Apr 1999 SD206: Systems Design (Question 5) - Sample student's solutions

(a)	(i) List three major objectives of system testing.	[3]
	(ii) Describe the term acceptance test.	[1]
	(i) three major objectives are: To perform a final test on all program against the design specification. To guarantee that the user can successfully interact with the system. To verify with that the information system component are integrated correctly so that data and information can flow smoothly among department and through computer with predicted time requirement. (ii) The acceptance test is a test of the extent which the user work with the system in a way that it is comfortable to them.
(b)	List two basic principle which should be observed by systems analysts and programmers during implementation.	[2]
	Avoiding disrupting day-to-day activities during implementation. Do not require excessive over-time work during implementation.
(c)	(i) Name two sources of training for secondary users.	[2]
	(ii) Give one drawback of using in-house trainers.	[1]
	(i) Vendors, external paid trainers. (ii) In-house trainers may be expertise in other area, but not information system, thus cannot provide the depth of knowledge the user required.
(d)	Describe factors which are considerations which should be taken into account when planning each of the following:
	(i) Training objectives.	[1]
	(ii) Training methods.	[1]
	(iii) Training sites.	[1]
	(iv) Training materials.	[1]
	(i) What the trainees have to know will be specified in the training objectives. (ii) The teaching use for trainee that learn well by seeing, hearing or hands-on should be properly planned. (iii) Whether on-site or off-site training should be constructed in order not to disrupt the trainee concentration on their training. (iv) The level of details in the training materials and how well it is written, can affect the trainee level of learning.
(e)	(i) Define the term modular conversion.	[1]
	(ii) Give two advantages of modular conversion.	[2]
	(iii) How does phase-in conversion differ from modular conversion?	[1]
	(iv) Give two advantages of phase-in conversion.	[2]
	(v) Give one disadvantages of phase-in conversion.	[1]
	(i) Modular conversion is the implementation of a new system on a piecemeal basis. For example, an order-entry system is implemented in one sales region, and if prove successful, implement in another sales region. (ii) Any failure in the new system is localised. Other operating personnel can be trained in a 'live' environment before the system is implemented in their location. (iii) In phase-in-conversion, the system itself is segmented instead of the organisation as in modular conversion. (iv) The rate of change in an organisation is minimal. Data processing resources can be acquire gradually over an extended period of time. (v) The high cost of developing temporary interfaces with old system.