Dec 1998 SD206: Systems Design (Question 1)

(a)	Define the term data entry template.	[2]
	A date entry template is used to capture data on an electronic form (1 mark), by showing a template for the information which is to be entered (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(b)	Describe two characteristics which are exhibited by real-time systems.	[4]
	One mark should be awarded for each valid point and a further mark should be awarded for each satisfactory elaboration (up to a maximum of four marks). Examples include the following: Process orientation (1 mark). Data is processed on a continuous, rather than a periodic, basis ( 1 mark). On-line file availability (1 mark). The system is available to users at all times, for interacting, querying or updating (1 mark). Very short time interval (1 mark). Time intervals between the point at which users access the system and the point at which the system processes such actions are very short, allowing the system to reflect the current state of the system at all times (1 mark). Organisation of records for rapid access (1 mark). Records are stored and processed in a direct manner( 1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(c)	Define the term structured walk-through.	[2]
	A structured walk-through is a software quality assurance procedure (1 mark), which involves the designer exposing the system design to team members for the purpose of improvement (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(d)	In the context of system implementation, list two types of trainer.	[2]
	One mark should be awarded for each valid answer ( up to a maximum of two marks). Vendors. In-house trainers. Systems analysts. Other system users. External consultants.
(e)	Give two advantages of a natural-language interface, when compared to a command-language interface.	[2]
	One mark should be awarded for each valid point (up to a maximum of two marks). Examples include the following: No special skills are required to use a natural -language interface: everyday language can be used. Command-language interfaces are initially difficult to use, because the command-language instructions have little inherent meaning for the user. Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(f)	Give one example of each of the following type of code:
	(i) Mnemonic code.	[1]
	One mark should be awarded for each valid example (up to a maximum of two marks). Examples include the following: MSc for Master of Science.
	(ii) Function code.	[1]
	Code P to indicate that a student is present and code A to indicate that a student is absent.
(g)	Give one example of information which might be stored in each of the following type of file:
	(i) Reference file.	[1]
	One mark should be awarded for each valid example (up to a maximum of two marks). Examples include the following: The personal income tax rate.
	(ii) Transaction file.	[1]
	Cash receipts. Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(h)	List one activity which is involved in each of the following type of maintenance:
	(i) Corrective maintenance.	[1]
	One mark should be awarded for each valid example (up to a maximum of two marks) Examples include the following: Emergency fixes, or routine debugging.
	(ii) Perfective maintenance.	[1]
	User enhancement, or improved documentation. Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(i)	What is HIPO?	[2]
	HIPO stands for Hierarchical Input Process Output ( 1 mark). It is diagrammatic tool which is used to specify the input, output and functions of a system or program ( 1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.