feasibility

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33) At the end of phase 1, the concluding document that describes the existing system's
problems, details the proposed solution, and a recommendation is called the:
A) system proposal.
B) system summary.
C) project proposal.
D) project summary.

Reference: Preparing the Project Proposal

34) In which phase of the SDLC is the old system analyzed and the new system requirements
determined?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four

Reference: Phase 2: Analyzing & Documenting the Existing Information System

35) What is an unexpected but valuable benefit of the systems analysis phase?
A) It provides a forecast for phase 4.
B) It points out problems that weren't fully identified in phase 1.
C) A preliminary budget can be developed.
D) It provides immediate solutions.

Reference: Analyzing the Existing System

36) What is the deliverable for the second phase?

A) New system requirements
B) Needs assessments
C) System designs
D) Returns on investment

Reference: Determining the New System's Requirements

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37) In the design phase of the SDLC, the most important outcome is:
A) a requirements analysis document.
B) delivery of the actual software, whether developed in-house or purchased outside the
company.
C) a decision on whether to buy or build the new system.
D) a decision on how the new system should work.

Reference: Phase 3: Designing the System

38) An entity relationship diagram (ERD) is used to:

A) display the current status of each phase of the SDLC.
B) describe the different components of the information system and their interactions.
C) trace the flow of data through the proposed information system.
D) show a model of the eventual system without it being fully functional.

Reference: Design Tools

39) A data flow diagram (DFD) is used to:

A) display the current status of each phase of the SDLC.
B) describe the different components of the information system and their interactions.
C) trace the flow of data through the proposed information system.
D) show a model of the eventual system without it being fully functional.

Reference: Design Tools

40) A project dictionary is often used to:

A) explain all terminology relevant to the project.
B) teach users how to work with the new system.
C) track version updates to the system.
D) record the names and contributions of all people working on the project.

Reference: Design Tools

41) A small model of an information system, often shown to users before the full system is
developed, is called a(n):
A) alpha version.
B) Gantt chart.
C) prototype.
D) test bed.

Reference: Design Tools

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42) Prototyping is also called:
A) alpha version.
B) beta version.
C) experimentation.
D) rapid application development.

Reference: Design Tools

43) RAD is an acronym for:

A) random application design.
B) responsible application design.
C) relevant application development.
D) rapid application development.

Reference: Design Tools

44) If a company needs help documenting a new system or prototyping its code it might utilize
________ software.
A) CAD
B) CASE
C) presentation
D) spreadsheet

Reference: Design Tools

45) What type of development process attempts to speed up overall development by collecting
requirements while the new system is being developed?
A) CAD
B) CASE
C) JAD
D) RAID

Reference: Emerging Technologies

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46) During which phase is the decision made to develop the system using internal expertise or
external vendors?
A) Analysis
B) Implementation
C) Conversion
D) Maintenance

Reference: Phase 4: Implementing the System

47) In which phase of the SDLC is the decision made to either buy or build the new system?
A) Analysis
B) Design
C) Implementation
D) Maintenance

Reference: Phase 4: Implementing the System

48) What does a vendor provide in response to an RFQ?

A) Price
B) Specifications
C) Proposal
D) Documentation

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

49) A value-added reseller (VAR) is a company that:

A) incorporates equipment and software from many sources to produce a specialized system.
B) writes specialized information system software.
C) installs and maintains network equipment.
D) tests software for errors and user satisfaction.

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

50) RFQs and RFPs are used when a project is:

A) outsourced.
B) fast-tracked.
C) completed in-house.
D) sequentially converted.

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

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51) A request for proposal (RFP) document:
A) analyzes the information needs of end users.
B) asks a potential supplier to document the design, installation, and configuration of its
proposed system.
C) considers the costs and benefits of different system proposals.
D) requests that the company stockholders approve the proposed system.

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

52) Which software development option allows for the greatest amount of customization?
A) Off-the-shelf
B) Outsourced
C) Rapid application
D) In-house

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

53) Generally, the development of software amounts to less than ________ percent of the entire
project time.
A) 5
B) 15
C) 25
D) 50

Reference: Developing the Software

54) In ________ testing, users evaluate the new system to determine whether it meets their needs
and functions properly.
A) acceptance
B) application
C) design
D) feasibility

Reference: Testing

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55) In ________ testing, programs are tested individually and then tested together.
A) acceptance
B) application
C) design
D) feasibility

Reference: Testing

56) ________ is another name for direct conversion.

A) Leap
B) Jump
C) Dive
D) Plunge

Reference: Plunge Techtalk

57) Which type of system conversion is the safest but most costly?
A) Direct
B) Parallel
C) Pilot
D) Phased

Reference: Converting Systems

58) A phased system conversion:

A) experiments with the new system on only a small group within the organization.
B) implements components of the new system one at a time.
C) begins the new system directly after stopping the old one.
D) runs both the old and new systems simultaneously.

Reference: Converting Systems

59) Which type of system conversion is the most risky?

A) Direct
B) Parallel
C) Serial
D) Pilot

Reference: Converting Systems

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60) Which phase of the SDLC typically takes the most time and money?
A) Analysis
B) Design
C) Maintenance
D) Planning

Reference: Phase 5: Maintaining the System

61) A postimplementation system review document is used to:

A) determine if the project has been completed on time and within budget.
B) evaluate whether the system has met its goals.
C) document any remaining problems with the final system.
D) credit programmers and other developers for their work on the project.

Reference: Phase 5: Maintaining the System

62) ________ is the field concerned with planning, developing, and implementing information,
and other systems.
Answer: Systems analysis

Reference: Introduction

63) A(n) ________ is a problem-solving computer professional who works with managers and
users in determining the organization's information system needs.
Answer: systems analyst

Reference: Systems Analysts: Communication Counts

64) Systems analysts follow an organized sequence of events in the development of a new
information system. This sequence is called the ________.
Answer: systems development life cycle or SDLC

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

65) A(n) ________ system is deliberately constructed by people to serve a specific purpose.
Answer: artificial

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

66) ________ are outcomes or tangible output.

Answer: Deliverables

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

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67) ________ is the first phase of the SDLC.
Answer: Planning

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

68) Each phase of the SDLC can produce ________, or outcomes, which are often the input for
the next phase.
Answer: deliverables

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

69) The final phase of the SDLC, which has the task of supporting the new information system,
is the ________ phase.
Answer: maintenance

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

70) Manuals, tutorials, and installation instructions are examples of ________.

Answer: documentation

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

71) A project ________, which is frequently maintained online, is often used to store project
documentation.
Answer: notebook

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

72) A ________ should be used at the end of each phase to make sure the project is on track.
Answer: checkpoint

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

73) ________ includes all recorded information about a project including reference manuals,
training materials, and installation instructions.
Answer: Documentation

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

74) The ________ model for systems development has correction pathways built into the
process.
Answer: waterfall

Reference: The Waterfall Model

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75) Identifying problems with the existing information system is done in the first phase of the
SDLC called the ________ phase.
Answer: planning

Reference: Recognizing the Need for the System

76) An unacceptable or undesirable result is called a ________.

Answer: symptom

Reference: Defining the Problem

77) A(n) ________ is an underlying root cause.

Answer: problem

Reference: Defining the Problem

78) ________ feasibility means that a project can be completed using existing, proven
technology.
Answer: Technical

Reference: Determining Feasibility

79) Increased sales or improved response times are examples of ________ benefits.
Answer: tangible

Reference: Determining Feasibility

80) A study of a proposed project's ________ helps management assess its overall financial
impact at the end of its lifetime.
Answer: return on investment or ROI

Reference: Determining Feasibility

81) In phase 2, the emphasis is on ________ the system should do, not how.
Answer: what

Reference: Phase 2: Analyzing & Documenting the Existing Information System

82) A study of the existing system in phase 2 is often not simple because the system often is not
well ________.
Answer: documented

Reference: Analyzing the Existing System

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83) A(n) ________ diagram is used to trace the path of data through an information system.
Answer: data flow

Reference: Design Tools

84) Prototyping is also called ________.

Answer: rapid application development or RAD

Reference: Design Tools

85) ________ tools can include project management elements, data dictionaries, and
documentation and graphical output assistance.
Answer: Computer-aided software engineering or CASE

Reference: Design Tools

86) The project ________ explains all the terminology relevant to the project.
Answer: dictionary

Reference: Design Tools

87) Contracting with a value-added reseller (VAR) is done in the ________ phase of the SDLC.
Answer: implementation or fourth

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

88) The ________ is used by programmers to develop the software for a new system.
Answer: program development life cycle or PDLC

Reference: Developing the Software

89) In ________ testing, programs within the new information system are tested both
individually and collectively.
Answer: application

Reference: Testing

90) A(n) ________ conversion is used when the old system is stopped and is immediately
replaced with the new version.
Answer: direct or crash

Reference: Converting Systems

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91) A(n) ________ conversion involves testing the new information system on only a small
group within the organization.
Answer: pilot

Reference: Converting Systems

92) Much of a systems analyst's job is technical.

Reference: Systems Analysts: Communication Counts

93) The SDLC has no impact on project quality.

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

94) An organization can have more than five phases in its SDLC.

Reference: The Five Phases of the SDLC

95) User involvement in the development process is crucial.

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

96) Project documentation is optional for large projects.

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

97) The project notebook is where paper copies of all documentation are stored.

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

98) Checkpoints ensure that the project is on track.

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

99) Systems should be designed for growth and change.

Reference: Avoiding Mistakes

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100) The waterfall approach does not allow analysts to return to a previous phase in the SDLC.

Reference: The Waterfall Model

101) Poor performance and poor information quality are two reasons to plan for a new system.

Reference: Recognizing the Need for the System

102) The information technology steering committee is made up of managers from the
information systems department.

Reference: Recognizing the Need for the System

103) A problem is the underlying cause of a symptom.

Reference: Defining the Problem

104) The project plan identifies the project's goals but does not specify the activities that have to
be completed.

Reference: Developing a Plan

105) Another term for Gantt chart is DFD chart.

Reference: Developing a Plan

106) Technical feasibility means that a project can be accomplished with new, leading-edge
technology.

Reference: Determining Feasibility

107) Operational feasibility means that a project can be completed with existing resources.

Reference: Determining Feasibility

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108) A cost-benefit analysis examines the losses and gains of a project.

Reference: Determining Feasibility

109) Tangible benefits are not easily quantified.

Reference: Determining Feasibility

110) ROI for a project refers to its overall financial yield at the end of a project.

Reference: Determining Feasibility

111) A project proposal concludes with a recommendation.

Reference: Preparing the Project Proposal

112) Phase 2 is referred to as the Implementation phase.

Reference: Phase 2: Analyzing & Documenting the Existing Information System

113) Most existing systems are not well-documented.

Reference: Analyzing the Existing System

114) The deliverable for the systems analysis phase is a listing of the new system's requirements.

Reference: Determining the New System's Requirements

115) An ERD shows all the entities that play a role in the systems and their relationship with
each other.

Reference: Design Tools

116) A DFD is a list of databases and file systems that currently exist.

Reference: Design Tools

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117) A project dictionary is the same as a data dictionary.

Reference: Design Tools

118) Prototyping and RAD are dissimilar processes.

Reference: Design Tools

119) A prototype can be thought of a small-scale mock up of the system that is being developed.

Reference: Design Tools

120) Computer-aided software engineering automates many tedious tasks in the SDLC.

Reference: Design Tools

121) In-house development costs less than purchasing a system from an outside vendor.

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

122) RFPs and RFQs are internal documents used by the technical team.

Reference: Deciding whether to Build or Buy

123) To develop the software required for the new system, programmers use the PDLC.

Reference: Developing the Software

124) Application testing is the same as acceptance testing.

Reference: Testing

125) The best user training method is to provide tutorials so they can learn the software by
themselves.

Reference: Training

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Match the following phases to their titles:
126) Phase 1

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

127) Phase 2

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

128) Phase 3

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

129) Phase 4

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

130) Phase 5

Reference: The Systems Development Life Cycle: A Problem-Solving Approach

A) Designing
B) Implementing
C) Analyzing
D) Planning
E) Maintaining

Match the following terms to their meanings:

131) DFD

Reference: Developing a Plan and Design Tools

132) ERD

Reference: Developing a Plan and Design Tools

133) Gantt chart

Reference:

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134) CASE
Developing a Plan and Design Tools

Reference: Developing a Plan and Design Tools

135) RAD

Reference: Developing a Plan and Design Tools

A) Involves creating a small scale system mock-up

B) Project management software that includes documentation and graphical output support
C) Figure showing objects in the system and their relationships
D) Bar chart showing project timelines
E) Figure showing the movement of data through the system

Match the following terms to their meanings:

136) Acceptance testing

Reference: Testing and Converting Systems

137) Crash conversion

Reference: Testing and Converting Systems

138) Application testing

Reference: Testing and Converting Systems

139) Pilot conversion

Reference: Testing and Converting Systems

140) Parallel conversion

Reference: Testing and Converting Systems

A) Running both the old and new systems simultaneously

B) Immediate exchange of the existing information system with a new one
C) Trying a new information system with a small group within the organization
D) Evaluation of the system by end users
E) Checking individual programs

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Match the following terms to their definitions:

141) SDLC

Reference: Various

142) PDLC

Reference: Various

143) Waterfall model

Reference: Various

144) Symptom

Reference: Various

145) Problem

Reference: Various

A) Model used to improve the quality of information systems

B) An unacceptable or undesirable state
C) Allows analysts to return to a previous phase
D) Model used to create software for new systems
E) The underlying cause

Match the following terms to their meanings:

146) Project plan

Reference: Various

147) Project proposal

Reference: Various

148) Project dictionary

Reference: Various

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149) Data dictionary

Reference: Various

150) Prototype

Reference: Various

A) Defines problems and explains the solution

B) Defines the types of data that are inputted into the system
C) Shared with users to get feedback at an early stage
D) Identifies project goals and specified activities
E) Defines terminology relevant to the project

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