Question 1

Where is the responsibility for the development of end-user computing applications typically placed?
A) End users
B) Help desk
C) Information Technology Services Department
D) Programmers

Accepted Answer

The responsibility for the development of end-user computing applications is typically placed on the end users, the people who will be using the applications. This is because they have the best understanding of their own needs and processes. However, they may seek assistance or guidance from IT professionals or programmers as needed. The help desk may provide support for end users once the application is developed and in use.

Question 2

Benathir Donathat,director of the project committee,has received approval from management for implementation of a new accounting information system.After putting out an RFP,the committee settled on a vendor that will deliver all hardware and software required on a lease basis.The committee decided to go with
A) canned software.
B) a turnkey system.
C) an outsourced system.
D) an end-user developed system.

Accepted Answer

The use of a turnkey system, where a vendor provides both hardware and software on a lease basis, fits well with the project committee's decision to outsource the accounting information system implementation. It also suggests that the system will be implemented more efficiently and effectively than an end-user developed system or canned software.

Question 3

As part of the development process for a new job bidding software system for Halide Construction,LLC,Jon Chelide prepared and distributed diagrams that represent input and output screenshots.The diagrams are an example of
A) CASE.
B) an operational prototype.
C) a RFP.
D) a nonoperational prototype.

Accepted Answer

The diagrams that represent input and output screenshots are most likely a nonoperational prototype, which is a representation of the system's interface without actual functionality. This is a common step in the development process to gather feedback and make modifications before programming begins. CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering) is a general term that refers to the use of software tools to assist in software development, but it is not specific to this scenario. An operational prototype would have actual functionality, and an RFP (Request for Proposal) is typically used to solicit bids from vendors for a project, not to depict software design.

Question 4

Callow Youth Clothing (CYC)declared bankruptcy in 2007 and has since closed 27 stores,which amounts to over half of its retail outlets.One of the conditions specified for emergence from bankruptcy is a reduction in the cost of operating the firm's accounting information system.Which of the following may be recommended?
A) Replace the existing system with one of a smaller scale.
B) Customize the existing system.
C) Outsource system operations.
D) Purchase a canned software system.

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing system operations would most likely result in a cost reduction since the company would not need to maintain staff and hardware for the accounting information system. Choosing option A or B would still require the company to maintain the system itself, which may not be financially feasible. Option D would require a significant upfront investment and may not be necessary for the company's needs.

Question 5

Software as a Service (SaaS)refers to Web-based computing services provided by a(an)
A) application service provider (ASP).
B) Internet service provider (ISP).
C) end-user system (EUS).
D) help desk.

Accepted Answer

Software as a Service (SaaS) is typically provided by Application Service Providers (ASPs), which are companies that host and manage web-based applications on behalf of their customers. ISPs primarily provide internet connectivity services, end-user systems are typically used by individuals or organizations to access SaaS applications, and help desk services provide technical support and assistance for software and hardware issues.

Question 6

Benathir Donathat,director of the project committee,has received approval from management for implementation of a new accounting information system.After putting out an RFP,the committee settled on a vendor that will provide an industry standard software package and post-sale technical support.The committee decided to go with
A) canned software.
B) a turnkey system.
C) an outsourced system.
D) an end-user developed system.

Accepted Answer

The committee has decided to go with a vendor that provides an industry standard software package and post-sale technical support. This indicates that a canned software option was chosen, which is a pre-built software product from a third-party vendor. This type of software is ready to use, and it may require some customization to fit the organization's needs, but it does not require any significant modifications or programming.

Question 7

As part of the development process for a new job bidding software system for Halide Construction,LLC,Jon Chelide prepared and distributed functional programs that simulate the system's input and output interface.These programs are an example of
A) CASE.
B) an operational prototype.
C) a RFP.
D) a nonoperational prototype.

Accepted Answer

The functional programs that simulate the system's input and output interface are examples of an operational prototype. An operational prototype is a functional representation of the final product that allows users to interact with the system and can be used to identify and fix design flaws before the final product is developed. Therefore, option (B) is the best choice.

Question 8

Firms should consider developing custom software only if
A) it will be used for critical functions like accounts receivable.
B) it will contribute to development of a significant competitive advantage.
C) the firm has the necessary expertise available in-house.
D) the available canned software is very expensive.

Accepted Answer

Developing custom software is a time-consuming and expensive process, so firms should only consider it if it will provide a significant competitive advantage. Custom software that is tailored to meet the unique needs of the business can give them an edge over competitors. Critical functions like accounts receivable can be managed using canned software that is readily available in the market. In-house expertise is helpful, but not the only determining factor in deciding whether to develop custom software. The cost of canned software is not relevant to the decision of developing custom software.

Question 9

Which is not a problem with CASE technology?
A) cost
B) incompatibility
C) lack of system documentation
D) unmet expectations

Accepted Answer

CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering) technology is designed to help in the creation of software, improving both the efficiency and quality of software development. One of its benefits is that it aids in the generation of system documentation, thus, lack of system documentation is not a problem associated with CASE technology.

Question 10

What is a disadvantage to prototyping?
A) developers may shortchange the testing and documentation process
B) errors are likely to be detected and eliminated early in the development process
C) prototyping may be less costly than other approaches
D) prototyping usually produces a better definition of user needs than other approaches

Accepted Answer

One of the disadvantages of prototyping is that developers may focus on creating a functional prototype and may not invest enough time in testing and documenting the product. This can lead to errors and quality issues down the line, which can be costly to fix.

Question 11

Which of the following were CASE tools not designed to do?
A) replace skilled designers
B) plan, analyze, design, program, and maintain an information system
C) automate important aspects of the software development process
D) enhance the efforts of managers in understanding information needs

Accepted Answer

CASE tools were not designed to replace skilled designers. They were developed to automate important aspects of the software development process and enhance the efforts of managers in understanding information needs, as well as plan, analyze, design, program, and maintain an information system.

Question 12

Which of the following is an advantage of CASE?
A) It exhibits a high degree of cross-system compatibility.
B) It is an inexpensive technology that is accessible to small businesses.
C) Documentation is generated automatically.
D) It enhances the congruence between user expectations and the final system.

Accepted Answer

CASE (Computer-Aided Software Engineering) automates many of the repetitive aspects of software design and development, including generating documentation. This saves time and effort and reduces the likelihood of errors. While CASE may have other advantages, such as improving system quality and productivity, the question is specifically asking for an advantage related to documentation. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 13

What is a benchmark problem?
A) A difficulty encountered when attempting to bring an accounting information system up to industry best practices
B) A method used to compare the efficiency of alternative accounting information systems
C) The cost-benefit tradeoff defined by the relationship between increased costs and increased benefits from a system
D) A method used to test the compatibility of a new accounting information system with existing hardware and software

Accepted Answer

A benchmark problem is a method used to compare the efficiency of alternative systems or algorithms. It involves using a standardized set of data or tasks to test and compare the performance of competing systems. This is often used in fields such as computer science and engineering to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different solutions.

Question 14

Describe the difficulties that could be encountered when developing an AIS.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the difficulties that could be encountered...

Question 15

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the software
A) will be used for a critical function like accounts receivable.
B) automates an unstructured or semi-structured task.
C) can be produced using expertise available in-house.
D) is available as a canned package.

Accepted Answer

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the software automates an unstructured or semi-structured task. Prototyping is an effective means of exploring ideas for solving design problems and extending the concept to design functionality. Prototyping is used for designing user interfaces, and it helps to identify and isolate problems that are difficult to analyze using either written specifications or finished systems.

Question 16

In which of the following cases is outsourcing likely to be the best solution to the firm's data processing needs?
A) Sad Clown Pajamas produces and wholesales clothing products to retailers worldwide. Eighty percent of its sales orders are taken during the months of October and November. Sad Clown requires a system that will manage online ordering and fulfillment.
B) Modest Expectations Investment Services manages highly diverse portfolios and provides personal services to high income investors worldwide. The firm needs a system that will pull together selected investment data from a large variety of sources and allow account managers to prepare customized reports for customers.
C) J.D. Yacht is in the business of buying businesses, managing them for no more than two years, and then selling them at a profit. The firm requires a flexible system that will allow them to effectively manage the various types of businesses it controls.
D) Halide Construction, LLC, manages the design and construction of desalinization plants and requires a system that will allow it to manage the process from bid to billing.

Accepted Answer

Sad Clown Pajamas has a specific and seasonal need for a system to manage online ordering and fulfillment. Outsourcing this service will allow them to utilize the system only when needed, without having to incur the fixed costs of developing and maintaining an in-house system year-round.

Question 17

Which of the following is a method for comparing alternative vendor proposals for development of an accounting information system when the vendors differ with regard to their ability to meet the project criteria?
A) Point scoring
B) Resource clearing
C) Requirements costing
D) Multi-objective optimization.

Accepted Answer

Point scoring is a commonly used method for comparing alternative vendor proposals when vendors differ with regard to their ability to meet the project criteria. The criteria are identified and given importance weights, and vendors are scored on each criterion. The scores are weighted and summed to determine the overall score for each vendor. The vendor with the highest score is generally considered the best choice.

Question 18

End-user computing is likely to result in a(n)
A) well tested system.
B) well documented system.
C) rapidly developed system.
D) efficient system.

Accepted Answer

End-user computing involves non-IT professionals creating and implementing their own solutions, which can lead to a faster but less rigorously tested or documented system.

Question 19

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the application
A) will be used for a critical function like inventory management.
B) automates a structured task.
C) can be produced using outside developers.
D) inputs and outputs are not clearly defined.

Accepted Answer

Prototyping is particularly useful when the inputs and outputs of the application are not clearly defined. It allows for exploration and refinement of requirements through iterative development and feedback.

Question 20

Benathir Donathat,director of the project committee,has received approval from management for implementation of a new accounting information system.After putting out an RFP,the committee settled on a Web-based application service provider that will manage all hardware and software required by the system,with fees based on usage.The committee decided to go with
A) canned software.
B) a turnkey system.
C) an outsourced system.
D) an end-user developed system.

Accepted Answer

The committee went with an outsourced system, which involves using a third-party provider to manage the hardware and software required by the system. This is in contrast to canned software (A) which is pre-packaged and requires in-house IT resources to manage, a turnkey system (B) which requires a vendor to manage the entire system including hardware, software and implementation, or an end-user developed system (D) which would require the company to build the system in-house.

Quiz 21: Ais Development Strategies

Where is the responsibility for the development of end-user computing applications typically placed?

As part of the development process for a new job bidding software system for Halide Construction,LLC,Jon Chelide prepared and distributed diagrams that represent input and output screenshots.The diagrams are an example of

Software as a Service (SaaS) refers to Web-based computing services provided by a(an)

As part of the development process for a new job bidding software system for Halide Construction,LLC,Jon Chelide prepared and distributed functional programs that simulate the system's input and output interface.These programs are an example of

Firms should consider developing custom software only if

Which is not a problem with CASE technology?

What is a disadvantage to prototyping?

Which of the following were CASE tools not designed to do?

Which of the following is an advantage of CASE?

What is a benchmark problem?

Describe the difficulties that could be encountered when developing an AIS.

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the software

In which of the following cases is outsourcing likely to be the best solution to the firm's data processing needs?

Which of the following is a method for comparing alternative vendor proposals for development of an accounting information system when the vendors differ with regard to their ability to meet the project criteria?

End-user computing is likely to result in a(n)

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the application