Essentials of Systems Analysis and Design, 5e (Valacich/George/Hoffer)

Chapter 1 The Systems Development Environment

1) The end user is not the person in the organization most involved in the systems analysis and
design process.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 3

2) Systems analysis is the second phase of the systems development life cycle.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 3

3) The main goal of systems analysis and design is to improve organizational systems, typically
through applying software that can help employees accomplish key business tasks more easily
and efficiently.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4

4) Components are parts, or aggregation of parts of the system.

Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

5) A boundary is the point of contact where a system meets its environment or where subsystems
meet each other.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

6) An information system interacts with its environment when it processes data.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

7) An interface separates a system from other systems.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

8) A system's environment is everything outside a system's boundary that influences the system.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

9) Interfaces exist between subsystems.

Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

10) A system's capacity can be viewed as a system constraint.

Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

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11) Cohesion is the process of breaking down a system into its smaller components.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 8

12) Coupling results in smaller and less complex systems that are easier to understand than
larger, complicated systems.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 9

13) Decomposition allows the systems analyst to build different parts of the system at
independent times and have the help of different analysts.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 8

14) Component focusing allows the systems analyst to break a system into small, manageable,
and understandable subsystems.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 8

15) Modularity is a direct result of decomposition.

Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 9

16) Modularity divides a system into chunks or modules of a relatively uniform size.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 9

17) Cohesion is the extent to which subsystems depend on each other.

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 9

18) Systems analysts are key to the systems development process.

Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 11

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
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 12

20) A systems development technique is the series of steps used to mark the phases of
development for an information system.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 12

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21) The systems development life cycle is a sequentially ordered set of phases.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 12

22) The phases of the systems development life cycle are circular in nature.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 13

23) 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
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 13

24) Sometimes the systems development life cycle (SDLC) is iterative.

Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 13

25) A feasibility study is conducted before the second phase of the SDLC to determine the
economic and organizational impact of the system.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14

26) The second task in systems analysis is to investigate the system and determine the proposed
system's scope.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 15

27) The output of the systems planning and selection phase is a description of the alternative
solution recommended by the analysis team.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14

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

Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 15

29) During logical design, the analyst team decides which programming languages the computer
instructions should be written in, which database systems and file structures will be used for the
data, and which hardware platform, operating system, and network environment the system will
run under.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 15

30) Systems implementation and operation is the final phase of the SDLC.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 15

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31) During installation, the new system becomes part of the daily activities of the organization.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 16

32) During operation, programmers make the changes that users ask for and modify the system
to reflect changing business conditions.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 17

33) Involving the user in analysis and design is a key advantage to the prototyping technique.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 18

34) Joint application design (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
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 19

35) A key principle of the Agile Methodologies is a clear focus on people rather than roles.
Answer: TRUE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 21

36) Rapid application development (RAD) sacrifices human efficiency when rapidly building
and rebuilding working systems.
Answer: FALSE
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 20

37) The organizational role most responsible for the analysis and design of information systems
best describes a:
A) business manager.
B) systems analyst.
C) chief information officer.
D) database analyst.
E) network administrator.
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 3

38) The information system includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A) hardware and software.
B) training materials.
C) people who use the software.
D) capital investment.
Answer: D
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 4

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39) The process of developing and maintaining an information system best describes:
A) joint application design.
B) prototyping.
C) information systems analysis and design.
D) information technology infrastructure development.
E) systems implementation.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4

40) Software designed to support the payroll function would best be classified as:
A) application software.
B) system software.
C) design software.
D) analysis software.
E) a decision support system.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4

41) An information system includes each of the following EXCEPT:

A) application software.
B) culture.
C) documentation and training materials.
D) specific job roles associated with the overall system.
E) controls.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4

42) Your primary responsibility as a systems analyst concerns:

A) people.
B) hardware.
C) application software development.
D) controls.
E) documentation and training materials.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 5

43) A sequence of step-by-step approaches that help develop the information system best
describes:
A) techniques.
B) tools.
C) methodologies.
D) data flows.
E) flow charts.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 5

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44) 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.
E) flow charts.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 5

45) A group of interrelated procedures used for a business function, with an identifiable
boundary, working together for some purpose, best defines:
A) environment.
B) system component.
C) constraint.
D) interface.
E) system.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 6

46) Computer programs that make it easy to use specific techniques are best defined as:
A) techniques.
B) tools.
C) methodologies.
D) data flows.
E) flow charts.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 5

47) Which of the following is NOT a system characteristic?

A) Scope
B) Output
C) Input
D) Interface
E) Boundary
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 6

48) Dependence of one part of the system on one or more other system parts best describes:
A) boundary.
B) interrelated components.
C) cohesion.
D) dependency.
E) component.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

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49) The line that marks the inside and outside of the system that sets off the system from its
environment, best defines:
A) delineation mark.
B) boundary.
C) scope.
D) interface.
E) analysis area.
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

50) An irreducible part, or an aggregation of parts within a system, is called a(n):

A) component.
B) input.
C) interface.
D) constraint.
Answer: A
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

51) An aggregation of parts is also called a(n):

A) interface.
B) subsystem.
C) collection.
D) accumulation.
Answer: B
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

52) The overall goal or function of a system best defines:

A) purpose.
B) goal.
C) objective.
D) scope.
E) mission.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

53) The environment of a state university would NOT include:

A) prospective students.
B) the legislature.
C) the president's office.
D) the news media.
E) a foundation.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

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54) The point of contact where a system meets its environment or where subsystems meet each
other best describes:
A) boundary points.
B) interfaces.
C) contact points.
D) merge points.
E) forks.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

55) The process of breaking the description of a system down into its smaller components best
defines:
A) coupling.
B) cohesion.
C) decomposition.
D) modularity.
E) scaling.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 8

56) Which of the following is NOT a function of decomposition?

A) Permit different parts of the system to be built at the same time by the same person
B) Allow attention to be concentrated on the part of the system pertinent to a particular audience,
without confusing people with details irrelevant to their interests
C) Facilitate the focusing of attention on one area (subsystem) at a time without interference
from other parts
D) Break a system into smaller, more manageable and understandable subsystems
E) Build different parts of the system at independent times and have the help of different analysts
Answer: A
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 8

57) Which of the following is a direct result of decomposition?

A) Coupling
B) Open systems
C) Cohesion
D) Modularity
E) Interfaces
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 9

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58) The extent to which subsystems depend on each other refers to:
A) modularity.
B) coupling.
C) decomposition.
D) dependence.
E) cohesion.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 9

59) The extent to which a system or subsystem performs a single function defines:
A) modularity.
B) coupling.
C) decomposition.
D) dependence.
E) cohesion.
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 10

60) Today, systems development focuses on:

A) modularity.
B) coupling.
C) decomposition.
D) systems integration.
E) systems implementation.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 10

61) Which of the following allows hardware and software from different vendors to work
together in an application?
A) Systems coupling
B) Systems integration
C) Systems decomposition
D) Participatory design
E) Joint application design
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 10

62) Analytical skills:

A) help you work with end users, as well as other analysts and programmers.
B) help you understand the potential and the limitations of information technology.
C) help you manage projects, resources, risk, and change.
D) enable you to understand the organization and its functions, to identify opportunities and
problems, and to analyze and solve problems.
E) promote an understanding of the different types of information systems.
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

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63) Technical skills:
A) help you work with end users, as well as other analysts and programmers.
B) help you understand the potential and the limitations of information technology.
C) help you manage projects, resources, risk, and change.
D) enable you to understand the organization and its functions, to identify opportunities and
problems, and to analyze and solve problems.
E) promote an understanding of the different types of information systems.
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

64) Management skills:

A) help you work with end users, as well as other analysts and programmers.
B) help you understand the potential and the limitations of information technology.
C) help you manage projects, resources, risk, and change.
D) enable you to understand the organization and its functions, to identify opportunities and
problems, and to analyze and solve problems.
E) promote an understanding of the different types of information systems.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

65) Interpersonal skills:

A) help you work with end users, as well as other analysts and programmers.
B) help you understand the potential and the limitations of information technology.
C) help you manage projects, resources, risk, and change.
D) enable you to understand the organization and its functions, to identify opportunities and
problems, and to analyze and solve problems.
E) promote an understanding of the different types of information systems.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

66) The need for a new or enhanced system is identified during:

A) systems planning and selection.
B) systems coding.
C) systems analysis.
D) systems design.
E) systems implementation and operation.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14

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67) In which SDLC phase will the analyst study the organization's current procedures and the
information systems used to perform tasks?
A) Systems planning and selection
B) Systems observation
C) Systems analysis
D) Systems design
E) Systems implementation and operation
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14

68) In which phase will the systems analyst convert the description of the recommended
alternative solution into logical and then physical system specifications?
A) Systems planning and selection
B) Systems conversion
C) Systems analysis
D) Systems design
E) Systems implementation and operation
Answer: D
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 15

69) A description of the alternative solution recommended by the analysis team is provided
during the:
A) systems planning and selection phase.
B) systems design phase.
C) systems analysis phase.
D) systems implementation and operation phase.
E) systems alternative selection phase.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14

70) In which SDLC phase is the information system coded, tested, and installed in the
organization?
A) Systems planning and selection
B) Systems replacement
C) Systems analysis
D) Systems design
E) Systems implementation and operation
Answer: E
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 15

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71) Priorities for systems and projects are deliverables for the:
A) systems planning and selection phase.
B) systems analysis phase.
C) systems design phase.
D) systems priority phase.
E) systems implementation and operation phase.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 14

72) Which of the following is NOT an approach to systems development?

A) Prototyping
B) Reengineering analysis
C) Joint application design
D) Agile Methodologies
E) Rapid application development
Answer: B
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 18

73) Building a scaled-down version of the desired system best describes:

A) prototyping.
B) Agile Methodologies.
C) joint application design.
D) reengineering analysis.
E) rapid application development.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 18

74) A systems development methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to design
and implement information systems best describes:
A) Participatory Design (PD).
B) rapid application development.
C) joint application design.
D) CASE.
E) Agile Methodologies.
Answer: B
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 19

75) A systems development approach that originated in northern Europe, in which users and the
improvement of their work lives are the central focus, best defines:
A) Participatory Design (PD).
B) rapid application development.
C) joint application design.
D) CASE.
E) Agile Methodologies.
Answer: A
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 21

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76) A centralized database that contains all diagrams, forms and report definitions, data structure,
data definitions, process flows and logic, and definitions of other organizational and system
components best describes:
A) information safe.
B) code generator.
C) repository.
D) data generator.
E) project database.
Answer: C
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 19

77) Current approaches to systems development that focus on adaptive methodologies, people
instead of roles, and an overall self-adaptive development process best defines:
A) Participatory Design.
B) rapid application development.
C) joint application design.
D) CASE.
E) Agile Methodologies.
Answer: E
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 21

78) 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.
E) none of the above.
Answer: C
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 21

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Match each of the following SDLC phases with its corresponding definition.

a. Systems planning and selection

b. Systems design
c. Systems implementation and operation
d. Systems analysis

79) The phase of the SDLC in which the current system is studied and alternative replacement
systems are proposed
Answer: d
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 14

80) The phase of the SDLC in which the system chosen for development in systems analysis is
first described independently of any computer platform and is then transformed into technology-
specific details from which all programming and system construction can be accomplished
Answer: b
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 15

81) The first phase of the SDLC, in which an organization's total information system needs are
analyzed and arranged, and in which a potential information systems project is identified and an
argument for continuing or not continuing with the project is presented
Answer: a
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 14

82) The final phase of the SDLC, in which the information system is coded, tested, and installed
in the organization, and in which the information system is systematically repaired and improved
Answer: c
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 15

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Match each of the following terms with its corresponding definition.

a. Technical skills
b. Interpersonal skills
c. Analytical skills
d. Management skills

83) Help you manage projects, resources, risk, and change

Answer: d
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

84) Help you understand the potential and the limitations of information technology
Answer: a
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

85) Enable you to understand the organization and its functions, to identify opportunities and
problems, and to analyze and solve problems
Answer: c
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

86) Help you work with end users, as well as other analysts and programmers
Answer: b
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

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Match each of the following terms with its corresponding definition.

a. Participatory Design
b. Joint Application Design
c. Rapid Application Development
d. Prototyping
e. Agile Methodologies
f. Repository
g. CASE

87) Building a scaled-down version of the desired information system

Answer: d
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 18

88) 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: b
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 19

89) A systems development methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to design
and implement information systems
Answer: c
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 19

90) Current approaches to systems development that focus on adaptive methodologies, people
instead of roles, and an overall self-adaptive development process
Answer: e
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 21

91) Software tool that provides automated support for some portion of the systems development
process
Answer: g
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 18

92) A centralized database that contains all diagrams, forms and report definitions, data structure,
data definitions, process flows and logic, and definitions of other organizational and system
components
Answer: f
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 19

93) A systems development approach that originated in northern Europe in which users and the
improvement of their work lives are the central focus
Answer: a
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 21

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Match each of the following system characteristics with its corresponding description.

a. Component
b. Boundary
c. Constraint
d. Environment
e. Input
f. Interface
g. Interrelated components
h. Output
i. Purpose

94) The line that marks the inside and outside of the system, and that sets off one system from
other systems in the organization
Answer: b
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

95) Dependence of one part of the system on one or more other system parts
Answer: g
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 6

96) The overall goal or function of a system

Answer: i
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 6

97) An irreducible part or aggregation of parts that make up a system

Answer: a
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

98) Point of contact where a system meets its environment or where subsystems meet each other
Answer: f
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

99) A limit to what a system can accomplish

Answer: c
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

100) Everything external to a system that interacts with the system

Answer: d
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

101) Receives this from the outside, processes it, and returns the results to the environment
Answer: e
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

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102) This is returned to the environment
Answer: h
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 7

103) In addition to application software, discuss what else comprises an information system.
Answer: Besides the application software, an information system consists of the following:
a. Hardware
b. Systems software which runs the application software on the hardware
c. Documentation and training materials
d. Specific job roles associated with the overall system
e. Controls to prevent theft and fraud
f. People who use the software

Diff: 2 Page Ref: 4

104) What are methodologies, techniques, and tools?

Answer: 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.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 5

105) Briefly define the term system.

Answer: A system is an interrelated set of procedures which are used within one business unit to
work together for some purpose. Systems have a distinct purpose, such as keeping track of
customer orders or paying vendors for supplies.
Diff: 1 Page Ref: 6

106) Describe the term component as related to systems. Discuss how components can work
together.
Answer: A system is made up of components, which are either irreducible or an aggregate of
other components. Within a system, components are interrelated in such ways that one
component might work with another component in order to accomplish one of the tasks which
the system is designed to complete.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 7

107) Describe what decomposition is used for.

Answer: Decomposition results in smaller pieces of a system which are then easier to work with.
This is accomplished by breaking a system down into smaller components. Decomposition
allows the systems analyst to focus attention on one area of the system, focus on one part of the
system pertinent to a group of users and build parts of the system independently.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 8

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108) Why is coupling not advantageous for systems?
Answer: Coupling occurs when subsystems are dependent upon each other. In general,
subsystems should be built to be independent of each other. In this way, if one subsystem fails
then the other is not impacted.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 9

109) Describe the role of a systems analyst.

Answer: A systems analyst has the primary role to study the problems and needs of an
organization to determine how to best combine people, methods and information technology in
order to improve the organization. In addition, he or she helps users and business managers
define their requirements for a project.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

110) Discuss the types of skills needed in order to succeed as a systems analyst.
Answer: Systems analysts need to develop 4 types of skills in order to succeed. Analytical skills
are needed to understand the organization and its functions, identify opportunities and problems
and to analyze and solve problems. Technical skills help you to understand the potential and
limitation of information technology. Management skills help you to manage projects as well as
the people involved. Finally, interpersonal skills help you to work with users as well as other
members of the technical team.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 11

111) List and briefly describe the four major SDLC phases.
Answer: The four phases are systems planning and selection, systems analysis, systems design,
and systems implementation and operation. Systems planning and selection is the first phase of
the SDLC, in which an organization's total information system needs are analyzed and arranged,
and in which a potential information systems project is identified and an argument for continuing
or not continuing with the project is presented. During systems analysis, the current system is
studied and alternative replacement systems are proposed. During systems design, analysts
convert the description of the proposed system into logical and then physical system
specifications. During systems implementation and operation, the information system is coded,
tested, and installed in the organization. During this phase the system is systematically repaired
and improved.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 12-13

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112) List and briefly discuss six approaches to systems development.
Answer: Prototyping, Computer-Aided Software Engineering tools, joint application design,
rapid application development, Participatory Design, and Agile Methodologies are the six
approaches mentioned in the textbook. Prototyping is an iterative process of systems
development by which requirements are converted to a working system. The prototype 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.
Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools provide automated support for some part of
the systems development process. Joint application design (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. 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. Rapid application development (RAD) is a systems
development methodology created to radically decrease the time needed to design and implement
information systems. Participatory Design is a systems development approach that originated in
northern Europe, in which users and the improvement in their work lives are the central focus.
Agile Methodologies focus on adaptive methodologies, people instead of roles, and an overall
self-adaptive development process.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 18-21

113) Briefly discuss prototyping.

Answer: When one designs and builds a scaled-down version of a system, this is called
prototyping. A prototype can be built with a CASE tool, which automates many of the steps in
the systems development life cycle. The prototype is given to the user for feedback and then
revised as needed. This is done iteratively. The key advantages to this approach are: involvement
of the user in the design of the system and the ability to capture requirements in a concrete
format.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 18

114) Identify six general types of CASE tools.

Answer: Diagramming tools, computer display and report generators, analysis tools, central
repository, documentation generators, and code generators are the six general types of CASE
tools mentioned in the textbook.
Diff: 3 Page Ref: 19

115) Briefly discuss joint application design.

Answer: Joint application design is a structured process which brings together users, managers
and analysts for several days of intensive meetings to specify or review system requirements.
This approach utilizes time and organizational resources much better.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 19

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116) What is participatory design?
Answer: Participatory design is an approach to systems development where the central focus is
on users and the improvement of their work lives. It was originally developed in northern
Europe.
Diff: 2 Page Ref: 21

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