Management Information Systems Chapter 6 Quiz

Parallel implementation is the type of implementation method where the new system is implemented alongside the existing system. Both systems run simultaneously for a period of time until the new system is fully tested and proven to be functioning correctly. This approach allows for a smooth transition and minimizes the risk of disruption to the business operations.

The implementation phase of the SDLC is responsible for distributing the system to all the users so that they can use it to perform their jobs. This phase involves installing the system, training the users, and making sure that the system is functioning properly. It is the final step before the system is fully operational and accessible to all the intended users.

Outsourcing is the correct answer because it involves delegating development tasks to a third party for a specified cost, period of time, and level of service. This means that an organization hires an external company or individual to handle the development tasks instead of doing it in-house. This can be beneficial for organizations that do not have the expertise or resources to handle certain development tasks themselves.

The correct answer is a sequential, activity-based process in which one phase of the SDLC is followed by another. This explanation accurately describes the waterfall methodology, which is a linear and sequential approach to software development. In this methodology, each phase of the SDLC is completed before moving on to the next phase, ensuring that there is a clear progression and that each phase builds upon the previous one. This approach allows for a structured and organized development process, but it can also be rigid and inflexible if changes or adjustments need to be made later on.

The development phase of the SDLC is where the design of the system is transformed into an actual working system. This phase involves coding, testing, and debugging to ensure that the system functions correctly and meets the requirements outlined in the design phase. It is during the development phase that the design is brought to life and the system starts to take shape.

The planning phase of the SDLC is devoted to creating a solid plan for developing an information system. During this phase, the project team identifies the goals and objectives of the system, determines the scope and requirements, and creates a detailed project plan. This phase involves gathering information, conducting feasibility studies, and making decisions about the resources, timeline, and budget for the project. The planning phase sets the foundation for the rest of the SDLC by providing a roadmap for the development process.

Pilot implementation involves allowing a select group of people to use the new system to test its functionality and effectiveness. This method helps to identify any issues or areas of improvement before implementing the system on a larger scale. It allows for a controlled testing environment and minimizes the impact of any potential problems.

Offshore outsourcing refers to the practice of a U.S. company outsourcing its IT functions to other countries that are geographically far away. This trend allows companies to take advantage of lower labor costs, access to specialized skills, and potential time zone advantages. By outsourcing to countries with lower labor costs, companies can reduce expenses and increase their competitive advantage. Additionally, offshore outsourcing allows companies to tap into a global talent pool and access specialized skills that may not be available domestically.

Testing is the phase in the SDLC that verifies whether the system works and meets all the business requirements developed in the analysis phase. This phase involves the execution of test cases and scenarios to identify any defects or issues in the system. It helps in ensuring that the system functions as intended and meets the expectations of the stakeholders. Through testing, any bugs or errors can be identified and fixed before the system is deployed to the users.

During the maintenance phase of the SDLC, the new system is monitored and supported to ensure it continues to meet the business goals. This phase involves activities such as bug fixing, performance monitoring, and making necessary updates or enhancements to the system. The goal is to keep the system running smoothly and address any issues that may arise, ensuring that it remains aligned with the business objectives.

Selfsourcing is the practice of allowing end users to develop their own IT solutions. It has several advantages, including increasing the speed of systems development, increasing end user participation and sense of ownership, and improving requirements determination. However, analyzing various design alternatives that may lead to subpar IT systems is not an advantage of selfsourcing. This suggests that selfsourcing may not always result in the most optimal or efficient IT solutions.

Insourcing is the correct answer because it refers to the practice of using internal IT specialists to develop information systems. This means that the organization keeps the development process within its own company rather than outsourcing it to external vendors or contractors. By using in-house specialists, the organization can have more control over the development process, ensure better communication and coordination, and leverage the expertise and knowledge of its own employees.

End users are a group of people who typically have limited knowledge about IT but possess extensive knowledge about their own domain or area of expertise. They are the individuals who use a particular software, system, or technology to carry out their daily tasks or operations. While they may not have in-depth technical knowledge, they have a deep understanding of how the technology should function to meet their specific needs and requirements. Their insights and feedback are valuable in shaping the development and improvement of IT solutions to better serve their domain.

Selfsourcing is a systems development technique that allows end users to develop information systems. This approach involves end users taking an active role in the development process, using their knowledge and expertise to create systems that meet their specific needs. Selfsourcing can be beneficial as it allows for greater user involvement, leading to systems that are more aligned with user requirements and expectations. It also reduces the dependence on external developers or vendors, which can be cost-effective and increase flexibility.

Outsourcing can lead to increased dependency on other organizations because when a company outsources a certain task or process, it relies on another organization to perform that task efficiently and effectively. This can create a situation where the company becomes reliant on the outsourced organization and may face difficulties if there are any issues or delays in the outsourced work. This can result in a loss of control and flexibility for the company, as it becomes dependent on the outsourced organization for the successful completion of the task.

Selfsourcing refers to the practice of individuals or departments within an organization developing their own software or technology solutions instead of relying on external vendors or IT departments. One potential risk of selfsourcing is the lack of documentation and external support, which can lead to short-lived systems. Without proper documentation, it becomes difficult for others to understand and maintain the system, resulting in its eventual obsolescence. Additionally, the absence of external support means that there may not be resources or expertise available to address issues or make necessary updates, further contributing to the short lifespan of the system.

Outsourcing can be advantageous because it reduces costs. By outsourcing certain tasks or functions to external companies or individuals, businesses can often save money on expenses such as labor, infrastructure, and equipment. This cost reduction can free up resources that can be allocated to other areas of the business or invested in growth and innovation.

The design phase in the SDLC is primarily focused on creating a technical blueprint of how the proposed system will work. During this phase, the requirements gathered in the analysis phase are translated into a detailed design document. This document outlines the system architecture, components, data flow, user interface, and other technical specifications. The goal of the design phase is to provide a clear and comprehensive plan for the development team to follow when building the system.

If a U.S.-based company were to hire a vendor located in New York City, they would be using onshore outsourcing. Onshore outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring a vendor or service provider within the same country. In this case, both the company and the vendor are located in the United States, specifically in New York City. This type of outsourcing is often chosen for its proximity, which can lead to easier communication, cultural similarities, and potentially lower costs compared to offshore outsourcing.

The correct answer is Analysis. During the Analysis phase of the SDLC, end users and IT specialists collaborate to gather, understand, and document the business requirements for the proposed system. This involves conducting interviews, surveys, and workshops to identify the needs and goals of the organization. The analysis phase sets the foundation for the development of the system by determining what functionalities and features it should have.

End-user involvement refers to the participation of knowledge workers in the development and support of IT systems without the need for assistance from IT specialists. This means that the end-users themselves have the knowledge and skills to handle the tasks and issues related to the IT systems they use. They are able to define their own requirements, troubleshoot problems, and make necessary adjustments or improvements without relying on IT specialists. This approach allows for greater autonomy and efficiency in managing IT systems within an organization.

The design phase is responsible for taking the requirements developed in the analysis phase and creating a design based on those requirements. This phase focuses on the technical aspects of the system, such as architecture, data structures, algorithms, and user interfaces. It involves translating the logical requirements into a concrete plan for implementation. On the other hand, the analysis phase comes before the design phase and is concerned with understanding and defining the requirements of the system. It involves gathering information, identifying problems, and determining the needs and goals of the project.

The systems development life cycle (SDLC) refers to a structured approach for developing information systems. It involves a series of phases, including planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance, which are followed in a sequential manner to ensure the successful development and deployment of an information system. This approach helps in managing the entire development process, ensuring that all necessary tasks and activities are carried out systematically and efficiently.

If a U.S.-based company were to hire a vendor from Mexico City, it would be considered nearshore outsourcing. Nearshore outsourcing refers to the practice of outsourcing business processes or services to a nearby country, typically in the same time zone or within a few hours of travel. Mexico City is geographically close to the United States, making it an ideal location for nearshore outsourcing. This allows for easier communication, collaboration, and coordination between the company and the vendor, as well as potential cost savings compared to onshore outsourcing.

Selfsourcing refers to the development of resources or solutions internally within an organization, rather than outsourcing or relying on external vendors. In this scenario, creating a database to track the progress of marketing efforts would involve developing the database within the organization, making it an example of selfsourcing. This allows the organization to have direct control over the development process and ensures that the database is tailored to their specific needs and requirements.

The implementation phase is responsible for creating the physical design (code) and testing it, as well as placing new systems into operation. On the other hand, the maintenance phase is focused on monitoring and adjusting both new and existing systems. This includes making minor adjustments when needed to meet business goals. Therefore, the correct answer is that the maintenance phase monitors and adjusts new and existing systems, while the implementation phase places new systems into operation.

The analysis phase of the SDLC is performed to gather requirements and understand the project scope. This phase involves analyzing the current system, identifying the needs of the users, and defining the objectives of the project. It is during this phase that the decision to use internal software development or outsourcing is made based on factors such as cost, expertise, and time constraints. Therefore, the analysis phase is performed with both internal software development and outsourcing options.

Selfsourcing is a process in which employees within an organization take responsibility for developing and implementing their own IT solutions without the involvement of external consultants. It is self-regulating because the employees themselves are accountable for the success and quality of the project. On the other hand, insourcing involves using staff from the IT department to handle various IT functions. In this case, internal quality controls are necessary to ensure that the work being done by the IT department meets the required standards and objectives.