Bit2111:System Analysis And Design Question Paper
Bit2111:System Analysis And Design
Course:Bachelor Of Information Technology
Institution: Meru University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2011
(a) Considering the concept of the ‘Ideal Analyst’, give outline examples of practical applications of six key attributes regarded as ideals to which all analysts should aspire. (6 Marks) (b) CASE tools are now very important in the development of Information Systems (IS). Explain what advantages a CASE tool offers the systems developer compared to using manually produced and maintained diagrams, standards and documents. (6 Marks) (c) An information systems project is operationally feasible if the proposed system will operate and be used once it is installed. Identify four factors that form the criteria for project selection. (4 Marks) (d) Management reporting systems (MRS) may produce reports either directly from the database collected through TPS or from database span-off for the purpose. Describe three types of reports produced by the (MRS) (6 Marks) (e) Elucidate the disadvantages of expert systems (4 Marks) (f) Distinguish between the following terms (i) Virtual reality systems and artificial intelligence systems (ii) Abstract systems and physical systems (4 Marks)
QUESTION TWO – (20 MARKS)
(a) Read through the following narrative carefully and then create a single-level Logical DFD. Use and clearly define the symbols that you were taught on your course. You
should state any assumptions that you make. Marks will be awarded for tidy diagrams. (8 Marks)
The 4MOST University runs a variety of educational courses and the following statement outlines their student application procedure. A student making an enquiry for a course is given a brochure describing the course they are interested in, and an application form.
Any student who decides to make an application simply sends in the completed form to the Course Officer, who records the arrival of the application and the applicant’s eligibility by checking the qualifications claimed on the form against a list of acceptable entry qualifications.
The Course Officer then sends a report, together with the completed application form, to who will consider on the evidence provided whether to accept the application or not.
After a decision has been made by the Course Director, it is sent to the Course Officer who will inform the applicant by letter whether the application has been accepted or rejected. Where an application is accepted, all the documents are placed in the ‘Offer” file to await the applicant’s reply. Where it is rejected, the documents are placed in the ‘Reject’ file.
(b) Identify ways information systems help improve the decision making process. (4 Marks) (c) Effective project management involves identifying risks in advance and then developing strategies either to reduce or the risks. Identify the sources of risk. (4 Marks) (d) The production of a standard manual can be difficult and time consuming but worth the effort. Highlight the important points to consider in the creation of a standards manual. (4 Marks)
QUESTION THREE – (20 MARKS)
(a) A small organization has just installed a client-server system for its sales order processing system. An application package has been chosen which incorporates pass-word Protection and an audit trail as part of its security system. (i) What are passwords and what is their primary function? (ii) Outline two potential problems with passwords. (iii) Explain how each of these potential problems might be overcome. (7 Marks) (b) Study carefully the following possible outline Entity Life History (ELH) structure:
-/1 1, 8/-
R1
Q1
Identify and briefly describe, each of the seven constructs that appear on an ELH Structure referring to the letter(s) in the boxes above, and any other symbols, to clarify your answers. For a given new computer system under development how many ELHs might have to be developed? (7 Marks)
(c) Outline the factors affecting system development success. (6 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR – (20 MARKS)
(a) A fast-food organization has expanded the number of outlets around a city and is about to convert all its outlets into a point-of-sale system with linkages to a large centralized computer. At the moment the outlets use conventional cash tills. As one of the organization’s systems analysts, you have been asked to assist in the conversion process from the existing system to the new system. Recommend the most suitable option for implementing the new system giving reasons why, its advantages and disadvantages. (6 Marks) (b) Joint Application Development (JAD) workshops are one approach that attempts to speed up the development process of an IS. Describe the five key characteristics of a JAD workshop. (4 Marks)
A
B C
D
E *
F G H I
J K O L M
N * O *
(c) Output is the primary purpose of any system. Briefly describe any four problems associated with business information output. (4 Marks) (d) Describe the golden rules of interface design (6 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE – (20 MARKS)
(a) It is possible for systems analysts involved in the introduction of a new upgraded computer system to encounter resentment and opposition from existing employees. This may take many forms including active hostility toward the new system during fact finding interviews. (i) Why should employees react in this manner? (ii) What steps can be taken by the systems analyst to alleviate this resistance? (8 Marks) (b) The terms of reference document prepared by the steering committee acts as a reference document throughout the development stages. What is its importance? (4 Marks) (c) Social feasibility deals with the effect of the system on the current society within and outside the company. In what ways is it carried out? (4 Marks) (d) Identify the factors to consider when choosing a suitable supplier for computer hardware and software. (4 Marks)
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