April 1999
SD206: SYSTEMS DESIGN

QUESTION 1 (Compulsory)

Total Marks: 20 Marks

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GRADE A
Sample student's solutions are indicated in green.
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(a) List three output design objectives. [3]
Three output design objectives:

(i) Design output with intended purpose.
(ii) Design output to fit the user.
(iii) Make sure that output is where it is needed.

 
(b) List three excuses which may be given for not carrying out a post-implementation review. [3]
(i) Users may keen to get on with their own work.
(ii) No individuals are available to evaluate such a review.
(iii) The organisation does not appreciate the potential benefits of such a review.

 
(c) Describe two weaknesses associated with CASE tools. [4]
(i) Human tasks remain critical.
Setting new requirements of a system, and building a system based on the requirement still remain a critical task for humans.

(ii) No standardised methodology.
Standards for CASE tools have not been developed. Different vendors may develop different standards for their CASE products.

 
(d) Describe two approaches to reliability. [4]
(i) Error detection and correction.
Errors are detected and necessary corrections are made to the system either the system is running or upon the effect the user required.

(ii) Error tolerance.
Such technique keeps the system running even of the presence of errors.

 
(e) Give one example of each of the following types of file.
(i) Reference file. [1]
(ii) Work file. [1]
(iii) Master file. [1]
(i) Personal income tax rate.
(ii) A sorted file which act as an immediate buffer for data stored.
(iii) An employee file.

 
(f) List three types of problem which can be prevented by validating input data. [3]
(i) Submitting the wrong data.
(ii) Data submitted by unauthorised person.
(iii) Acting the system to reform an unacceptable task.