Information Systems Chapter 11 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are firms increasingly using software houses for?

To replace internal IT teams completely.

To manage all stages of hardware procurement.

For administrative tasks unrelated to software.

For custom-designed software development. (correct)

What is the primary purpose of the systems selection process?

To investigate potential systems and ensure the best fit. (correct)

To purchase the least expensive software solution.

To streamline the programming and testing stages.

To evaluate internal programming capabilities.

During which phase does the selection committee compile and distribute the RFP?

Phase 2: Evaluation.

Phase 3: Implementation.

Phase 1: Definition. (correct)

Phase 0: Planning.

What should the RFP include according to the content provided?

The specific functionalities and performance metrics. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a firm choose to outsource the complete SDLC?

To utilize specialized skills not available internally. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the agile approach?

Focus on adaptability and teamwork Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the work structure in agile methodologies?

Work is divided into manageable and self-standing components. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common practice in agile methodologies to ensure ongoing communication?

Daily face-to-face meetings among team members. Signup and view all the answers

In agile methodologies, how is customer involvement typically structured?

Customer representatives are integrated into cross-functional teams. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of teams using agile methodologies regarding testing?

Testing is emphasized throughout every phase of the project. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of managers in the context of information systems?

Determining software applications needed Signup and view all the answers

Which methodology is NOT mentioned as part of custom software design and development?

Waterfall Signup and view all the answers

One advantage of open source software is its:

Cost-effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is a principal disadvantage of custom software development?

High initial costs Signup and view all the answers

End-user development can lead to which of the following risks?

Inconsistency in software application across departments Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of the agile methodology?

Rapid iterations and feedback loops Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is essential in selecting a prepackaged software program?

Systems selection methodology Signup and view all the answers

What does the system development life cycle (SDLC) help to identify?

Major phases in software development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of the feasibility analysis phase?

Evaluated business issues Signup and view all the answers

Which step focuses on translating software design into executable commands?

Programming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a critical process during the installation step?

System evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'maintenance' step primarily address?

Errors and enhancements previously missed Signup and view all the answers

In which phase is the systems requirements document produced?

Build Phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Testing' step in the Build Phase?

To assess components and the complete application Signup and view all the answers

Which migration approach is characterized by utilizing existing tools and developing new solutions?

Build Your Own Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of change management during installation?

To address user resistance and inertia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of generating the IT core in technology development?

To facilitate information processing functionalities Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves implementing a software application specifically made for a firm's needs?

Custom design and development Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does purchasing software from a vendor offer compared to custom development?

Faster roll-out Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of custom software development described in the content?

Unique tailoring to organizational needs Signup and view all the answers

What methodology is emphasized in the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

Highly structured methodology Signup and view all the answers

In which phase of the SDLC is identifying the features of the proposed information system most crucial?

Definition Signup and view all the answers

What does end-user development primarily rely on?

Ad hoc software created by the users Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of purchasing software from vendors?

Control over software modifications Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason why an organization might choose to custom develop software?

To enable a new initiative requiring unique solutions Signup and view all the answers

Why might an organization find purchasing software economically attractive?

Capitalization on the vendor's economies of scale Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of formulating evaluation criteria during vendor selection?

Developing metrics to uniformly apply to all packages Signup and view all the answers

During the build phase, when customization is needed, what is essential for clarity?

A contract detailing responsibilities for customization Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common elements included in a contract during vendor negotiations?

The extent to which modifications are allowed Signup and view all the answers

Why is stakeholder input important during the selection and evaluation process?

To increase the likelihood of user acceptance later Signup and view all the answers

What happens when off-the-shelf applications are implemented?

There may be significant process changes required Signup and view all the answers

Which stage primarily focuses on system performance during the selection process?

Testing stage Signup and view all the answers

What does the compile short list of vendors process aim to achieve?

Identification of vendors that can fulfill specific needs Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a consequence of not engaging in change management during implementation?

Resistance from users adopting the new system Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason for creating a targeted request for proposals (RFP)?

To efficiently filter out vendors that don't meet basic requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial to consider when evaluating alternatives in vendor selection?

The individual features of each proposed application Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 11: Creating Information Systems

Information systems (IS) design and implementation are complex, requiring robust and secure technology.
Custom software development has advantages and disadvantages compared to acquiring off-the-shelf products.
Key methodologies for custom software development include the system development life cycle (SDLC), prototyping, agile, and DevOps.
Open-source software (OSS) has advantages and risks for modern organizations.
System selection methodologies are used to choose prepackaged software.
End-user development is increasing, offering benefits and risks.
Managers must participate in software design, acquisition, and implementation because firm success depends heavily on the right software applications.

Learning Objectives

Appreciate the complexity of IS design and implementation and the criticality of secure technology.
Articulate the advantages and disadvantages of custom and off-the-shelf software.
Understand custom software design and development methodologies (SDLC, prototyping, agile, DevOps).
Define and understand open source software, including its commercial models and implementation risks in modern organizations.
Identify systems selection methodologies to choose prepackaged software effectively.
Describe reasons for end-user development prominence and assess its associated benefits and risks.

Introduction

Managers have essential roles in IS funding and design.
Business decisions are necessary to determine the characteristics of essential software applications.

Some Examples

Case studies highlight successful and unsuccessful information system implementations (e.g., Condor Cluster, FBI Virtual Case File, NASA Pathfinder, NYC Automated Payroll System, Online Library System, Future Imagery Architecture).

Fulfilling Information Processing Needs

Technology development is a prerequisite for delivering information processing capabilities.
Successful integration of technology with organizational components (people, process, structure) is essential for implementation.

Three Approaches

Custom design and development: software tailored to unique firm needs.
System selection and acquisition: using available vendor software.
End-user development: users create software applications.

Make versus Buy

Custom development may be necessary when no existing market solution meets unique needs (like Amazon's personal recommendation system).

Custom Development Advantages

Tailoring to unique requirements.
Offers flexibility and control.
Avoids licensing fees.
Level of control unavailable with vendor-purchased software.

Purchasing from a Vendor Advantages

Faster implementation.
Access to vendor expertise (knowledge infusion).
Economies of scale.
High-quality software.
Established user base suggests higher quality.

Build Your Own: Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

SDLC method involves detailed justification, risk reduction, and a highly structured approach.
SDLC is articulated in three phases: Definition, Build, Implementation.

Phase 1: Definition

Clearly define proposed system features, engaging end users and managers.
Includes investigation, feasibility analysis, and system analysis.

Phase 2: Build

Develop a robust, secure, and efficient application.
Steps include system design, programming, and testing.

Phase 3: Implementation

Integrate the software with other components of the IS.
Steps include installation, operations, and maintenance.
Includes migration approaches (Parallel, Direct, Phased, Pilot).

Agile Development or Waterfall Approach

Agile methodology prioritizes adaptability and involvement, in contrast to waterfall's emphasis on upfront planning.
Key characteristics of agile methodologies include teamwork, cross-functional teams, customer involvement, and fixed time and resources.

Outsourced Development

Some firms outsource programming and testing stages of software development.
Others outsource the entire SDLC to external providers.

Buying Off-the-Shelf Applications

System selection is crucial to ensure an appropriate solution, comparing competing products.
Three phases: Definition, Build, Implementation.

Phase 1: Definition (Buying Off-the-Shelf)

Formulate evaluation criteria, generate a list of vendors, and issue RFPs.
Evaluate alternative solutions and negotiate contracts.

Phase 2: Build (Buying Off-the-Shelf)

Customized software design (if needed).
Programming (necessary customizations).
Testing on a narrower scope.

Phase 3: Implementation (Buying Off-the-Shelf)

Implement the solution, training users, and managing change processes.
Stakeholders input is critical to minimize risks.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 11, which focuses on creating information systems. Explore the complexities of design, the methodologies for software development, and the implications of custom versus off-the-shelf solutions. This quiz will also cover the role of managers in software acquisition and implementation.