ACS2913 Software Requirements Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an activity diagram?

To identify errors in business transactions

To store customer data efficiently

To evaluate system performance metrics

To represent a graphical model of a workflow (correct)

Which of the following techniques is NOT typically used for gathering project information?

Implementing coding standards (correct)

Observing business processes

Reviewing documents

Conducting surveys

In which scenario would concurrent paths in an activity diagram be most useful?

When documenting a simple linear workflow

When there is a need to create a flowchart

When evaluating system performance

When two or more processes occur independently at the same time (correct)

What is the function of models in systems analysis and design?

To explore and document requirements Signup and view all the answers

What does UML stand for in the context of information systems?

Unified Modeling Language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical part of the information gathering process for requirements analysis?

Being specific and clear in the gathered information Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is NOT commonly used for gathering requirements?

Distributing and reviewing email communications Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting the answers obtained from users during interviews?

To provide detailed insights for systems designers and developers Signup and view all the answers

What should an analyst do after obtaining answers during interviews?

Document the answers and follow up as needed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to gathering relevant requirements?

Observing and documenting current business procedures Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for analysts to prepare detailed questions before interviews?

To ensure clarity and direction during discussions Signup and view all the answers

What role does collecting active user comments play in requirements gathering?

It provides real-time feedback that can improve requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of poorly gathered requirements?

Potential project delays or failures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of defining requirements in system development?

To document system accomplishments Signup and view all the answers

Which type of model is a physical diagram representing the system?

Graphical model Signup and view all the answers

What does UML stand for in the context of system modeling?

Unified Modeling Language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for modeling in systems analysis?

Creating detailed project budgets Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a textual model?

Written descriptions of system requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is one key benefit of using models during the system development process?

They help remember all project details Signup and view all the answers

Which model type would utilize formulas and algorithms?

Mathematical model Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of graphical models in system design?

They use standard visual symbols Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of preparing for an interview in systems analysis and design?

To identify the information needed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is used for gathering information during systems analysis?

Distributing and collecting questionnaires Signup and view all the answers

What type of document is typically used to represent business processes during analysis?

Activity diagram Signup and view all the answers

In systems analysis, what is the function of collecting user comments and suggestions?

To validate models and test designs Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to research vendor solutions during systems analysis?

To identify best practices from similar situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended technique for information gathering according to systems analysis?

Consulting social media trends Signup and view all the answers

What should be maintained throughout the systems analysis process for tracking unresolved issues?

Open Items List Signup and view all the answers

During the process of systems analysis, what is the goal of reviewing inputs and outputs?

To understand system functionality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Software Requirements Analysis and Design

Course: ACS2913
Instructor: David Tenjo
Gathering and documenting requirements is crucial for software development.
Specificity and clarity in information gathering are essential.
Methods (techniques) for gathering good information about the system are needed
A good analyst gathers specific, detailed, and relevant requirements.
Documentation is vital for systems designers and developers.

How to Identify Requirements

Information gathering is also known as "information Gathering".
Clear, detailed, and accurate information is vital in defining a system.
Specific methods (techniques) facilitate the process.

Information Gathering Techniques

Interviewing users and stakeholders is a technique
Distributing and collecting questionnaires helps gather user input.
Review of inputs, outputs, documentation and other supporting documents is an important part of the process.
Observing and documenting business procedures provide essential details
Researching vendor solutions to understand similar systems is helpful.
Collecting active user comments and suggestions is important
Following up when necessary is key to completing information gathering tasks

Interviewing Users and Stakeholders

Detailed questions must be developed and prepared.
Meetings with individuals or groups of users are important to gather information from the desired individuals.
Document answers from the interviews
Follow-up interviews and meetings, if necessary, are required to answer all questions

Themes and Questions

Themes identify potential areas for information gathering
Questions to users are developed from the themes and help identify needed information.
Themes and questions help users identify the needed information.

Preparing for the Interview

Establish the interview's objective.
Identify appropriate users, and project team members.
List questions and issues.
Review relevant documents.
Set the time and location of the meeting.
Inform all participants of the purpose, time, and location.

Checklist for Interviewing (Before, During, After)

Before: Establish objective, determine correct users, decide who participates, build a list of questions, review related documents/materials, and set time/location.
During: Arrive on time, look for exceptions/errors, clarify details, note everything in a thorough manner, document unanswered items/questions.
After: Review notes accurately and completely, transfer information to appropriate models and documents, clarify any needed issues, thank everyone, follow up.

Interview Session Agenda

Example agenda includes specifics about participants, objective, date, time, place, specific discussion items(example: who is eligible for commissions?)

Keeping an Open Items List

A list of open items with specifics about who is responsible to address the issues.
Dates for the issues is to be addressed

Distributing and Collecting Questionnaires

Questionnaires are tools to gather information from multiple stakeholders.
Example questionnaires are provided concerning customer support system.

Review Inputs, Outputs, and Procedures

Comprehensive analysis of forms, processes, and procedures is needed

Additional Techniques

Observe and document business processes.
Research vendor solutions
Collect active user comments and suggestions.

Defining Requirements

Defining requirements is performed after information gathering.
Multiple methods can be used to define requirements.

Models and Modeling

Models are representations of system aspects.
Different model types include textual, graphical, and mathematical ones.
Examples of model types include: UML models (use case, class, sequence, communication, state machine, activity diagrams).

Reasons for Modeling

Models assist in simplifying complexity, communicating details to different stakeholders.
Models document decisions needed.
Models help maintain and enhance the system.

Analysis and Design Model Samples

Various models (e.g., event list, use case diagram, sequence diagram, activity diagram, communication diagram, state machine diagram) visualize different system aspects.

Documenting Workflows with Activity Diagrams

Activity diagrams show processing steps in a workflow
Diagrams include the user's role, and sequences of activities

Activity Diagram Symbols

Various symbols in activity diagrams signify beginning/end points, tasks, transitions, decision points, and more.

Activity Diagram for RMO Order Fulfillment

Activity diagram showing a step-by-step process for handling RMO orders.

Activity Diagram with Concurrent Paths

Illustrates workflows handled by multiple functions (e.g., sales, engineering, purchasing, production, scheduling).

Summary

Techniques used in the project include information gathering (interviews, questionnaires, document review, observation).
Model types such as Activity Diagrams are used.
The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a standard tool for modeling system aspects.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential techniques for gathering and documenting software requirements. It covers various methods for effective information gathering and highlights the importance of clarity and specificity in the process. Perfect for students looking to enhance their skills in software design and analysis.