SDLC Analysis Phase Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who is the manager responsible for accounts receivable?

Fernando Merce

Anne Asher

Jennifer Draper (correct)

Mark Goodin

What was the purpose of the consulting team's project for the US Army?

To replace outdated managers

To develop new soldiers

To identify improvement opportunities in existing systems (correct)

To enhance training programs

Which manager's interview is scheduled for Monday at 4:00 p.m.?

Anne Asher

Jennifer Draper

Fernando Merce

Mark Goodin (correct)

What problem did the consulting team face with the first selected group of managers?

They were unfamiliar with the system details Signup and view all the answers

Who among the following works in data entry?

Fernando Merce Signup and view all the answers

What time is Anne Asher's interview scheduled?

10:00 a.m. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did the managers chosen for the consulting project specifically not grasp?

Process data models Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary critique of the created to-be process models?

They were very general and nonspecific Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes unstructured interviews in the initial stages of an IS development project?

They seek a broad and roughly defined set of information. Signup and view all the answers

When does an analyst typically transition from unstructured to structured interviews?

When the as-is process becomes very clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key challenge of conducting unstructured interviews?

Interviewers must ask open-ended questions and probe for information. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach involves starting with broad, general issues before moving to specific questions?

Top-down approach Signup and view all the answers

What is typically more prevalent in structured interviews compared to unstructured interviews?

Closed-ended questions Signup and view all the answers

Why is organizing interview questions into a logical sequence important?

It ensures the discussion is orderly and comprehensive. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about the use of the top-down and bottom-up approaches in practice?

Both strategies are mixed in practical applications. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of interview questions is essential for a successful interview?

They must be organized into a logical sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the top-down approach in interviews?

It helps the interviewer to grasp the broader context before details. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is the bottom-up strategy most preferred?

When details are already known, and only gaps remain. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question would correspond to a low-level inquiry in the top-down approach?

How can we minimize shipping errors in order processing? Signup and view all the answers

Why is it beneficial for the interviewee to discuss big-picture issues first?

It ensures that important issues are not overlooked. Signup and view all the answers

What does a high-level question in the top-down approach typically address?

General improvements in order processing. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the bottom-up strategy is true?

It aims to clarify existing detailed knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

How are medium-level questions characterized in the top-down approach?

They address moderately specific issues. Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential drawback of starting with detailed questions in an interview?

It allows interviewers to miss important overarching topics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of starting an interview with noncontroversial questions?

It allows for a more relaxed atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

Why might lower-level staff prefer bottom-up questioning?

They may feel threatened by broader questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential pitfall of unstructured interviews?

They often lead to repetitive interviews for the same information. Signup and view all the answers

What should an interview plan include besides questions?

An outline of possible answers and follow-up questions. Signup and view all the answers

How can you prepare an interviewee effectively?

By informing them of the purpose and topics to be discussed ahead of time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason structured interviews with closed-ended questions require more preparation time?

They have specific correct answers to seek. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when selecting questions for an interview?

The ability of the interviewee to answer them. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason analysts might be tempted to 'wing it' during unstructured interviews?

They think it's easier than a structured approach. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major issues with the current HR reporting system?

Data is old and delayed. Signup and view all the answers

Which data error is most commonly found in the HR reports?

Missing salary information. Signup and view all the answers

What is Joint Application Development (JAD) primarily used for?

To gather system requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Who was interviewed to understand the HR information requirements?

Linda Estey. Signup and view all the answers

What problem does the HR department face regarding the timeliness of reports?

Reports are received 3 weeks after month end. Signup and view all the answers

What must be verified according to the interview report?

Vacation time calculations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of the data quality issues in the current system?

More time spent on reconciling reports. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key issue in administering a questionnaire?

Encouraging participants to complete and return it Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT mentioned as a problem in the HR report?

Lack of user training. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is NOT commonly used to improve response rates for questionnaires?

Increasing the number of questions Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested follow-up action after the questionnaire deadline?

Processing the returned questionnaires quickly Signup and view all the answers

Which method can systems analysts use to enhance response rates within an organization?

Personally handing out questionnaires Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective way to encourage respondents to return questionnaires on time?

Offering a summary of responses Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Analysis Phase

The analysis phase breaks down a system into its parts to understand their nature, function, and interrelationships within the context of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
Key inputs to the phase are outputs from the planning phase, including the system request, feasibility study, and project plan.
The phase involves understanding the existing system (the "as-is system") and identifying areas for improvement.
Defining requirements for the new system (the "to-be system") is a crucial part of this phase.
This phase is essential for identifying issues, improving business processes, and translating requirements into a concept for the new system.
Analysis involves extensive collaboration between the systems analyst and business users.
System requirements should be based on identifying concerns in the existing system
Requirements might include updating inventory levels multiple times daily and automatically notifying when an item reaches the reorder point.

Requirements Determination

Requirements determination transforms the high-level business requirements into a detailed, precise list of what the new system must do.
This process uses use cases, process models, and data models to support, confirm, and clarify requirements.
A requirement statement describes what a system must do or the characteristic it needs.
Requirements can include functional, nonfunctional, business, user, and system requirements.
The requirements definition will include all the details, use cases, processes, and data models.
This is an important phase due to failure to accurately determine requirements being a primary cause of systems development project failure
Defining requirements is a critical success factor.

Identifying Requirements

Confusion between functional and non-functional requirements should be avoided
Functional requirements define the capabilities of the system
Non-functional requirements define the characteristics of the system- operational, performance, security, and cultural/political.

Requirements Elicitation Techniques

Interviews: The most common technique, involving one-on-one or group discussions.
JAD Sessions: Focus on collaboration among stakeholders, analysts, and managers to define requirements.
Questionnaires: Used to collect information from a large number of people with widely dispersed locations
Document Analysis: Reviewing documents, such as forms or reports, to understand current processes.
Observation: Observing how people perform tasks to get firsthand insights into existing processes.

Managing Problems in JAD Sessions

Domination: Preventing one person from dominating the discussion.
Non-contributors: Encouraging participation from everyone
Side Discussions: Addressing side conversations to keep the group focused.
Agenda Merry-go-round: Managing when a discussion point is repeated excessively.
Violent Agreement: Acknowledging when people agree on the facts/issues but use differing terms
Unresolved Conflict: Postponing conflict resolution.
Humor: Employing humor judiciously.

Questionnaire Practices

Questionnaires gather information from individuals when dealing with a large number.
Questions must be clear and unambiguous, ideal being closed-ended questions.
Prioritize clear and concise questionnaires
Ensuring respondent understanding and follow-up strategies.

Activity Elimination

Identifying and eliminating unnecessary activities.
Determining which activities add value and which do not to facilitate improvements within a business process
Removing unnecessary tasks, processes or information
Could provide major improvements in efficiency or ease of use

Duration Analysis

Evaluating time taken for each process.

Activity-Based Costing

Evaluating costs associated with major process or steps
Prioritizing processes based on cost to facilitate improvements.

Informal Benchmarking

Studying how other organizations perform a business process to understand how to perform better.

Outcome Analysis

Focuses on the overall impact a system produces for its users (customers).
Systems should enable the customer to achieve important outcomes/goals.

Technology Analysis

Considering the implications of current and emerging technologies
Developing solutions integrating appropriate technologies.

System Proposal

A document that brings together all the details required for the new system.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Analysis Phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). This quiz covers key inputs, requirements definition, and the identification of areas for improvement within existing systems. It highlights the importance of collaboration between systems analysts and business users in understanding system functionalities.