Dec 1998 SD206: Systems Design (Question 5)

(a)	Define the term CASE.	[2]
	CASE stands for Computer Assisted Software Engineering (1 mark). It is used to automate the system development life cycle (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(b)	List six basic steps which are required to successfully implement CASE.	[6]
	One mark should be awarded for each of the following: Define the software life cycle process and establish standards to control it. Define the order of applying CASE to the life cycle process based on the needs and the priorities of the organisation. Select appropriate CASE tools. Try out CASE tools in pilot projects. Introduce proven CASE tools on a wide-scale throughout the organisation. Evaluate the impact of CASE by applying predetermined measures of success and maintain a continual commitment to improving the software life cycle. Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(c)	Describe each of the following CASE tool components:
	(i) Information repositories.	[2]
	The CASE information repository is a mechanism for storing and organising all information concerning a software system (1 mark). Its basic purpose is to serve as a single place in which all system information can be entered once, kept consistent, and be made available to everybody that needs it (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
	(ii) Interface generators.	[2]
	Interface generators provide the capability to prepare mock-ups and prototypes of user interfaces (1 mark). Typically, they support the rapid creation of demonstration system menus, presentation screens, and report menus (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
	(iii) Code generators.	[2]
	Code generators automate the preparation of software (1 mark). They incorporate methods that allow the conversion of specifications into executable code (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
(d)	Briefly describe each of the following terms:
	(i) Front-end tools.	[2]
	Front-end tools automate the early activities in the system development life cycle (1 mark). Typically, they support techniques that assist in such activities as preparing specifications or validating system descriptions (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
	(ii) Back-end tools.	[2]
	Back-end tools are aimed at assisting in the formulation of entities such as program logic and processing algorithms (1 mark). Such activities convert logic designs into code (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.
	(iii) Integrated tools.	[2]
	Integrated tools provide an environment that automates key tasks throughout the entire development life cycle by including both front-end and back-end capabilities (1 mark). They facilitate the design, management and maintenance of code, and provide an efficient environment for the creation, storage, manipulation, management and documentation of systems (1 mark). Other sensible answers should also receive credit.