Apr 1999 SA205: Systems Analysis (Question 4) - Sample student's solutions

April 1999
SA205: SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

QUESTION 4

Total Marks: 20 Marks

Click here to access other questions

GRADE B
Sample student's solutions are indicated in green.
Return to Question 4

(a)	(i) List two benefits of prototyping.	[2]
	(ii) List three actions which may be taken on the basis of the outcome of a prototype.	[3]
	(iii) Prototyping is traditionally used in the clarification of requirements. However, it can also be used as a helpful tool in other areas of a traditional methodology, such as systems development life cycle. Based on your understanding of these two types of model, described three ways in which prototyping can be incorporated into different stages of the systems development life cycle.	[6]
	(i) User Orientation : develop system that meets user needs to a greater extent. Fast development time : takes weeks or months as compared to the traditional approach which takes years. (ii) Implement prototype : prototype is a good system, meets user needs well and is placed in production. (iii) Prototyping is useful in requirement determination stage as it helps both the developer and user to examine the system request by using a prototype as a working model which it suppose to emulate the actual system. Prototype is helpful in the system design stage. It helps the developer to clarify the functions of new system together with the user. Prototype also helps in the system testing stage by enabling the developer to debug errors by using a working model.
(b)	The following describes the procedure carried out by the stock control clerk in maintaining stock levels in a particular warehouse. For each item ordered, the clerk checks to see if the item is available from the current stock. If the stock on the shelf is sufficient for the quantity ordered, then the clerk dispatches the item and updates the stock record. However, of the stock on the shelf that is not sufficient to satisfy the quantity ordered, the clerk whatever stock is available, creates a back order for the outstanding quantity, and updates the stock record. If an item is completely out of stock, then the clerk immediately informs the customer and creates a back order; at the same time, the clerk telephones the supplier to place an urgent order. Develop a decision table to represent the above procedure.	[9]