Podcast
Questions and Answers
What defines the limits of a system and reflects the external elements that influence its state?
What defines the limits of a system and reflects the external elements that influence its state?
How does a feedback mechanism assist a system?
How does a feedback mechanism assist a system?
Which of the following describes a characteristic of an open system?
Which of the following describes a characteristic of an open system?
Which term refers to the gradual decline in a system’s effectiveness over time?
Which term refers to the gradual decline in a system’s effectiveness over time?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary purpose of an information system within an organization?
What is a primary purpose of an information system within an organization?
Signup and view all the answers
Why might an organization need to develop a new information system?
Why might an organization need to develop a new information system?
Signup and view all the answers
What is essential for a system to be effective and efficient?
What is essential for a system to be effective and efficient?
Signup and view all the answers
What role does control play in a system's operation?
What role does control play in a system's operation?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes soft systems from hard systems?
What distinguishes soft systems from hard systems?
Signup and view all the answers
What does economic feasibility primarily evaluate?
What does economic feasibility primarily evaluate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of system can have precise outputs based on given inputs?
Which type of system can have precise outputs based on given inputs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to gather data for system analysis?
Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to gather data for system analysis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the advantages of using interviews for data collection?
What is one of the advantages of using interviews for data collection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary purpose of a processor within a system?
What is the primary purpose of a processor within a system?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a disadvantage of using interviews when gathering data?
What is a disadvantage of using interviews when gathering data?
Signup and view all the answers
In what way can holistic thinking be described in the context of systems?
In what way can holistic thinking be described in the context of systems?
Signup and view all the answers
Which characteristic of systems refers to how components of a system depend on one another?
Which characteristic of systems refers to how components of a system depend on one another?
Signup and view all the answers
When are questionnaires particularly useful?
When are questionnaires particularly useful?
Signup and view all the answers
Which scenario is least likely to require the use of questionnaires?
Which scenario is least likely to require the use of questionnaires?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the expected behavior of a cybernetic system?
What is the expected behavior of a cybernetic system?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement about record inspection is true?
Which statement about record inspection is true?
Signup and view all the answers
How are objectives or purposes within a system often described?
How are objectives or purposes within a system often described?
Signup and view all the answers
Which system type is characterized by outcomes that can be predicted but not known precisely?
Which system type is characterized by outcomes that can be predicted but not known precisely?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the main benefits of utilizing questionnaires?
What is one of the main benefits of utilizing questionnaires?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a feasibility study in system development?
What is the purpose of a feasibility study in system development?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a system?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a system?
Signup and view all the answers
During which stage does the system handover from the development team to the users occur?
During which stage does the system handover from the development team to the users occur?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an advantage of using interviews over questionnaires in information gathering?
What is an advantage of using interviews over questionnaires in information gathering?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is most likely to be used for automated information gathering?
Which method is most likely to be used for automated information gathering?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main disadvantage of the Rapid Application Development method?
What is the main disadvantage of the Rapid Application Development method?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is feedback important in a system?
Why is feedback important in a system?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes a soft system correctly?
Which of the following describes a soft system correctly?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the system analyst need to specify regarding hardware and software requirements?
What does the system analyst need to specify regarding hardware and software requirements?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary goal of system construction?
What is the primary goal of system construction?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a method of training mentioned for staff?
Which of the following is NOT a method of training mentioned for staff?
Signup and view all the answers
What does file creation and conversion involve?
What does file creation and conversion involve?
Signup and view all the answers
What does system implementation not include?
What does system implementation not include?
Signup and view all the answers
Which tool is used for designing an information system?
Which tool is used for designing an information system?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a critical aspect of testing a system?
What is a critical aspect of testing a system?
Signup and view all the answers
What is included in the changeover process?
What is included in the changeover process?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant disadvantage of direct changeover?
What is a significant disadvantage of direct changeover?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is an advantage of parallel changeover?
Which of the following is an advantage of parallel changeover?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a disadvantage of phase changeover?
What is a disadvantage of phase changeover?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is parallel changeover considered costly?
Why is parallel changeover considered costly?
Signup and view all the answers
What does system maintenance involve?
What does system maintenance involve?
Signup and view all the answers
Which documentation outlines the weakness of the current system?
Which documentation outlines the weakness of the current system?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one of the characteristics of phase changeover?
What is one of the characteristics of phase changeover?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one primary function of a user manual?
What is one primary function of a user manual?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Chapter 4 System Development
- All notes must be written in exercise books; no printed notes are accepted.
- A system is a set of linked items carrying out a task to achieve one or more objectives. Systems may be soft or hard.
Soft Systems and Hard Systems
- Soft systems are human-based activities with fluid/changing boundaries, conflicting goals, and difficult-to-define performance metrics.
- Hard systems have clearly defined goals and objectives with predictable outcomes. These processes can be accurately modeled.
System Classification
- Deterministic systems have precisely knowable outputs based on their inputs. (e.g. computers).
- Probabilistic systems have outputs that can be predicted, but not precisely known, based on inputs. (e.g. business/economic systems).
- Cybernetic systems are self-regulating and adapt to the environment through feedback, adjusting inputs based on outputs. (e.g. humans, plants).
Characteristic of Systems
- Holistic Thinking – systems are considered as a whole, with components surpassing individual parts.
- Sub-Systems – a system is composed of different components (subsystems).
- Boundaries – external elements that influence (and are influenced by) a system's state.
- Processor – a system element that transforms input into output.
- Objectives/Purpose – the objectives of a system; real or stated goals for an organization.
Environment and Boundaries
- Environment – the environment in which a system operates within an organization; the contributing reasons for its existence.
- Boundaries – external elements; their changes affect the system respectively; the limit of a system.
Interdependence and Feedback
- Interdependence – components or subsystems must be coordinated and linked to maximize system effectiveness.
- Feedback – a system check to confirm predetermined goals, detecting deviations.
Control and Inputs and Outputs
- Control – the process enabling systems adaptation to environmental changes, aiming for expected levels.
- Inputs and Outputs – a system's communication with its environment through inputs and outputs.
System Entropy
- Entropy means decay. Systems naturally decay over time, becoming useless due to changing technological advances or shifts in user requirements, management initiatives.
Open and Closed Systems
- Open systems interact with their environment; they receive input from and provide output to.
- Closed systems do not interact with their environment.
Information System
- An information system is a collection of people, procedures, technologies and resources that gather, transform, and disseminate information within an organization.
Purpose of Information System
- Assist in decision making
- Provide responsive service to meet user needs.
- Facilitate information sharing.
- Facilitate interaction and dissemination of data throughout the organization.
Why Develop New Information Systems?
- New changes in the organization.
- Problems in the current system.
- New opportunities.
Theories of System Development
- Traditional Approach
- Rapid Application Development (RAD)
- Structured Approach
Traditional Approach
- This approach relies heavily on the skills and experience of individual staff members to carry out development tasks.
- The existing system is replaced with a computerized one, but overall structural changes are minimal
Rapid Application Development (RAD)
- This modern approach is adapted from current heavily IT dependent businesses.
- The model prioritizes fast development for competitive advantage
Structured Approach
- The structured approach employs a defined series of stages during system development. This approach is sequential and systematic
Stage of System Development
- Problem Recognition and Definition
- Information Gathering
- Requirements Specification
- System Design
- System Construction
- System Implementation and Testing
- System Operation
- System Review and Maintenance
Problem Recognition and Definition
- Recognising if the need is justified
Information Gathering
- Collecting data through methods like record inspection, interviews, and questionnaires.
Requirements Specification
- Defining detailed needs including output, input, files/data stores, and hardware and software requirements.
Output Specification
- Detailed description of output activities; report generation for decision making. Importance of quality, formality and understanding.
Input Specification
- Detailing input contents, volume, modes, devices, and layout/sequences for maintaining master files.
File/Data Stores
- Identifying and analyzing the need for data files necessary for efficient system operations
Hardware and Software Requirements
- Determining technical requirements like costs, reliability, and user-friendliness.
System Design
- Detailing the physical system design based on the logical design specified during system analysis.
System Construction
- Coding, installing, and testing modules, inputs, outputs and files for functional system development.
Testing the System
- Testing the designed output and inputs against pre-defined requirements specifications
System Implementation
- Installing, testing the system, converting data from old to new systems, and training users. Activities involved include file creation/conversion, staff training, and change management.
File Creation and Conversion
- Setting up master files for the new system; either completely new or conversion from old system files
Training Staff
- Convincing staff about the new system's effectiveness, addressing anxieties and enabling staff to manage the new tasks
Methods of Training
- Demonstration, Film show, Manual reference, Group discussion, Visits
Changeover
- Process of transitioning from the old system to the new. Types include direct, parallel, and phase changeover.
Direct Changeover
- Immediately switching to the new system, abandoning the old. Advantages include speed and cost-effectiveness. Disadvantages include significant risk
Parallel Changeover
- Both the new and old system operate concurrently. Advantages include training and minimal risk. Disadvantages include cost and complexity.
Phase Changeover
- The system is implemented in stages or phases. This method may be more cost effective. But is dependent on the first phase going well
System Review and Maintenance
- Periodic adjustment, correction, and enhancement of the implemented system to address errors or accommodate evolving requirements.
System Documentation
- Documentation related to the system's design including facts, methods, weaknesses, requirements, flowcharts, tables, test data and users' manual.
Review Questions 1
- Defining information systems
- Differentiating between soft and hard systems
- Listing 5 characteristics of a system
- Defining system control
- Explaining why feedback is needed in a system
- Defining system boundary
- Explaining 3 information systems purposes
- Defining online analytical processing
- Drawing a system diagram
Review Questions 2
- Explaining 3 system development theories
- Stating the disadvantage of RAD
- Defining system development lifecycle
- Explaining the stage when system transfer ownership to end users
- Highlighting 3 circumstances that necessitate creating new information systems
- Defining feasibility study
- Listing 4 methods used in gathering information for system development
- Stating 2 advantages of interviews over questionnaires
- Stating 2 disadvantages of using interview method for information gathering
- Giving an automated information gathering technique example
Review Questions 3
-
Explaining the 4 areas involved in requirement specification
-
Explaining 3 factors to consider for output design
-
Explaining 4 factors to consider in designing a good file
-
Explaining the importance of backup and recovery during file design.
Revision Questions 1
-
Outlining 7 steps in structured system development.
-
Explaining 3 system implementation tasks
-
Explaining 3 disadvantages of questionnaires
-
Explaining proxemics in interviews.
-
Explaining the advantages of straight changeover over parallel changeover
-
Defining file conversion
-
Differentiating between system and program flowcharts
-
Drawing and explaining 4 system flowchart symbols
Revision Questions 2
-
Defining "attribute"
-
Explaining the importance of automated fact-finding methods in detail
-
Explaining why observational methods can be disadvantageous during fact-finding
-
Stating a disadvantage of the Traditional System Approach
-
Outlining factors to consider when selecting hardware and software
-
Outlining the contents of a user manual
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers fundamental concepts in information systems, including system boundaries, feedback mechanisms, and characteristics of open systems. Explore topics like economic feasibility, data collection methods, and the role of control in systems. Perfect for students studying information technology or systems analysis.
