1.
The process of understanding and specifying in detail what the information system should accomplish is called systems ____.
Correct Answer
C. Analysis
Explanation
The process of understanding and specifying in detail what the information system should accomplish is called systems analysis. This involves examining the current system, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and determining the requirements for the new system. It is a crucial step in the development of an information system as it helps in identifying the goals, functions, and features that the system should have. Systems analysis helps in ensuring that the information system meets the needs of the users and the organization.
2.
Systems ____ means specifying in detail how the many components of the information system should be physically implemented
Correct Answer
A. Design
Explanation
The term "systems design" refers to the process of planning and specifying how the various components of an information system should be physically implemented. It involves determining the hardware, software, and network requirements, as well as the overall architecture and layout of the system. This phase is crucial in ensuring that the system will meet the desired functionality and performance goals. Therefore, "design" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the process of specifying the physical implementation of an information system.
3.
The most important role of a systems analyst in business is ____.
Correct Answer
B. Problem solving
Explanation
The most important role of a systems analyst in business is problem solving. Systems analysts are responsible for identifying and solving complex business problems through the use of information systems. They analyze existing systems, gather requirements, and propose solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. By identifying and addressing problems, systems analysts help businesses optimize their processes and achieve their goals. Technical understanding of information systems, knowing what data needs to be stored and used, and special programming skills are all important, but problem solving is the overarching role that encompasses these skills.
4.
An automation boundary is best described as the separation between the ____.
Correct Answer
B. Automated part of a system and the manual part of a system
Explanation
An automation boundary refers to the separation between the automated part and the manual part of a system. It is the line that distinguishes the processes or tasks that are performed automatically by the system from those that require manual intervention. This boundary helps to define the scope and extent of automation within a system, ensuring that the appropriate tasks are automated while allowing for human involvement when necessary.
5.
Changes in software development, technology, and business practices have created many new career opportunities for analysts, including ____.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The changes in software development, technology, and business practices have opened up various career opportunities for analysts. These opportunities include sales and support of ERP software, auditing, compliance, and security, as well as web development.
6.
A technique that seeks to alter the nature of the work done in a business function, with the objective of radically improving performance, is called ____.
Correct Answer
A. Business process reengineering
Explanation
Business process reengineering is a technique that aims to completely transform and improve the way work is done within a business function. It involves rethinking and redesigning processes to achieve significant improvements in performance, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction. This approach goes beyond incremental changes and instead focuses on radical and fundamental shifts in the way work is performed, often involving the use of technology and automation. Strategic planning, information systems strategic planning, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) are related concepts but do not specifically address the goal of radically improving performance through process transformation.
7.
A description of the integrated information systems needed by the organization to carry out its business functions is called ____.
Correct Answer
B. Application architecture plan
Explanation
An application architecture plan refers to a description of the integrated information systems required by an organization to carry out its business functions. This plan outlines the structure, components, and interactions of various software applications that are necessary for the organization's operations. It helps in identifying the technology requirements, integration points, and dependencies of different applications within the organization's IT landscape.
8.
Which of the following is an example of a technique used to complete specific system development activities?
Correct Answer
A. Project planning
Explanation
Project planning is an example of a technique used to complete specific system development activities. This involves creating a detailed plan that outlines the objectives, tasks, resources, and timeline for a project. It helps in organizing and coordinating activities, allocating resources effectively, and ensuring that the project is completed within the specified time frame. Project planning involves defining project goals, identifying deliverables, creating a work breakdown structure, estimating costs and resources, and developing a schedule. It is a crucial step in system development as it sets the foundation for successful project execution.
9.
Which of the following is the analyst’s approach to problem solving?
Correct Answer
C. Verify that the benefits of solving the problem outweigh the costs, then define the requirements for solving the problem.
Explanation
The analyst's approach to problem solving is to first verify that the benefits of solving the problem outweigh the costs. This involves assessing the potential positive outcomes and weighing them against any potential drawbacks or expenses. Once this evaluation is complete, the analyst then moves on to defining the requirements for solving the problem. This step involves understanding the necessary resources, constraints, and specifications needed to address the problem effectively.
10.
The last step of the analyst's approach to problem solving is ____.
Correct Answer
B. Monitor to make sure that you obtain the desired results
Explanation
The last step of the analyst's approach to problem solving is to monitor and ensure that the desired results are achieved. This involves keeping track of the implemented solution and evaluating its effectiveness. By monitoring the results, the analyst can determine if the problem has been successfully solved and if the desired outcomes have been achieved. This step is crucial in order to assess the effectiveness of the solution and make any necessary adjustments or improvements if needed.
11.
A knowledge management system ____.
Correct Answer
B. Supports the storage of and access to documents within an organization
Explanation
A knowledge management system supports the storage of and access to documents within an organization. This means that it provides a platform or software that allows organizations to store and organize their knowledge, such as documents, files, and information, in a centralized location. It also enables employees or authorized individuals to easily access and retrieve these documents whenever needed. Unlike a library system, a knowledge management system goes beyond just storing books and includes various types of organizational knowledge. The answer choice about requiring a large amount of online storage space is not necessarily true for all knowledge management systems, as it depends on the specific needs and resources of the organization.
12.
Skills in a nontechnical area such as interviewing and team management are called ____.
Correct Answer
D. Soft skills
Explanation
Soft skills refer to the abilities and qualities that are not related to technical or specific knowledge, but rather to interpersonal and communication skills. These skills are essential in nontechnical areas such as interviewing and team management, as they involve effectively interacting with and managing people. Soft skills include communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy, among others. They are crucial for success in various professional roles and are highly valued by employers.
13.
An example of a project phase in a predictive project is ____.
Correct Answer
C. Planning the project
Explanation
In a predictive project, planning the project is an example of a project phase. This phase involves creating a detailed project plan that outlines the project objectives, scope, deliverables, timeline, resources, and risks. It includes defining project tasks, assigning responsibilities, and estimating the project's budget and timeline. Planning the project is crucial as it sets the foundation for successful project execution and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on the project's goals and expectations.
14.
The primary objective of the analysis phase is to ____.
Correct Answer
D. Understand and document the users' needs and requirements
Explanation
The analysis phase of a project is focused on understanding and documenting the users' needs and requirements. This involves gathering information from stakeholders, conducting interviews, and analyzing existing systems or processes. By doing so, the project team can gain a clear understanding of what the users expect from the new system and can document these requirements to guide the development process. This phase sets the foundation for the rest of the project and ensures that the new system will meet the needs of its users.
15.
That portion of the new information system that satisfies the user's business needs in the problem domain is referred to as the ____.
Correct Answer
B. Application
Explanation
The correct answer is "application". In the context of a new information system, the application refers to the portion that fulfills the user's business needs in the problem domain. This includes the software and functionality that allows users to perform specific tasks or functions within the system. The application is designed to meet the requirements and objectives of the users, ensuring that it effectively addresses their business needs.
16.
The ____ phase begins only after the new system has been installed and put into production, and it lasts throughout the productive life of the system.
Correct Answer
D. Support
Explanation
The support phase begins after the new system has been installed and put into production. It involves providing assistance and maintenance to ensure the system continues to function effectively throughout its productive life. This phase may include troubleshooting, resolving issues, updating software, and providing user support. It is crucial for the smooth operation and longevity of the system.
17.
Users are typically more involved in the project during which two phases?
Correct Answer
D. Analysis and implementation
Explanation
During the analysis phase, users are actively involved in identifying and understanding their requirements, as well as providing input and feedback on the proposed solutions. This phase allows users to have a clear understanding of the project goals and objectives. On the other hand, during the implementation phase, users are involved in testing and validating the developed solution, ensuring that it meets their requirements and expectations. This involvement helps to ensure that the final product is aligned with the users' needs and preferences.
18.
The first official activity of the project team as it initiates the project planning phase is to ____.
Correct Answer
A. Define the business problem
Explanation
In the project planning phase, the first official activity of the project team is to define the business problem. This involves identifying and understanding the specific issue or challenge that the project aims to address. By defining the business problem, the project team can establish clear goals and objectives for the project, which will guide the planning and execution phases. It is essential to have a clear understanding of the problem before proceeding with other activities such as staffing the project team, developing a cost/benefit analysis, or writing a project proposal.
19.
The term “____” describes a planned undertaking that produces a new information system.
Correct Answer
A. Systems development project
Explanation
A systems development project refers to a planned undertaking that aims to create a new information system. It involves the process of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining the system. This project encompasses all the necessary steps and activities required to produce a functional and efficient information system. It includes defining project goals, gathering requirements, designing the system, coding, testing, and deploying it. The term "systems development project" accurately describes the planned endeavor of creating a new information system.
20.
Most new information systems must communicate with other, existing systems, so the design of the method and details of these communication links must be precisely defined. These are called ____.
Correct Answer
B. System interfaces
Explanation
System interfaces are the communication links between new information systems and existing systems. These interfaces define the method and details of how the systems will exchange information and interact with each other. They ensure that the different systems can effectively communicate and work together. Models, help desks, and design interfaces are not specifically related to the communication between systems, making them incorrect options.
21.
The term “____” means that work activities are done once, then again, and yet again.
Correct Answer
B. Iteration
Explanation
Iteration refers to the process of repeating work activities multiple times. It is a fundamental concept in various software development methodologies such as eXtreme programming (XP), agile modeling, and Unified Process (UP). In these methodologies, work is divided into smaller increments or iterations, allowing for continuous feedback and improvement. Each iteration involves completing a set of tasks or features, followed by evaluation and adjustment before moving on to the next iteration. This iterative approach helps teams to continuously refine and enhance their work, leading to better outcomes.
22.
The term ____ refers to an approach that completes parts of a system in one or more iterations and puts them into operation for users.
Correct Answer
A. Incremental development
Explanation
Incremental development is an approach that completes parts of a system in one or more iterations and puts them into operation for users. This approach involves breaking down the development process into smaller, manageable chunks or increments. Each increment builds upon the previous one, allowing for continuous improvement and feedback from users. This iterative approach helps to deliver usable functionality earlier in the development process and allows for flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements.
23.
A(n) ____ program is one that has one beginning and one ending.
Correct Answer
B. Structured
Explanation
A structured program is one that has one beginning and one ending. In a structured program, the code is organized into logical blocks or modules, and it follows a clear flow of control from the start to the end. This means that the program executes in a sequential manner, with each statement being executed one after the other. The structured approach helps in writing clear and maintainable code, as it promotes modularity and reduces complexity.
24.
The key graphical model of the systems requirements used with structured analysis is the ____.
Correct Answer
B. Data flow diagram (DFD)
Explanation
The key graphical model of the systems requirements used with structured analysis is the data flow diagram (DFD). A DFD is a visual representation of how data flows within a system, showing the inputs, outputs, processes, and data stores. It helps in understanding the flow of information and the interactions between different components of a system. Flowcharts, class diagrams, and PERT charts are also used in system analysis, but they are not specifically focused on representing the requirements of a system like a DFD does.
25.
The key graphical model of the systems requirements used with structured analysis is the ____.
Correct Answer
D. Project evaluation and review technique (PERT) chart
26.
A(n) ____ is a thing in the computer system that is capable of responding to messages.
Correct Answer
D. Object
Explanation
An object is a thing in the computer system that is capable of responding to messages. In object-oriented programming, objects are the basic building blocks that encapsulate data and behavior. They can receive messages, process them, and interact with other objects in the system. Therefore, an object is the correct answer as it aligns with the given definition.
27.
The ____ is a critical component of any new system.
Correct Answer
B. User interface
Explanation
The user interface is a critical component of any new system because it is the means through which users interact with the system. It provides a visual and interactive platform for users to input commands, view results, and navigate through the system. A well-designed user interface enhances user experience and usability, making the system more intuitive and efficient to use. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the system meets the needs and expectations of its users.
28.
The objective of the ____ phase is to keep the system running productively during the years following its initial installation.
Correct Answer
A. Support
Explanation
The support phase is aimed at ensuring the system remains operational and productive after its initial installation. This phase involves providing assistance, maintenance, troubleshooting, and resolving any issues or problems that may arise during the system's lifespan. It focuses on keeping the system running smoothly and efficiently, thereby enabling users to continue using it effectively for their intended purposes.
29.
The _____ approach is an SDLC approach that assumes the various phases of a project can be completed entirely sequentially.
Correct Answer
A. Waterfall
Explanation
The correct answer is "waterfall". The waterfall approach is a software development life cycle (SDLC) approach that assumes the different phases of a project can be completed sequentially, with each phase being a prerequisite for the next. This means that the project moves in a linear and sequential manner, starting from requirements gathering, then moving to design, development, testing, and finally deployment. This approach is often used in projects where the requirements are well-defined and stable, and there is little need for iteration or flexibility.
30.
Visual modeling tools usually contain a database of information about the models and the project, which is called a(n) ____.
Correct Answer
A. Waterfall
Explanation
Visual modeling tools usually contain a database of information about the models and the project, which is called a waterfall.
31.
Discuss the Systems Development Life Cycle. (10points)
32.
Compare Object-Oriented Analysis, Structured Analysis, and Agile Methods.