Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What key shift in computing occurred in the 1980s that influenced organizational tools?

Adoption of cloud-based storage solutions

Increased use of mainframe computers

Rise of microcomputers as essential tools (correct)

Transition to diskless workstations

Which programming environment gained popularity in the 1990s for system development?

Pascal

C++

Assembly Language

Visual Basic (correct)

What is a characteristic feature of modern systems development in the present day?

Exclusively on-premise database management

Implementation using a three-tier design (correct)

Focus solely on mainframe integration

Limited use of off-the-shelf software components

Which phase is NOT part of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?

Sales Signup and view all the answers

What was a key aspect of system development methodologies in organizations?

Following standard processes for system analysis and design Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary output of the Implementation phase in the SDLC?

Code, documentation, training procedures, and support capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT part of the Maintenance phase of the SDLC?

Coding and testing of new systems Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key products delivered during the Planning phase of the SDLC?

Detailed steps or work plan for the project Signup and view all the answers

During which phase would an organization typically justify the need for a new system?

Planning Signup and view all the answers

How does the Analysis phase contribute to the SDLC?

By identifying problems or opportunities with the current system Signup and view all the answers

What does the Maintenance phase primarily address in the context of an information system?

Systematic repairs and enhancements Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an output of the Design phase in the SDLC?

Functional and technical specifications of the system Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Implementation phase in SDLC?

It integrates the new system into daily operations Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the traditional waterfall software development life cycle (SDLC)?

Once one phase ends, another begins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of Agile methodologies?

Emphasis on documentation over communication Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge posed by the traditional waterfall model?

High costs associated with making changes Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is an Agile process recommended according to Fowler?

Projects involving unpredictable or dynamic requirements Signup and view all the answers

In Agile methodologies, what is emphasized more than specific roles?

Team collaboration and adaptability Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the analysis-design-code-test loop in current software development practices?

It combines analysis, design, and implementation into a single process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of system users or customers in the traditional waterfall model?

Their role is narrowly defined. Signup and view all the answers

In Agile methodologies, what aspect is paramount to success?

Motivated and responsible developers Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the importance of early and continuous delivery of valuable software?

The highest priority is to satisfy the customer. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the preferred method of communication within Agile development teams?

Face-to-face conversation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a value emphasized in the Agile Manifesto?

Comprehensive documentation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of 'simplicity' in the Agile Manifesto refer to?

Maximizing the amount of work not done. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Agile processes promotes sustainable development?

Constant pace maintained indefinitely. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle encourages welcoming changing requirements late in development?

Agile processes harness change for competitive advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What principle emphasizes the role of motivated individuals in Agile projects?

Build projects around motivated individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of continuous attention to technical excellence enhance?

Agility. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable challenge of agile methods regarding personnel?

Limiting scalability due to reliance on tacit knowledge Signup and view all the answers

In which environment do traditional methods thrive best?

Stable environments with clear practices and procedures Signup and view all the answers

Which factor addresses the scalability of agile methods compared to traditional methods?

Size of the products and teams Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect makes agile methods potentially risky when applied to safety-critical products?

Inability to produce extensive documentation Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of applying agile methods in a highly stable environment?

Expensive rework due to continuous changes Signup and view all the answers

What cultural aspect is essential for the success of agile methods?

Empowerment and comfort in chaos Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the limitation of agile methods regarding criticality of products?

Agile methods are often untested for safety-critical scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

Why might traditional methods be difficult to adapt for small products?

They often require large teams for effective execution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Planning phase in the systems development life cycle (SDLC)?

To identify and arrange the needs for a new or enhanced system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the output of the Analysis phase in the SDLC?

A description of the recommended alternate solution Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the SDLC are logical design specifications developed?

Design Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the evolutionary model in systems development?

Constantly cycling through phases at different levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Physical Design stage in the SDLC?

Transforming logical specifications into technology-specific details Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the SDLC, what does the iterative process allow?

Returning to previous phases when necessary Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'logical design' refer to in the SDLC?

Design that can be executed on any hardware platform Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is most accurate regarding the scope of the Planning phase in the SDLC?

It identifies the need for a new or enhanced system and determines its scope. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modern Systems Analysis and Design

Modern Systems Analysis and Design is a complex process
Information systems professionals develop and maintain information systems
Application software supports organizational functions or processes
Systems analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing information systems

Learning Objectives

Define information systems analysis and design
Describe the information systems development life cycle (SDLC)
Describe agile methodologies, eXtreme Programming, and Scrum

Introduction

Information Systems Analysis and Design: a complex, challenging, and iterative process used by teams to develop and maintain information systems
Application Software: designed for organizational functions or processes
Systems Analyst: organizational role responsible for information systems analysis and design

Figure 1-1: An Organizational Approach

Systems analysis and design is driven by methodologies, techniques, and tools
Methodologies provide a structured approach
Techniques offer specific procedures
Tools provide practical instruments

A Modern Approach to Systems Analysis and Design

1950s: Goal was efficiency in processing; automating existing processes; applications were built with machine or assembly language
1960s: Development of procedural languages; smaller, faster, and less expensive computers were enabled
1970s: System development became more organized and similar to engineering; shift from process-first to data-first
1980s: Major advancements like microcomputers as organizational tools; off-the-shelf software increased; 4th generation languages for instructing computers what to do instead of how to
1990s: System integration using visual programming, relational and object-oriented databases; enterprise-wide systems; web and internet applications emerged and expanded
Present Day: Continued Internet and intranet systems; three-tier designs with separate databases, application, and client logic; wireless components; use of off-the-shelf components

Developing Information Systems and the Systems Development Life Cycle

Systems development methodology: Standard process to analyze, design, implement, and maintain information systems
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Traditional methodology for developing, maintaining, and replacing information systems; characterized by distinct phases for progression

Figure 1-2: Systems Development Life Cycle

Circular process: the end of one project can lead to the start of another
Iterative process: it's possible to return to prior phases
Any given phase might require returning to prior phases if needed in the project's development

Figure 1-3: Evolutionary Model

Spiral process: phases are constantly repeated at various points throughout the development, on increasingly detailed levels

Phases of the SDLC

Planning: Identifying a need for a new system, analyzing needs and prioritizing them, defining scope, and creating a baseline project plan
Analysis: Understanding system requirements from user input, studying current systems, and outlining alternate solutions
Design: Converting alternate solutions into logical and physical specifications; logical design is independent of the specific platform; physical design includes technology-specific details and choices for programming language, database, and platform (often already decided by client/organization)
Implementation: Coding, testing, and installing the system within the organization; allowing new systems to integrate within daily activities
Maintenance: Repairing, improving, and updating the system over time to meet changing organizational needs

Table 1-1: Products of SDLC Phases

Planning: prioritizes system development, creates an architectural design, outlines system management
analysis: describes current systems, identifies alternative systems, explains why a chosen system was selected
design: detailed specifications of data/processes/inputs/outputs of a system
implementation: instructions/documentation/training for new or revised software
maintenance: code modifications/documentation updates/training/support related to the software

Figure 1-6: Heart of Systems Development

Activities and sequencing can vary among projects
Analysis, design, and implementation frequently done as a single process

Figure 1-7: Traditional Waterfall SDLC

Sequential phases; one phase completes before the next starts
Changes are difficult and expensive later in the process; customers or users often have limited involvement because of the way the process works
Role of users is often limited; focused on deadlines

Agile Methodologies

Adapted from engineering, to fit real-world software development
Three key principles: adaptive rather than predictive methodologies; a focus on people rather than roles; a focus on self-adaptive processes

Agile Methodologies (continued)

Agile methodologies are not suited for every project
Use agile when there is unpredictable/dynamic requirements; motivated developers; and customers who understand the process

Table 1-2: The Agile Manifesto

Developed by seventeen anarchists
Values: individuals/interaction, working software, customer collaboration, responding to change; less emphasis on detailed processes/tools or documentation
Agile principles: customer satisfaction through continuous delivery of valuable software; welcome changing requirements; deliver software at short intervals, businesspeople and developers work together daily, build projects around motivated individuals, and effective communication with in-person interactions. Working software is the measure of progress.

Table 1-3: Five Critical Factors That Distinguish Agile and Traditional Methodologies

Size: agile methods are better for smaller teams/products; traditional for large teams/products
Criticality: agile methods for non safety-critical products; traditional methods for safety-critical products.
Dynamism: agile adaptable to change; traditional methods are resistant to change and are best suited in stable environments
Personnel: agile methods need sufficient technical knowledge, flexibility in roles and skill availability; traditional methods need particular expertise in project initiation
Culture: agile promotes flexibility/collaboration; traditional methods emphasize rigid practices.

eXtreme Programming

Short, incremental development cycles
Automated tests written by programmers
Two-person programming teams
Customer involvement for monitoring the development process
Unified approach of planning, analysis, design, and construction blended into a single phase
Unique approach for capturing/presenting system requirements and specifications
Related coding and testing
Increased communication among developers, improved productivity, and higher-quality code

Scrum

Methodology originated in 1995
Most popular agile method (87% of companies report using it).
Scrum framework includes teams with roles (product owner, development team, Scrum master), events (sprints, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, sprint retrospectives), artifacts (product backlog, sprint backlog, increments)
The Sprint cycle: two weeks-to-a-month; planning, daily standups, evaluation, and feedback
Primary unit is the sprint; the teams evaluate progress during daily meetings and have meetings at the end to assess product goals and feedback on individual performance.

Agile in Practice

Offers more choice in product development; but can be challenging for management
Implementation requires top management support and knowledge throughout the organization
Overcoming resistance to change is a key factor
42% of companies use combined agile/waterfall methods

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