Question 1

When a waitress delivers food late to a customer because the kitchen is backed up, the "late food" is an example of a symptom while the "kitchen being backed up" is the real cause of the problem.

Accepted Answer

The late delivery of food is a visible outcome or symptom of the underlying issue, which is the kitchen being backed up, representing the actual cause of the problem.

Question 2

The first stage in the systems development life cycle is planning the systems study itself.

Accepted Answer

The first stage in the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is indeed planning, which involves defining the project, identifying its feasibility, and planning the approach to be taken for the systems study and development.

Question 3

The developers of new accounting information systems should not be concerned with non-monetary figures because these are mostly irrelevant to accountants.

Accepted Answer

Non-monetary figures can provide valuable insights into operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and other qualitative aspects that can significantly impact financial performance and decision-making.

Question 4

In the context of systems analysis, the goal of developing a "flexible AIS" means that the system should be able to process a variety of transactions and produce a variety of outputs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of systems analysis, the...

Question 5

Accountants do not have to worry much about systems studies-they are rarely affected by them.

Accepted Answer

Accountants often play a crucial role in systems studies as these studies can significantly impact financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls, making it essential for accountants to be involved and understand the implications.

Question 6

An important first step in the systems analysis phase of a systems study is a preliminary investigation of the system under study.

Accepted Answer

The preliminary investigation is indeed an important first step in the systems analysis phase, as it helps to understand the current system, identify problems or areas for improvement, and determine the feasibility of the project.

Question 7

One method of studying a current AIS is to observe the system in operation.

Accepted Answer

Observing the system in operation allows researchers and analysts to understand how the Automated Information System (AIS) functions in real-time, identify any issues or inefficiencies, and gather insights on user interaction and system performance.

Question 8

It is not important to satisfy top management goals when creating a new information system because most such systems are used by operating employees, not top managers.

Accepted Answer

Satisfying top management goals is crucial when creating a new information system because these systems often serve strategic purposes, influence decision-making, and require significant investment, all of which are of interest to top management.

Question 9

A study team should approach a systems study with a narrow point of view in order to focus directly on the system and not be distracted by peripheral issues.

Accepted Answer

A systems study should be approached with a broad perspective to understand the system's interactions with other systems and its environment, ensuring comprehensive solutions and identifying potential impacts beyond the immediate scope.

Question 10

"Analysis paralysis" means "analyzing a system to death" at the expense of reaching a conclusion.

Accepted Answer

"Analysis paralysis" refers to the situation where an individual or group overanalyzes or overthinks a situation so much that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome.

Question 11

One way to help ensure a systems study uses a "broad point of view" is to assemble an interdisciplinary study team.

Accepted Answer

An interdisciplinary study team brings together experts from various fields, ensuring a comprehensive and broad perspective is applied to the systems study, covering all relevant aspects and viewpoints.

Question 12

The information needs of operating managers are normally easier to determine than those of top managers because their decision making tends to be better defined and narrower in scope.

Accepted Answer

Operating managers typically focus on day-to-day operations, which involve more routine and well-defined decisions, making their information needs easier to determine compared to top managers who deal with broader, strategic decisions that may require more complex and varied information.

Question 13

The search for more efficient ways to serve customers is an important reason why business organizations perform systems studies.

Accepted Answer

Systems studies are conducted by business organizations to analyze and improve their processes, including finding more efficient ways to serve customers, which is crucial for enhancing customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

Question 14

"Cost" is rarely a concern in developing information system.What is more important is that the anticipated benefits of a new AIS exceed its costs.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true because the primary goal of developing an information system is to provide benefits that outweigh the costs.

Question 15

The three major types of organizational goals discussed in the chapter are (1)general systems goals, (2)computer goals, and (3)salary goals.

Accepted Answer

The three major types of organizational goals typically discussed are strategic goals, tactical goals, and operational goals, not the ones listed.

Question 16

Most systems development life cycles consist of mutually exclusive activities, with little overlap between the stages.

Accepted Answer

Most systems development life cycles are iterative and involve some degree of overlap and iteration among the stages, rather than being strictly linear and mutually exclusive.

Question 17

The information needs of top managers tend to be the most detailed, and focus on short range planning and budgeting.

Accepted Answer

Top managers typically need more summarized, big-picture information focusing on long-term strategic planning rather than detailed short-range planning and budgeting.

Question 18

The first stage in the systems development life cycle is analyzing the company's current system.

Accepted Answer

The first stage in the systems development life cycle is typically considered to be the planning or initiation phase, where the project's scope, goals, and feasibility are determined.

Question 19

The members of a systems study team should be from the same discipline or area so that they can work together well.

Accepted Answer

Diverse expertise and perspectives from different disciplines can enhance problem-solving and innovation, making the team more effective in addressing complex systems issues.

Question 20

Top management involvement is critical to the success of a systems study.

Accepted Answer

Top management involvement provides necessary support, resources, and direction, ensuring that the systems study aligns with organizational goals and receives the attention and priority it needs for success.

Quiz 13: Developing and Implementing Effective Accounting Information Systems