Dec1999 SA205 : Systems Analysis (Question 1) Suggested Solutions

(a)

There is a number of people in an organisation who might use computer-based information systems.For each of the following,list the type of information system that supports the application:

(i)The codification and manipulation of knowledge.[1mark ]
(i)Expert system.

(ii)The automation of transaction data.[1mark ]
(ii)Transaction processing system.

(iii)The enabling of online access to the current status of organisational information.[1mark ]
(iii)Executive information system.

(iv)The assistance for making organisational decisions.[1mark ]
(iv)Decision support system.

(v)The conversion of data into meaningful and useful information.[1mark ]
(v)Management information system.

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(b)

List three approaches to system changeover.
One mark should be awarded for each approach named (up to a maximum of three marks).
•Parallel.
•Direct cutover.
•Pilot.
•Phase-in.

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(c)

For each of the following,identify which fact finding technique should be used:

(i)To examine recorded operating procedures.[1mark ]
(i)Documents review.

(ii)To collect quantitative information.[1mark ]
(ii)Questionnaire.

(iii)To collect qualitative information.[1mark ]
(iii)Interview.

(iv)To solidify hazy understanding regarding the system.[1mark ]
(iv)Observation.

(v)To review journals and articles related to the system.[1mark ]
(v)Research.

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(d)

Convert the following flowchart into Structured English:

Check Book		(1 mark)
If Book =‘Reference Book ’		(1 mark)
	Reject Loan	(1 mark)
Else
	Enter Member Number
	Enter Book Number
Endif		(1 mark)

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(e)

For each of the following questions,define the evaluation criteria with which the question is concerned:

(i)“Does the system meet the intended aims?”[1mark ]
(i)Objectives or goals.

(ii)“Is a better service being provided?”[1mark ]
(ii)Quality.

(iii)“Can the system perform diverse operations?”[1mark ]
(iii)Flexibility.

(iv)“Are there fewer breakdowns compared to the previous system?”[1mark ]
(iv)Reliability.

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(f)

List three ways in which complexity can be reduced in a system.
One mark should be awarded for each of the following:
•Simplification.
•Partitioning.
•Sequencing.

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(g)

List three circumstances under which end-user development should be considered.
One mark should be awarded for each of the following.
•The application will only be developed once.
•Some simple modifications are being carried out.
•The application will have little impact upon the organisation as a whole.
Other valid answers should also receive credit.

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(h)

For each of the following,state whether it is a tangible or intangible cost:

(i)Hardware maintenance costs.[1mark ]
(i)Intangible.

(ii)Training costs.[1mark ]
(ii)Intangible.

(iii)Equipment costs.[1mark ]
(iii)Tangible.

[3]