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(a)
(i) Define the term system test. [2]
(ii) What tasks are carried out by end users and what tasks are carried
out by
the operations group during a system test? [2]
(iii) List two major objectives of system testing. [2]
(a) (i) A system test is a test of the entire
system using live data (1 mark)
in an attempt to exercise all processing situations under typical
conditions (1 mark).
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [2 marks]
(ii) The end users prepare source documents, enter data, and select
reports for output (any two for 1 mark), while the operations group
attempts to run the system in compliance with the operations documentation
(1 mark). [2 marks]
(iii) Each major objective named should receive one mark (up to a
maximum of two marks). The major objectives are:
- To perform a final test of all programs against the design specifications.
- To ensure that the operations group has adequate documentation and
instructions to operate the system properly, process the incoming
data, and distribute outgoing information from the system.
- To guarantee that the end users can successfully interact with
the system.
- To test the backup and restart capabilities of the system to be
sure that they are adequate under actual processing conditions.
- To verify that all system components are correctly integrated so
data and information flow smoothly among departments and through the
system within predicted time requirements.
- To confirm that the system can handle normal production volumes
of data in a timely and responsive fashion.
[2 marks]
(b) (i) In-house trainers are one source
of training for primary users. Name
two others. [2]
(ii) Give one drawback of using in-house trainers. [1]
(b) (i) Systems analysts (1 mark) and other
system users (1 mark).
[2 marks]
(ii) They may possess expertise in other areas, not information
systems, and may lack the depth that users require.
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [1 mark]
(c) (i) What is modular conversion?
[1]
(ii) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of modular conversion.
[2]
(iii) How does phase-in conversion differ from modular conversion?
[1]
(iv) Give one advantage and one disadvantage of modular conversion.
[2]
(c) (i) Modular conversion refers to the
implementation of a new system
in a piecemeal fashion.
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [1 mark]
(ii) An advantage is that the risk of failure is localised (1 mark);
a
disadvantage is that the conversion period may be long (1 mark).
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [2 marks]
(iii) The two approaches differ in that, during phase-in conversion,
the
system is segmented, not the organisation. [1 mark]
(iv) An advantage is that the rate of change can be minimised (1 mark);
a disadvantage is that there may be high costs involved in developing
temporary interfaces with the old system (1 mark).
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [2 marks]
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