System Analysis & Design MCQ Questions And Answers

The correct answer is "All of the above." Changes in software development, technology, and business practices have led to various new career opportunities for analysts. Sales and support of ERP software is one such opportunity, as businesses require professionals who can effectively market and assist with the implementation of enterprise resource planning systems. Auditing, compliance, and security are areas where analysts are in demand, as companies need experts who can ensure regulatory compliance and protect their systems from cyber threats. Additionally, web development is a growing field that offers career prospects for analysts as businesses increasingly rely on online platforms for their operations.

The support phase is focused on maintaining and ensuring the continued productivity of the system after its initial installation. This phase involves providing technical assistance, troubleshooting, and resolving any issues or problems that may arise. The objective is to keep the system running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that users can effectively utilize it for their needs.

The correct answer is "waterfall." The waterfall approach is a sequential SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) approach where each phase of a project is completed before moving on to the next phase. This means that the project flows downwards like a waterfall, with no overlap or iteration between phases. This approach is often used in projects where the requirements are well-defined and there is little room for changes or iterations.

Functional decomposition refers to the division of a system into processes or subsystems. It involves breaking down a complex system into smaller, more manageable parts, each with its own specific function or purpose. This approach allows for easier understanding, analysis, and development of the system, as well as the ability to address each component individually. Functional decomposition is commonly used in system design to organize and structure complex systems, making them easier to design, implement, and maintain.

The term "iteration" refers to the process of repeating work activities multiple times. In this context, it means that work activities are done once, then repeated again and again. This concept is commonly used in agile methodologies such as eXtreme Programming (XP) and Unified Process (UP), where development tasks are divided into smaller increments called iterations. Each iteration involves completing a set of tasks, reviewing the results, and making necessary adjustments before moving on to the next iteration. This iterative approach allows for continuous improvement and adaptation throughout the development process.

The term "systems design" refers to the process of creating a detailed plan for how the various components of an information system should be physically implemented. This involves determining the specific hardware, software, and network infrastructure that will be used, as well as the overall structure and layout of the system. By carefully designing the system, organizations can ensure that it meets their specific needs and functions efficiently and effectively.

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 processes, inputs, outputs, and data stores involved. It helps to identify the flow of information and the relationships between different components of a system. This model is commonly used in structured analysis to understand and document the requirements of a system in a clear and organized manner.

The most important role of a systems analyst in business is problem-solving. As a systems analyst, their main responsibility is to identify and analyze problems within an organization's information systems and find effective solutions. They need to have the ability to understand complex systems and processes, identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement, and propose innovative solutions. This involves gathering requirements, conducting research, analyzing data, and collaborating with stakeholders to develop and implement solutions that address the organization's needs and goals. Problem-solving skills are crucial for a systems analyst to ensure the smooth functioning and optimization of business processes.

Soft skills refer to the personal attributes and interpersonal skills that enable individuals to effectively communicate, collaborate, and interact with others in a professional setting. These skills are essential in nontechnical areas such as interviewing and team management as they involve abilities like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. Unlike technical skills, which are specific to a particular job or field, soft skills are transferable and can be applied across various industries and roles. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is soft skills.

A structured program is one that has one beginning and one ending. This means that the program follows a logical sequence of instructions, typically using control structures such as loops and conditionals, to execute a specific task. The program starts at the beginning and progresses through each instruction until it reaches the end, without any jumps or branches that would disrupt the flow. This approach allows for easier understanding, debugging, and maintenance of the program's code.

The support phase begins only after the new system has been installed and put into production, and it lasts throughout the productive life of the system. This phase involves providing assistance and maintenance to ensure that the system continues to function effectively. It includes activities such as troubleshooting, bug fixes, updates, user training, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during the system's use. Support is crucial to ensure the system's smooth operation and to meet the ongoing needs of the users.

A technology architecture plan refers to the description of the hardware, software, and communications networks needed to implement planned information systems. This plan outlines the specific technology requirements and infrastructure necessary to support the desired information systems. It helps organizations determine the technology components and configurations needed to achieve their goals and objectives efficiently.

The user interface is a critical component of any new system because it is the primary means through which users interact with the system. It determines how users navigate, input data, and receive output. A well-designed user interface enhances the user experience, making the system more intuitive and user-friendly. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the system meets the needs and expectations of its users. Without a well-designed user interface, the system may be difficult to use and may not effectively fulfill its intended purpose.

Visio is a popular visual modeling tool used for creating diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual representations of information. It is widely used in industries such as software development, business analysis, and project management. Visio provides a user-friendly interface with a wide range of pre-built shapes and templates, making it easy to create professional-looking visual models. It also offers collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same diagram simultaneously. Overall, Visio is a powerful tool for visualizing complex ideas and processes, making it the correct answer in this context.

An automation boundary refers to the division between the automated part and the manual part of a system. It represents the point where tasks and processes are transitioned from being performed by automated mechanisms to being carried out by human intervention. This boundary ensures that the system operates efficiently by automating repetitive and routine tasks, while still allowing for human involvement when necessary.

Business process reengineering is a technique that aims to fundamentally change and improve the way work is done in a business function. It involves analyzing and redesigning processes to achieve significant improvements in performance, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction. This approach focuses on rethinking and restructuring existing processes rather than making incremental changes, with the goal of achieving radical improvements in overall business performance. Strategic planning, information systems strategic planning, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) are not specifically focused on altering the nature of work done in a business function to the same extent as business process reengineering.

Defining the business problem is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire project. Understanding the issue at hand helps the project team align their objectives and goals effectively. Once the problem is clearly defined, the team can then proceed to staff the project team, develop a cost/benefit analysis, and write a project proposal based on the defined needs and objectives.

System interfaces are the defined methods and details that allow new information systems to communicate with existing systems. These interfaces ensure that the communication links between different systems are precisely defined and enable seamless integration and data exchange. By specifying the design and functionality of these interfaces, organizations can ensure effective communication and interoperability between their systems, enabling them to share information and resources efficiently.

Incremental development refers to 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 increments, where each increment adds new functionality or improves existing features. By delivering working parts of the system in iterations, incremental development allows for early user feedback and the ability to adapt and make changes as needed throughout the development cycle. This approach is particularly useful for complex projects where requirements may evolve or change over time.

A knowledge management system supports the storage of and access to documents within an organization. This system is designed to facilitate the organization, retrieval, and sharing of information and knowledge among employees, thereby enhancing collaboration and productivity. Unlike a library system, which primarily focuses on cataloging and retrieving physical or digital materials, a knowledge management system encompasses a broader range of tools and processes aimed at capturing, managing, and utilizing organizational knowledge effectively.

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 surveys, and analyzing existing systems and processes. By understanding the users' needs and requirements, the project team can determine the scope and objectives of the new system and develop a plan for its implementation. Prioritizing alternatives for a new system and analyzing the capabilities and structure of the previous system may be part of the analysis phase, but the primary objective is to understand and document the users' needs and requirements.

Structured design is the correct answer because it is a technique that provides guidelines for deciding the set of programs, their objectives, and how they should be organized into a hierarchy. Structured design helps in breaking down a complex system into smaller modules and defining their relationships, which aids in the development process. This technique focuses on creating a clear and organized design structure, ensuring that the programs are well-organized, efficient, and easy to maintain.

Top-down programming is an approach that breaks down complex programs into smaller, more manageable modules. It starts with a high-level overview and gradually dives into the details, with each module building upon the previous one. This hierarchical structure allows for easier understanding, maintenance, and testing of the program. By starting at the top and working down, developers can focus on one module at a time, making the development process more organized and efficient.

The problem domain in systems development refers to the specific area of the user's business for which a system is being developed. This includes understanding the specific problems and requirements within that area, and designing a system that addresses those needs. It is important to focus on the user's business and their unique challenges in order to develop an effective and tailored system. This answer accurately captures the definition of the problem domain in systems development.

The analyst's approach to problem-solving is to first verify that the benefits of solving the problem outweigh the costs. This involves evaluating the potential positive outcomes of solving the problem and weighing them against the potential negative consequences or costs. Once this is done, the analyst then proceeds to define the requirements for solving the problem. This step involves understanding the specific needs and constraints of the problem and determining what is necessary for a successful solution.

Visual modeling tools typically include a database of information about the models and the project, known as a repository. This repository serves as a centralized storage system for all the relevant data related to the models and the project. It allows users to easily access, manage, and update the information, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the modeling process. The repository also enables collaboration among team members, as they can share and retrieve information from a single source.

The spiral model approach is a software development methodology that focuses on managing and mitigating risks throughout the development process. It emphasizes iterative development, where each iteration includes planning, risk analysis, development, and evaluation. The model allows for flexibility and adaptability, as it enables the identification and resolution of potential risks early on. By continuously assessing and addressing risks, the spiral model aims to ensure a successful and high-quality software product.

An adaptive approach to the SDLC is used when the exact requirements of a system or needs of users are not well understood. This approach allows for flexibility and the ability to make changes and adjustments as more information becomes available. It focuses on continuous learning and feedback, allowing for the development process to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and requirements of the system or users.

An object is a thing in the computer system that is capable of responding to messages. In object-oriented programming, objects are instances of classes and they have their own properties and behaviors. They can receive messages, process them, and perform certain actions based on the message received. Objects are fundamental building blocks in object-oriented systems and they allow for encapsulation, modularity, and reusability in software development.

An application architecture plan refers to a description of the integrated information systems needed by an organization to carry out its business functions. This plan outlines the structure and components of the applications that will be used within the organization, including how they will be developed, deployed, and integrated. It helps to ensure that the organization's applications align with its business goals and objectives, and that they work together efficiently and effectively.

The last step of the analyst's approach to problem solving is to monitor and ensure that the desired results are being achieved. This involves closely observing the implemented solution and evaluating its effectiveness. By monitoring the results, the analyst can identify any potential issues or areas for improvement. This step is crucial in order to determine whether the problem has been adequately solved and if any further adjustments or actions are needed.

In a predictive project, planning the project is an example of a project phase. This phase involves creating a detailed plan that outlines the project objectives, scope, timeline, resources, and deliverables. It includes defining project requirements, identifying tasks and activities, estimating costs and resources, and developing a project schedule. Planning the project helps ensure that the project is well-organized, structured, and aligned with the desired outcomes. It sets the foundation for successful project execution and control.

A technique in system development refers to a collection of guidelines that assist an analyst in completing various activities or tasks involved in the development process. These guidelines provide a structured approach and set of instructions to follow, ensuring that the analyst can effectively and efficiently carry out their responsibilities. By utilizing techniques, analysts can streamline their work, maintain consistency, and improve the overall quality of the system being developed.

The correct answer is "application" because an application is a software program that is designed to perform specific tasks or functions to meet the user's business needs in the problem domain. It is the portion of the new information system that directly interacts with the user and provides the necessary functionality to address their requirements.

The data flow diagram (DFD) is a key graphical model used in structured analysis to represent the flow of data within a system. It illustrates how inputs are transformed into outputs through various processes, helping analysts understand the system's functionalities and data interactions. Unlike flowcharts, which focus on the sequence of steps, DFDs specifically highlight data flow and interactions among components. Other models, such as class diagrams and PERT charts, serve different purposes in object-oriented analysis and project management, respectively. Thus, the DFD is essential for effectively modeling system requirements in structured analysis.

A "systems development project" refers to a planned undertaking that aims to create a new information system. It involves various phases, such as analysis, design, development, testing, and implementation, which follow a systematic approach known as the systems development life cycle (SDLC). During the project, a team of professionals works together to design and develop the new system, ensuring that it meets the specified requirements and objectives.

This scenario describes the process of technology architecture planning. The company wants to distribute business applications across multiple locations and computer systems, while reserving the data center for specific functions like web server, database, and telecommunications. Technology architecture planning involves designing and organizing the technology infrastructure to support the organization's goals and objectives. In this case, the company is strategically planning how to allocate resources and optimize their technology infrastructure to meet its needs.