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(a)Using a fast food restaurant as an example,describe the components
of a system.In each case,show how the component relates to the fast
food restaurant.[6 marks ]
Award one mark for each component which is
accompanied by a suitable example.
• Boundary:the fast food system delineates the fast food internal
environment
from the external environment.
• Interface:cash register,staff,etc.
• Input:payment,order,etc.
• Output:food,drinks,receipt,etc.
• Feedback:complaints,compliments,etc.
• Environment:customers,suppliers,banks,etc.
[6 marks ]
(b)By adopting systems thinking,the analyst has a wholistic view
of the system which is being analysed.Describe two benefits of applying
systems thinking in the analysis of a system.[2 marks ]
One mark should be awarded for each benefit
named (up to a maximum of two marks). Examples include the following:
• It enables the analyst to identify the information needs that
match the business
needs.
• It provides a holistic view by showing the inter-relationship
between sub-systems and supra-systems,and how these systems interact
with the environment.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[2 marks ]
(c)(i)Name the cutover method described by the following definition:
“An old system is instantaneously eplaced with a new system.”
[1 mark ]
(ii)List one disadvantage of this approach.[1 mark ]
(i)Direct cutover.[1 mark ]
(ii)There is a high risk involved with direct cutover.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[1 mark ]
(d)Describe two main focuses of Structured Systems Development.[4
marks ]
One mark should be awarded for each focus
named, and a further mark should be awarded for each satisfactory
elaboration (up to a maximum of four marks).
Examples include the following:
• Partitioning of the system (1 mark).By partitioning the system
into smaller
subsystems,a complex system is converted into smaller,manageable parts
(1 mark).
• Use of a graphical model (1 mark).By using graphical models,the
info mation
obtained is converted into logical models thereby focusing on the
information
needs (1 mark).
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[4 marks ]
(e)What is the purpose of a preliminary investigation [2marks ]
The purpose of a preliminary investigation
is to conduct a study of the problem situation (1 mark),with the intention
of identifying if there is a need to develop a new system to address
the problem (1 mark).
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[2 marks ]
(f)(i)Suggest a way in which a systems development strategy can involve
users.[1 mark ]
(ii)Give one limitation of this approach.[1 mark ]
(i)Prototyping.
Other valid answers—e.g. RAD—should also receive credit;
the answer to the next sub-part should match.
[1 mark ]
(ii)Refinement of the initial model is an iterative process and may
be time consuming if users are demanding.
[1 mark ]
(g)Compare and contrast the terms decision tree and decision table
[3maks ]
Decision trees and decision tables
are both tools that help in structuring decision (1 mark).A decision
tree is displayed as a horizontal tree with conditions and actions,
the sequencing of which is essential (1 mark),whereas a decision table
is presented as a table consisting of rows and columns with no need
for the conditions and actions to be ordered (1 mark).
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[3 marks ]
(h)List the three main types of interview structure.[3 marks ]
Pyramid
(1 mark),funnel (1 mark),and diamond (1 mark).
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[3 marks ]
(i)Explain the term mini-specification [2marks ]
A
mini-specification describes the transformational procedure (1 mark).It
uses the organisation ’s rules and procedures to specify the
transformation process (1 mark).
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[2 marks ]
(j)Explain why it is important to consider future requirements needs
when designing a new system.[2 marks ]
One
mark should be awarded for each valid point (up to a maximum of two
marks).
Examples include the following:
• To plan for future growth.
• To ensure that the new system is sufficiently flexible to accommodate
changes.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[2 marks ]
(k)Explain how a project plan can be developed using the following
methods:
(i)Historical method.[1 mark ]
(ii)Standard formula.[1 mark ]
(i)When applying
the historical method,one reviews past records with similar previous
project plans and update them to match with current project
requirements.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[1 mark ]
(ii)When applying the standard formula,one incorporates the elevant
project
components to estimate the development time.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.
[1 mark ]
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