Part1

Question 1: Explain the function of hierarchical decomposition in systems analysis and design and discuss the reasons for viewing and analyzing systems in this way.

Question 2: Discuss the differences between data stores on a DFD and an entity-relationship diagram for the same information system application. What purpose does each serve? What does each explain or show that the other does not?

Question 3: Discuss why you think the SDLC methodology for developing application systems was widely adopted in U.S.-based organizations by the early 1990s.

Question 4: Compare the role of the systems analyst in the development of an application system using the SDLC and using a prototyping approach.

Question 5: Discuss the options an organization needs to choose from when the best packaged-system solution is not a perfect fit with the needs of the organization.

Question 6: Discuss why an assessment of the financial stability of the vendor can be a critical consideration when evaluating responses to an RFP.

Part 2

Question 1: What information is typically included in an initial IT project request? In a project charter?

Question 2: Describe the difference between project management and program management.

Question 3: What types of skills have been identified as important for successful IT project managers?

Question 4: Contrast the strengths of bottom-up and top-down approaches to project budgeting. Bottom-up and top-down are the two traditional approaches to estimating project budgets.

Question 5: What are some key issues related to IT project staffing that need to be well managed?

Question 6: Describe one technique used to manage IT project risks.

Question 7: Why is the management of large complex system projects an important IT capability?

Part 3

Question 1: What are the major implications for the business manager if an assessment of current practices indicates substantial inconsistency in the information vision and IT architecture for the company? What are the major implications for the IS leaders?

Question 2: Given the rapid rate of change in both information technologies and business environments, do you believe that extensive information resource planning efforts are worthwhile for most organizations? Why or why not? Under what circumstances might they not be?

Question 3: Do you believe that strategic advantages obtained by the effective use of IT are sustainable? Why or why not?

Question 4: What mixture of education, skills, and experiences might be considered when an organization chooses an executive to fill a chief information officer (CIO) position? Why might the importance of these characteristics not always be the same?

Question 5: What circumstances might lead an entire organization (or business unit) with a federal IT governance design to change to a centralized IT governance design?

Question 6: If you were a chief marketing officer, what metrics might you use to evaluate the performance of the IS organization in your company?