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Questions and Answers
What ethical concern is James facing in his role as a systems analyst?
What ethical concern is James facing in his role as a systems analyst?
James believes he should act as an ethical watchdog in his role.
James believes he should act as an ethical watchdog in his role.
False
What is one primary responsibility of a systems analyst?
What is one primary responsibility of a systems analyst?
Identifying and addressing information systems issues
The systems analyst role involves __________ new business processes.
The systems analyst role involves __________ new business processes.
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Match the roles of a systems analyst with their descriptions:
Match the roles of a systems analyst with their descriptions:
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What is the primary focus of a business analyst?
What is the primary focus of a business analyst?
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A requirements analyst is primarily responsible for managing the project timeline.
A requirements analyst is primarily responsible for managing the project timeline.
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What is one key responsibility of a change management analyst?
What is one key responsibility of a change management analyst?
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The __________ analyst ensures that new information systems adhere to organizational standards.
The __________ analyst ensures that new information systems adhere to organizational standards.
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Match the analyst roles with their primary focus:
Match the analyst roles with their primary focus:
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Which of the following is NOT a phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
Which of the following is NOT a phase of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)?
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The primary focus of the planning phase is to identify opportunities and develop a workplan.
The primary focus of the planning phase is to identify opportunities and develop a workplan.
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What is the primary deliverable from the design phase of the SDLC?
What is the primary deliverable from the design phase of the SDLC?
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The SDLC consists of ___ main phases: planning, analysis, design, and implementation.
The SDLC consists of ___ main phases: planning, analysis, design, and implementation.
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Match the following career paths with their primary roles:
Match the following career paths with their primary roles:
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What is one of the main responsibilities of a systems analyst?
What is one of the main responsibilities of a systems analyst?
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Systems analysts need to have both technical and analytical skills.
Systems analysts need to have both technical and analytical skills.
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Name one of the six major categories of skills required for systems analysts.
Name one of the six major categories of skills required for systems analysts.
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Systems analysts must understand how to apply technology to solve __________ problems.
Systems analysts must understand how to apply technology to solve __________ problems.
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Match the following skills with their descriptions:
Match the following skills with their descriptions:
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What was the estimated amount spent by organizations and governments on IT in 2010?
What was the estimated amount spent by organizations and governments on IT in 2010?
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A software error caused Chase banking customers to be unable to access their online accounts for over 24 hours.
A software error caused Chase banking customers to be unable to access their online accounts for over 24 hours.
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What is the primary role of a systems analyst?
What is the primary role of a systems analyst?
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The systems development life cycle (SDLC) includes the phases of determining needs, designing, building, and __________.
The systems development life cycle (SDLC) includes the phases of determining needs, designing, building, and __________.
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According to the 2008 study, what percentage of technology projects were deemed improbable for success?
According to the 2008 study, what percentage of technology projects were deemed improbable for success?
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The economic toll of failed technology projects was estimated to be $6.2 billion.
The economic toll of failed technology projects was estimated to be $6.2 billion.
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Match the notable software glitches with their company:
Match the notable software glitches with their company:
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In 2010, a U.S. Navy drone lost control for approximately __________ minutes due to a software issue.
In 2010, a U.S. Navy drone lost control for approximately __________ minutes due to a software issue.
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Which phase involves identifying project opportunities and analyzing feasibility?
Which phase involves identifying project opportunities and analyzing feasibility?
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The Analysis phase focuses solely on technical issues without considering business processes.
The Analysis phase focuses solely on technical issues without considering business processes.
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What is the primary deliverable of the Design phase?
What is the primary deliverable of the Design phase?
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The phase where the system is constructed and tested is called the ________ phase.
The phase where the system is constructed and tested is called the ________ phase.
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Match each SDLC phase with its primary focus:
Match each SDLC phase with its primary focus:
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Which technique is NOT associated with the Analysis phase?
Which technique is NOT associated with the Analysis phase?
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The deliverables from each phase in the SDLC serve as inputs for the next phase.
The deliverables from each phase in the SDLC serve as inputs for the next phase.
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Name the technique used to design the architecture of a system.
Name the technique used to design the architecture of a system.
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In the ________ phase, a project charter is developed for scope management.
In the ________ phase, a project charter is developed for scope management.
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Which of the following deliverables is associated with the Implementation phase?
Which of the following deliverables is associated with the Implementation phase?
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What is the primary goal of the planning phase in the SDLC?
What is the primary goal of the planning phase in the SDLC?
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The analysis phase involves identifying improvement opportunities for the current system.
The analysis phase involves identifying improvement opportunities for the current system.
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What are the three aspects examined during the feasibility analysis?
What are the three aspects examined during the feasibility analysis?
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The phase where programmers write and test the programs is known as the ______ phase.
The phase where programmers write and test the programs is known as the ______ phase.
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Match the SDLC phases with their main activities:
Match the SDLC phases with their main activities:
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Which type of conversion involves running the old and new systems simultaneously?
Which type of conversion involves running the old and new systems simultaneously?
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The deliverable for project management is a feasibility analysis.
The deliverable for project management is a feasibility analysis.
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What is the purpose of the steering committee in the SDLC?
What is the purpose of the steering committee in the SDLC?
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During the ______ phase, system requirements are developed.
During the ______ phase, system requirements are developed.
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What is NOT a method of conversion during the implementation phase?
What is NOT a method of conversion during the implementation phase?
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What is one of the primary deliverables created during the project identification and initiation phase?
What is one of the primary deliverables created during the project identification and initiation phase?
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The implementation phase of the SDLC typically requires the least amount of time and funding.
The implementation phase of the SDLC typically requires the least amount of time and funding.
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What significant action is taken at the end of the design phase regarding the project?
What significant action is taken at the end of the design phase regarding the project?
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The methodology used to continuously improve business processes is called __________.
The methodology used to continuously improve business processes is called __________.
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Match the following elements with their descriptions:
Match the following elements with their descriptions:
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What could indicate a need for a new system within an organization?
What could indicate a need for a new system within an organization?
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A project's initiation is usually based solely on technological advancements without any business needs.
A project's initiation is usually based solely on technological advancements without any business needs.
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What is one benefit of business process management (BPM)?
What is one benefit of business process management (BPM)?
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In the SDLC, after system construction, the next step is __________.
In the SDLC, after system construction, the next step is __________.
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Why is testing considered a critical step in the implementation phase?
Why is testing considered a critical step in the implementation phase?
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What is a key benefit of Business Process Management (BPM)?
What is a key benefit of Business Process Management (BPM)?
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Business Process Reengineering (BPR) involves making minor adjustments to existing processes.
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) involves making minor adjustments to existing processes.
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What does Business Process Automation (BPA) aim to achieve?
What does Business Process Automation (BPA) aim to achieve?
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BPI practitioners aim to avoid just '________ the cow paths' by not simply adding automation to existing processes.
BPI practitioners aim to avoid just '________ the cow paths' by not simply adding automation to existing processes.
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Match the following BPM components with their descriptions:
Match the following BPM components with their descriptions:
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What role does a business analyst play in BPM?
What role does a business analyst play in BPM?
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The redesigning of a retail checkout process to use mobile devices is an example of Business Process Improvement (BPI).
The redesigning of a retail checkout process to use mobile devices is an example of Business Process Improvement (BPI).
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What is typically the final step in the BPM process?
What is typically the final step in the BPM process?
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BPM helps organizations align their processes with industry '________ practices'.
BPM helps organizations align their processes with industry '________ practices'.
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What problem does Business Process Reengineering (BPR) aim to address?
What problem does Business Process Reengineering (BPR) aim to address?
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What is the primary outcome of the analysis phase?
What is the primary outcome of the analysis phase?
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The design phase includes steps for determining both hardware and user interface requirements.
The design phase includes steps for determining both hardware and user interface requirements.
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What are two methods used to gather requirements during the analysis phase?
What are two methods used to gather requirements during the analysis phase?
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The document that combines the analysis, system concept, and models is called the __________.
The document that combines the analysis, system concept, and models is called the __________.
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Match each term related to the analysis phase with its corresponding description:
Match each term related to the analysis phase with its corresponding description:
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Which of the following is NOT a focus area during the design phase?
Which of the following is NOT a focus area during the design phase?
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The analysis phase is often regarded as the first step in the design of a new system.
The analysis phase is often regarded as the first step in the design of a new system.
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What does the basic architecture design specify?
What does the basic architecture design specify?
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During the analysis phase, improvements are identified after investigating any existing __________.
During the analysis phase, improvements are identified after investigating any existing __________.
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Match each component of the design phase with its description:
Match each component of the design phase with its description:
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Study Notes
Analyst Roles
- Business Analyst: Concentrates on business issues, identifies value from systems, improves processes, and designs related policies. Requires business training and experience.
- Requirements Analyst: Elicits requirements through effective communication and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in various elicitation techniques.
- Infrastructure Analyst: Addresses technical interactions with the organizational infrastructure, ensuring compliance with standards, and identifying necessary changes. Requires knowledge in networking and databases.
- Change Management Analyst: Focuses on user training, documentation, and strategies to manage resistance during system installation. Expertise in organizational behavior and change management is essential.
- Project Manager: Oversees project timelines and budgets, ensuring system delivery meets organizational value. Typically has experience as a systems analyst with project management expertise.
Ethics in Systems Analysis
- Ethical dilemmas may arise, such as data ownership and consent for usage beyond original intent.
- Systems analysts should advocate for ethical practices and voice concerns about potential misuse of collected data.
Systems Analyst Functions
- Play a crucial role in identifying issues and suggesting IT solutions to improve processes.
- Develop and design information systems while maintaining adherence to standards.
- Serve as change agents, promoting organizational improvement through systems design and user motivation.
Essential Skills for Analysts
- Skills required include:
- Technical Skills: Understanding existing and new technological environments.
- Business Skills: Knowledge of how IT can be leveraged in business for value creation.
- Analytical Skills: Problem-solving abilities at both project and organizational levels.
- Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication with users, managers, and technical staff.
- Management Skills: Competence in overseeing projects and changes.
- Ethical Skills: Navigating complex ethical situations related to technology use.
Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- The SDLC is a structured process for developing information systems, consisting of four fundamental phases: Planning, Analysis, Design, and Implementation.
Planning Phase
- Project Initiation: Identifies the business value of the system, its feasibility (technical, economic, organizational), and processes system requests.
- Project Management: Involves creating work plans, staffing projects, and controlling project flow for successful completion.
Analysis Phase
- Determines who will use the system, its functionalities, and operational details.
- Investigates current systems, identifies improvements, and gathers requirements through various methods.
- The deliverable is the system proposal outlining business requirements.
Design Phase
- Transforms system requirements into a detailed blueprint covering hardware, software, network, user interface, and database specifications.
- Involves determining design strategy and basic architecture, culminating in the system specification for programming.
Implementation Phase
- Involves system construction, rigorous testing, and debugging of programs.
- Options for system installation include direct, parallel, phased, and pilot conversions.
- Training and documentation are crucial for user support post-implementation.
Project Management Techniques
- Techniques included in project management are time estimation, task identification, risk management, and using charts for monitoring progress (like PERT and Gantt charts).
Notable Software Failures
- High-profile glitches include billing errors by Toys R Us and Verizon, access issues for Chase banking customers, and malfunctioning anti-virus software by McAfee.
- The economic toll of technology project failures in 2009 was estimated at $6.2 trillion globally.
Career Paths in Systems Development
- Entry-level roles include Business Function Specialist and Programmer/Analyst, advancing to positions such as Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, and Project Manager.### Project Feasibility and Continuation
- At the end of the design phase, feasibility analysis and project plans are reviewed and revised.
- Decision made by the project sponsor and approval committee on whether to continue or terminate the project.
Implementation Phase
- Implementation is the final phase of the SDLC where systems are built or installed.
- This phase typically incurs the highest time and cost in the development process.
Steps in Implementation
- System construction involves building and rigorously testing the system, crucial due to high bug-fixing costs.
- System installation turns off the old system and activates the new one; effective training plans are essential for user adaptation.
- Support plans established by the analyst team include post-implementation reviews and methodical change identification.
Project Identification and Initiation
- Projects arise from business needs such as new marketing campaigns or customer outreach.
- Needs can stem from internal challenges like declining market share or inefficiencies.
- Organizations monitor emerging technologies for unique competitive advantages.
Business Process Management (BPM)
- Many new information system projects originate from BPM initiatives aimed at improving business processes.
- BPM applies to both internal processes and external partnerships, yielding various benefits such as:
- Enhanced agility to adapt to market changes.
- Alignment with industry best practices.
- Improved efficiency by eliminating unnecessary costs.
BPM Process
- BPM involves a continuous cycle of creating, assessing, and modifying processes.
- Business analysts are vital in defining, mapping, improving, and automating process steps.
- Business Process Automation (BPA) is critical for achieving cost efficiencies by replacing manual processes.
Business Process Improvement (BPI)
- BPI emphasizes redesigning processes rather than merely automating existing workflows.
- Successful examples include innovative solutions like mobile checkout systems in retail.
Business Process Reengineering (BPR)
- BPR involves fundamental operational changes aimed at enhancing productivity and profitability.
Case Study: Success From Failure
- A failed project for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Senate was reassessed by consultant Ed Bell.
- Bell's approach focused on rethinking processes rather than forcing changes; he aimed to create a future-ready integration of workflow processes.
- Recognized the importance of relationships within the legislative process in creating solutions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the various roles of analysts in information systems development. This quiz covers the responsibilities of business analysts and their impact on improving business processes. Challenge yourself to understand their significance in system design and implementation.