1: Chapter Review Questions Solutions
1. What is information systems analysis and design? Information systems analysis and design is the process of developing and maintaining an information system. 2. What is systems thinking? How is it useful for thinking about computerbased information systems? Systems thinking involves identifying something as a system, visualizing the system and translating it into abstract terms, and thinking about the characteristics of the specific situation. Systems thinking is useful for thinking about computerbased information systems because information systems can be seen as subsystems in larger organizational systems, taking input from, and returning output to, their organizational environments. 3. What is decomposition? Coupling? Cohesion? Decomposition is the process of breaking down a system into its component parts. Coupling is the extent to which subsystems are dependent on each other. Cohesion is the extent to which a system or a subsystem performs a single function. 4. In what way are organizations systems? Organizations are systems because they are made up of interrelated components working together for a purpose. They take input from and return output to their environments. Organizations can be redesigned through a systems analysis and design process by which system components are replaced while preserving interconnections between components. 5. List the different classes of information systems described in this chapter. How do they differ from one another? (1) Transaction processing systems, (2) Management information systems, and (3) Decision support systems (for individuals, groups, and executives). Transaction processing systems (TPS) automate data handling about business activities and transactions. TPS systems can generate reports based on data input from transactions and other activities. A management information system can take data from the TPS and convert them into a meaningful aggregated form. They typically use information from several TPSs. Decision support systems provide an interactive environment where decision makers can quickly manipulate data and models of business operations to attempt to make predictions. 6. List and explain the different phases in the systems development life cycle.
A systems development life cycle is a set of phases that mark the development of an information system. The systems development life cycle in the textbook consists of four phases: (1) systems planning and selection; (2) systems analysis; (3) systems design; and (4) systems implementation and operation. During planning and selection, an organization's total information systems needs are analyzed and prioritized, a potential information systems project is identified, and an argument for continuing or not continuing with project the is made. During the analysis phase, the current system is studied, and new requirements are determined and structured according to their interrelationships. After requirements determination, alternative design strategies are generated. During design, the chosen alternative design strategy is converted into logical and physical design specifications. During implementation and operation, the information system is coded, tested, and installed in the organization. Once the system is put into production, the system is systematically repaired and improved. 7. What is prototyping? Prototyping is an iterative process of systems development by which requirements are converted to a working system, which is continually revised through close work between an analyst and users. 8. What are CASE tools? What is a CASE repository and how is it used? CASE tools provide automated support for some portion of the systems development life cycle. CASE tools include diagramming tools, computer display and report generators, analysis tools, a central repository, documentation generators, and code generators. CASE tools are built around a repository that contains all of the metadata (such as data names, format, uses, and location) for data elements as well as the system specifications. CASE tools automate the repository for easier updating. CASE tools automate routine tasks to help programmers and analysts to do their jobs better. 9. What is JAD? What is Participatory Design? Joint Application Design (JAD) is a group process involving users and systems development staff in which all parties discuss the needs for an information system and reach a shared understanding. Participatory Design (PD) is a systems development approach that originated in northern Europe in which users and the improvement in their work lives is the central focus. 10. What is RAD? How does it compare to the typical SDLC? Rapid application development (RAD) is a systems development methodology created to decrease the time needed to design and implement an information system. One of the hallmarks of RAD is extensive user involvement through traditional JAD sessions as well as evaluation of prototypes. RAD also includes integrated CASE tools and code generators.
11. What are Agile Methodologies? Agile Methodologies promote a self-adaptive software development process. While other methodologies focus on roles that individuals play in a project team, Agile Methodologies focus more on the individual. As software is developed, the process used to develop it is refined and improved through a review process done by the development team. Agile Methodologies differ from traditional system development methodologies in that there is less focus on process and more focus on the people involved in the project.