Question 1

An application architecture defines the technologies to be used by (and used to build) one, more, or all information systems in terms of its data, processes, interfaces and network components.

Accepted Answer

An application architecture outlines the framework and technologies for building and deploying information systems, detailing how data, processes, interfaces, and network components interact and are structured.

Question 2

An application architecture is a rapid application development technique that is used to draw data-flow diagrams automatically using the same kind of drawing tools used by architects.

Accepted Answer

An application architecture is a conceptual model that defines the structure, behavior, and more views of an application, not a technique for drawing data-flow diagrams.

Question 3

The logical data flow diagram (LDFD) is used to establish the physical processes and data stores across a network using Boolean logic.

Accepted Answer

A logical data flow diagram (LDFD) is used to represent the flow of data within a system, focusing on the processes, data stores, and data flows, but it does not specifically use Boolean logic to establish physical processes and data stores across a network.

Question 4

A database schema is the representation of scenarios of data use and activities so that the actor can specify the database necessary for the application.

Accepted Answer

A database schema is a blueprint or structure of a database that defines how data is organized, including tables, fields, relationships, and constraints, not scenarios of data use or activities.

Question 5

Once the database has been designed and possibly a prototype built, the systems designer can work closely with system users to develop input, output, and dialogue specifications.

Accepted Answer

The systems designer collaborates with users to refine the system's interface and functionality, ensuring it meets user needs and expectations.

Question 6

Databases should be shared resources.

Accepted Answer

Databases are often designed to be shared resources to allow multiple users or applications to access and manipulate data concurrently, ensuring efficient data management and consistency.

Question 7

Each application should implement its own database, independent of the other applications used by a firm.

Accepted Answer

Implementing separate databases for each application can lead to data silos, increased complexity, and inefficiencies. It's often better to use a centralized database system that allows for data sharing and integration across applications.

Question 8

Issues to be addressed during database design include: data structures and their impact on performance and flexibility; record size and storage volume requirements; internal controls to ensure proper security and disaster recovery techniques.

Accepted Answer

Database design involves considering data structures, performance, storage, security, and disaster recovery to ensure efficient and secure data management.

Question 9

For interface or dialogue design, the designer must consider such factors as terminal familiarity, possible errors and misunderstandings that the end-user may have or may encounter; the need for additional instructions or help at certain points, and screen content and layout.

Accepted Answer

These factors are crucial for creating user-friendly interfaces that enhance user experience and minimize errors.

Question 10

The final design task involves packaging all the specifications from the previous design tasks into a set of specifications that will guide the computer programmer's activities during the construction phase of the systems development methodology.

Accepted Answer

The final design task in systems development involves compiling all specifications into a comprehensive guide for programmers to follow during the construction phase.

Question 11

System owners should get a final chance to question the project's feasibility and to determine whether the project should be adjusted, terminated, or approved to proceed to construction.

Accepted Answer

This is typically done during the project's review or evaluation phase, where stakeholders assess the project's viability before committing further resources.

Question 12

The company may have an audit staff, responsible for insuring the integrity of the internal controls in a new system before construction.

Accepted Answer

An audit staff is typically responsible for ensuring that internal controls are effective and reliable, which includes evaluating new systems before they are fully implemented.

Question 13

It is more common for a project manager to make design specifications available via a shared repository than to provide each individual developer with a copy of a printed set of organized specifications.

Accepted Answer

Using a shared repository for design specifications is more efficient and ensures that all team members have access to the most up-to-date information, which is crucial in collaborative and dynamic project environments.

Question 14

At the completion of the design phase, analysts and system owners should consider the possibility that, based on the completed design work, the overall project schedule, cost estimates, and other estimates may need to be adjusted.

Accepted Answer

Adjustments may be necessary after the design phase as new insights and details can affect the project's scope, timeline, and budget.

Question 15

The most notable differences between the "buy" versus in-house development projects is the inclusion of a new procurement phase and a special decision analysis phase to address software and services.

Accepted Answer

In "buy" projects, procurement and decision analysis phases are crucial to evaluate and select external software and services, unlike in-house development where these phases are not typically required.

Question 16

In the procurement phase, the first task is to research technical alternatives. This identifies specifications that are important to the software and/or hardware that is to be selected. These requirements specify the functionality, features, and critical performance parameters.

Accepted Answer

In the procurement phase, researching technical alternatives is crucial to identify the necessary specifications, functionality, features, and performance parameters for the software or hardware to be selected.

Question 17

The request for proposal (RFP) is used when several different vendors and/or products are candidates and you want to solicit competitive proposals and quotes. Its purpose is to communicate requirements and desired features to prospective vendors.

Accepted Answer

An RFP is a document used to solicit proposals from vendors, outlining the requirements and desired features for a project, allowing for competitive bidding.

Question 18

The request for proposal (RFP) is used when you have already decided on the specific product, but that product can be acquired from different distributors.

Accepted Answer

An RFP is used when the specifics of the product or service are not yet decided, and you are seeking proposals from different vendors to determine the best solution.

Question 19

Which of the following is a purpose of the procurement and decision analysis phase?

Accepted Answer

The procurement and decision analysis phase involves identifying products, evaluating vendor proposals, selecting the best proposal, and contracting with the vendor, encompassing all the listed activities.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the procurement and decision analysis phase?

Accepted Answer

Reverse engineering and drawing system models for each of the vendors' proposals is not typically a purpose of the procurement and decision analysis phase. This phase focuses on identifying, evaluating, and contracting with vendors, not on reverse engineering.

Quiz 12: Systems Design