Chapter 1 Exercises
1. Why would a systems analyst have to act as a translator? What groups might be involved?
A systems analyst should act as a translator because they are involved in planning, recommendation of systems and software, as well as, co-ordination of developments vital in meeting business needs. They act as liaison between different vendors, IT professionals, and the actual end users. In addition, they are responsible for the design considerations, translation of end user specific needs into technical specifications, cost analysis and development, and implementation of time lines, as well.
2. Identify the main components of information system. What is a mission-critical system?
Information systems comprise of a set of components that are used for data collection, processing, delivering information, knowledge, as well as, digital products. Basically, the components of an IT system comprise of hardware, software, human resources, databases, as well as, related procedures. Other components of an IT system may be grouped as sales information system, purchasing information system, and inventory controlling. On the other hand, critical mission systems are devices or systems whose failure may contribute to failures in normal business operations.
3. Compare enterprise computing systems to transaction processing systems. Provide three examples of each type of system.
An enterprise computing system is the computing environment of the enterprise that runs all phases of operation to facilitate coordination and cooperation of all business operations. It integrates key business functions, such as, sales, accounting, finance, human resource, inventory and manufacturing. Examples of enterprise computing system comprise of the hardware, software, and the associated computing practices. This also comprise of the Internet. Transaction processing systems are systems that are used within an enterprise to offer support and organization in the processing of large amounts of work that involve the use of paper work, which are applied in the production of recording items such as, invoices. Therefore, the transaction processing systems comprise of systems that
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offer system runtime functions, system administration functions, and application and development functions.
4. Describe three systems development tools and three development methods.
Workflow modeling tools are tools that are used in business processes for improvement and applications development, business simulation are instruments that are used to analyze business processes, in order to evaluate the dynamic behavior of business processes over time. Thus, they assist in the development of business processes and the performance of enterprise resources in effect to changes of certain environment or business parameter. Business simulators are tools that are used for business training and analysis. Business modeling refers to a method that describes the rationale of an enterprise organizes, creates, and captures market value. Process modeling refers to the processes of an enterprise that allows the current business processes to be evaluated and improved. Workflow modeling refers to a series of steps to execute a business process.
5. What are the phases of the SDLC waterfall model? Who was Barry Boehm, and what did he have to say about spiral models?
The phases in the waterfall model are categorized as follows. First is the requirement gathering and analysis where all the possible requirements of a system are developed.
The second phase is the systems design where the requirement specifications in the first phase are studies and system design are prepared. The third phase is implementation where all the inputs from the system design are integrated and units developed and tested for functionality. The fourth phase is integration and testing where all units developed in the implementation phase are
