System Analysis and Preliminary Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of system analysis?

To identify objectives and improve a system through problem-solving (correct)

To automate all business processes without human intervention

To collect data for marketing research

To develop software without any planning

What initiates the system planning phase?

A feasibility study

A system request (correct)

A project approval from stakeholders

A budget allocation meeting

Which component is crucial during the preliminary investigation?

User training sessions

Development of a detailed project plan

Immediate system implementation

Feasibility study that assesses costs and benefits (correct)

Who typically originates the system request?

A top manager or department head Signup and view all the answers

What might the preliminary investigation help determine?

The system functions properly but training is needed Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step in the systems development life cycle?

Performing a preliminary investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing a feasibility study during a preliminary investigation?

To determine the system's feasibility Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of feasibility study focuses on the technical capabilities required for a project?

Technical feasibility Signup and view all the answers

Why are only critical projects undertaken in organizations?

Limited resources are available Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of a thorough system analysis?

Realization of operational inefficiencies that need addressing Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a factor considered in technical feasibility?

Current budget constraints Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of feasibility concerns the financial return versus the costs associated with a new system?

Economic feasibility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key consideration for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of a new system?

Technical guarantee for data accuracy Signup and view all the answers

How does the collection of operational data contribute to system analysis?

It helps in understanding current system performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors would indicate that a system may not be technically feasible?

Availability of outdated hardware Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential element when considering technical feasibility?

Ease of access to data Signup and view all the answers

What role does user involvement play in the planning of a new system?

It reduces chances of resistance significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What does economic feasibility primarily address?

The affordability and acceptability of costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration during the preliminary investigation for economic feasibility?

User satisfaction level Signup and view all the answers

What should a feasibility study evaluate to determine if a project is feasible?

The proposal passing all required tests. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT typically included in the Preliminary Investigation Report?

User feedback on existing systems Signup and view all the answers

What is an important question related to the operational feasibility of a system?

Will the users accept the changes involved? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates that a system must be profitable for an organization?

Financial benefits should exceed costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the recommendations section in the Preliminary Investigation Report?

To indicate what further actions are necessary and why. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the appendix of the Preliminary Investigation Report?

Findings from user interviews. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of operational feasibility is related to human resources?

Support from management and users Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence if the proposed system is not developed?

Increased operational costs for the organization Signup and view all the answers

What does the introduction section of the Preliminary Investigation Report typically cover?

An overview of the request and the report. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a likely outcome if a business methodology does not suit its users?

A change will take place to implement a better system. Signup and view all the answers

How does operational feasibility assess whether a system will work if developed?

By analyzing user behavior and resistance Signup and view all the answers

What do the expected benefits of implementing a new system typically highlight?

Advantages of the new system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an important aspect of a feasibility study?

The financial implications of the system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of an information analyst in system development?

To determine the user's information needs and flow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why determining user requirements is difficult?

Users have a clear understanding of their requirements Signup and view all the answers

What are the two distinct job titles suggested for systems development by the ACM Curriculum Committee?

Information Analyst and Systems Designer Signup and view all the answers

What makes user involvement in system development challenging?

Users do not have any feedback until after implementation Signup and view all the answers

Why is the articulation of requirements difficult for users?

Users lack experience in the process Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the interaction patterns of users and analysts?

Users and analysts share a common problem understanding Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens after user requirements are articulated?

They are reassessed throughout the development process Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge associated with the understanding of user requirements?

Users frequently change their minds about requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the analyst’s problem definition?

Quantitative systems design Signup and view all the answers

What problem may users face when defining their information requirements based on the analyst’s views?

Overestimating their technical skills Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does the 'kitchen sink strategy' reflect about the user?

Lack of experience Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy reflects a user's bargaining power by requesting extra features?

Smokescreen strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical issue with the 'same thing strategy'?

It limits the chances for the analyst's success. Signup and view all the answers

How should requests from users be characterized for successful system definition?

Realistic, manageable, and achievable Signup and view all the answers

In problem definition, what approaches can analysts utilize?

Various methods including object-oriented approaches Signup and view all the answers

What key consideration must system specifications account for after implementation?

Flexibility in adaptation to user needs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

System Analysis

System analysis is a process for collecting facts, identifying problems, and breaking down a system into its components.
It aims to study a system or its parts to understand its objectives.
It's a problem-solving technique to improve the system and ensure its components work efficiently.
System planning usually begins with a formal system request, describing problems or changes needed in an information system or business.
This is often part of a System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
The request usually comes from a manager, planning team, or department head.
The preliminary investigation evaluates business opportunities or problems.
A critical step is the preliminary or initial investigation to assess the viability of proposed changes.

Preliminary Investigation

The first phase of the systems development life cycle is the preliminary investigation.
Projects are selected based on their criticality to the organization's mission, goals, and objectives.
Organizations may have committees or task forces to identify and evaluate projects.
Several organizations have alternative methods.
The objective of the systems investigation is to answer questions like:
- What is the business problem?
- What are the major causes of the problem?
- Is a new information system needed?
- Is it a problem or an opportunity?
- Is this a feasible system solution?
- Can the problem be solved by improving the current system?
The investigation gathers information about the current problem and existing system to evaluate the feasibility of proposed information system solutions.
The project scope and content are vital to understand.
Various criteria are used to classify and rank potential projects.
A report compares and assesses proposed projects based on criteria and feasibility studies.

Activities in Preliminary Investigation

Authorization to proceed: Obtaining approval from relevant authorities to begin the investigation.
Understanding project objectives: Grasping the project's objectives, benefits, future scope, and importance.
Investigation: Gathering and analyzing information related to organizational objectives and requests.
- System review: Analyzing the current system's benefits and flaws.
- Information gathering: identifying needed information about organization charts, documentation, policies, user manuals, data input forms, system documentation, accounts information, system audit and review, and system reports.
- Interviews: Talking to personnel involved in the project, from senior management to users, to get a clear understanding of the problems and requirements. Observation of the operation and procedures of the existing system.
Project feasibility analysis: Evaluating whether the proposed system is technically, economically, and operationally feasible.
- Technical Feasibility: Evaluating aspects like available technology, equipment, and upgradability.
- Economic Feasibility: Evaluating cost-benefit analysis, hardware, software, and operational costs reduction.
- Operational Feasibility: Evaluating how the system will function operationally. factors like user acceptance, and resistance to change.

Preliminary Investigation Report

The investigation report outlines the project's introduction, request summary, findings, recommendations, cost and time estimates, expected benefits, appendix of supporting data, interviews documents, etc.
The report summarizes the original request and the investigation's findings, along with recommendations and further actions.
Cost and time estimations, potential benefits, and limitations are also included.

Determining User Information Requirements

Accurate and complete information requirements are crucial for successful information systems development.
Determining user needs is a complex and challenging task in system development.
Several factors contribute to this difficulty: changing requirements, articulation difficulties, user involvement and motivation, and differing views between users and analysts.
Approaches like "kitchen sink", "smoking", and "same thing" methods may be used in user requirement identification to address user needs.

Problem Definition and Initiation

Problem identification, summarization, and objectives are crucial in designing and initiating any system.
Problem statements, major issues, and objectives are clearly outlined.
Business questions are used to define the problem and objectives.

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Description

Explore the fundamentals of system analysis and the preliminary investigation phase within the System Development Life Cycle. This quiz covers key concepts, objectives, and problem-solving techniques necessary for effective system management. Test your understanding of the processes involved in improving systems and evaluating business opportunities.