Aug 1997 SA205: Systems Analysis (Question 1) Suggested Solutions

1.	(a) What are Synonyms?		[2]
	A synonym is the same data flow or data store with two different names.
	[2 marks]

	(b) Give two advantages of an open questions over closed questions.		[2]
	From the following list of advantages for open questions:
		Putting the interviewee at ease.
		Allowing the interviewee's vocabulary to be picked up.
		Provides richness of detail.
		Reveals avenues for further questioning.
		Makes phrasing easier for the interviewer.
		Allows more spontaneity.
		Makes phrasing easier for the interviewer.
	1 mark for each of the two answers
	[2 marks]

	(c) Briefly describe Outsourcing as a strategy for systems development.		[2]
	When an organization does not have the technical resources to develop their own systems, or cost implications would be too great (1 mark for either) so an external party is consulted.		[2]

	(d) What is the use of a Gantt Chart in systems development?		[2]
	A Gantt chart is used to plan		[1]
	calendar time requirements for each activity of the systems development project.		[1]
	[2 marks]

	(e) Give two disadvantages of prototyping as a development strategy.		[2]
	Any two advantages of prototyping will do: e.g.. provide basis for further discussion of requirements;
	help to detect misconceptions or errors in design;		[1]
	help to devise initial structure of implementation.		[1]
	[2 marks]

	(f) What is a Probabilistic System?		[2]
	Probabilistic systems do not behave in a precisely predictable way.		[1]
	Events occur according to chance and can only be predicted using the laws of probability and statistics.		[1]
	[2 marks]

	(g) Describe and give an example of Tangible Costs.		[2]
	Tangible costs are those costs that can be easily identified and determined by the system analyst. Possible examples:		[1]
		Furniture costs.
		Costs of software.
		Costs of equipment.
		Cost of file conversion.
		Costs of different supplies.
		Salaries of personnel involved.
		Insurance for the new equipment and/or special facilities.
		Costs of leasing or renting equipment and/or special facilities.
	1 mark for any suitable example
	[2 marks]

	(h) What is a Data Dictionary?		[2]
	A data dictionary is a document that supplements data flow diagrams		[1]
	and whose purpose is to define the contents of the data flows, data stores and processes		[1]
	[2 marks]

	(i) What is the Break-even point?		[2]
	The break-even point represents the point at which it becomes profitable for the business to implement the proposed system.		[1]
	It is when the total costs (which includes investment, implementation and annual operating costs) of the current system and the proposed system intersect.		[1]
	[2 marks]

	(j) Using an example a large software company, briefly describe and illustrate what strategic manager's jobs entail.		[2]
	The strategic management set the long term goals for an organisation, align the organisation into future directions, and provide appropriate strategies.		[1]
	The strategic management would choose which software areas the company would concentrate on, for instance operating systems or word processors. Also, they would try to decided which areas are promising (such as the internet) and try to invest early so as to maintain a competitive advantage.		[1]
	[2 marks]