Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a primary reason for enhancing a system?
What is a primary reason for enhancing a system?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor to consider in a cost benefit analysis for enhancements?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor to consider in a cost benefit analysis for enhancements?
What is a possible negative consequence of introducing too many changes at once?
What is a possible negative consequence of introducing too many changes at once?
Who is responsible for formally approving system changes?
Who is responsible for formally approving system changes?
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What documentation is required for a system modification?
What documentation is required for a system modification?
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Which of the following best describes the stability of a system in terms of change management?
Which of the following best describes the stability of a system in terms of change management?
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What is typically required to initiate a formal system modification?
What is typically required to initiate a formal system modification?
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What is the main benefit of documenting system changes?
What is the main benefit of documenting system changes?
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What is the primary goal of realistic planning in project management?
What is the primary goal of realistic planning in project management?
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Which of the following is recommended to manage high uncertainty in project activities?
Which of the following is recommended to manage high uncertainty in project activities?
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What is suggested about making estimations for project tasks?
What is suggested about making estimations for project tasks?
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What percentage of contingency is suggested to be added to activities on the critical path?
What percentage of contingency is suggested to be added to activities on the critical path?
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Why should time estimates be checked independently?
Why should time estimates be checked independently?
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What should be done when more information becomes available during the project?
What should be done when more information becomes available during the project?
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What is one way to improve planning skills for project managers?
What is one way to improve planning skills for project managers?
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What is discouraged when estimating project tasks?
What is discouraged when estimating project tasks?
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What is the primary role of a System Analyst?
What is the primary role of a System Analyst?
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Why is it essential for QS/FM to have knowledge of IT during system development?
Why is it essential for QS/FM to have knowledge of IT during system development?
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What is a reason for building an information system?
What is a reason for building an information system?
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Which type of customer is primarily in need of information system development?
Which type of customer is primarily in need of information system development?
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What is one of the responsibilities of a System Analyst?
What is one of the responsibilities of a System Analyst?
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What describes a characteristic of larger corporate companies needing information systems?
What describes a characteristic of larger corporate companies needing information systems?
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In what way can a System Analyst be likened to a brain surgeon?
In what way can a System Analyst be likened to a brain surgeon?
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What is a limitation faced by customers without sufficient resources for information systems?
What is a limitation faced by customers without sufficient resources for information systems?
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What is the primary objective of the Definition Phase in system development?
What is the primary objective of the Definition Phase in system development?
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Which activity is NOT part of the major activities in the Definition Phase?
Which activity is NOT part of the major activities in the Definition Phase?
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How should a System Analyst approach their work according to the Definition Phase's principles?
How should a System Analyst approach their work according to the Definition Phase's principles?
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What does the Definition Phase specifically seek to study regarding the present system?
What does the Definition Phase specifically seek to study regarding the present system?
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Why is a good working relationship between System Analysts and users crucial?
Why is a good working relationship between System Analysts and users crucial?
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What major consideration is included when analyzing requirements during the Definition Phase?
What major consideration is included when analyzing requirements during the Definition Phase?
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Which objective is explicitly mentioned as a goal during the Definition Phase?
Which objective is explicitly mentioned as a goal during the Definition Phase?
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What should be prepared alongside user requirements during the Definition Phase?
What should be prepared alongside user requirements during the Definition Phase?
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What is the main purpose of preventing deviations in a system?
What is the main purpose of preventing deviations in a system?
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Which activity involves assessing design scenarios based on their major advantages and disadvantages?
Which activity involves assessing design scenarios based on their major advantages and disadvantages?
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What should be checked against the organization's master plan?
What should be checked against the organization's master plan?
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Which factor is NOT typically considered when estimating costs for alternatives?
Which factor is NOT typically considered when estimating costs for alternatives?
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What is one of the challenges faced by system analysts in estimating benefits?
What is one of the challenges faced by system analysts in estimating benefits?
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What type of report should be prepared to document the feasibility study?
What type of report should be prepared to document the feasibility study?
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What is a potential outcome of identifying preferred design scenarios?
What is a potential outcome of identifying preferred design scenarios?
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What is essential for ensuring that development fits into the organization's architecture?
What is essential for ensuring that development fits into the organization's architecture?
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Study Notes
Enhancements and Upgrades
- Upgrades often morph into ongoing maintenance projects rather than new initiatives.
- Typically initiated by the Systems department.
- Enhancements are non-urgent but provide benefits such as:
- Basic software changes to improve performance.
- Opens avenues for further development.
- Addresses new security requirements.
- Enhances user experience.
- Decisions should be grounded in cost-benefit analysis.
- Balancing improvements with system stability is crucial to avoid user frustration.
- Batch introductions of changes can mitigate user irritation.
System Modification Procedure
- Emphasizes the importance of formal change control procedures.
- Understanding the long-term consequences of changes is critical.
- Changes impact time, resources, and costs:
- Involves input from system analysts, programmers, and operational departments.
- Written requests for changes must be signed by department heads.
- A comprehensive evaluation of modifications includes:
- Cost assessment.
- Effects on system performance.
- Justification for modifications in documentation.
- Mitigates maintenance needs while supporting user requirements.
Expert Systems and Artificial Intelligence
- AI plays a pivotal role in modern system design.
- Realistic project planning necessitates consideration of uncertainties:
- Works best when uncertainties are minimized on critical paths.
- Includes a contingency plan of about 10% for unexpected issues.
- Individual estimates should be made before combining them, avoiding joint estimates to ensure accuracy.
Information Technology and System Development
- Information Systems convert data into actionable information.
- Qualities of QS/FM include:
- Acting as clients and users to guide system development.
- Understanding developer processes.
- Providing necessary information to meet developmental goals.
- Building information systems addresses problems like automating manual tasks and reducing errors.
Role of System Analyst (SA)
- Acts as the bridge between client needs and technical requirements.
- Identifies system scope and needs for new systems.
- Responsible for delivering effective solutions to both new and existing problems.
Customer Types for Information Systems
- Companies lacking a development plan often have immediate technical needs (firefighting).
- Larger companies typically have a structured development plan spanning several years.
- A meticulous approach to system development is required to document findings and facilitate decision-making.
Project Definition Phase
- Involves specifying current system objectives and analyzing required modifications.
- Key activities include:
- Reviewing current system effectiveness.
- Defining new objectives based on user needs.
- Identifying constraints and clarifying data capture responsibilities.
- Requires close collaboration between system analysts and users to uncover core issues effectively.
Major Activities in Definition Phase
- Clearly identifies and documents objectives for future developments.
- Engages in alternative design and development scenarios to optimize solutions.
- Consistency with organizational architecture and strategy is vital, carefully checking against established standards.
- Benefits and implementation costs must be projected accurately to support feasibility studies.
- Documentation of findings is critical for parent systems and management decisions.
Importance of Documentation
- Facilitation of informed decisions on proceeding with system development.
- Compilation of user requirements and analysis of various design scenarios.
- Key for establishing a solid foundation for the project moving forward.
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Description
This quiz covers the procedures and considerations surrounding system upgrades and modifications. It highlights the importance of formal change control, cost-benefit analysis, and the need for balancing performance enhancements with system stability. Participants will learn about the roles of different departments in the change process and the significance of user experience.