Systems Analysis and Design chapter 3

The process of gathering information to understand the current system and identify the requirements for a new system.

A collaborative method where users and analysts work together to gather and define requirements.

A rapid prototyping technique that emphasizes rapid development and user feedback.

A methodology that emphasizes iterative development, collaboration, and frequent releases.

A visual representation of business functions and processes, broken down into smaller, more manageable components.

A standardized modeling language used to visually represent software systems.

The ability of a system to handle increasing demands without significant performance degradation.

The total cost of owning and using a system, including initial purchase, maintenance, and ongoing operational expenses.

An advantage of JAD is the shared understanding of the needs and requirements, which leads to better system design and implementation.

A disadvantage of JAD is that it can be more expensive than other methods, especially if the group is large and requires dedicated resources.

Rapid Application Development (RAD) aims to reduce development time and costs by involving users throughout the process, leading to faster system deployment.

A major advantage of RAD is its ability to deliver working systems quickly while minimizing development expenses.

One of the disadvantages of RAD is its potential to neglect the company's strategic business needs in favor of rapid implementation.

Another disadvantage of RAD is the reduced time for developing quality standards and consistent design elements across the system.

A system's ability to support a certain number of users online simultaneously.

The time it takes for the system to respond to a user's request.

A system's ability to operate continuously without interruption, even during maintenance.

Security measures that restrict access to the system and ensure data integrity.

Detailed records of all actions performed on the system, including user activity and errors.

A log file that records errors and exceptions encountered during system operation.

A design approach that breaks down a system into smaller, independent modules, each with a specific function. These modules can be reused in other systems, reducing development time and promoting flexibility.

A way of representing the logic of a system using a limited set of keywords and structures, similar to writing code in a natural language.

A tool for analyzing complex decision-making situations. They lay out all possible conditions and outcomes for a decision, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

One of the three fundamental control structures in modular design, it represents a sequence of steps that are executed in order.

One of the three fundamental control structures in modular design, it represents a choice between two or more paths based on a condition.

One of the three fundamental control structures in modular design, it represents a loop that executes a block of code repeatedly until a certain condition is met.

The process of decomposing large tasks into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks.

Identifying the specific information needed about a system, often through asking questions like 'What business functions are supported?' or 'What are the benefits of the proposed system?'

The process of creating a structured plan for gathering information, outlining the steps and methods to be used.

This method analyzes the current situation by considering crucial factors like 'Who' uses the system, 'What' the system does, 'Where' it operates, 'When' it's used, 'How' it works, and 'Why' it's needed.

A framework that helps managers and users understand the system's architecture and ensure that business goals are aligned with IT projects.

The first step in the interview process involves identifying the key people who have valuable insights into the current system or the proposed system.

This step involves clearly defining the goals and objectives of the interview. What information are you trying to obtain from the interview?

In this step, you craft relevant questions to ask during the interview. The questions should be structured to gather the necessary information effectively.

This step involves preparing for the interview by gathering relevant materials, reviewing background information, and organizing the interview environment.

Software as a service (SaaS) is a software deployment model that hosts applications online, making them accessible to users over the Internet. This eliminates the need for customers to install, maintain, and support software on their own devices. They simply subscribe to the service and use it as needed.

Web 2.0 refers to the second generation of the World Wide Web, characterized by user-generated content, social interaction, and the rise of web applications. It marked a shift from static web pages to dynamic and interactive web experiences. Examples include social media platforms, online collaboration tools, and web-based services.

Cloud computing is a model of computing where resources like servers, storage, and software are delivered to users over the Internet. This allows businesses to access and utilize these resources on demand, without the need for physical infrastructure. Cloud computing providers manage and maintain the IT infrastructure, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Traditional software development involves building software in-house, often with a waterfall model approach. This includes planning, designing, coding, testing, and deploying the software within the organization. It offers greater control but requires significant resources and expertise.

Web-based software development leverages the power of the internet to create and deploy software applications. This often involves using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and cloud platforms for hosting and scaling. It offers agility, rapid development, and cost efficiency.

Software outsourcing involves contracting external companies to develop or manage software applications for an organization. This can be a cost-effective way to access specialized skills and resources. Offshore outsourcing specifically refers to outsourcing software development to companies located in different countries, often leveraging cost advantages.

In-house software development involves building and maintaining software applications within the organization itself. This provides greater control over the development process and intellectual property. However, it requires significant investment in resources, infrastructure, and expertise.

In-house software development can be expensive, requiring significant investment in personnel, training, infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance. It also requires significant expertise, making it challenging to find and retain skilled developers. Furthermore, in-house teams may be limited in scalability, making it difficult to handle large-scale projects or sudden increases in demand.