Structured Systems Analysis and Design

Question 1:

Briefly describe each of the following terms.

• Logical Model
• Data Manipulation Language
• Graphical User Interface
• Adaptive maintenance
• Integration testing

Question 2:

• What is the difference between a context diagram and diagram 0? Which symbol is not used in a context diagram?
• Use the two diagrams in Figure 5-15 on page 190 of the prescribed book to explain the difference and similarities between a context diagram and diagram 0. Here we are interested in the general differences or similarities between the two; you can use Figure 5-15 as the point of reference, if you need to provide an example.
• On the internet, locate at least three firms that offer CASE tools as shareware or free, public domain software. Describe what you found.
• What is the purpose of decision tables? Why would a manager prefer decision tree instead of a decision table?
• Draw a Data Flow from Process to External Entity.

Question 3:

• Describe the habits of successful interface designers
• Use the internet to find the ISO 9241-11 standard meaning of usability with respect to computer interfaces.
• How is usability related to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)?

Question 4:

• Scenario: For any country, in the mobile phone industry, a cell phone manufacturer brand has a number of cell phone models. The way to identify a specific cell phone is by use of a manufacturer's brand name and the model. A customer can own a number of cell phone models, and each model is owned by many customers. Finally, there is a relationship between customers and mobile phone service provider companies (providers).
• Assuming that each country has more than one mobile service provider (as is the case in most countries), clearly describe (in words) the relationship between a customer and a provider and vice versa.
• Draw an entity relationship diagram (ERD) for this mobile phone management system scenario for one country. Note that the scenario includes the relationship between customers and service providers. The ERD should not contain any many-to-many relationships. Do not include entities that are not in the scenario. No attributes/fields are required for this part of the question.
• Create a relational database schema from the ERD your designed in question 4.2, showing all tables in 3NF. Each table should include at least three fields. Appropriate primary keys should be used. Primary keys must be underlined and each foreign key should have the letters FK in brackets after it, for instance, xyz (FK).

Question 5:

• What is ISO and why is it important to a system developer?
• Why is prototyping important for users during system design?
• Describe three main types of testing and the order in which they are performed.
• Explain in some details each of the following. You may use the internet for more detailed information. Then, show how it can be used to train users of a software package purchased from a vendor.
• Webinar
• Podcast
• What is the difference between an operational environment and a test environment?
• Suppose you are a systems analyst developing a detailed test plan. Explain the testing strategies you will use in your plan. Will you use live or simulated data?

Question 6:

• Describe 4 types of system maintenance and provide two examples of each type?
• What is configuration management and why is it important?
• Explain the concept of risk management, including risk identification, assessment, and control.
• What is capacity planning?