Biyani's Think Tank

Concept based notes

System analysis and Design

MCA

Ms Ujjwala
Deptt. of IT
Biyani Girls College, Jaipur
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Published by :
Think Tanks
Biyani Group of Colleges

Concept & Copyright :

Biyani Shikshan Samiti
Sector-3, Vidhyadhar Nagar,
Jaipur-302 023 (Rajasthan)
Ph : 0141-2338371, 2338591-95 Fax : 0141-2338007
E-mail : acad@biyanicolleges.org
Website :www.gurukpo.com; www.biyanicolleges.org

Edition : 2012

While every effort is taken to avoid errors or omissions in this Publication, any mistake or
omission that may have crept in is not intentional. It may be taken note of that neither the
publisher nor the author will be responsible for any damage or loss of any kind arising to
anyone in any manner on account of such errors and omissions.

Leaser Type Setted by :

Biyani College Printing Department
System Analysis and Design 3

Preface
I am glad to present this book, especially designed to serve the needs of the
students. The book has been written keeping in mind the general weakness in
understanding the fundamental concepts of the topics. The book is self-explanatory and
adopts the “Teach Yourself” style. It is based on question-answer pattern. The language
of book is quite easy and understandable based on scientific approach.
Any further improvement in the contents of the book by making corrections,
omission and inclusion is keen to be achieved based on suggestions from the readers
for which the author shall be obliged.
I acknowledge special thanks to Mr. Rajeev Biyani, Chairman & Dr. Sanjay Biyani,
Director (Acad.) Biyani Group of Colleges, who are the backbones and main concept
provider and also have been constant source of motivation throughout this endeavour.
They played an active role in coordinating the various stages of this endeavour and
spearheaded the publishing work.
I look forward to receiving valuable suggestions from professors of various
educational institutions, other faculty members and students for improvement of the
quality of the book. The reader may feel free to send in their comments and suggestions
to the under mentioned address.
Author
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Syllabus

Unit I: System Concepts and Information Systems Environment: The System Concept:
Definition, Characteristics of Systems, Elements of a System, Open and Closed System,
Formal and Informal Information Systems, Computer based Information Systems,
Management Information System, Decision Support System, General Business
Knowledge, and Interpersonal Communicational System.

Unit II : System Development Life Cycle: Recognition of needs, Impetus for System
Change, Feasibility Study, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Post implementation and
Maintenance. Role of the Systems Analyst, The Analyst/User Interface, Behavioral
issues.

Unit III: Systems Planning and Initial Investigation: Strategies for Determining
Information Requirement, Problem Definition & Project initiation, Background
Analysis, Fact Analysis, Review of Written Documents, Onsite Observations, Interviews
and Questionnaires, Fact Analysis, Performance Analysis, Efficiency Analysis, Service
Analysis.

Unit IV: Information Gathering: need, Information about the firms, Information
gathering tools, Interviewing, Arranging the Interview, Guides to a Successful
Interview, Types of Interviews and Questionnaires, The Structured and Unstructured
Alternatives.

Unit V: Tools of Structured Analysis: The Dataflow Diagram (DFD), Data Dictionary,
Decision Trees and Structured English.
System Analysis and Design 5

Unit VI: Feasibility Study: System performance, Economic Feasibility, Technical

Feasibility, Behavioral

Unit VII: Input/output and Forms Design: Input Design, CRT Screen Design, Output
Design, and Requirements of form Design. H/W / S/W Selection, Make V/s Buy
decision and Maintenance, Documentation: Importance, Types of documentation,
Security and disaster planning and management.
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Content
S. No. Name of Units
1. Unit I: System Concepts and Information Systems
Environment

2. Unit II : System Development Life Cycle

3. Unit III: Systems Planning and Initial Investigation

4. Unit IV: Information Gathering

5. Unit V: Tools of Structured Analysis

6. Unit VI: Feasibility Study

7. Unit VII: Input/output and Forms Design

8. Documentation

9. MCQs

10. Glossary
System Analysis and Design 7

Unit I

System Concepts and Information

system environment

Introduction:
System analysis is the application or function of the system concept or system approach
to solve the problem using computers. To solve the problem one must have knowledge
of system and how an organization works in a system.

Q.1 Define System and explain its characteristics.

Ans.: A System means an organized relationship among functioning units or
components. It is an orderly grouping of interdependent components linked
together according to a plan to achieve a specific objective. The elements of the
system are as under:
(1) Outputs and Inputs: A major objective of a system is to produce an
output that has value to its user. Whatever the nature of the output, it
must be in line with the expectations of the intended user. Inputs are the
elements that enter the system for processing and output is the outcome of
the processing.
(2) Processors: The processor is the element of the system that involves the
actual transformation of input into output. It is the operational component
of a system. Processors modify the input totally or partially.
(3) Control : The control element guides the system. It is the decision-making
subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input,
processing and output.
(4) Feedback : Control in a dynamic system is achieved by feedback.
Feedback measures output against a standard in some form that includes
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communication and control. Feedback may be positive or negative,

routine or informational.
(5) Environment: It is the source of external elements that impinge on the
system. It determines how a system must function.
(6) Boundaries and Interfaces: A system should be defined by its
boundaries- the limits that identify its components, processes and
interrelationships when it interfaces with another system.
The characteristics of a system are as under :
(1) Organization: It implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of
components that helps to achieve objectives.
(2) Interaction : It refers to the manner in which each component functions
with other component of the system. In an organization, for example,
purchasing must interact with production, advertising with sales, etc.
(3) Interdependence : It means that parts of the organization or computer
system depend on one another. They are coordinated and linked together
according to a plan. One subsystem depends on the input of another
subsystem for proper functioning.
(4) Integration : It refers to the completeness of systems. It is concerned with
how a system is tied together. It is more than sharing a physical part or
location. It means that parts of a system work together within the system
even though each part performs a unique function.
(5) Central Objective : Objectives may be real or stated. Although a stated
objective may be the real objective, it is not uncommon for an organization
to state one objective and operate to achieve another.

Q.2 Explain the different types of Processing Systems.

Ans.: Batch processing is execution of a series of programs ("jobs") on a computer
without human interaction. Batch jobs are set up so they can be run to
completion without human interaction, so all input data is preselected through
scripts or command-line parameters. This is in contrast to "online" or interactive
programs which prompt the user for such input.
Batch processing has these benefits :
System Analysis and Design 9

It allows sharing of computer resources among many users,

It shifts the time of job processing to when the computing resources are
less busy,
It avoids idling the computing resources with minute-by-minute human
interaction and supervision,
By keeping high overall rate of utilization, it better amortizes the cost of a
computer, especially an expensive one.
Distributed computing deals with hardware and software systems containing
more than one processing element or storage element, concurrent processes, or
multiple programs, running under a loosely or tightly controlled regime.
In distributed computing a program is split up into parts that run simultaneously
on multiple computers communicating over a network. Distributed computing is
a form of parallel computing, but parallel computing is most commonly used to
describe program parts running simultaneously on multiple processors in the
same computer. Both types of processing require dividing a program into parts
that can run simultaneously, but distributed programs often must deal with
heterogeneous environments, network links of varying latencies, and
unpredictable failures in the network or the computers.
Distributed programming typically falls into one of several basic architectures or
categories: Client-server, 3-tier architecture, N-tier architecture, Distributed
objects, loose coupling, or tight coupling.
Client - Server : Smart client code contacts the server for data, then
formats and displays it to the user. Input at the client is committed back to
the server when it represents a permanent change.
3-tier Architecture : Three tier systems move the client intelligence to a
middle tier so that stateless clients can be used. This simplifies application
deployment. Most web applications are 3-Tier.
N-tier Architecture : N-Tier refers typically to web applications which
further forward their requests to other enterprise services. This type of
application is the one most responsible for the success of application
servers.
Tightly Coupled (Clustered) : Refers typically to a cluster of machines
that closely work together, running a shared process in parallel. The task
10

is subdivided in parts that are made individually by each one and then
put back together to make the final result.
Peer-to-Peer : an architecture where there is no special machine or
machines that provide a service or manage the network resources. Instead
all responsibilities are uniformly divided among all machines, known as
peers. Peers can serve both as clients and servers
The time between the presentation of a set of inputs and the appearance of all the
associated outputs is called the response time. A real-time system is one that
must satisfy explicit bounded response time constraints to avoid failure.
Equivalently, a real-time system is one whose logical correctness is based both on
the correctness of the outputs and their timeliness. Notice that response times of,
for example, microseconds are not needed to characterize a real-time system - it
simply must have response times that are constrained and thus predictable. In
fact, the misconception that real-time systems must be "fast" is because in most
instances, the deadlines are on the order of microseconds. But the timeliness
constraints or deadlines are generally a reflection of the underlying physical
process being controlled. For example, in image processing involving screen
update for viewing continuous motion, the deadlines are on the order of 30
microseconds.
An important concept in real-time systems is the notion of an event, that is, any
occurrence that results in a change in the sequential flow of program execution.
Events can be divided into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous.
Synchronous events are those that occur at predictable times such as execution of
a conditional branch instruction or hardware trap. Asynchronous events occur at
unpredictable points in the flow-of-control and are usually caused by external
sources such as a clock signal. Both types of events can be signaled to the CPU by
hardware signals

Q.3 What are the different types of systems?

Ans.:
i. Physical or Abstract systems:-
Physical systems are tangible entities that may be static or dynamic in nature.
Physical entities can be seen and counted.
Abstract system are conceptual or nonphysical entites.
System Analysis and Design 11

ii. Open or Closed system:-

In an open system, system take input from the outside and give the proccessd
data as an output. Characteristics of open system are as input from outside,
entropy, process, output and cycles, differentiation, equifinality.
In a closed system, system does not take input from outside world as well does
not provide any type of output to the outside world. In reality closed systems are
rare.

iii. Man-Mad information system:-

Man-Mad information system can be of following types:-

o Formal Information system:-

A formal information system is based on the orgainzation represented by
the organization chart.
o Informal Information system:-
The informal information system is employee based system designed to
meet personal and vocational need of the system

o Computer-Based Information System:-

Computer-Based Information System relies on computer for handling
business application.
It have following types:-
a) Management Information System:-
Management information system is a person-machine system and
highly integrated collection of information processing functions.
b) Decision Support System:- A set of interrelated computer programs and the
data vital to assist with analysis and decision-making within an
organization.
c.) Data Processing System:-
In information processing, a Data Processing System is a system
12

which processes data which has been captured and determined in a

format identifiable by the data processing system or has been
created and stored by another component of an information
processing system.

Figure 1 Computer based information system

Case study

You are in a coffee shop across the street from office having lunch. A customer
walks up to the counter. You observe the following:
Customer: Hi Dimple; I‟d like a burger to go.
Dimple(waitress): Anything else?
System Analysis and Design 13

Customer: Yes, a small order of fries and cold coffee.

Dimple: That‟ll be 82.35 Rs only.

She collects the cash and places the order through an electronic cash register that
automatically displays the order on a TV screen in the back room where orders
are prepared. When the order is ready, Dimple puts it in a bag and hands it to the
customer.

Assignment
a.) Explain the pattern of this system in action. Specifically discuss the following:
i.) The organization system‟s characteristics.
ii.) The subsystem, information flow, and interfaces.
iii.) The types of interdependence in the organization structure and the nature
of feedback.
iv.) Input/output and environment
v.) Formal and Informal information system
b.) If you were to improve the performance of the system , what would you do?
How? Explain.
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Unit-2

System Development Life Cycle

Introduction:
System Development and Life Cycle(SDLC) is an approach or a concept which is the
collection of tools and technologies that help to convert a manual system into the
computerized automated system or to develop the new one. Generally, there are six
phases in the SDLC viz. Initial investigation, Feasibility study, Analysis, Design,
Implementation, Post- implementation and maintenance.

Q.1 Describe System Development Life Cycle and explain its various phases.
Ans.: The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in
project management that describes the stages involved in an information system
development project from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the
completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to
guide the processes involved including the waterfall model (the original SDLC
method), rapid application development (RAD), joint application development
(JAD), the fountain model and the spiral model. Mostly, several models are
combined into some sort of hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial
regardless of the type of model chosen or devised for any application, and is
usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods work
better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important
factor for the success of a project may be how closely particular plan was
followed.
Feasibility : The feasibility study is used to determine if the project should get
the go-ahead. If the project is to proceed, the feasibility study will produce a
project plan and budget estimates for the future stages of development.
System Analysis and Design 15

Requirement Analysis and Design : Analysis gathers the requirements for the
system. This stage includes a detailed study of the business needs of the
organization. Options for changing the business process may be considered.
Design focuses on high level design like, what programs are needed and how are
they going to interact, low-level design (how the individual programs are going
to work), interface design (what are the interfaces going to look like) and data
design (what data will be required). During these phases, the software's overall
structure is defined. Analysis and Design are very crucial in the whole
development cycle. Any glitch in the design phase could be very expensive to
solve in the later stage of the software development. Much care is taken during
this phase. The logical system of the product is developed in this phase.
Implementation : In this phase the designs are translated into code. Computer
programs are written using a conventional programming language or an
application generator. Programming tools like Compilers, Interpreters,
Debuggers are used to generate the code. Different high level programming
languages like C, C++, Pascal, Java are used for coding. With respect to the type
of application, the right programming language is chosen.
Testing : In this phase the system is tested. Normally programs are written as a
series of individual modules, these are subject to separate and detailed test. The
system is then tested as a whole. The separate modules are brought together and
tested as a complete system. The system is tested to ensure that interfaces
between modules work (integration testing), the system works on the intended
platform and with the expected volume of data (volume testing) and that the
system does what the user requires (acceptance/beta testing).
Maintenance : Inevitably the system will need maintenance. Software will
definitely undergo change once it is delivered to the customer. There are many
reasons for the change. Change could happen because of some unexpected input
values into the system. In addition, the changes in the system could directly
affect the software operations. The software should be developed to
accommodate changes that could happen during the post implementation
period.
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Q.2 What is the role of a Systems Analyst?

Ans.: System Analysts bridges the gap that always exists between those who need
computer-based business solutions. They understand both business and
computing. They study business problems and opportunities and then transform
business and information requirements into specifications for information
systems that will be implemented by various technical specialists including
computer programmers. System Analysts initiate change within an organization.
Every new system changes the business. System Analyst is basically a problem
solver.
An analyst must possess various skills to effectively carry out the job.
Specifically, they may be divided, into two categories: Interpersonal and
technical skills. Both are required for system development. Interpersonal skills
deal with, relationships and the interface .of the analyst with people in business.
They are useful in establishing trust‟s resolving conflict, and communicating
information. Technical skills, on the other hand, focus an procedures and
techniques for operations analysis, systems analysis, and computer science
The interpersonal skills relevant to systems work include the following :
Communication
Understanding
Foresightedness and Vision
Adaptability and Flexibility Skills
Teaching
Selling
Patience and Rationality
Management Skills
Leadership Quality
Training and Documentation Capability
Technical skills include:
Creativity-
System Analysis and Design 17

Problem solving-
Project management-
Dynamic interface-
Questioning attitude and inquiring mind-
Knowledge-

Q.3 What are the models and different types of models?

a.) Waterfall model or Classic Life Cycle Model or Linear Sequential Model
b.) Prototype process model
Ans.:
a.) Waterfall Model
Sometimes called the classic life cycle or the linear sequential model, the waterfall
model is a systematic, sequential approach to software development in which
development is seen as flowing downwards ( like a waterfall ) that begins at the
system level and progresses through analysis, design, coding, testing and
support. To follow the waterfall model, one proceeds from one phase to the next
in a sequential manner. For example, one first completes "requirements
specification". When the requirements are fully completed, one proceeds to
design. The software is designed (on paper) and this design should be a plan for
implementing the requirements given. When the design is fully completed, an
implementation of that design, i.e. coding of the design is made by
programmers. After the implementation phases are complete, the software
product is tested and debugged; any faults introduced in earlier phases are
removed here. Then the software product is installed, and later maintained to
add any new functions that the user needs and remove bugs. Thus in a waterfall
model, we can move to the next step only when the previous step is completed
and removed of all errors. There is no jumping back and forth or overlap
between the steps in a waterfall model.
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Information
Modeling

Requirements
Analysis

Design

Code
Generation

Testing

Delivery &
Support
The model consists of six distinct stages, namely :
(1) In the Information Modelling phase
(a) Work begins by gathering information related to the existing
system. This will consists of all items consisting of hardware,
people, databases etc.
(2) In the requirements analysis phase
(a) The problem is specified along with the desired objectives (goals).
(b) The constraints are identified.
(c) All information about the functions, behaviour, and performance
are documented and checked by the customers.
(3) In the design phase, all inputs, computations and outputs of the system
should be converted into a software model so that it can be coded by
programmers. The hardware requirements are also determined at this
stage along with a picture of the overall system architecture.
System Analysis and Design 19

(4) In the code generation phase, the design has to be translated into a machine-
readable form using any of the programming languages available that is
suitable for the project.
(5) In the testing phase stage
(a) Once code is generated, testing begins.
(b) It focuses on all the statements of the software and removes all
errors.
(c) It ensures that proper input will produce actual results.
(d) Detailed documentation from the design phase can significantly
reduce the coding effort.
(6) The delivery and support phase consists of delivering the final product to
the customer and then taking care of the maintenance of the product. In
this phase the software is updated to :
(a) Meet the changing customer needs
(b) Adapted to accommodate changes in the external environment
(c) Correct errors that were not previously known in the testing phases
(d) Enhancing the efficiency of the software
b.) Prototype Process Model
The prototyping model begins with the requirements gathering. The developer
and the customer meet and define the objectives for the software, identify the
needs, etc. A „quick design‟ is then created. This design focuses on those aspects
of the software that will be visible to the customer. It then leads to the
construction of a prototype. The prototype is then checked by the customer and
any modifications or changes that are required are made to the prototype.
Looping takes place in this process and better versions of the prototype are
created. These are continuously shown to the user so that any new changes can
be updated in the prototype. This process continues till the user is satisfied with
the system. Once a user is satisfied, the prototype is converted to the actual
system with all considerations for quality and security.
The prototype is considered as the „first system‟. It is advantageous because both
the customers and the developers get a feel of the actual system. But there are
certain problems with the prototyping model too.
20

(1) The prototype is usually created without taking into consideration overall
software quality.
(2) When the customer sees a working model in the form of a prototype, and
then is told that the actual software is not created, the customer can get
irritated.
(3) Since the prototype is to be created quickly, the developer will use
whatever choices he has at that particular time (eg, he may not know a
good programming language, but later may learn. He then cannot change
the whole system for the new programming language). Thus the
prototype may be created with less-than-ideal choices.

Q.4 Describe the Rapid Application Development Model. State its disadvantages.
Ans.: Rapid Application Development (RAD) is an incremental software development
process model that focuses on a very short development cycle. The RAD model is
a „high-speed‟ version of the linear sequential model. It enables a development
team to create a fully functional system within a very short time period (e.g. 60 to
90 days).
Business Modeling : The information flow among business functions is modeled
in a way that answers the following questions :
What information drives the business process?
What information is generated?
Who generates it?
Where does the information go?
Who processes it?
System Analysis and Design 21

Data Modeling : It gives all the details about what data is to be used in the
project. All the information found in the business modeling phase is refined into
a set of data objects and the characteristics and the relationships between these
objects are defined.
Process Modeling : Here all the processes are defined that are needed to use the
data objects to create the system. Processing descriptions are created for adding,
modifying, deleting, or retrieving a data object.
Application Generation : RAD makes use of the fourth generation techniques
and tools like VB, VC++, Delphi etc rather than creating software using
conventional third generation programming languages. The RAD reuses existing
program components (when possible) or creates reusable components (when
necessary). In all cases, automated tools (CASE tools) are used to facilitate
construction of the software.
Testing and Turnover : Since the RAD process emphasizes reuse, many of the
program components have already been tested. This minimizes the testing and
development time.
If a business application can be divided into modules, so that each major function
can be completed within the development cycle, then it is a candidate for the
RAD model. In this case, each team can be assigned a model, which is then
integrated to form a whole.
Disadvantages :
· For Large projects, RAD requires sufficient resources to create the right number
of RAD teams.
· If a system cannot be properly divided into modules, building components for
RAD will be problematic
· RAD is not appropriate when technical risks are high, e.g. this occurs when a
new application makes heavy use of new technology.

Q.5 Explain the Spiral Model. What are the advantages of this model?
Ans.: The spiral model, combines the iterative nature of prototyping with the
controlled and systematic aspects of the waterfall model, therein providing the
22

potential for rapid development of incremental versions of the software. In this

model the software is developed in a series of incremental releases with the early
stages being either paper models or prototypes. Later iterations become
increasingly more complete versions of the product.

As illustrated, the model is divided into a number of task regions.

These regions are :
(1) The customer communication task – to establish effective communication
between developer and customer.
(2) The planning task – to define resources, time lines and other project
related information..
(3) The risk analysis task – to assess both technical and management risks.
(4) The engineering task – to build one or more representations (prototypes)
of the application.
(5) The construction and release task – to construct, test, install and provide
user support (e.g., documentation and training).
System Analysis and Design 23

(6) The customer evaluation task – to obtain customer feedback based on the
evaluation of the software representation created during the engineering
stage and implemented during the install stage.
The evolutionary process begins at the centre position and moves in a clockwise
direction. Each traversal of the spiral typically results in a deliverable. For
example, the first and second spiral traversals may result in the production of a
product specification and a prototype, respectively. Subsequent traversals may
then produce more sophisticated versions of the software.
An important distinction between the spiral model and other software models is
the explicit consideration of risk. There are no fixed phases such as specification
or design phases in the model and it encompasses other process models. For
example, prototyping may be used in one spiral to resolve requirement
uncertainties and hence reduce risks. This may then be followed by a
conventional waterfall development.
Advantages of the Spiral Model :
The spiral model is a realistic approach to the development of large-scale
software products because the software evolves as the process progresses.
In addition, the developer and the client better understand and react to
risks at each evolutionary level.
The model uses prototyping as a risk reduction mechanism and allows for
the development of prototypes at any stage of the evolutionary
development.
It maintains a systematic stepwise approach, like the classic life cycle
model, but incorporates it into an iterative framework that more reflect
the real world.
If employed correctly, this model should reduce risks before they become
problematic, as consideration of technical risks are considered at all
stages.

Q.6 Explain Information Gathering Process for System Development.

OR
Explain Fact Finding Method of System Analysis.
24

Ans.: Fact finding means learning as much as possible about the present system. The
tools used in information gathering or fact finding are
(1) Review of Written Documents : In all organizations documents such as
forms, records, reports, manuals, etc are available. These help in
determining how the present system runs. The process of fact finding
includes collection of all possible documents and evaluating them.
Unfortunately, most manuals are not up to date and may not be readable.
The analyst needs to find out how the forms are filled out, what changes
need to be made and how easy they are to read.
(2) On-Site Observation : The purpose of on-site observation is to get as close
as possible to the real system being studied. It is the process of
recognizing and noting people, objects and occurrences to obtain
information. As an observer the analyst must follow a set of rules. He/she
must listen than talk and not give advice or pass a moral judgment, must
not argue or show friendliness towards others. The following questions
can serve as a guide for on-site observations:
 What kind of system is it? What does it do?
 Who runs the system? Who are the important people in it?
 What is the history of the system?
(3) Interviews : An interview is a face to face interpersonal situation in which
a person called the interviewer asks a person being interviewed, questions
designed to gather information about a problem. The analyst or
interviewer can schedule interviews with key personnel of the
organization. The analyst also needs to conduct detailed interviews with
all the people who will actually use the system. This will provide all the
details the analyst needs and also remove any fear from the users that the
computers will replace the. Interviews help gather vital facts about the
existing problems, such as lack of quality control or security, etc.
Interviewing needs a friendly atmosphere so that the interviewer can ask
questions properly, obtain reliable and correct answers and record the
answers accurately and completely.
(4) Questionnaires : A questionnaire is a tool that has questions to which
individuals respond. A questionnaire has the following advantages:
 It is economical and requires less skill than an interview.
System Analysis and Design 25

 It can be used to gather data from large number of people

simultaneously
 It is a uniform method in which all question asked are the same to
all people
 The users are happy as they know that the answers they give are
confidential
 User get time to think about the questions and so can give more
accurate results than in an interview

□□□
26

Case study
The vice president of a large retail store wants to modify is order entry system. He
states the problem as follows: “I need a report that gives me information about the
previous or old records.”

Assignment:
a.) Outline the procedure which you follow. [hint: follow the steps of SDLC]
b.) What questions would you ask?
System Analysis and Design 27

Unit-3

System Planning and Initial Investigation

Introduction:
System Planning and the Initial investigation both are the most critical and important
part of any project life cycle. A wrong initial investigation and planning can lead the
system to the failure.

Q.1 What is planning? what are the bases for planning in System Analysis?
Ans.: Planning is the process of setting goals, developing strategies and outlining
task and program to accomplish the goal.

Planning the information system in the business is very important in today‟s

competitive environment to make the business high grow able, and to make
business retain in adverse conditions because:-
a.) Information is very important recourse for any company to be managed and it
is equally important as the cash, personnel etc.
b.) Financial resources are committed to the information system.
c.) To make the system growing and retain in the competitive environment.
28

Q.2 What is initial investigation? What are the strategies for determining
information requirements?
Ans.: First step in SDLC is the identification of the user‟s need. The initial investigation
is one way to do this. Another objective at this stage is to determine whether the
user‟s need is feasible or not.

Strategies for determining information requirements are:-

1.) Asking.
2.) Getting information from present system.
3.) Prototyping.

Q.3 What are the steps in the initial investigation?

Ans.: Initial investigation have following steps:-
1.) Problem definition.
Problem definition is the process of identifying the need of the user which led
him to request for the system change.
2.) Background analysis:-
Background analysis is the process of getting the basic information about the
customer‟s company or organization i.e. How it really works? What people are
involved in it? Etc.
Background analysis helps the system analyst to prepare the organization
chart with the list of people and functions.
3.) Fact finding:-
After obtaining the background information, analyst start gathering the data
like input, output and cost of the existing system. Information can be gathered
by following tools:-
a.) Review of written documents.
b.) On-site observations
c.) Interview and questionnaires
System Analysis and Design 29

4.) Fact Analysis :-

After the collection of data it must be organized and evaluated so that report
can be prepared for the final approval from the user.
5.) Determination of Feasibility:-
After organizing data, and fact analysis feasibility is evaluated and determine
that any alternative proposal is possible or not for the customer‟s
Project.

Case study
Allied concrete, Inc., has had to renovate its approach to maintain a computer
system and converting application. Recently management has established a
direction-finding committee to supervise and support all applications before they
are run on the mainframe. The committee consists of one member from each of
the following areas: accounting, sales, production, and information system. The
committee is chaired by the vice president in charge of production. The primary
charge is to review each user request and approve or disapprove it based on
feasibility and priority. If a request is approved, the user department is billed for
its includes computer time, analyst and programmer time, and supplies. All
department heads have agreed to the new policy.
In formalizing the committee‟s authority and responsibilities, serious questions
were raised by several user departments about whether the committee has the
authority to turn down a project even if it is project out of their budget, there is
no reason for it to be rejected.

Assignment:
a.) Should all user projects that are operationally and technically feasible be
developed as long as the user is paying the price? If so, what should be the role
of the direction-finding committee?
30

b.) What do you think of the makeup of the direction-finding committee? What role
should the analyst, programmer, or data base specialist play in a direction-
finding committee? Elaborate.
System Analysis and Design 31

Unit-4

Information Gathering

Introduction:
The key part of feasibility analysis is Information Gathering about the present system.
Improper and wrong gathering of information may lead the system to the failure. The
mistaken gathering of data at the initial level affects the system life cycle at every phase
and finally causes the system failure. There are many tools and techniques that help to
collect the correct and efficient data that help to develop the system which satisfy the
needs of customer.

Q.1 What is information gathering?

Ans Information gathering is an art and science of gathering information regarding
present system so that designing a new system will be easy as well as free from
errors and upto the customer requirement.

Q.2 Where does the information originates?

Ans Information is gathered from main principal sources:
Primary Internal sources:
1.) Financial reports.
2.) Personal staff.
3.) Professional staff, EDP
4.) System documentaion or manuals.
5.) The user or user staff.
6.) Reports and transaction documents.
32

Primary external resources:

1.) Vendors.
2.) Government documents.
3.) Newspapers and professional journals.

Q.3 What are the tools for information gathering?

Ans Tools for information gathering are:-
1.) Review of Literature, Procedures, and Forms.
Procedures manuals and forms are useful sources for the analyst. They
describe the format and functions of the present system. Up-to-date manuals
save hours of information-gathering time.

2.) On-Site Observation.

On-Site Observation is the process of recognizing and noting people, objects,
and occurrence to obtain information. The major objective of on-site
observation is to get as close as possible to the “real” system being studied.
The emphasis is not on giving advice or passing moral judgment on what is
observed . Furthermore, care is taken not to argue with the persons being
observed.

3.) Interviews and Questionnaires.

Interview and Questionnaires used in system analysis are relatively direct.
This is the strength because much of the information needed can be
acquired by direct questions.
System Analysis and Design 33

Interview:
Interview is the oldest and most often used device for gathering information.
Interview is a face-to-face interpersonal role situation to gather information
about a problem area.

Guidelines for successesful Interview:

a.) Set the stage for the interview.

b.) Establish rapport: put the interviewee at ease.
c.) Phase questions clearly.
d.) Be good listener, avoid arguments.
e.) Evaluate the outcome of the interview.

Questionnaires:
Questionnaires are used for almost any tool that has questions to which individuals
respond. It requires less skills and time then interview. The questionnaires place less
pressure on subject for immediate responses.
34

Case Studies:

A large wholesale juice distributer has been having difficulty keeping inventory up to
date because incoming shipments are not processed quickly enough. The sales force can
never be assured which brands and quantities are existing for sale. The vice president of
sales asks an outside analyst to examine the problem.
The analyst arrived at the computer center Monday at 8:00 A.M. He asked to see the
manager. The receptionist told him that Mr. Arvind came around 9.00 A.M. Not
wanting to waste an hour, the analyst determined to interview the programmers to
learn about inventory control.
Mr. Arvind arrived at 8.45. He was furious to find that the analyst has taken the liberty
to his staff without his consent. He promptly told the analyst that Monday is a bad day.
The programmers could no be interrupted before 3.30 P.M on Tuesday. The analyst
decided to come then. in the meantime, he went to stockroom to watch stock keeping
activities.
The next day, the analyst interviewed more employees in the stockroom and the clerical
staff of the warehouse. It was 4.30 P.M then he remembers his appointment with
manager of the computer center. He suddenly ended his work in the warehouse and
rushed back to the computer center for the interview. The manager had been waiting
for an hour and was in an irritable mood. To make things worse, the firm‟s employees
quit work at 5:00 P.M. The manager decided to go ahead with the interview.
The analyst inquired about data capture, stock activities, data flow, processing routines,
and stock status reports. After a brief rundown on the procedures used and the report
generated, the analyst was curtly dismissed. It was 5:00 P.M
The analyst had more questions to ask but had to stop. At the same time, he was
wondering why the manager was so irritable throughout the interview.
a.) How do you assess the analyst‟s performance on the job? Explain.
b.) Evaluate the procedure the analyst used in meeting the manager of the computer
center.
System Analysis and Design 35

c.) How adequately prepared was the analyst for the first interview?
d.) If you were the system analyst, would you have handled this project? Elaborate.

`
36

Unit-5

Tools of Structured Analysis

Introduction:
Tools of structured analysis overcome the drawbacks of traditional tools used for data
gathering. Structured tools such as Data Flow Diagram, Data Dictionary, and Structure
English provide alternative ways to design candidate system. Some real-life
applications requerie the combination of both structured tools as well as traditional
tools.

Q.1 What is structured analysis?

Ans.: Structured analysis is a set of techniques and graphial tools that allow the
analyst to develop a new kind of system specification that are easily
understandable to the user.

Q.2 What are the tools of structured analysis and design? Describe each tool.
1.) Data Flow Diagram.
2.) Data Dicitionary.
3.) Structured English
4.) Dicision Tree.
5.) Dicision Tables
6.) Context Diagram
7.) E-R Diagram
System Analysis and Design 37

Ans.:
1) Data Flow Diagram(DFD):-

A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the "flow" of data

through an information system. It describes the system‟s data
and how the processes transform the data in a graphical manner. Data flow
diagrams can be used to provide a clear representation of any business function.
It starts with an overall picture of the business and continues by analyzing each
of the functional areas of interest. It uses a top-down approach to show all the
levels of the functions of the system. Initially a context diagram is drawn, which
is a simple representation of the entire system under investigation. This is
followed by a level 1 diagram; which provides an overview of the major
functional areas of
the business. The level 1 diagram identifies the major business processes at a
high level and any of these processes can then be analyzed further - giving rise to
a corresponding level 2 business process diagram. This process of more detailed
analysis can then continue – through level 3, 4 and so on.

DFD Notation :
Accounting
A rectangle Department

It denotes an external entity. It defines a source or destination of system data. It

can represent a person, group of people, department, or some other system.

A circle
Compute
Sales Tax

It denotes a process or activity. It is also known as a bubble. It shows how the

system transforms inputs into outputs. Each process is named.
38

Customer
A line with an arrowhead Name

It denotes the direction of data flow. The input to, or output from, a given
process, which is associated with each arrow in a DFD.

Open Rectangle

CUSTOMER

It denotes a store that is used to model collection of data. It may refer

to files or databases, or data stored on punched cards, optical disk, etc. It is
shown by two parallel lines with the name of the data store between them

2.) Data Dictionary.

A Data Dictionary (DD) is a structured repository of data about data. It is a set

of accurate definitions of all DFD data elements and data structures. A data
dictionary defines each term encountered during the analysis and design of a
new system. Data dictionary is the place where we keep the details of the
contents of data flows, data stores & processes.
Without a data dictionary the development of large systems becomes difficult.
The data dictionary is an effective solution to the problem of complicated nature.
The main purpose of a data dictionary is to provide a source of reference in
which the analyst, the user, the designer can look up & find out its content and
any other relevant information.
The main advantage of a DD is the documentation. It is a valuable reference to
the organization which helps in communication between the analyst and the
user. It is also important in building a database.
The Data Dictionary notations are
System Analysis and Design 39

= is composed of
+ AND
( ) Optional value
[ ] Either/Or
{} iteration
** comment
@ identifier (key field)
| separates alternative choices in the [] construct
Examples of Data dictionary –
Name = Courtesy-Title + First-Name + (Middle-Name) + Last-Name
Courtesy-Title = [ Mr. | Miss | Mrs. | Ms. | Dr. | Prof. ]
First-Name = { Legal-Character }
Last-Name = { Legal-Character }
Legal-Character = [ A-Z | a-z |0-9| ' | - | | ]

3.) Structured English:-

Structured English or pseudo code or program design language (PDL) uses the
vocabulary of English and the syntax of a structured programming. Structured
English looks like a modern programming language. The difference between
structured English and a real programming language is in the use of narrative
text which is placed within the structured English statements. Structured English
cannot be compiled. It should have the following characteristics:
o A fixed syntax of keywords used for structured constructs, data
declaration
o A free syntax of natural language that describes processing
o Data declaration facilities that include simple(array) and complex(linked
list or tree) data structures
o Facility to declare subprograms and call them
40

Decisions in Structured English are made through IF, THEN, ELSE, SO, etc.

4.) Decision Tree:-

Decision tree are graphical representation methods of representing a sequence of

logical decisions. It is mainly used when decisions need to be taken or for
defining policies. A decision tree has as many branches as there are logical
alternatives. It is easy to construct, easy to read and easy to update. A decision
tree is used to identify the strategy most likely to reach a goal. It is also used as a
means for calculating probabilities or making financial or number based
decisions. A decision making tree is essentially a diagram that represents, in a
specially organized way, the decisions, the main external or other events that
introduce uncertainty, as well as possible outcomes of all those decisions and
events.

5.) Decision Table:-

Decision tables are a precise yet compact way to model complicated logic.
Decision tables, like if-then-else and switch-case statements, associate conditions
with actions to perform. But, unlike the control structures found in traditional
programming languages, decision tables can associate many independent
conditions with several actions in an elegant way. Decision tables are typically
divided into four quadrants, as shown below.

The four quadrants

Conditions Condition alternatives

Actions Action entries

Each decision corresponds to a variable, relation or predicate whose possible

values are listed among the condition alternatives. Each action is a procedure or
operation to perform, and the entries specify whether (or in what order) the
System Analysis and Design 41

action is to be performed for the set of condition alternatives the entry

corresponds to. Many decision tables include in their condition alternatives the
don't care symbol, a hyphen. Using don't cares can simplify decision tables,
especially when a given condition has little influence on the actions to be
performed. In some cases, entire conditions thought to be important initially are
found to be irrelevant when none of the conditions influence which actions are
performed. The limited-entry decision table is the simplest to describe. The
condition alternatives are simple boolean values, and the action entries are
check-marks, representing which of the actions in a given column are to be
performed.
A technical support company writes a decision table to diagnose printer
problems based upon symptoms described to them over the phone from their
clients.

Printer troubleshooter

Rules

Printer does not print Y Y Y Y N N N N

Conditions A red light is flashing Y Y N N Y Y N N

Printer is unrecognized Y N Y N Y N Y N

Check the power cable X

Check the printer-computer cable X X

Actions Ensure printer software is installed X X X X

Check/replace ink X X X X

Check for paper jam X X

42

Decision tables make it easy to observe that all possible conditions are accounted
for. In the example above, every possible combination of the three conditions is
given. In decision tables, when conditions are omitted, it is obvious even at a
glance that logic is missing. Compare this to traditional control structures, where
it is not easy to notice gaps in program logic with a mere glance --- sometimes it
is difficult to follow which conditions correspond to which actions!
Just as decision tables make it easy to audit control logic, decision tables demand
that a programmer think of all possible conditions. With traditional control
structures, it is easy to forget about corner cases, especially when the else
statement is optional. Since logic is so important to programming, decision tables
are an excellent tool for designing control logic.

6.) Context Diagram:-

Library Context Diagram

PUBLIC PUBLISHERS
RELATIONS Form Letters New Offerings
STAFF
New Book Orders

P1
Borrowed Books LIBRARY
New Books
SYSTEM

Borrower Information

BORROWERS Library of
Published Book Information Congress
Mailings

Library Context
Diagram
System Architect
Sat Oct 31, 1998

The context diagram shown on this screen represents a book lending library. The
library receives details of books, and orders books from one or more book suppliers.
Books may be reserved and borrowed by members of the public, who are required
System Analysis and Design 43

to give a borrower number. The library will notify borrowers when a reserved book
becomes available or when a borrowed book becomes overdue. In addition to
supplying books, a book supplier will furnish details of specific books in response to
library enquiries. After the context model is created the process is exploded to the
next level to show the major processes in the system. Depending upon the
complexity of the system each of these processes can also be exploded into their own
process model. This continues until the goal of each process accomplishing a single
function is reached. Because of this approach the context model is referred to as
Level 0 (Zero) DFD, the next as Level 1 DFD, etc.

a. E-R diagram

Data models are tools used in analysis to describe the data necessities and
assumptions in the system from a top-down point of view. They also set the
stage for the design of databases later on in the SDLC.
There are three fundamental elements in ER models:
o Entities are the "things" about which we search for information.
o Attributes are the data we gather regarding the entities.
o Relationships provide the formation needed to describe information from
various entities.

In general, ERD's look likes this:

44

Q.3 What are Structure Charts? Describe.

Ans.: Structure Chart : A hierarchical diagram showing the relationships between the
modules of a computer program. A module is the basic component of a structure
chart and is used to identify a function. Modules are relatively simple and
independent components. Higher-level modules are “control” modules that
control the flow of execution. Lower level modules are “worker bee” modules
and contain the program logic to actually perform the functions.
The vertical lines connecting the modules indicate the calling structure from the
high-level modules to the lower-level modules. The little arrows next to the lines
show the data that is passed between modules and represent the inputs and
outputs of each module. At the structure chart level, we are not concerned with
what is happening inside the module yet. We only want to know that somehow
it does the function indicated by its name using the input data and producing the
output data. A program call is when one module invokes a lower-level module
to perform a needed service or calculation. Program call: The transfer of control
from a module to a subordinate module to perform a requested service. The
arrows with the open circle, called data couples, represent data being passed into
and out of the module. A data couple can be an individual data item (e.g., a flag
or a customer account number) or a higher-level data structure (e.g., an array,
record, or other data structure). The arrow with the darkened circle is a “flag.” A
flag is purely internal information that is used between modules to indicate some
result. Data couples: The individual data items that are passed between modules
in a program call.
A basic idea of structured programming is that each module only has to do a
very specific function. The module at the very top of the tree is the “boss”
module. Its functions will be to call the modules on the next tier, pass
information to them, and receive information back. The function of each middle-
level module is to control the processing of the modules below it. Each has
control logic and any error-handling logic that is not handled by the lower-level
module. The modules at the extremities, or the leaves, contain the actual
algorithms to carry out the functions of the program.
Structure charts are developed to design a hierarchy of modules for a program.
A structure chart is in the form of a tree with a root module and branches. A
subtree is simply a branch that has been separated from the overall tree. When
System Analysis and Design 45

the subtree is placed back in the larger tree, the root of the subtree becomes just
another branch in the overall tree.

Q.4 What is a HIPO Chart? Explain.

Ans.: HIPO charts show relationships between modules. It describes the data input
and output from the processes and defines the data flow. It provides a structure
by which the functions of a system can be understood. It also provides a visual
description of input to be used and output to be produced for each level of the
diagram. It makes the transformation from input to output data visible.
There are two parts to a HIPO chart, a hierarchy chart and an IPO chart.
The hierarchy chart is useful for showing hierarchy of procedures within a
program. Hierarchy charts are also called structure charts, top-down charts, or
VTOC (Visual Table of Contents) charts. All these names refer to planning
diagrams that are similar to a company's organization chart. Hierarchy charts
depict the organization of a program but omit the specific processing logic. They
describe what each part, or module, of the program does and how the modules
relate to each other.
The IPO chart describes the system in terms of its inputs, outputs and the
processes that are performed on the inputs to transform them into outputs. It
provides the following :
46

(a) The Input section that contains the data items used by the process steps.
(b) The Output section that contains the data items created by the process
steps.
(c) Process section that contains numbered steps that describe the functions to
be performed. Arrows connect them to the output steps and the
input/output data items.
The IPO chart is in the form of a table with three columns, one for each of Input,
Output and Process. The flow between screens is indicated by the use of arrows.

Q.4 How to draw a Decision Tree?

System Analysis and Design 47

Ans.: You start a decision tree with a decision that needs to be made. This decision is
represented by a small square towards the left of a large piece of paper. From
this box draw out lines towards the right for each possible solution, and write
that solution along the line. At the end of each solution line, consider the results.
If the result of taking that decision is uncertain, draw a small circle. If the result is
another decision that needs to be made, draw another square. Squares represent
decisions; circles represent uncertainty or random factors. Write the decision or
factor to be considered above the square or circle. If you have completed the
solution at the end of the line, just leave it blank. Starting from the new decision
squares on your diagram, draw out lines representing the options that could be
taken. From the circles, draw out lines representing possible outcomes. Again
mark a brief note on the line saying what it means. Keep on doing this until you
have drawn down as many of the possible outcomes and decisions as you can
see leading on from your original decision.
Example: Book return policy in library
If a Faculty returns a book late, a fine of 5% of the book rate is charged. If a
Student returns a book late by 3 days, fine is 10%, else 20% of book rate.

No Fine

Faculty

Book Return
Late 5% Fine

On Time No Fine

Student <3 days

10 % Fine

Late

>3 days 20% Fine

48

Q.5 In context with an ER diagram explain Cardinality and Modality. Give

example.
Ans.: Cardinality : The elements of data modeling – data objects, attributes and
relationships provide information only about which objects are related to one
another. But this information is not sufficient for software engineering purpose.
Cardinality specifies how many instances or occurrences of object X are related to
how many occurrences of object Y. Cardinality is usually expressed as „one‟ or
„many‟. Thus two objects can be related as
(1) One-to-One (1:1) : An occurrence of object A can relate to one and only
one occurrence of object B and an occurrence of B can relate to only one
occurrence of A.
(2) One-to-Many (1:N) : One occurrence of object A can relate to one or many
occurrences of object B but an occurrence of B can relate to only one
occurrence of A. E.g. mother can have many children, but a child can have
only one mother.
(3) Many-to-Many (M:N) : An occurrence of object A can relate to one or
many occurrences of object B and an occurrence of B can relate to only one
or many occurrences of A. E.g. an uncle can have many nieces and a niece
can have many uncles.

Cardinality defines the maximum number of objects that can participate in a

relationship. It does not tell whether or not a data object must participate in the
relationship.

Modality : If a particular relationship is optional or not needed then we say that

the modality of that relationship is 0. The modality is 1 if an occurrence of the
relationship is necessary.

Example : Consider 2 data objects Patient and Doctor. The relationship between
the two data objects is Treats. A doctor needs a patient to treat, so the modality is
1 while it is not necessary for a patient to be treated by a doctor (he can be treated
System Analysis and Design 49

with home remedies too). So here the modality

is 0.
When we need to specify cardinality we use the symbols
One = a line or dash |
Many = crow‟s feet
To specify modality we use the symbols
One = a line or dash |
Zero = a circle o
The following ER diagram specifies cardinality and modality.

DOCTOR Treats PATIENT

The symbols on the relationship line that is closest to the data object will denote
cardinality and the next will denote modality.

Q.6 Explain Data Modeling and ER diagram with example.

Ans.: Data Modeling : It gives answers to questions regarding the data that is to be
used in the application. We come to know the data objects, where they are
stored, what is the relationship between objects, etc. Data modeling uses an
Entity Relationship diagram to solve these questions. An Entity Relationship
diagram will focus on all data that are entered, stored, transformed and
produced within an application. The data model consists of three interrelated
information – data objects, attributes that describe the data objects and
relationships that connect data objects to one another.
Data Objects : A data object is something that has a number of different
properties or attributes and that can be understood by software. For example a
person or a car can be viewed as data objects. Data objects are related to one
another. E.g. person can own car, where the relationship own denotes a
50

connection between person and car. A data object reflects only data and not the
operation that can be done on that data.
Attributes : Attributes define the properties of a data object. They can be used to
name an instance of the data object, describe the instance or make reference to
another instance in another table (e.g. attribute Owner). One or more attributes
that uniquely identifies one and only one instance of an entity is defined as an
identifier or primary key. E.g. employee no is a primary key for an employee.
Relationships : Data objects are connected to one another in different ways.
Consider two data objects – book and bookstore. A connection is established
between book and bookstore because the two objects are related.
Entity – Relationship Diagrams : The object-relationship pair can be represented
graphically using an ER diagram. An entity represents an object. Examples: a
computer, an employee, a song, a mathematical theorem. Entities are represented
as rectangles.
A relationship captures how two or more entities are related to one another.
Examples: an owns relationship between a company and a computer, a supervises
relationship between an employee and a department, a performs relationship
between an artist and a song. Relationships are represented as diamonds,
connected by lines to each of the entities in the relationship.
Entities and relationships can both have attributes. Examples: an employee entity
might have an employee ID number attribute; the proved relationship may have a
date attribute. Attributes are represented as ellipses connected to their entity by a
line.
System Analysis and Design 51

A Simple E-R Diagram

The following E-R diagram gives the attributes as well.

An E-R Diagram with Attributes

52

Chapter-6

Feasibility Study

Feasibility study in the analysis phase is conducted to find the best candidates system
out of the all alternative candidate system. Here we need to consider the economic,
behavioral and technical feasibility in the system development. The project team is
formed to develop system flowchart that identify the characteristics of system, evaluate
the performance of each system, weigh the system performance and then finally select
the best candidate system out of alternative systems.

Q.1 What is Feasibility? Describe the different types of Feasibility.

Ans.: Feasibility is the determination of whether or not a project is worth doing. The
process followed in making this determination is called feasibility study. A
feasibility study is carried out to select the best system that meets performance
requirements. When conducting feasibility study, an analyst can consider 7 types
of feasibility:
Technical Feasibility: It is concerned with specifying the equipment and
the computer system that will satisfy and support the proposed user
requirements. Here we need to consider the configuration of the system
which tells the analyst how many work stations are required, how the
System Analysis and Design 53

units are interconnected so that they can operate and communicate

smoothly.
Operation Feasibility: It is related to human organizational aspects. The
points to be considered here are – what changes will be brought with the
system?, what new skills will be required?, do the existing staff members
have these skills and can they be trained?
Economic Feasibility: It is the most frequently used technique for
evaluating a proposed system. It is also called Cost/Benefit Analysis. It is
used to determine the benefits and savings that are expected from the
proposed system and compare them with the costs. If benefits are more
than the cost, the proposed system is given an OK.
Social Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the proposed system
will be acceptable to the people or not. It finds out the probability of the
project being accepted by the group of people who are directly affected by
the changed system.
Management Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the proposed
system is acceptable to the management of the organization. The project
may be rejected, if the management does not accept the proposed system.
Legal Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the proposed project is
under legal obligation of known Acts, Statutes, etc.
Time Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the project will be
completed within a specified time period. If the project takes too much
time, it is likely to be rejected.

Q.2 What are the steps in feasibility analysis?

Q.3 What is Cost/Benefit Analysis? Explain its procedure.

Ans.: The costs associated with the system are expenses or losses arising from
developing and using a system. But the benefits are the advantages received
from installing and using this system. Cost/Benefit analysis is a procedure that
54

gives a picture of the various costs, benefits and rules associated with a system.
The determination of costs and benefits is done in the following steps:
(1) Identify the costs and benefits of a project.
(2) Categorize the costs and benefits for analysis: The different categories of
costs and benefits are :
(a) Tangible or Intangible
(b) Direct or Indirect
(c) Fixed or Variable
(3) Select a method of evaluation: When all data is identified and categorized,
the analyst must select a method of evaluation. The methods are :
(a) Net Benefit analysis
(b) Present value analysis
(c) Net Present value
(d) Payback analysis
(e) Break even analysis
(f) Cash flow analysis
(4) Get the result of analysis and Take action.
System Analysis and Design 55

Unit-7
Input/output and Form Design
Introduction:

We define systems design as the process of developing specification for a candidate

system that meet the criteria established in system analysis.
The Major step in a design is the preparation of input and the design of output reports
in a form acceptable to the user.

Q.1 Explain Input Design.

Ans.: Inaccurate input data are the most common cause of errors in data processing.
Errors entered by data entry operators can be controlled by input design. Input
design is the process of converting user-originated inputs to a computer based
format. In the system design phase, the expanded data flow diagram identifies
logical data flows, data stores, sources and destinations. The goal of designing
input data is to make data entry as easy, logical and free from errors as possible.
In entering data, operators need to know the following:
(1) The allocated space for each field.
(2) Field sequence, which must match that in the source document.
(3) The format in which data fields are entered.
Source data are input into the system in a variety of ways, the media and devices
used are Punch cards, Key-to-diskette, MICR, OCR, Optical bar code readers,
CRT screens, etc. We also input data online. The three major approaches for
entering data into the computer are menus, formatted forms and prompts. Menu
is a selection list that simplifies computer data access or entry. Instead of
remembering what to enter, the user chooses from a list of options and types the
56

option letter associated with it. A formatted form is a preprinted form or a

template that requests the user to enter data in appropriate locations. It is a fill-
in-the-blank type form. In prompt the system displays one inquiry at a time,
asking the user for a response.

Q.2 Explain Output Design.

Ans.: Computer output is the most important and direct source of information to the
user. Efficient, intelligible output design should improve the systems
relationships with the user and help in decision making. A major form of output
is a hard copy from the printer. Printouts should be designed around the output
requirements of the user. The output devices to consider depend of factors such
as compatibility of the device with the system, response time requirements,
expected print quality and number of copies needed. The media devices used are
MICR, Line, matrix and daisy wheel printers, Computer output microfilm, CRT
screen, graph plotters and audio response. The output design considerations are
as under :
(1) Give each output a specific name or title
(2) Provide a sample of the output layout, including areas where printing
may appear and the location of each field
(3) State whether each output field is to include significant zeros, spaces, etc.
(4) Specify the procedure for proving the accuracy of output data.
In online applications, information is displayed oin the screen. The layout sheet
for displayed output is similar to the layout chart used for designing input.

Q.3 Describe File Structure and Organization.

Ans.: Given that a file consists, generally speaking, of a collection of records, a key
element in file management is the way in which the records themselves are
organized inside the file, since this heavily affects system performances ad far as
record finding and access. Note carefully that by ``organization'' we refer here to
the logical arrangement of the records in the file (their ordering or, more
generally, the presence of ``closeness'' relations between them based on their
System Analysis and Design 57

content), and not instead to the physical layout of the file as stored on a storage
media, To prevent confusion, the latter is referred to by the expression ``record
blocking'', and will be treated later on.
Choosing a file organization is a design decision, hence it must be done having in
mind the achievement of good performance with respect to
the most likely usage of the file. The criteria usually considered important are :
(1) Fast access to single record or collection of related recors.
(2) Easy record adding/update/removal, without disrupting.
(3) Storage efficiency.
(4) Redundance as a warranty against data corruption.
Needless to say, these requirements are in contrast with each other for all but the
most trivial situations, and it's the designer job to find a good compromise
among them, yielding and adequate solution to the problem at hand. For
example, easiness of adding. is not an issue when defining the data organization
of a CD-ROM product, whereas fast access is, given the huge amount of data that
this media can store. However, as it will become apparent shortly, fast access
techniques are based on the use of additional information about the records,
which in turn competes with the high volumes of data to be stored.
Sequential : This is the most common structure for large files that are typically
processed in their entirety, and it's at the heart of the more complex schemes. In
this scheme, all the records have the same size and the same field format, with
the fields having fixed size as well. The records are sorted in the file according to
the content of a field of a scalar type, called ``key''. The key must identify
uniquely a records, hence different record have diferent keys. This organization
is well suited for batch processing of the entire file, without adding or deleting
items: this kind of operation can take advantage of the fixed size of records and
file; moreover, this organization is easily stored both on disk and tape. The key
ordering, along with the fixed record size, makes this organization amenable to
dicotomic search. However, adding and deleting records to this kind of file is a
tricky process: the logical sequence of records typically matches their physical
layout on the media storage, so to ease file navigation, hence adding a record and
maintaining the key order requires a reorganization of the whole file. The usual
58

solution is to make use of a ``log file'' (also called ``transaction file''), structured
as a pile, to perform this kind of modification, and periodically perform a batch
update on the master file.
Indexed Sequential : An index file can be used to effectively overcome the above
mentioned problem, and to speed up the key search as well. The simplest
indexing structure is the single-level one: a file whose records are pairs key-
pointer, where the pointer is the position in the data file of the record with the
given key. Only a subset of data records, evenly spaced along the data file, are
indexed, so to mark intervals of data records.
A key search then proceeds as follows: the search key is compared with the index
ones to find the highest index key preceding the search one, and a linear search is
performed from the record the index key points onward, until the search key is
matched or until the record pointed by the next index entry is reached. In spite of
the double file access (index + data) needed by this kind of search, the decrease
in access time with respect to a sequential file is significant. Consider, for
example, the case of simple linear search on a file with 1,000 records. With the
sequential organization, an average of 500 key comparisons are necessary
(assuming uniformly distributed search key among the data ones). However,
using and evenly spaced index with 100 entries, the number of comparisons is
reduced to 50 in the index file plus 50 in the data file: a 5:1 reduction in the
number of operations. This scheme can obviously be hierarchically extended: an
index is a sequential file in itself, amenable to be indexed in turn by a second-
level index, and so on, thus exploiting more and more the hierarchical
decomposition of the searches to decrease the access time. Obviously, if the
layering of indexes is pushed too far, a point is reached when the advantages of
indexing are hampered by the increased storage costs, and by the index access
times as well.
System Analysis and Design 59

Case study

Partial source Document with check-off option

Recommended Inefficient

Shirt size (check one) Shirts(enter size)

Small
Medium
Large
X large

Form to fill information

Assignment:
a.) What flaws are there in the form?
b.) Develop an updated version of the form.
60

Unit-8
Documentation

Introduction:
Documentation is one of the systems which are used to communicate, instruct and
Record the information for any reference of operational papoose.

Q.1 What is documentation and its importance?

Ans They are very useful for representing the formal flow of the present system. With
the help of Documentation it is very easy to track the flow of the system's
progress and they working of the system can be explained very easily.

It helps to provide the clear description of the work done so far. It is essential
that the documents prepared must be updated on regular basis this will help to
trace the progress of work easily. With appropriate and good documentation it is
very easy to understand the how aspects of the system will work for the
company where the system is to installed. It is also help to understand the type
of data which will be inputted in the system and how the output can be
produced.

After the system is installed, and if in case the system is not working properly it
will be very easy for the administrator to understand the flow of data in the
system with documentation which will help him/ her to correct the flaws and
get the system working in no time.

Uses of Documentation
System Analysis and Design 61

It facilitates effective communication regarding the system between the technical

and the non technical users.
It is very useful in training new users. With a Good documentation new users
can easily get acquainted with the flow of the systems.
Documentation also helps the users to solve problems like trouble shooting even
a non technical user can fix the problems.
It plays a significant role in evaluation process.
It not only helps to exercise a better control over the internal working of the firm,
but it also external as well especially during audit.
Documentations can help the manager to take better financial decisions of the
organization.

Q.2 Describe the different types of Documentation.

Ans.: There are five types of documentation:
(1) Program: Before a program is developed, the systems analyst should
provide the programmer with the required documentation. The logic in
some programs is best described by a flowchart. Sometimes decision
tables are also useful. The main responsibility in documentation is to
provide enough information to enable future programmers to understand
and make necessary changes. Since programmers do not retain their jobs
for a very long time, it becomes necessary that there be some kind of
documentation that will be useful for the new programmers who are
assigned the same system.
(2) Operations: For smooth running of the system, the data entry operator
must have complete knowledge about the job. The instructions must be in
a form that is easily accessible to the console operator and written in
simple and understandable style.
(3) User : System users should have a manual that describes everything the
users must know to do their job correctly. Users require two general type
of information: complete details to handle everything the system
processes, and an overall picture of the system.
(4) Management : The documentation required by management differs a lot
from that required by users. The manual should enable management to
perform three functions:
62

(a) Evaluate progress on the development of system.

(b) Monitor the existing systems.
(c) Understand the objectives and methods of the new and existing
system.
(5) Systems: This manual document the complete life cycle of the system. If
documents the results of the feasibility study, the team assigned, etc. It
also documents the file specification, transaction specification and output
specification.
System Analysis and Design 63

MCQs
Set 1:-

1. Which of the following technical skills is essential for a system analyst?

(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of the above ( )

2. Which one of the following is not a Top Management function?

(a) Planning
(b) Organizing
(c) Decision making
(d) Day to day operation ( )

3. An entity one of the following is not a Top Management functions?

(a) All entities are so same type
(b) May be of same type or may be of different type
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither (a) nor (b) ( )

4. "SQL" stands for:

(a) Software Quality Accuracy
(b) Maybe same type or may be of different type
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither a nor b ( )

5. A central repository of records is known as:

(a) Data warehousing (b) Client server system
(c) Data mining (d) Distributed System ( )

6. System Development Cycle is also known as:

(a) Problem solving cycle (b) Product life cycle
(c) Hardware cycle (d) Software cycle ( )

7. A computer which requests another computer is:

64

(a) Server
(b) Multiplexer
(c) Client
(d) None of the above ( )

8. System testing is an important par of:

(a) Model building
(b) Quality assurance
(c) Generating information
(d) None of the above ( )

9. Risk analysis includes:

(a) Manpower risk
(b) Technology risk
(c) Customer/user risk
(d) Environment risk ( )

10. Deductive database and expert system are mainly used for:
(a) Replacing the functionality of a real expert
(b) Hypothesis testing
(c) Knowledge discovery
(d) All of the above ( )

11. Error and fraud in any computer system can be detected through:
(a) Usage of password
(b) Network security
(c) Audit trails
(d) None of the above ( )

12. Which is the characteristics of data in a DBMD?

(a) Consistency (b) Security
(c) Independence (d) All of the above ( )

13. Which tool is used for analysis of data flow:

(a) Data flow diagram (b) Data dictionary
(c) Flow chart (d) All of the above ( )

14. Storage of information in graphs video, voice is:

(a) Multimedia (b) Cookies
(c) Text file (d) All of the above ( )
System Analysis and Design 65

15. Decision tables is:

(a) table containing decision
(b) methods
(c) none of the various programming analysis tools
(d) debugging tool ( )

16. A distinct object in a system is known is:

(a) Degree
(b) Attribute
(c) Parameter
(d) Entity ( )

17. An unstructured tool for information gathering can be:

(a) prototyping (b) questionnaires
(c) observation (d) all of the above ( )

18. ......................is the process of collecting organizing, storing and maintaining complete
historical record of programs.
(a) Documentation (b) Testing
(c) Debugging (d) None of the above ( )

19. Cost benefit analysis is performed during be:

(a) Analysis phase
(b) Design phase
(c) Implementation
(d) None of the above ( )

20. In terms of total software cost, maintenance costs appear to constitute about:
(a) 5%–20%
(b) 20% – 40%
(c) 40% – 80%
(d) 80% – 90% ( )

21. CASE is stand for:

(a) Computer Assisted Software Engineering
(b) Computer and Software Engineering
(c) Computer Aided Software Engineering
(d) None of the above ( )
66

22. Pseudo code is:

(a) Programmer (b) IBA
(c) User (d) System Analyst ( )

23. A system that groups a number of transaction for later processing is known is:
(a) Programmer
(b) IBA
(c) User
(d) System Analyst ( )

24. A person who analysis the way the system works and its problem is:
(a) Client server (b) On line system
(c) Real time system (d) Batch system ( )

25. Which of the following areas should be addressed while designing a system:
(a) Problem domain (b) Human interface
(c) Task management (d) Data management ( )

26. Top level manager uses:

(a) Strategic information
(b) Tactical information
(c) Operational information
(d) None of the above ( )

27. Entities, attributes and relationship are associated with:

(a) Logical concept of data
(b) Physical concept of data
(c) Person of organization
(d) None of the above ( )

28. Prototyping aims at:

(a) End user understanding and approval
(b) Program logic
(c) Planning of data flow organization
(d) None of the above ( )

29. File conversion is part of:

(a) System cut over
(b) System design
(c) Day to day activity
System Analysis and Design 67

(d) None of the above ( )

30. DSS role is:

(a) Trial and error search for solutions
(b) Planning
(c) Analyzing alternatives
(d) (a) (b) and (c) of the above ( )

31. Tangible benefits by their very nature, require:

(a) Subjective evaluation
(b) Quantifiable evaluation
(c) Feasible evolution
(d) None of the above ( )

32. The components that make up any system is known is:

(a) Data
(b) Boundary
(c) Description
(d) Information ( )

33. In a DBMS two records types and their relationship are called:
(a) Schema (b) Segment
(c) Set (d) Database record ( )

34. Data integrity stands for:

(a) Validated data
(b) Data stored in different files showing consistency
(c) Data field integrated to provide summary
(d) None of the above ( )

35. Hashing procedure is used in:

(a) Random files
(b) Sequential files
(c) Indexed relationship, field and record type
(d) None of the above ( )

36. A DDL is:

(a) Establishes relationship, field and record type
(b) Helps maintaining data in database
(c) Create database
68

(d) None of the above ( )

37. Which of the following are tools of SASD?

(a) HIPO
(b) CASE
(c) DFD
(d) All of the above ( )

38. Which of the following is not part of SDLC?

(a) Audit
(b) Reliability
(c) Security
(d) None of the above ( )

39. .........................means changing from one system to another:

(a) Manipulations
(b) Conversion
(c) Requirement
(d) Designing ( )

40. The full form of CPM is:

(a) Critical path method
(b) Critical program methodology
(c) Computer program and maintenance
(d) Complicated path method ( )

Answer Key
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (c) 12. d) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (d) 25. (a) 26. (a) 27. (a) 28. (a) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (a) 36. (c) 37. (d) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (a)
System Analysis and Design 69

Set 2:-

1. Which of the following technical skills is essential for a system analyst?

(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of the above ( )

2. The first step in SDLC is:

(a) Preliminary investigation and analysis
(b) System design
(c) Database Design
(d) None of the above ( )

3. Which one of the following is not a Top Management function?

(a) Planning
(b) Organizing
(c) Decision-making
(d) Day to day operation ( )

4. Data dictionary keeps details of the content of:

(a) Data Flow (b) Data stores
(c) Both a and b (d) Neither a nor b ( )

5. Structured programming involves:

(a) Functional modularization (b) Localization of error
(c) Decentralized programming (d) All of the above ( )

6. Tangible benefits by their very nature, require:

(a) Subjective evaluation (b) Quantifiable evaluation
(c) Feasible evaluation (d) None of the above ( )

7. An entity set of ER-Diagram, is a set of entities.

(a) All entities are of same type
(b) May be of same type or may be of different type
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither a nor b ( )

8. "SQA" stands for:

(a) Software Quality Accuracy
70

(b) Software Quality Assistant

(c) Software Quality Assurance
(d) None of the above ( )

9. A set of predefined steps for building a systems is :

(a) Linear cycle
(b) Water full cycle
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above ( )

10. The full form of CPM is:

(a) Critical path methods
(b) Critical program methodology
(c) Computer program and maintenance
(d) Complicated path method ( )

11. A central repository of records is known as:

(a) Data warehousing
(b) Client server system
(c) Data mining
(d) Distributed system ( )

12. System development cycle is also known as:

(a) Problem solving cycle (b) Product life cycle
(c) Hardware Cycle (d) Software cycle ( )

13. A method to illustrate how data flows in a system is known as:

(a) Data flow diagram (b) Pseudo-code
(c) Decision-support systems (d) None of the above ( )

14. A distinct object in a system is known as:

(a) Degree (b) Attribute
(c) Parameter (d) Entity ( )

15. A diagram that shows the inputs and outputs of a system is known as:
(a) Document flow diagram (b) context diagram
(c) Process diagram (d) None of the above ( )

16. A computer which requests another computer is:

(a) Server
System Analysis and Design 71

(b) Multiplexer
(c) Client
(d) None of the above ( )

17. A step in the development process is :

(a) Set (b) Subset
(c) Break (d) Phase ( )

18. System testing in an important part of:

(a) Model building (b) Quality assurance
(c) Generating information's (d) None of the above ( )

19. Adapting an object for use in an application is known is:

(a) conversation
(b) Data mining
(c) Collaboration
(d) Customization ( )

20. The detailed study of the present system is referred to as:

(a) System planning
(b) System analysis
(c) Feasibility study
(d) System design. ( )

21. Management is linked to information by:

(a) Decision (b) Data
(c) Both a and b (d) Neither a nor b ( )

22. Which of the following is a tactical decision?

(a) Diversification (b) Data
(c) Both a and b (d) Neither a nor b ( )

23. Waterfall model follows;

(a) systematic approach
(b) Sequential approach
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above ( )

24. When the customer wants quick delivery, which model is best suited?
(a) Prototype model (b) Waterfall model
72

(c) DSDM (d) None of the above ( )

25. LOC stands for:

(a) Line of code (b) Label of code
(c) Both a and b (d) None of the above ( )

26. Tools used in requirements are:

(a) Prototypes
(b) Use case
(c) Data flow diagram
(d) Transition process diagram ( )

27. Which of the following is not an element in the physical DFD?

(a) Internal/External entity
(b) Data flows
(c) Processors
(d) Flowchart ( )

28. A DFD is:

(a) Mainly used at the system specification stage
(b) The primary output of the system specification stage
(c) The modern version of a flowchart
(d) None of the above ( )

29. A software design description document only includes;

(a) Data dictionary

(b) ER diagram
(c) DFD
(d) All of the above ( )

30. Same types of attribute is called:

(a) Attribute set (b) Domain
(c) Entity set (d) None of the above ( )

31. Once the software is installed and deployed it enters the:

(a) Implementation phase
(b) System design phase
(c) Maintenance
(d) None of the above ( )
System Analysis and Design 73

32. Risk analysis includes:

(a) Manpower risk
(b) Technology risk
(c) Customer/user risk
(d) Environment risk
(e) All of the above ( )

33. Which set of properties that should be specified as a part of an architectural

design?
(a) Structured Properties (b) Extra-functional properties
(c) Families of related systems (d) All of the above ( )

34. FTR stands for:

(a) Formal Testing Review
(b) Formal Technical Review
(c) Formal Technical Relation
(d) None of the above ( )

35. Validation testing includes:

(a) Recovery testing
(b) Stress testing
(c) Alpha and Beta testing
(d) Security testing ( )
36. System testing includes:
(a) Recovery testing
(b) Stress testing
(c) Security testing
(d) All of the nonve ( )

37. Project manager is responsible for:

(a) Successful execution of the implementation phase
(b) Accomplishing assigned tasks
(c) Preparing soliciting document
(d) None of the above ( )

38. Client-server database consists of:

(a) Client application
(b) Database server
(c) Middleware
74

(d) All of the above ( )

39. Which of the following is false?

(a) Data mining support massive data collection
(b) Data mining support powerful multiprocessor computer
(c) Data mining support, data mining algorithms
(d) None of the above ( )

40. Deductive database and expert systems are mainly used for:
(a) Replacing the functionality of a real expert
(b) Hypothesis testing
(c) Knowledge discovery
(d) All of the above ( )

Answer Key
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (c 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (b)
11. (a) 12. a) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (a) 24. (b) 25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (b) 32. (c) 33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (d) 37. (a) 38. (c) 39. (a) 40. (b)
System Analysis and Design 75

Set 3:-

1. Which is the system development approach?

(a) Data modeling (b) Function oriented
(c) Process modeling (d) None of these ( )

2. Which is the characteristic of data in a DBMS?

(a) Consistency
(b) Security
(c) Independence
(d) All of the above ( )

3. Error and fraud in any computer system can be detected through:

(a) Usage of password (b) Network security
(c) Audit trails (d) None of the above ( )

4. What is decision table?

(a) A graphic method for describing the logic of decisions
(b) Data dictionary
(c) Flow chart
(d) None of these ( )

5. Which tool is used for analysis of data flow?

(a) Data flow diagram (b) Data dictionary
(c) Flow chart (d) All of the above ( )

6. How many types of relationships can be defined between two or more entities.
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 1 (d) None of the above ( )

7. The characteristic of data in a database is:

(a) Shared
(b) Security
(c) Persistence
(d) All of the above ( )

8. The rectangular is used in DFD:

(a) Read/write data
(b) Processing
76

(c) Decision-making
(d) None of these ( )

9. Which is a desirable feature of good quality design?

(a) Flexible
(b) Portable
(c) Secure
(d) All of the above ( )

10. Which tool is used for analysis of data flow?

(a) Data dictionary
(b) Structured English
(c) Decision Tables
(d) None of these ( )

11. A person who analyze the way the system works and its problems is:
(a) Programmer
(b) DBA
(c) User
(d) System analyst ( )

12. Storage of information in graphs, video, voice etc. is:

(a) Multimedia
(b) Cookies
(c) Text file
(d) None of the above ( )

13. The sequence of steps followed in a system study is :

(a) Problem definition, system design, system analysis, programming and
implementation
(b) Problem definition, system analysis, programming and implementation
(c) System analysis, system design and system implementation
(d) Problem, definition, system analysis, system design, programming analysis,
program preparation and implementation ( )

14. Decision table is:

(a) A table containing decisions
(b) A method to analyze how to get decision
(c) One of the various programming analysis tools
(d) A debugging tool ( )
System Analysis and Design 77

15. Decision tables are made prior to making a/an:

(a) Flowchart (b) Algorithm
(c) Program (d) Task analysis ( )

16. We task the help of flowcharts:

(a) To decide the sequence of steps involved in finding the solution
(b) As an addition to making algorithm
(c) To prepare decision tables
(d) None of the above ( )

17. A district object in a system is known is:

(a) Degree (b) Attribute
(c) Parameter (d) Entity ( )

18. A system that groups a number of transaction for later processing is known is:
(a) Client Server (b) Batch system
(c) Online system (d) Real time system ( )

19. Which of the following items are discussed during the system implementation phase
of the application:
(a) Program specification
(b) Software specification
(c) Software maintenance
(d) All of the above ( )

20. A system flow chart describes the:

(a) details of each program module
(b) line diagram for particular program
(c) data files and operations and decision for a particular program
(d) sequence of operations techniques is used to simplify defining problem ( )

21. Which of the following techniques is used to simplify defining problems by both system
analysis and programmers:
(a) Documentation
(b) Decision tables
(c) Sub-routine
(d) Decision instruction ( )

22. The normal starting point of any system design is to:

78

(a) determine the input requirement

(b) determine the output requirement
(c) establish data entry procedures
(d) determine data entry requirement ( )

23. Which of the following is not true about distributed processing:

(a) They are modular
(b) They are more reliable
(c) Maintenance costs are high
(d) Response is slow ( )

24. Which of the following technical skills is essential for a system analyst:
(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of the above ( )

25. An unstructured tools for information gathering can be:

(a) prototyping
( b) questionnaires ( )

26. The components of a distributed system are connected by a :

(a) Multiplexer
(b) Communication controller
(c) Network
(d) Switcher ( )

27. Entities attributes and relationships are associated with:

(a) Logical concept of data
(b) Physical concept of data
(c) Person of an organization
(d) None of the above ( )
28. Prototype is:
(a) minimodel of the existing system
(b) minimodel of tthe proposed system
(c) working model of the existing system
(d) none of the above ( )

29. ...................is a collection of computer based information that is critical to successful

execution of enterprise initiatives.
System Analysis and Design 79

(a) data mining

(b) data warehouse
(c) both a and b
(d) None ( )

30. A/An............is a set of components that work together to accomplish one or more
common goals.
(a) System
(b) Flow chart
(c) Algorithm
(d) None ( )

31. The feasibility report consists of:

(a) General specification for the new system
(b) Economic analysis of costs and justification for expenditure
(c) Technical considerations
(d) All of the above ( )

32. A....................is a structured repository of data.

(a) Data flow diagram
(b) Data dictionary
(c) Structure chart
(d) None ( )

33. An association among entities is caused a :

(a) Attribute
(b) Relationship
(c) Redundancy
(d) None ( )

34. ..............are a fundamental tool of a structured desing.

(a) Structure charts
(b) Data structure diagrams
(c) Case tools
(d) None of the above ( )

35. Which of the following appropriately explains the desirable characteristic of a good
system design?
80

(a) Modular approach

(c) Proper documentation
(a) Neither a nor b
(c) Both a and b ( )

36. Design specifications do not normally include:

(a) Output requirements
(b) Input and storage requirements
(c) Control Provisions
(d) Blueprints showing the layout hardware ( )

37. ................is a network that describes data flows and transformations throughout a
system:
(a) Data flow diagram
(b) Data dictionary
(c) Structure charts
(d) None ( )

38. In development of an applications systems, which accesses data under a DBMS, the
user vies the database as a:
(a) Group of files
(b) Logical Structure
(c) Random storage structure
(d) None of the above ( )

39. A set of prerecorded instructions executed by a computer is called the:

(a) Action
(b) Hardware
(c) Program
(d) None of these ( )

40. ...................is the process of collecting, organizing, storing and maintaining a

complete historical record of programs.
(a) Documentation
(b) Testing
(c) Debugging
(d) None of these ( )
System Analysis and Design 81

Answer Key
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (d)
21. (b) 22. (d) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (c)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (a) 34. (b) 35. (b) 36. (a) 37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (a)

Set 4:-

1. The basic objective of system analysis is to:

(a) Understand computer hardware by opening the system unit
(b) Train manager in mathematical analysis
(c) Run simulation program
(d) Understand a current system and modify it in same way ( )

2. A zero level! DFD describes:

(a) Overview of processes, inputs and outputs
(b) Fully blown by system design
(c) The system design can not be spilt further
(d) None of these ( )

3. Which of the following is not part of the SDLC?

(a) Feasibility study
(b) System design
(c) Unit testing
(d) None of these ( )

4. Cost-benefit analysis is performed during the:

(a) Analysis phase
(b) Design phase
(c) Implementation phase
82

(d) None of these ( )

5. Which of the following is most likely to be used to describe conditional logic?

(a) Decision table
(b) Data flow diagram
(c) Structured English
(d) All of the above ( )

6. Which of the following technical skills are essential for a system analyst?
(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of these ( )

7. The entity-relationship diagram:

(a) Depicts how data is transformed as it moves through the system
(b) Depicts relationship between data object
(c) Describes how the system behaves as a consequences of external events
(d) None of these ( )

8. The data dictionary consists of:

(a) Definition of all data elements in data flow diagram
(b) Process Specifications
(c) Key field of the database
(d) None of these ( )

9. The system design:

(a) Documents the user requirement
(b) Defines the architecture of the system
(c) Is carried out before the systems design
(d) None the these ( )

10. In terms of total software cost, maintenance costs appear to constitute about:
(a) 5% – 20%
(b) 20% – 40%
(c) 40% – 80%
(d) 80% – 90% ( )

11. Risk analysis is a part of which software development process:

(a) Waterfall model
System Analysis and Design 83

(b) Prototype model

(c) Spiral model
(d) None of these ( )

12. In which phase of SDLC, the modules are tested against specification produced during
design for the module?
(a) Analysis phase
(b) Design phase
(c) Coding Phase
(d) None of these ( )

13. How many types of relationship can be defined between two or more entities?
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 1 (d) None of these ( )

14. An unstructured tool for information gathering can be:

(a) Prototyping
(b) Questionnaires
(c) Observation
(d) All of these ( )

15. A knowledge is being discovered from a large volume of data, the method used is known
is:
(a) Data warehousing (b) Data mining
(c) Data counting (d) None of these ( )

16. The type of organization, in which a single index for each key type exists and records
are not necessarily stored in particular sequence:
(a) Index sequential method
(b) Inverted list organization
(c) Chaining
(d) None of these ( )

17. Loss of data integrity implies that data is:

(a) Inconsistent (b) Repeated
(c) Outdated (d) None of these ( )

18. A CASE is:

(a) Computer assisted software engineering
(b) Computer and software engineering
84

(c) Prepare, connect, execute, fetchrow, finish, disconnect

(d) None of these ( )

19. A support system that is related to the higher level of management is:
(a) Data support system
(b) Digital support system
(c) Decision support system
(d) None of these ( )

20. The main advantage of normalized relations in relations DBMS is taht they:
(a) Are highly secure
(b) De not suffer from anomalies during deleted and update operations
(c) Occupy minimal storage
(d) All of the above ( )

21. A diagram that shows the input of output of a system is known as:
(a) Document flow diagram
(b) Process diagram
(c) Context diagram
(d) None of these ( )

22. Which of the following are tools of SASD?

(a) HIPO
(b) Case
(c) DFD
(d) All of the these ( )

23. Which of the following appropriately explains the desirable characteristic of a good
system design?
(a) Modular approach
(b) Proper documentation
(c) Neither a nor b
(d) both a and b ( )

24. A typical data processing context, where master files are updated to produce desired
output, is known is:
(a) Validation checking
(b) Transaction processing
(c) Normalization process
(d) None of these ( )
System Analysis and Design 85

25. Whether a proposed system can provide right information for the organizations
personnel, falls under the study of:
(a) Economic feasibility
(b) Operational feasibility
(c) Technical feasibility
(d) All of these ( )

26. Stub is met within the context of:

(a) Data communication
(b) Testing of module
(c) Random access
(d) None of these ( )

27. Entities, attributes and relationship are associated with:

(a) Logical concept of data
(b) Physical concept of data
(c) Persons of an organization
(d) None of these ( )

28. Decision tables link conditions and:

(a) Tables
(b) Programs
(c) Actions
(d) None of these ( )

29. Pseudo code is:

(a) False logic
(b) Programming aid
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither a nor b ( )

30. Design specification do not normally include:

(a) Output requirements
(b) Input and storage requirements
(c) Control provisions
(d) Blueprints showing the layout of hardware ( )

31. The sequence of steps of following in a system study is:

86

(a) Problem definition, system design, system analysis, programming and

implementing
(b) Problem definition, system design, system analysis, programming and
implementing
(c) System analysis system design and system implementation
(d) Problem definition, system analysis, system design, programming and
implementing ( )

32. The phase of system development associated with creation of test data is:
(a) System analysis
(b) Physical design
(c) System acceptance
(d) Logical design ( )

33. Prototype is a :
(a) Minimodel of the existing system
(b) Minimodel of the proposed system
(c) Working model of the existing system
(d) None of these ( )

34. In development of an application system, which accesses data under a DBMS, the
user views the database as a:
(a) Group of files
(b) Logical structure
(c) Random storage structure
(d) None of these ( )

35. A distinct object in a system in known is:

(a) Degree
(b) Attribute
(c) Parameter
(d) Entity ( )

36. A person who analysis the way the system works and its problem is:
(a) Programmer
(b) DBA
(c) User
(d) System analyst ( )

37. A system that groups a number of transaction for later processing is known is:
System Analysis and Design 87

(a) Client Server

(b) Post on Point
(c) Post Office Protocol
(d) Post of Protocol ( )

38. ....................is an application layer protocol that establishes, maintains and terminates
a multimedia session.
(a) SIP
(b) RTCP
(c) DCT
(d) JPEG ( )

39. <Frameset Cols = "33%, 33%, 33%">

(a) Divides the browser screen into three equal horizontal sections
(b) Divides the browser screen into three equal vertical section
(c) Divides the browser screen into three horizontal sections
(d) Divides the browser screen into three vertical section ( )

40. A..............can forward or block packets based on the information in the network layer
and transport layer headers.
(a) Proxy farewell (b) Packet-filter fire well
(c) Message Digest (d) Private Key ( )

Answer Key
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (a)
11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (d) 29. (a) 30. (a)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (d) 36. (c) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (d) 40. (b)
88

Set 5:-

1. Which of the following is supported in Java?

(a) Operator overloading
(b) Pointers
(c) Multiples Inheritance
(d) Conditional Operator ( )

2. Which of the following is not a characteristic of HTTP?

(a) Stateless protocol
(b) Connection oriented
(c) Object-oriented protocol
(d) None of the above ( )

3. HTTP is a ...................layer protocol:

(a) Network
(b) Transport
(c) Application
(d) Presentation ( )

4. A periodic signal completes one cycle in 0.001 seconds. What is the frequency?
(a) Get
(b) Post
(c) Find
(d) Put ( )

5. Which of the following is true with respect to cookies?

(a) They allow Microsoft to look at your hard driver
(b) They taste yummy and best served with milk
(c) They serve as the virtual machine to run Java applets
(d) They allow server programs to store and retrieve info on the client side ( )

6. Dynamic HTML can:

(a) Create a ticker that automatically refreshes its content
(b) Create 3 - D Elements which can overlap
(c) Animate text and images without an animated gif file
(d) All of the above ( )

7. Which of the following is not internet security requirement?

System Analysis and Design 89

(a) Protecting confidentiality of private information

(b) Preventing unauthorized modification information
(c) Counting the number of customers accessing the internet
(d) Presenting the availability of system resources ( )

8. When a person uses a regular modem to make a connection to an internet service

provider through POTS, the data travels over a:
(a) Dedicated circuit
(b) Dialed circuit
(c) ISDN circuit
(d) VPN circuit ( )

9. Mobile nodes are assigned:

(a) Three IP addresses
(b) Two IP address
(c) One IP address
(d) None of the above ( )

10. Which of the following is not an attribute of the <TR> tag?

(a) ALIGN (b) STYLE
(c) CHR (d) VALIGN ( )

11. Consider the following sets A and B:

AISMTP, HTTP, FTP, TELNET, NNTP, UUCP
B {Remote login, News groups, Webpages, Email, File upload}
Which of the following illustrate the best combinations of an elements of a with an
element of B?
(a) {SMTP-News group, HTTP-Web Pages, FTP-Email TELNET. File uplaod,
NNTP-Remote Logn}
(b) {SMTP-WebPages, HTTP-Newsgroups, FTP-File upload, TELNET- Remote
login}
(c) SMTP-Email, HTTP-WebPages, TP-File upload, TELNET-Remote login, NNTP-
Newsgroups}
(d) {SMTP-Email, HTTP,File upload, FTP-Newsgroups, TELNET-Remote login}
( )

12. Consider the following JavaScript code line document write (7/2) identify the correct
statement (s) from among the following statement:
(a) The output is 7/2
(b) The output is 3
90

(c) This output is 3.5

(d) The java script code produces an error message ( )

13. Which of the following is a correct statement?

(a) JavaScript is a strongly typed language
(b) DOM stands for document object model
(c) The java script function prompt ( ) can be used to display a confirmation
dialog box ( )
(d) The java script exist statement can be used in return a result from a function.

14. In HTML, which pair of tags is used to define a table row and table cell respectively?
(a) TH, TR
(b) TD, TR
(c) TR, TH
(d) TR, TD ( )

15. http://www.google.com/images/logo.gif is a URL, Then

(a) http://www.google.com/images/is the pathname where the file logo.gif is stored
(b) google.com is the internet domain name of the server where the file logo.gif is
stored
(c) www.google.com is the internet domain name of the server where the file logo.gif
is stored
(d) The above URL is a 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16. MIME stands for:

(a) Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
(b) Multipurpose Internet Management Extension
(c) Multipurpose Internet Media Extension
(d) Multipurpose Internet Multimedia Extension ( )

17. Which of the following environment variable must be used by a CGI script in order to
produce a browser dependent output?
(a) HTTP_ACCEPT
(b) HTTP_USERAGENT
(c) REQUEST_METHOD
(d) HTTP_FROM ( )

18. Which of the following represent images, sound and vidio files respectively?
(a) Myfile.mid, myfie,avi,myfile,gif
(b) Myfile.gif,myfile,mid,myfile.avi
System Analysis and Design 91

(c) Myfile.gif,myfile.png,myfile.avi
(d) Myfile.avi,myfile,gif.myfile.mid ( )

19. A linked page opens is new window when target property of anchor tag is set to:
(a) _blank
(b) _parent
(c) _child
(d) _mainframe ( )

20. Select the odd one:

(a) <font>
(b) FTP
(c) <title>
(d) <> ( )

21. <Frameset Rows="33%, 33%, 33%>

(a) Divides the browser screen into three equal horizontal sections
(b) Divides the browser screen into three equal vertical sections
(c) Divides the browser screen into three horizontal sections
(d) Divides the browser screen into three vertical sections ( )

22. Which of the following is not Internet Related?

(a) POP3
(b) FTP
(c) x-400
(d) HTML ( )

23. Which of the following is a web-server?

(a) Microsoft IE
(b) Netscape Navigator
(c) Opera
(d) IIS ( )

24. <Form> tag's..............attribute specifies the CGI Script to which the data should be
submitted:
(a) Post
(b) Action
(c) methods
(d) get ( )
92

25. Which protocol cannot be used on the internet?

(a) IPX
(b) DNS
(c) POP3
(d) TCP ( )

26. What is the term for two modems establishing communication with each other?
(a) Interconnecting (b)Connecting
(c) Pinging (d)Handshaking ( )

27. Which of the following factors does impact the amount of bandwidth customer require
to access the Internet over DSL?
(a) Type of application
(b) Length of user session
(c) Use of e-mail
(d) Necessity of web server to promote business information ( )

28. In JPEG image format, compression ratio of upto-can be achieved without losing image
quality:
(a) 80 : 1
(b) 60 : 1
(c) 40 : 1
(d) 20 :1 ( )

29. Which of the following statement is not true?

(a) Analog modems are inexpensive
(b) ISDN difficult to install
(c) Leased lines are expensive
(d) Analog modems offer high speed access ( )

30. Which of the following is not a Traditional internet access method?

(a) Analog dial up modems
(b) ISDN
(c) Leased Lines
(d) DSL ( )

31. Which of the following domain names would most likely use a country domain to resolve
its IP address?
(a) chal.at ae.fhda.edu (b) gsfe.nasa.gov
(c) kenz.acct.sony.in (d) mae.eng.sony.com ( )
System Analysis and Design 93

32. Which of the following is an address revolver in an internet?

(a) DNS client
(b) DNS Server
(c) Host Machine
(d) Root Server ( )

33. MPEG divides frames into three categories:

(a) I-Frames, frames, B-Frames
(b) I-Frames, A-Frames, B-Frames
(c) I-Frames, U-Frames, B-Frames
(d) I-Frames, T-frames, B-Frames ( )

34. Which of the following protocol is used to serve steaming audio/video?

(a) SMTP
(b) HHTP
(c) FTP
(d) RTSP ( )

35. JPEG encoding involves .............a process that reveals the redundancies in a block.
(a) Blocking (b) The DCT
(c) Quantization (d) Vectorization ( )

36. A client machine usually need............to sent email:

(a) Only SMTP
(b) Only POP
(c) Both SMTP and POP
(d) None of the above ( )

37. Protocols for internet Telephony are:

(a) SIP and H.323 (b) RSTP and SRTF
(c) RSTP and RTCP (d) None of the above ( )

38. ...................is a device at the telephone company site that can packetize data to be sent to
the ISP server.
(a) A SDLAM (b) An ADSL Modem
(c) A filter (d) A splitter ( )

39. A paired HTML tag ends with:

(a) <\tag_name> (b) </tag_name>
94

(c) <tag_name> (d) <tag_name/> ( )

40. An applet is:

(a) A stand alone java program
(b) An animation tool
(c) A java program run able only in a browser
(d) A server ( )

Answer Key
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. ( b) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20.(b)
21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (d) 29. (d) 30. (a)
31. (c) 32. (b) 33. (a) 34. (d) 35. (c) 36. (a) 37. (a) 38. (b) 39. (b) 40. (c)
System Analysis and Design 95

Glossary

Activity That set of tasks which are organized and broken down into a set of
procedures to accomplish a specific goal. The distinction between a sub-function and an
activity is as much a matter of interpretation as it is a matter of scope.

Analysis The separation of an intellectual or substantial whole into its constituent parts
for individual study. The stated findings of such a separation or determination.

Application The specific set of activities under analysis. An application may consist of
one or more activities within a functional area, or it may include all activities within a
functional area. In some cases the application may cross functional areas. In some firms
an application is synonymous with a system.

Attribute An aspect, quality, or characteristic of either an entity or a relationship which

describes it. An attribute may be a physical characteristic, such as size, weight, or color,
or a locational attribute, such as place of residence or place of birth. It may be a quality
such as level of a particular skill, educational degree achieved, or the dollar value of the
items represented by the order.

Baseline An item or collection of items of a particular shape and form used as a

reference. A baseline configuration is a reference point for evaluating modifications
and enhancements and a starting point for making those changes. This baseline is
normally considered the “official” version of an installed and operational Configuration
Item.

Class A set, group, collection or configuration containing members having or believed

to have at least one attribute or characteristic in common. To classify is to organize or
arrange according to class or category.

Client/Server That combination of common use, sharable machines which provide a

variety of services to a network of personal workstations know as clients. Server
machines may be dedicated to providing file storage or peripheral device management
96

(such as printers, scanners, etc.) services, or they may also function as personal
workstations.

Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) also called Computer Aided Systems
Engineering, Computer Assisted Software Engineering and Computer Assisted Systems
Engineering. CASE products are collections of software tools assembled by a vendor to
help the analyst, designer and developer to produce diagrams and models; analyze
component relationships; produce code; manage component and model versions;
produce reports; and to document the results of their analysis and design in narrative
form.

Configuration A specific arrangement of items assembled for a particular purpose.

Data analysis That process by which the data requirements of a functional area are
identified, element by element. Each data element is defined from a business sense, its
ownership is identified, and users and sources of that data are identified. These data
elements are grouped into records, and a data structure is created which indicates the
data dependencies.

Data dictionary An automated tool for collecting and organizing the detailed
information about system components. Data dictionaries maintain facilities to
document data elements, records, programs, systems, files, users, and other system
components. A dictionary will also have facilities to cross-reference all system
components to each other.

Data element The lowest unit of meaningful information in an automated file or on a

document. A data element may consist of numbers, letters, or a combination of both.

Encyclopedia An integral part of a CASE product and designed by the CASE tool
vendor specifically to collect and organize the detailed information about the data and
process model system components developed using the CASE tool components. CASE
encyclopedias maintain facilities to document attributes, entities and relationships,
functions and processes, screens and reports, data flows, data stores, missions, goals,
objectives, critical success factors, users and organization structures, and other data and
process model components. An encyclopedia will also have facilities to cross-reference
all components of its data and process models. A specific vendor‟s encyclopedia cannot
normally operate independently of its associated CASE tool.
System Analysis and Design 97

Entity Any real person, place, or thing, or logical person, place, or thing which can be
definitively described, and which is of immediate and/or ongoing interest to the firm as
a whole or to some aspect of the firm. An entity may also be an idea, concept, or
convenience.

Entity set All known or suspected variants of the singular entities which make up the
global set. In the entity-relationship model, the entity set is treated as if it were
synonymous with the individual entities which comprise it. That is, the set is treated as
if each of its component entities is defined and behaves in a similar manner.

Facilities Management. The process whereby one firm (the contracting firm) enters
into a fixed length contract with another (the contractor) where the contractor agrees to
operate and maintain the contracting firm‟s information systems. The Contracting firm
normally agrees to provide all or a specified part of the necessary Information Systems
equipment and supplies, and the contractor provides its own employees and
management. The contractor operates the contracting firm‟s equipment, on the
contracting firm‟s premises. Some or all of the contractor‟s employees may be located
on the contracting firm‟s premises.

File A group of records, in automated or document form, which relate to the same
subject and which are used and manipulated in the same manner.

Function A series of related activities, involving one or more entities, performed for the
direct or indirect purpose of fulfilling one or more missions or objectives of the firm,
generating revenue for the firm, servicing the customers of the firm, producing the
products and services of the firm, or managing, administering, monitoring, recording,
or reporting on the activities, states, or conditions of the entities of the firm.

Graphic User Interface (GUI) The term given to that set of items and facilities which
provide the user with a graphic means for manipulating screen data rather than being
limited to character based commands. Graphic User Interface tool kits are provided by
many different vendors and contain a variety of components including (but are not
limited to) tools for creating and manipulating Windows, Menu Bars, Status Bars,
Dialogue Boxes, Pop-Up Windows, Scroll Or Slide Bars, Icons, “Radio” Buttons, On-
Line and Context Dependent Help Facilities. Graphic User Interface tool kits may also
provide facilities for using a mouse to locate and manipulate on screen data and
activate program components.
98

Integrated CASE (I-CASE) A collection of products designed to allow the tools

contained within them to communicate with each other and to transfer analysis, design
and development data between them. Thus the data modeling tool may share data
with the process modeling tool and both will share data with the code generation tools.
the measurement tools may collect data from both and both may support the testing
tools. Rarely however, will one CASE product permit and facilitate the transfer of data
from its storage facility to that of another CASE product. Thus once a design is begin in
one CASE too it is difficult or in some cases impossible to transfer that design
information to another CASE product with completely reentering all the information

Interview A formal face-to-face meeting, especially, one arranged for the assessment of
the qualifications of an applicant, as for employment or admission.... A conversation, as
one conducted by a reporter, in which facts, or statements are elicited from another.

Life cycle The course of developmental changes thorough which a project passes from
its inception as a project request to the mature state as characterized by a stable
production environment.. A progression through a series of differing stages of
development.

Method A means or manner of procedure, a regular and systematic way of

accomplishing something. An orderly and systematic arrangement. Procedures
according to a detailed, logically ordered plan.

Methodology The system of principles, practices, and procedures applied to a specific

branch of knowledge.

Metric - A standard of measurement. The term is most often used to identify things
that will be measured rather than the measurement process or the individual readings
or points. Some examples of metric might be: lines of code, number of phone calls,
number of resignations, or number of tests.

Model A representation, either graphic, narrative, or a combination of both, of a

physical or conceptual environment. A model must identify the major components of
the environment, describe those components in terms of their major attributes, and
depict the relationships between the components and the conditions under which the
components exist and interact with each other.
System Analysis and Design 99

Outsourcing. The process whereby one firm (the contracting firm) enters into a fixed
length contract with another (the contractor) where the contractor agrees to operate and
maintain the contracting firm‟s information systems. The Contractor firm agrees to buy
all or a specified part of the contracting firms Information Systems equipment and
supplies, and to hire as their own employees all or a specified part of the contracting
firm‟s Information Systems employees.

Personal Computer (PC) - Any combination of processor, input device and output
device designed for use by a single individual. Personal computers may also be called
workstations. Personal computers may have a character orientation, a graphical
orientation, may be connected to other personal computers, or may operate in a
standaloness mode, and may or may not have connectivity to a mainframe. Personal
computer software is normally characterized by an operating system which provides
basic file access, management and display services and well as application scheduling
and management.

Plan That sequence of activities which are to be followed. A plan states each task, the
estimated time to complete it, the persons assigned to perform it, and any task-to-task
dependencies. Plans are updated on a periodic basis with actual results, and new
estimates are determined. At any point, the plan should reflect actual progress and
remaining work.

Platform The term used to distinguish between the different classes or sizes of
computing machinery –mainframe, minicomputer and microcomputer (or personal
computer or workstation), between the various operating systems on each machine, and
in some cases between stand-alone machines and networked machines. In some cases
the term platform is used to distinguish between one combination of machine and
software and some other combination.

Procedure The specific steps which must be followed in order to accomplish a specific
task or activity.

Process A sequence of related activities, or it may be a sequence of related tasks which

make up an activity. These activities or tasks are usually interdependent, and there is a
well-defined flow from one activity to another or from one task to another.

Program A sequence of instructions which may be followed by a computer to perform a

specific task or tasks.
100

Prototype A model on which later stages or development is based or judged.

Prototypes are usually primitive forms used to evaluate a design. Prototypes may or
may not actually work.

Record A group of one or more data elements which are stored together and which
represent information which relates to a common topic. A record may be automated, or
it may be a business document.

Relationship An association, linkage, or connection, either real or suspected, between

entities of the same or different set which describes their interaction, the dependence of
one upon the other, or their mutual interdependence.

Repository A tool independent of both DBMS and CASE products designed to collect
and organize all analysis and design information regardless of source. Repositories can
collect information about the components of the data and process model components
developed using the CASE tools, as well as that information collected about non-model
Information systems components such as data elements, records, programs, systems,
files, and users. Repositories maintain facilities to document attributes, entities and
relationships, functions and processes, screens and reports, data flows, data stores,
missions, goals, objectives, critical success factors, users and organization structures,
and other data and process model components.

Review A reexamination or reconsideration.. A retrospective view or survey. An

inspection or examination with the intention of evaluating and correcting flaws or
errors

Security The protection of the firm's records and resources from unauthorized access,
modification, or other interference includes an analysis of ownership, access,
modification, use, and a determination of what protective or restrictive measures must
be taken to ensure adequate protection of the firm's files.

Standards The rules which must be followed in order to accomplish a specific activity
or task. Standards are established to ensure that all work is performed in a uniform
manner.

System A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent (business functions,

processes, activities or) elements forming a complex whole .... a functionally related
System Analysis and Design 101

group of (business functions, processes, activities or) elements, for instance, a network
of structures and channels, as for communications, travel, or distribution.

Systems analyst One who engages in the study of, and separation of, a group of
interacting, interrelated, or interdependent (business functions, processes, activities or)
elements forming a complex whole into its constituent parts for individual study.

Task The lowest unit of discrete work which can be identified. An activity may be
composed of many tasks. Tasks are highly repetitive, highly formalized, and rigidly
defined.

Users Business personnel in other areas of the firm who manage, supervise, or perform
the direct and indirect operational, managerial, and administrative tasks of the firm.
Users provide the impetus for the development of these systems, in many cases they
fund the development and implementation process and provide for their ongoing
operation, and in all cases they supply the policies, guidelines, business requirements,
specifications, and background information about the particular area to be systematized
and automated.
102

Bibliography

Best books to refer:-

1.) System analysis and Design by Elias M. Awad
2.) Systems Analysis and Design by Kenneth E. Kendall

Best web-sites to surf:-

1.) http://www.nos.org/htm/sad1.htm
2.) http://www.umsl.edu/~sauterv/analysis/analysis_links.html
3.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analysis

Syllabus
MCA Year 2 Semester III
System Analysis and Design

Unit I: System Concepts and Information Systems Environment: The System Concept:
Definition, Characteristics of Systems, Elements of a System, Open and Closed System,
Formal and Informal Information Systems, Computer based Information Systems,
Management Information System, Decision Support System, General Business
Knowledge, and Interpersonal Communicational System.
System Analysis and Design 103

Unit II : System Development Life Cycle: Recognition of needs, Impetus for System
Change, Feasibility Study, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Post implementation and
Maintenance. Role of the Systems Analyst, The Analyst/User Interface, Behavioral
issues.

Unit III: Systems Planning and Initial Investigation: Strategies for Determining
Information
Requirement, Problem Definition & Project initiation, Background Analysis, Fact
Analysis, Review of Written Documents, Onsite Observations, Interviews and
Questionnaires, Fact Analysis, Performance Analysis, Efficiency Analysis, Service
Analysis.

Unit IV: Information Gathering: need, Information about the firms, Information
gathering tools, Interviewing, Arranging the Interview, Guides to a Successful
Interview, Types of Interviews and Questionnaires, The Structured and Unstructured
Alternatives.

Unit V: Tools of Structured Analysis: The Dataflow Diagram (DFD), Data Dictionary,
Decision Trees and Structured English.

Unit VI: Feasibility Study: System performance, Economic Feasibility, Technical

Feasibility, Behavioral

Unit VII: Input/output and Forms Design: Input Design, CRT Screen Design, Output
Design, and Requirements of form Design. H/W / S/W Selection, Make V/s Buy
decision and Maintenance, Documentation: Importance, Types of documentation,
Security and disaster planning and management.
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Content
S. No. Name of Units Page No.
1. Unit I: System Concepts and Information Systems
Environment

2. Unit II : System Development Life Cycle

System Analysis and Design 105

3. Unit III: Systems Planning and Initial Investigation

4. Unit IV: Information Gathering

5. Unit V: Tools of Structured Analysis

6. Unit VI: Feasibility Study

106

7. Unit VII: Input/output and Forms Design

8. Documentation

9. MCQs

10. Glossary

□□□
System Analysis and Design 107

Unit I

System Concepts and Information

system environment

Introduction:
System analysis is the application or function of the system concept or system approach
to solve the problem using computers. To solve the problem one must have knowledge
of system and how an organization works in a system.

1 Define System and explain its characteristics.

Ans.: A System means an organized relationship among functioning units or
components. It is an orderly grouping of interdependent components linked
together according to a plan to achieve a specific objective. The elements of the
system are as under:
(1) Outputs and Inputs: A major objective of a system is to produce an
output that has value to its user. Whatever the nature of the output, it
must be in line with the expectations of the intended user. Inputs are the
elements that enter the system for processing and output is the outcome of
the processing.
(2) Processors: The processor is the element of the system that involves the
actual transformation of input into output. It is the operational component
of a system. Processors modify the input totally or partially.
108

(3) Control : The control element guides the system. It is the decision-making
subsystem that controls the pattern of activities governing input,
processing and output.
(4) Feedback : Control in a dynamic system is achieved by feedback.
Feedback measures output against a standard in some form that includes
communication and control. Feedback may be positive or negative,
routine or informational.
(5) Environment: It is the source of external elements that impinge on the
system. It determines how a system must function.
(6) Boundaries and Interfaces: A system should be defined by its
boundaries- the limits that identify its components, processes and
interrelationships when it interfaces with another system.
The characteristics of a system are as under :
(6) Organization: It implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of
components that helps to achieve objectives.
(7) Interaction : It refers to the manner in which each component functions
with other component of the system. In an organization, for example,
purchasing must interact with production, advertising with sales, etc.
(8) Interdependence : It means that parts of the organization or computer
system depend on one another. They are coordinated and linked together
according to a plan. One subsystem depends on the input of another
subsystem for proper functioning.
(9) Integration : It refers to the completeness of systems. It is concerned with
how a system is tied together. It is more than sharing a physical part or
location. It means that parts of a system work together within the system
even though each part performs a unique function.
(10) Central Objective : Objectives may be real or stated. Although a stated
objective may be the real objective, it is not uncommon for an organization
to state one objective and operate to achieve another.

Q.2 Explain the different types of Processing Systems.

System Analysis and Design 109

Ans.: Batch processing is execution of a series of programs ("jobs") on a computer

without human interaction. Batch jobs are set up so they can be run to
completion without human interaction, so all input data is preselected through
scripts or command-line parameters. This is in contrast to "online" or interactive
programs which prompt the user for such input.
Batch processing has these benefits :
It allows sharing of computer resources among many users,
It shifts the time of job processing to when the computing resources are
less busy,
It avoids idling the computing resources with minute-by-minute human
interaction and supervision,
By keeping high overall rate of utilization, it better amortizes the cost of a
computer, especially an expensive one.
Distributed computing deals with hardware and software systems containing
more than one processing element or storage element, concurrent processes, or
multiple programs, running under a loosely or tightly controlled regime.
In distributed computing a program is split up into parts that run simultaneously
on multiple computers communicating over a network. Distributed computing is
a form of parallel computing, but parallel computing is most commonly used to
describe program parts running simultaneously on multiple processors in the
same computer. Both types of processing require dividing a program into parts
that can run simultaneously, but distributed programs often must deal with
heterogeneous environments, network links of varying latencies, and
unpredictable failures in the network or the computers.
Distributed programming typically falls into one of several basic architectures or
categories: Client-server, 3-tier architecture, N-tier architecture, Distributed
objects, loose coupling, or tight coupling.
Client - Server : Smart client code contacts the server for data, then
formats and displays it to the user. Input at the client is committed back to
the server when it represents a permanent change.
3-tier Architecture : Three tier systems move the client intelligence to a
middle tier so that stateless clients can be used. This simplifies application
deployment. Most web applications are 3-Tier.
110

N-tier Architecture : N-Tier refers typically to web applications which

further forward their requests to other enterprise services. This type of
application is the one most responsible for the success of application
servers.
Tightly Coupled (Clustered) : Refers typically to a cluster of machines
that closely work together, running a shared process in parallel. The task
is subdivided in parts that are made individually by each one and then
put back together to make the final result.
Peer-to-Peer : an architecture where there is no special machine or
machines that provide a service or manage the network resources. Instead
all responsibilities are uniformly divided among all machines, known as
peers. Peers can serve both as clients and servers
The time between the presentation of a set of inputs and the appearance of all the
associated outputs is called the response time. A real-time system is one that
must satisfy explicit bounded response time constraints to avoid failure.
Equivalently, a real-time system is one whose logical correctness is based both on
the correctness of the outputs and their timeliness. Notice that response times of,
for example, microseconds are not needed to characterize a real-time system - it
simply must have response times that are constrained and thus predictable. In
fact, the misconception that real-time systems must be "fast" is because in most
instances, the deadlines are on the order of microseconds. But the timeliness
constraints or deadlines are generally a reflection of the underlying physical
process being controlled. For example, in image processing involving screen
update for viewing continuous motion, the deadlines are on the order of 30
microseconds.
An important concept in real-time systems is the notion of an event, that is, any
occurrence that results in a change in the sequential flow of program execution.
Events can be divided into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous.
Synchronous events are those that occur at predictable times such as execution of
a conditional branch instruction or hardware trap. Asynchronous events occur at
unpredictable points in the flow-of-control and are usually caused by external
sources such as a clock signal. Both types of events can be signaled to the CPU by
hardware signals
System Analysis and Design 111

□□□
Q.3 what are the different types of systems?

Ans.:
iv. Physical or Abstract systems:-
Physical systems are tangible entities that may be static or dynamic in nature.
Physical entities can be seen and counted.
Abstract system are conceptual or nonphysical entites.
v. Open or Closed system:-
In an open system, system take input from the outside and give the proccessd
data as an output. Characteristics of open system are as input from outside,
entropy, process, output and cycles, differentiation, equifinality.
In a closed system, system dose not take input from outside world as well does
not provide any type of output to the outside world. In reality closed systems are
rare.

vi. Man-Mad information system:-

Man-Mad information system can be of following types:-

o Formal Information system:-

A formal information system is based on the orgainzation represented by
the organization chart.
o Informal Information system:-
The informal information system is employee based system designed to
meet personal and vocational need of the system

o Computer-Based Information System:-

112

Computer-Based Information System relies on computer for handling

business application.
It have following types:-
c) Management Information System:-
Management information system is a person-machine system and
highly integrated collection of information processing functions.
d) Decision Support System:- A set of interrelated computer programs
and the data vital to assist with analysis and decision-making within
an organization.
c.) Data Processing System:-
In information processing, a Data Processing System is a system
which processes data which has been captured and determined in a
format identifiable by the data processing system or has been
created and stored by another component of an information
processing system.
System Analysis and Design 113

Figure 2 Computer based information system

Case studies:-

You are in a coffee shop across the street from office having lunch. A customer
114

walks up to the counter. You observe the following:

Customer: Hi Dimple; I‟d like a burger to go.
Dimple(waitress): Anything else?
Customer: Yes, a small order of fries and cold coffee.
Dimple: That‟ll be 82.35 Rs only.

She collects the cash and places the order through an electronic cash register that
automatically displays the order on a TV screen in the back room where orders
are prepared. When the order is ready, Dimple puts it in a bag and hands it to the
customer.

Assignment
c.) Explain the pattern of this system in action. Specifically discuss the following:
vi.) The organization system‟s characteristics.
vii.) The subsystem, information flow, and interfaces.
viii.) The types of interdependence in the organization structure and the nature
of feedback.
ix.) Input/output and environment
x.) Formal and Informal information system
d.) If you were to improve the performance of the system , what would you do?
How? Explain.
System Analysis and Design 115

Unit-2

System Development Life Cycle

Introduction:
System Development and Life Cycle(SDLC) is an approach or a concept which is the
collection of tools and technologies that help to convert a manual system into the
computerized automated system or to develop the new one. Generally, there are six
phases in the SDLC viz. Initial investigation, Feasibility study, Analysis, Design,
Implementation, Post- implementation and maintenance.

Q.1 Describe System Development Life Cycle and explain its various phases.
Ans.: The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a conceptual model used in
project management that describes the stages involved in an information system
development project from an initial feasibility study through maintenance of the
completed application. Various SDLC methodologies have been developed to
guide the processes involved including the waterfall model (the original SDLC
method), rapid application development (RAD), joint application development
(JAD), the fountain model and the spiral model. Mostly, several models are
combined into some sort of hybrid methodology. Documentation is crucial
regardless of the type of model chosen or devised for any application, and is
usually done in parallel with the development process. Some methods work
better for specific types of projects, but in the final analysis, the most important
factor for the success of a project may be how closely particular plan was
followed.
Feasibility : The feasibility study is used to determine if the project should get
the go-ahead. If the project is to proceed, the feasibility study will produce a
project plan and budget estimates for the future stages of development.
116

Requirement Analysis and Design : Analysis gathers the requirements for the
system. This stage includes a detailed study of the business needs of the
organization. Options for changing the business process may be considered.
Design focuses on high level design like, what programs are needed and how are
they going to interact, low-level design (how the individual programs are going
to work), interface design (what are the interfaces going to look like) and data
design (what data will be required). During these phases, the software's overall
structure is defined. Analysis and Design are very crucial in the whole
development cycle. Any glitch in the design phase could be very expensive to
solve in the later stage of the software development. Much care is taken during
this phase. The logical system of the product is developed in this phase.
Implementation : In this phase the designs are translated into code. Computer
programs are written using a conventional programming language or an
application generator. Programming tools like Compilers, Interpreters,
Debuggers are used to generate the code. Different high level programming
languages like C, C++, Pascal, Java are used for coding. With respect to the type
of application, the right programming language is chosen.
Testing : In this phase the system is tested. Normally programs are written as a
series of individual modules, these are subject to separate and detailed test. The
system is then tested as a whole. The separate modules are brought together and
tested as a complete system. The system is tested to ensure that interfaces
between modules work (integration testing), the system works on the intended
platform and with the expected volume of data (volume testing) and that the
system does what the user requires (acceptance/beta testing).
Maintenance : Inevitably the system will need maintenance. Software will
definitely undergo change once it is delivered to the customer. There are many
reasons for the change. Change could happen because of some unexpected input
values into the system. In addition, the changes in the system could directly
affect the software operations. The software should be developed to
accommodate changes that could happen during the post implementation
period.
System Analysis and Design 117

Q.2 What is the role of a Systems Analyst?

Ans.: System Analysts bridges the gap that always exists between those who need
computer-based business solutions. They understand both business and
computing. They study business problems and opportunities and then transform
business and information requirements into specifications for information
systems that will be implemented by various technical specialists including
computer programmers. System Analysts initiate change within an organization.
Every new system changes the business. System Analyst is basically a problem
solver.
An analyst must possess various skills to effectively carry out the job.
Specifically, they may be divided, into two categories: Interpersonal and
technical skills. Both are required for system development. Interpersonal skills
deal with, relationships and the interface .of the analyst with people in business.
They are useful in establishing trust‟s resolving conflict, and communicating
information. Technical skills, on the other hand, focus an procedures and
techniques for operations analysis, systems analysis, and computer science
The interpersonal skills relevant to systems work include the following :
Communication
Understanding
Foresightedness and Vision
Adaptability and Flexibility Skills
Teaching
Selling
Patience and Rationality
Management Skills
Leadership Quality
Training and Documentation Capability
Technical skills include:
Creativity-
118

Problem solving-
Project management-
Dynamic interface-
Questioning attitude and inquiring mind-
Knowledge-

Q.3 What are the models and different types of models?

c.) Waterfall model or Classic Life Cycle Model or Linear Sequential Model
d.) Prototype process model

Ans.:
a.) Waterfall Model
Sometimes called the classic life cycle or the linear sequential model, the waterfall
model is a systematic, sequential approach to software development in which
development is seen as flowing downwards ( like a waterfall ) that begins at the
system level and progresses through analysis, design, coding, testing and
support. To follow the waterfall model, one proceeds from one phase to the next
in a sequential manner. For example, one first completes "requirements
specification". When the requirements are fully completed, one proceeds to
design. The software is designed (on paper) and this design should be a plan for
implementing the requirements given. When the design is fully completed, an
implementation of that design, i.e. coding of the design is made by
programmers. After the implementation phases are complete, the software
product is tested and debugged; any faults introduced in earlier phases are
removed here. Then the software product is installed, and later maintained to
add any new functions that the user needs and remove bugs. Thus in a waterfall
model, we can move to the next step only when the previous step is completed
System Analysis and Design 119

and removed of all errors. There is no jumping back and forth or overlap
between the steps in a waterfall model.

Information
Modeling

Requirements
Analysis

Design

Code
Generation

Testing

Delivery &
Support

The model consists of six distinct stages, namely :

(7) In the Information Modelling phase
(a) Work begins by gathering information related to the existing
system. This will consists of all items consisting of hardware,
people, databases etc.
(8) In the requirements analysis phase
(a) The problem is specified along with the desired objectives (goals).
(b) The constraints are identified.
(c) All information about the functions, behaviour, and performance
are documented and checked by the customers.
(9) In the design phase, all inputs, computations and outputs of the system
should be converted into a software model so that it can be coded by
120

programmers. The hardware requirements are also determined at this

stage along with a picture of the overall system architecture.
(10) In the code generation phase, the design has to be translated into a machine-
readable form using any of the programming languages available that is
suitable for the project.
(11) In the testing phase stage
(a) Once code is generated, testing begins.
(b) It focuses on all the statements of the software and removes all
errors.
(c) It ensures that proper input will produce actual results.
(d) Detailed documentation from the design phase can significantly
reduce the coding effort.
(12) The delivery and support phase consists of delivering the final product to
the customer and then taking care of the maintenance of the product. In
this phase the software is updated to :
(a) Meet the changing customer needs
(b) Adapted to accommodate changes in the external environment
(c) Correct errors that were not previously known in the testing phases
(d) Enhancing the efficiency of the software
b.)Prototype Process Model
The prototyping model begins with the requirements gathering. The developer and the
customer meet and define the objectives for the software, identify the needs, etc. A
„quick design‟ is then created. This design focuses on those aspects of the software that
will be visible to the customer. It then leads to the construction of a prototype. The
prototype is then checked by the customer and any modifications or changes that are
required are made to the prototype. Looping takes place in this process and better
versions of the prototype are created. These are continuously shown to the user so that
any new changes can be updated in the prototype. This process continues till the user is
satisfied with the system. Once a user is satisfied, the prototype is converted to the
actual system with all considerations for quality and security.
System Analysis and Design 121

The prototype is considered as the „first system‟. It is advantageous because both

the customers and the developers get a feel of the actual system. But there are
certain problems with the prototyping model too.
(4) The prototype is usually created without taking into consideration overall
software quality.
(5) When the customer sees a working model in the form of a prototype, and
then is told that the actual software is not created, the customer can get
irritated.
(6) Since the prototype is to be created quickly, the developer will use
whatever choices he has at that particular time (eg, he may not know a
good programming language, but later may learn. He then cannot change
the whole system for the new programming language). Thus the
prototype may be created with less-than-ideal choices.

Q.5 Describe the Rapid Application Development Model. State its disadvantages.
Ans.: Rapid Application Development (RAD) is an incremental software development
process model that focuses on a very short development cycle. The RAD model is
a „high-speed‟ version of the linear sequential model. It enables a development
team to create a fully functional system within a very short time period (e.g. 60 to
90 days).
Business Modeling : The information flow among business functions is modeled in a
way that answers the following questions :
What information drives the business process?
What information is generated?
Who generates it?
Where does the information go?
Who processes it?
122

Data Modeling : It gives all the details about what data is to be used in the project. All
the information found in the business modeling phase is refined into a set of data objects
and the characteristics and the relationships between these objects are defined.
Process Modeling : Here all the processes are defined that are needed to use the data
objects to create the system. Processing descriptions are created for adding, modifying,
deleting, or retrieving a data object.
Application Generation : RAD makes use of the fourth generation techniques and tools
like VB, VC++, Delphi etc rather than creating software using conventional third
generation programming languages. The RAD reuses existing program components
(when possible) or creates reusable components (when necessary). In all cases, automated
tools (CASE tools) are used to facilitate construction of the software.
Testing and Turnover : Since the RAD process emphasizes reuse, many of the
program components have already been tested. This minimizes the testing and
development time.
If a business application can be divided into modules, so that each major function
can be completed within the development cycle, then it is a candidate for the
RAD model. In this case, each team can be assigned a model, which is then
integrated to form a whole.
Disadvantages :
· For Large projects, RAD requires sufficient resources to create the right number
of RAD teams.
· If a system cannot be properly divided into modules, building components for
RAD will be problematic
· RAD is not appropriate when technical risks are high, e.g. this occurs when a
new application makes heavy use of new technology.

Q.6 Explain the Spiral Model. What are the advantages of this model?
Ans.: The spiral model, combines the iterative nature of prototyping with the
controlled and systematic aspects of the waterfall model, therein providing the
potential for rapid development of incremental versions of the software. In this
model the software is developed in a series of incremental releases with the early
System Analysis and Design 123

stages being either paper models or prototypes. Later iterations become

increasingly more complete versions of the product.

As illustrated, the model is divided into a number of task regions.

These regions are :
(7) The customer communication task – to establish effective communication
between developer and customer.
(8) The planning task – to define resources, time lines and other project
related information..
(9) The risk analysis task – to assess both technical and management risks.
(10) The engineering task – to build one or more representations (prototypes)
of the application.
(11) The construction and release task – to construct, test, install and provide
user support (e.g., documentation and training).
(12) The customer evaluation task – to obtain customer feedback based on the
evaluation of the software representation created during the engineering
stage and implemented during the install stage.
124

The evolutionary process begins at the centre position and moves in a clockwise
direction. Each traversal of the spiral typically results in a deliverable. For
example, the first and second spiral traversals may result in the production of a
product specification and a prototype, respectively. Subsequent traversals may
then produce more sophisticated versions of the software.
An important distinction between the spiral model and other software models is
the explicit consideration of risk. There are no fixed phases such as specification
or design phases in the model and it encompasses other process models. For
example, prototyping may be used in one spiral to resolve requirement
uncertainties and hence reduce risks. This may then be followed by a
conventional waterfall development.
Advantages of the Spiral Model :
The spiral model is a realistic approach to the development of large-scale
software products because the software evolves as the process progresses.
In addition, the developer and the client better understand and react to
risks at each evolutionary level.
The model uses prototyping as a risk reduction mechanism and allows for
the development of prototypes at any stage of the evolutionary
development.
It maintains a systematic stepwise approach, like the classic life cycle
model, but incorporates it into an iterative framework that more reflect
the real world.
If employed correctly, this model should reduce risks before they become
problematic, as consideration of technical risks are considered at all
stages.

Q.7 Explain Information Gathering Process for System Development.

OR
Explain Fact Finding Method of System Analysis.
Ans.: Fact finding means learning as much as possible about the present system. The
tools used in information gathering or fact finding are
System Analysis and Design 125

(1) Review of Written Documents : In all organizations documents such as

forms, records, reports, manuals, etc are available. These help in
determining how the present system runs. The process of fact finding
includes collection of all possible documents and evaluating them.
Unfortunately, most manuals are not up to date and may not be readable.
The analyst needs to find out how the forms are filled out, what changes
need to be made and how easy they are to read.
(2) On-Site Observation : The purpose of on-site observation is to get as close
as possible to the real system being studied. It is the process of
recognizing and noting people, objects and occurrences to obtain
information. As an observer the analyst must follow a set of rules. He/she
must listen than talk and not give advice or pass a moral judgment, must
not argue or show friendliness towards others. The following questions
can serve as a guide for on-site observations:
 What kind of system is it? What does it do?
 Who runs the system? Who are the important people in it?
 What is the history of the system?
(3) Interviews : An interview is a face to face interpersonal situation in which
a person called the interviewer asks a person being interviewed, questions
designed to gather information about a problem. The analyst or
interviewer can schedule interviews with key personnel of the
organization. The analyst also needs to conduct detailed interviews with
all the people who will actually use the system. This will provide all the
details the analyst needs and also remove any fear from the users that the
computers will replace the. Interviews help gather vital facts about the
existing problems, such as lack of quality control or security, etc.
Interviewing needs a friendly atmosphere so that the interviewer can ask
questions properly, obtain reliable and correct answers and record the
answers accurately and completely.
(4) Questionnaires : A questionnaire is a tool that has questions to which
individuals respond. A questionnaire has the following advantages:
 It is economical and requires less skill than an interview.
 It can be used to gather data from large number of people
simultaneously
126

 It is a uniform method in which all question asked are the same to

all people
 The users are happy as they know that the answers they give are
confidential
 User get time to think about the questions and so can give more
accurate results than in an interview

□□□
System Analysis and Design 127

Case studies:
The vice president of a large retail store wants to modify is order entry system. He
states the problem as follows: “I need a report that gives me information about the
previous or old records.”

Assignment:
c.) Outline the procedure which you follow. [hint: follow the steps of SDLC]
d.) What questions would you ask?

Unit-3
128

System Planning and Initial Investigation

Introduction:
System Planning and the Initial investigation both are the most critical and important
part of any project life cycle. A wrong initial investigation and planning can lead the
system to the failure.

Q.1 What is planning? what are the bases for planning in System Analysis?
Ans.: Planning is the process of setting goals, developing strategies and outlining
task and program to accomplish the goal.

Planning the information system in the business is very important in today‟s

competitive environment to make the business high grow able, and to make
business retain in adverse conditions because:-
d.) Information is very important recourse for any company to be managed and it
is equally important as the cash, personnel etc.
e.) Financial resources are committed to the information system.
f.) To make the system growing and retain in the competitive environment.

Q.2 What is initial investigation? What are the strategies for determining information
requirements?
System Analysis and Design 129

Ans.: First step in SDLC is the identification of the user‟s need. The initial investigation
is one way to do this. Another objective at this stage is to determine whether the user‟s
need is feasible or not.

Strategies for determining information requirements are:-

4.) Asking.
5.) Getting information from present system.
6.) Prototyping.

Q.3 What are the steps in the initial investigation?

Ans.: Initial investigation have following steps:-
6.) Problem definition.
Problem definition is the process of identifying the need of the user which led
him to request for the system change.
7.) Background analysis:-
Background analysis is the process of getting the basic information about the
customer‟s company or organization i.e. How it really works? What people are
involved in it? Etc.
Background analysis helps the system analyst to prepare the organization
chart with the list of people and functions.
8.) Fact finding:-
After obtaining the background information, analyst start gathering the data
like input, output and cost of the existing system. Information can be gathered
by following tools:-
d.) Review of written documents.
e.) On-site observations
f.) Interview and questionnaires
130

9.) Fact Analysis :-

After the collection of data it must be organized and evaluated so that report can
be prepared for the final approval from the user.
10.) Determination of Feasibility:-
After organizing data, and fact analysis feasibility is evaluated and determine
that any alternative proposal is possible or not for the customer‟s
Project.

Case studies:
Allied concrete, Inc., has had to renovate its approach to maintain a computer
system and converting application. Recently management has established a
direction-finding committee to supervise and support all applications before they
are run on the mainframe. The committee consists of one member from each of
the following areas: accounting, sales, production, and information system. The
committee is chaired by the vice president in charge of production. The primary
charge is to review each user request and approve or disapprove it based on
feasibility and priority. If a request is approved, the user department is billed for
its includes computer time, analyst and programmer time, and supplies. All
department heads have agreed to the new policy.
In formalizing the committee‟s authority and responsibilities, serious questions
were raised by several user departments about whether the committee has the
authority to turn down a project even if it is project out of their budget, there is
no reason for it to be rejected.

Assignment:
c.) Should all user projects that are operationally and technically feasible be
developed as long as the user is paying the price? If so, what should be the role
of the direction-finding committee?
d.) What do you think of the makeup of the direction-finding committee? What role
should the analyst, programmer, or data base specialist play in a direction-
finding committee? Elaborate.
System Analysis and Design 131

Unit-4

Information Gathering

Introduction:
The key part of feasibility analysis is Information Gathering about the present system.
Improper and wrong gathering of information may lead the system to the failure. The
132

mistaken gathering of data at the initial level affects the system life cycle at every phase
and finally causes the system failure. There are many tools and techniques that help to
collect the correct and efficient data that help to develop the system which satisfy the
needs of customer.

Q.1 What is information gathering?

Ans Information gathering is an art and science of gathering information regarding
present system so that designing a new system will be easy as well as free from errors
and upto the customer requirement.

Q.2 where does the information originates?

Ans Information is gathered from main principal sources:
Primary Internal sources:
1.) Financial reports.
2.) Personal staff.
3.) Professional staff, EDP

4.) System documentaion or manuals.

5.) The user or user staff.
6.) Reports and transaction documents.

Primary external resources:

1.) Vendors.
2.) Government documents.
3.) Newspapers and professional journals.
System Analysis and Design 133

Q.3 what are the tools for information gathering?

Ans Tools for information gathering are:-
1.) Review of Literature, Procedures, and Forms.
Procedures manuals and forms are useful sources for the analyst. They describe the
format and functions of the present system. Up-to-date manuals save hours of
information-gathering time.
2.) On-Site Observation.
On-Site Observation is the process of recognizing and noting people, objects, and
occurrence to obtain information. The major objective of on-site observation is to get as
close as possible to the “real” system being studied. The emphasis is not on giving
advice or passing moral judgment on what is observed . Furthermore, care is taken not
to argue with the persons being observed.
3.) Interviews and Questionnaires.
Interview and Questionnaires used in system analysis are relatively direct. This is the
strength because much of the information needed can be acquired by direct questions.

Interview:
Interview is the oldest and most often used device for gathering information. Interview
is a face-to-face interpersonal role situation to gather information about a problem area.

Guidelines for successesful Interview:

a.) Set the stage for the interview.
b.) Establish rapport: put the interviewee at ease.
c.) Phase questions clearly.
d.) Be good listener, avoid arguments.
e.) Evaluate the outcome of the interview.
134

Questionnaires:
Questionnaires are used for almost any tool that has questions to which individuals
respond. It requires less skills and time then interview. The questionnaires place less
pressure on subject for immediate responses.

Case Studies:
A large wholesale juice distributer has been having difficulty keeping inventory up to
date because incoming shipments are not processed quickly enough. The sales force can
never be assured which brands and quantities are existing for sale. The vice president of
sales asks an outside analyst to examine the problem.
The analyst arrived at the computer center Monday at 8:00 A.M. He asked to see the
manager. The receptionist told him that Mr. Arvind came around 9.00 A.M. Not
wanting to waste an hour, the analyst determined to interview the programmers to
learn about inventory control.
Mr. Arvind arrived at 8.45. He was furious to find that the analyst has taken the liberty
to his staff without his consent. He promptly told the analyst that Monday is a bad day.
The programmers could no be interrupted before 3.30 P.M on Tuesday. The analyst
decided to come then. in the meantime, he went to stockroom to watch stock keeping
activities.
The next day, the analyst interviewed more employees in the stockroom and the clerical
staff of the warehouse. It was 4.30 P.M then he remembers his appointment with
manager of the computer center. He suddenly ended his work in the warehouse and
rushed back to the computer center for the interview. The manager had been waiting
for an hour and was in an irritable mood. To make things worse, the firm‟s employees
quit work at 5:00 P.M. The manager decided to go ahead with the interview.
The analyst inquired about data capture, stock activities, data flow, processing routines,
and stock status reports. After a brief rundown on the procedures used and the report
generated, the analyst was curtly dismissed. It was 5:00 P.M
System Analysis and Design 135

The analyst had more questions to ask but had to stop. At the same time, he was
wondering why the manager was so irritable throughout the interview.

Assignment:-
a.) How do you assess the analyst‟s performance on the job? Explain.
b.) Evaluate the procedure the analyst used in meeting the manager of the computer
center.
c.) How adequately prepared was the analyst for the first interview?
d.) If you were the system analyst, would you have handled this project? Elaborate.
136

Unit-5

Tools of Structured Analysis

Introduction:
Tools of structured analysis overcome the drawbacks of traditional tools used for data
gathering. Structured tools such as Data Flow Diagram, Data Dictionary, and Structure
English provide alternative ways to design candidate system. Some real-life
applications requerie the combination of both structured tools as well as traditional
tools.

Q.1 What is structured analysis?

Ans.: Structured analysis is a set of techniques and graphial tools that allow the analyst
to develop a new kind of system specification that are easily understandable to the user.

Q.2 What are the tools of structured analysis and design? Describe each tool.

1.) Data Flow Diagram.

System Analysis and Design 137

2.) Data Dicitionary.

3.) Structured English
4.) Dicision Tree.
5.) Dicision Tables
6.) Context Diagram
7.) E-R Diagram

Ans.:

1) Data Flow Diagram(DFD):-

A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical representation of the "flow" of data

through an information system. It describes the system‟s data
and how the processes transform the data in a graphical manner. Data flow
diagrams can be used to provide a clear representation of any business function.
It starts with an overall picture of the business and continues by analyzing each
of the functional areas of interest. It uses a top-down approach to show all the
levels of the functions of the system. Initially a context diagram is drawn, which
is a simple representation of the entire system under investigation. This is
followed by a level 1 diagram; which provides an overview of the major
functional areas of
the business. The level 1 diagram identifies the major business processes at a
high level and any of these processes can then be analyzed further - giving rise to
a corresponding level 2 business process diagram. This process of more detailed
analysis can then continue – through level 3, 4 and so on.

DFD Notation :
Accounting
A rectangle Department
138

It denotes an external entity. It defines a source or destination of system data. It

can represent a person, group of people, department, or some other system.

A circle
Compute
Sales Tax

It denotes a process or activity. It is also known as a bubble. It shows how the

system transforms inputs into outputs. Each process is named.

Customer
A line with an arrowhead Name

It denotes the direction of data flow. The input to, or output from, a given
process, which is associated with each arrow in a DFD.

Open Rectangle

CUSTOMER

It denotes a store that is used to model collection of data. It may refer

to files or databases, or data stored on punched cards, optical disk, etc. It is
shown by two parallel lines with the name of the data store between them

7.) Data Dictionary.

System Analysis and Design 139

A Data Dictionary (DD) is a structured repository of data about data. It is a set

of accurate definitions of all DFD data elements and data structures. A data
dictionary defines each term encountered during the analysis and design of a
new system. Data dictionary is the place where we keep the details of the
contents of data flows, data stores & processes.
Without a data dictionary the development of large systems becomes difficult.
The data dictionary is an effective solution to the problem of complicated nature.
The main purpose of a data dictionary is to provide a source of reference in
which the analyst, the user, the designer can look up & find out its content and
any other relevant information.
The main advantage of a DD is the documentation. It is a valuable reference to
the organization which helps in communication between the analyst and the
user. It is also important in building a database.
The Data Dictionary notations are
= is composed of
+ AND
( ) Optional value
[ ] Either/Or
{} iteration
** comment
@ identifier (key field)
| separates alternative choices in the [] construct
Examples of Data dictionary –
Name = Courtesy-Title + First-Name + (Middle-Name) + Last-Name
Courtesy-Title = [ Mr. | Miss | Mrs. | Ms. | Dr. | Prof. ]
First-Name = { Legal-Character }
Last-Name = { Legal-Character }
Legal-Character = [ A-Z | a-z |0-9| ' | - | | ]
140

8.) Structured English:-

Structured English or pseudo code or program design language (PDL) uses the
vocabulary of English and the syntax of a structured programming. Structured
English looks like a modern programming language. The difference between
structured English and a real programming language is in the use of narrative
text which is placed within the structured English statements. Structured English
cannot be compiled. It should have the following characteristics:
o A fixed syntax of keywords used for structured constructs, data
declaration
o A free syntax of natural language that describes processing
o Data declaration facilities that include simple(array) and complex(linked
list or tree) data structures
o Facility to declare subprograms and call them
Decisions in Structured English are made through IF, THEN, ELSE, SO, etc.

9.) Decision Tree:-

Decision tree are graphical representation methods of representing a sequence of

logical decisions. It is mainly used when decisions need to be taken or for
defining policies. A decision tree has as many branches as there are logical
alternatives. It is easy to construct, easy to read and easy to update. A decision
tree is used to identify the strategy most likely to reach a goal. It is also used as a
means for calculating probabilities or making financial or number based
decisions. A decision making tree is essentially a diagram that represents, in a
specially organized way, the decisions, the main external or other events that
introduce uncertainty, as well as possible outcomes of all those decisions and
events.

10.) Decision Table:-

System Analysis and Design 141

Decision tables are a precise yet compact way to model complicated logic.
Decision tables, like if-then-else and switch-case statements, associate conditions
with actions to perform. But, unlike the control structures found in traditional
programming languages, decision tables can associate many independent
conditions with several actions in an elegant way. Decision tables are typically
divided into four quadrants, as shown below.

The four quadrants

Conditions Condition alternatives

Actions Action entries

Each decision corresponds to a variable, relation or predicate whose possible

values are listed among the condition alternatives. Each action is a procedure or
operation to perform, and the entries specify whether (or in what order) the
action is to be performed for the set of condition alternatives the entry
corresponds to. Many decision tables include in their condition alternatives the
don't care symbol, a hyphen. Using don't cares can simplify decision tables,
especially when a given condition has little influence on the actions to be
performed. In some cases, entire conditions thought to be important initially are
found to be irrelevant when none of the conditions influence which actions are
performed. The limited-entry decision table is the simplest to describe. The
condition alternatives are simple boolean values, and the action entries are
check-marks, representing which of the actions in a given column are to be
performed.
A technical support company writes a decision table to diagnose printer
problems based upon symptoms described to them over the phone from their
clients.

Printer troubleshooter

Rules
142

Printer does not print Y Y Y Y N N N N

Conditions A red light is flashing Y Y N N Y Y N N

Printer is unrecognized Y N Y N Y N Y N

Check the power cable X

Check the printer-computer cable X X

Actions Ensure printer software is installed X X X X

Check/replace ink X X X X

Check for paper jam X X

Decision tables make it easy to observe that all possible conditions are accounted
for. In the example above, every possible combination of the three conditions is
given. In decision tables, when conditions are omitted, it is obvious even at a
glance that logic is missing. Compare this to traditional control structures, where
it is not easy to notice gaps in program logic with a mere glance --- sometimes it
is difficult to follow which conditions correspond to which actions!
Just as decision tables make it easy to audit control logic, decision tables demand
that a programmer think of all possible conditions. With traditional control
structures, it is easy to forget about corner cases, especially when the else
statement is optional. Since logic is so important to programming, decision tables
are an excellent tool for designing control logic.

11.) Context Diagram:-

System Analysis and Design 143

Library Context Diagram

PUBLIC PUBLISHERS
RELATIONS Form Letters New Offerings
STAFF
New Book Orders

P1
Borrowed Books LIBRARY
New Books
SYSTEM

Borrower Information

BORROWERS Library of
Published Book Information Congress
Mailings

Library Context
Diagram
System Architect
Sat Oct 31, 1998

The context diagram shown on this screen represents a book lending library. The library
receives details of books, and orders books from one or more book suppliers. Books
may be reserved and borrowed by members of the public, who are required to give a
borrower number. The library will notify borrowers when a reserved book becomes
available or when a borrowed book becomes overdue. In addition to supplying books, a
book supplier will furnish details of specific books in response to library enquiries.
After the context model is created the process is exploded to the next level to show the
major processes in the system. Depending upon the complexity of the system each of
these processes can also be exploded into their own process model. This continues until
the goal of each process accomplishing a single function is reached. Because of this
approach the context model is referred to as Level 0 (Zero) DFD, the next as Level 1
DFD, etc.

12.) E-R diagram

144

Data models are tools used in analysis to describe the data necessities and assumptions in the
system from a top-down point of view. They also set the stage for the design of databases later on
in the SDLC.
There are three fundamental elements in ER models:
o Entities are the "things" about which we search for information.
o Attributes are the data we gather regarding the entities.
o Relationships provide the formation needed to describe information from various entities.

In general, ERD's look likes this:

System Analysis and Design 145

Q.3 What are Structure Charts? Describe.

Ans.: Structure Chart : A hierarchical diagram showing the relationships between the
modules of a computer program. A module is the basic component of a structure
chart and is used to identify a function. Modules are relatively simple and
independent components. Higher-level modules are “control” modules that
control the flow of execution. Lower level modules are “worker bee” modules
and contain the program logic to actually perform the functions.
The vertical lines connecting the modules indicate the calling structure from the
high-level modules to the lower-level modules. The little arrows next to the lines
show the data that is passed between modules and represent the inputs and
outputs of each module. At the structure chart level, we are not concerned with
what is happening inside the module yet. We only want to know that somehow
it does the function indicated by its name using the input data and producing the
output data. A program call is when one module invokes a lower-level module
to perform a needed service or calculation. Program call: The transfer of control
from a module to a subordinate module to perform a requested service. The
arrows with the open circle, called data couples, represent data being passed into
and out of the module. A data couple can be an individual data item (e.g., a flag
or a customer account number) or a higher-level data structure (e.g., an array,
record, or other data structure). The arrow with the darkened circle is a “flag.” A
flag is purely internal information that is used between modules to indicate some
result. Data couples: The individual data items that are passed between modules
in a program call.
A basic idea of structured programming is that each module only has to do a
very specific function. The module at the very top of the tree is the “boss”
module. Its functions will be to call the modules on the next tier, pass
information to them, and receive information back. The function of each middle-
level module is to control the processing of the modules below it. Each has
control logic and any error-handling logic that is not handled by the lower-level
146

module. The modules at the extremities, or the leaves, contain the actual
algorithms to carry out the functions of the program.
Structure charts are developed to design a hierarchy of modules for a program.
A structure chart is in the form of a tree with a root module and branches. A
subtree is simply a branch that has been separated from the overall tree. When
the subtree is placed back in the larger tree, the root of the subtree becomes just
another branch in the overall tree.

Q.4 What is a HIPO Chart? Explain.

Ans.: HIPO charts show relationships between modules. It describes the data input
and output from the processes and defines the data flow. It provides a structure
by which the functions of a system can be understood. It also provides a visual
description of input to be used and output to be produced for each level of the
diagram. It makes the transformation from input to output data visible.
There are two parts to a HIPO chart, a hierarchy chart and an IPO chart.
The hierarchy chart is useful for showing hierarchy of procedures within a
program. Hierarchy charts are also called structure charts, top-down charts, or
VTOC (Visual Table of Contents) charts. All these names refer to planning
diagrams that are similar to a company's organization chart. Hierarchy charts
depict the organization of a program but omit the specific processing logic. They
System Analysis and Design 147

describe what each part, or module, of the program does and how the modules
relate to each other.
The IPO chart describes the system in terms of its inputs, outputs and the
processes that are performed on the inputs to transform them into outputs. It
provides the following :
(d) The Input section that contains the data items used by the process steps.
(e) The Output section that contains the data items created by the process
steps.
(f) Process section that contains numbered steps that describe the functions to
be performed. Arrows connect them to the output steps and the
input/output data items.
148

The IPO chart is in the form of a table with three columns, one for each of Input, Output
and Process. The flow between screens is indicated by the use of arrows.

□□□
System Analysis and Design 149

Q.4 How to draw a Decision Tree?

Ans.: You start a decision tree with a decision that needs to be made. This decision is
represented by a small square towards the left of a large piece of paper. From
this box draw out lines towards the right for each possible solution, and write
that solution along the line. At the end of each solution line, consider the results.
If the result of taking that decision is uncertain, draw a small circle. If the result is
another decision that needs to be made, draw another square. Squares represent
decisions; circles represent uncertainty or random factors. Write the decision or
factor to be considered above the square or circle. If you have completed the
solution at the end of the line, just leave it blank. Starting from the new decision
squares on your diagram, draw out lines representing the options that could be
taken. From the circles, draw out lines representing possible outcomes. Again
mark a brief note on the line saying what it means. Keep on doing this until you
have drawn down as many of the possible outcomes and decisions as you can
see leading on from your original decision.
Example: Book return policy in library
If a Faculty returns a book late, a fine of 5% of the book rate is charged. If a
Student returns a book late by 3 days, fine is 10%, else 20% of book rate.
150

No Fine

Faculty

Book Return
Late 5% Fine

On Time No Fine

Student <3 days

10 % Fine

Late

>3 days 20% Fine

Q.5 In context with an ER diagram explain Cardinality and Modality. Give

example.
Ans.: Cardinality : The elements of data modeling – data objects, attributes and
relationships provide information only about which objects are related to one
another. But this information is not sufficient for software engineering purpose.
Cardinality specifies how many instances or occurrences of object X are related to
how many occurrences of object Y. Cardinality is usually expressed as „one‟ or
„many‟. Thus two objects can be related as
(4) One-to-One (1:1) : An occurrence of object A can relate to one and only
one occurrence of object B and an occurrence of B can relate to only one
occurrence of A.
(5) One-to-Many (1:N) : One occurrence of object A can relate to one or many
occurrences of object B but an occurrence of B can relate to only one
occurrence of A. E.g. mother can have many children, but a child can have
only one mother.
System Analysis and Design 151

(6) Many-to-Many (M:N) : An occurrence of object A can relate to one or

many occurrences of object B and an occurrence of B can relate to only one
or many occurrences of A. E.g. an uncle can have many nieces and a niece
can have many uncles.

Cardinality defines the maximum number of objects that can participate in a

relationship. It does not tell whether or not a data object must participate in the
relationship.

Modality : If a particular relationship is optional or not needed then we say that

the modality of that relationship is 0. The modality is 1 if an occurrence of the
relationship is necessary.

Example : Consider 2 data objects Patient and Doctor. The relationship between
the two data objects is Treats. A doctor needs a patient to treat, so the modality is
1 while it is not necessary for a patient to be treated by a doctor (he can be treated
with home remedies too). So here the modality
is 0.
When we need to specify cardinality we use the symbols
One = a line or dash |
Many = crow‟s feet
To specify modality we use the symbols
One = a line or dash |
Zero = a circle o
The following ER diagram specifies cardinality and modality.

DOCTOR Treats PATIENT

The symbols on the relationship line that is closest to the data object will denote
cardinality and the next will denote modality.
152

Q.6 Explain Data Modeling and ER diagram with example.

Ans.: Data Modeling : It gives answers to questions regarding the data that is to be
used in the application. We come to know the data objects, where they are
stored, what is the relationship between objects, etc. Data modeling uses an
Entity Relationship diagram to solve these questions. An Entity Relationship
diagram will focus on all data that are entered, stored, transformed and
produced within an application. The data model consists of three interrelated
information – data objects, attributes that describe the data objects and
relationships that connect data objects to one another.
Data Objects : A data object is something that has a number of different
properties or attributes and that can be understood by software. For example a
person or a car can be viewed as data objects. Data objects are related to one
another. E.g. person can own car, where the relationship own denotes a
connection between person and car. A data object reflects only data and not the
operation that can be done on that data.
Attributes : Attributes define the properties of a data object. They can be used to
name an instance of the data object, describe the instance or make reference to
another instance in another table (e.g. attribute Owner). One or more attributes
that uniquely identifies one and only one instance of an entity is defined as an
identifier or primary key. E.g. employee no is a primary key for an employee.
Relationships : Data objects are connected to one another in different ways.
Consider two data objects – book and bookstore. A connection is established
between book and bookstore because the two objects are related.
Entity – Relationship Diagrams : The object-relationship pair can be represented
graphically using an ER diagram. An entity represents an object. Examples: a
computer, an employee, a song, a mathematical theorem. Entities are represented
as rectangles.
A relationship captures how two or more entities are related to one another.
Examples: an owns relationship between a company and a computer, a supervises
System Analysis and Design 153

relationship between an employee and a department, a performs relationship

between an artist and a song. Relationships are represented as diamonds,
connected by lines to each of the entities in the relationship.
Entities and relationships can both have attributes. Examples: an employee entity
might have an employee ID number attribute; the proved relationship may have a
date attribute. Attributes are represented as ellipses connected to their entity by a
line.

A Simple E-R Diagram

The following E-R diagram gives the attributes as well.

154

An E-R Diagram with Attributes

Chapter-6

Feasibility Study

Feasibility study in the analysis phase is conducted to find the best candidates system
out of the all alternative candidate system. Here we need to consider the economic,
System Analysis and Design 155

behavioral and technical feasibility in the system development. The project team is
formed to develop system flowchart that identify the characteristics of system, evaluate
the performance of each system, weigh the system performance and then finally select
the best candidate system out of alternative systems.

Q.1 What is Feasibility? Describe the different types of Feasibility.

Ans.: Feasibility is the determination of whether or not a project is worth doing. The
process followed in making this determination is called feasibility study. A
feasibility study is carried out to select the best system that meets performance
requirements. When conducting feasibility study, an analyst can consider 7 types
of feasibility:
Technical Feasibility: It is concerned with specifying the equipment and
the computer system that will satisfy and support the proposed user
requirements. Here we need to consider the configuration of the system
which tells the analyst how many work stations are required, how the
units are interconnected so that they can operate and communicate
smoothly.
Operation Feasibility: It is related to human organizational aspects. The
points to be considered here are – what changes will be brought with the
system?, what new skills will be required?, do the existing staff members
have these skills and can they be trained?
Economic Feasibility: It is the most frequently used technique for
evaluating a proposed system. It is also called Cost/Benefit Analysis. It is
used to determine the benefits and savings that are expected from the
proposed system and compare them with the costs. If benefits are more
than the cost, the proposed system is given an OK.
Social Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the proposed system
will be acceptable to the people or not. It finds out the probability of the
project being accepted by the group of people who are directly affected by
the changed system.
Management Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the proposed
system is acceptable to the management of the organization. The project
may be rejected, if the management does not accept the proposed system.
156

Legal Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the proposed project is

under legal obligation of known Acts, Statutes, etc.
Time Feasibility: It is a determination of whether the project will be
completed within a specified time period. If the project takes too much
time, it is likely to be rejected.

Q.2 What are the steps in feasibility analysis?

Q.3 what is Cost/Benefit Analysis? Explain its procedure.

Ans.: The costs associated with the system are expenses or losses arising from
developing and using a system. But the benefits are the advantages received
from installing and using this system. Cost/Benefit analysis is a procedure that
gives a picture of the various costs, benefits and rules associated with a system.
The determination of costs and benefits is done in the following steps:
(5) Identify the costs and benefits of a project.
(6) Categorize the costs and benefits for analysis: The different categories of
costs and benefits are :
(a) Tangible or Intangible
(b) Direct or Indirect
(c) Fixed or Variable
(7) Select a method of evaluation: When all data is identified and categorized,
the analyst must select a method of evaluation. The methods are :
(a) Net Benefit analysis
(b) Present value analysis
(c) Net Present value
(d) Payback analysis
(e) Break even analysis
(f) Cash flow analysis
System Analysis and Design 157

(8) Get the result of analysis and Take action.

158

Unit-7
Input/output and Form Design

Introduction:

We define systems design as the process of developing specification for a candidate

system that meet the criteria established in system analysis.
The Major step in a design is the preparation of input and the design of output reports
in a form acceptable to the user.

Q.1 Explain Input Design.

Ans.: Inaccurate input data are the most common cause of errors in data processing.
Errors entered by data entry operators can be controlled by input design. Input
design is the process of converting user-originated inputs to a computer based
format. In the system design phase, the expanded data flow diagram identifies
logical data flows, data stores, sources and destinations. The goal of designing
input data is to make data entry as easy, logical and free from errors as possible.
In entering data, operators need to know the following:
(1) The allocated space for each field.
(2) Field sequence, which must match that in the source document.
(3) The format in which data fields are entered.
Source data are input into the system in a variety of ways, the media and devices
used are Punch cards, Key-to-diskette, MICR, OCR, Optical bar code readers,
CRT screens, etc. We also input data online. The three major approaches for
entering data into the computer are menus, formatted forms and prompts. Menu
is a selection list that simplifies computer data access or entry. Instead of
remembering what to enter, the user chooses from a list of options and types the
option letter associated with it. A formatted form is a preprinted form or a
template that requests the user to enter data in appropriate locations. It is a fill-
System Analysis and Design 159

in-the-blank type form. In prompt the system displays one inquiry at a time,
asking the user for a response.

Q.2 Explain Output Design.

Ans.: Computer output is the most important and direct source of information to the
user. Efficient, intelligible output design should improve the systems
relationships with the user and help in decision making. A major form of output
is a hard copy from the printer. Printouts should be designed around the output
requirements of the user. The output devices to consider depend of factors such
as compatibility of the device with the system, response time requirements,
expected print quality and number of copies needed. The media devices used are
MICR, Line, matrix and daisy wheel printers, Computer output microfilm, CRT
screen, graph plotters and audio response. The output design considerations are
as under :
(1) Give each output a specific name or title
(2) Provide a sample of the output layout, including areas where printing
may appear and the location of each field
(3) State whether each output field is to include significant zeros, spaces, etc.
(4) Specify the procedure for proving the accuracy of output data.
In online applications, information is displayed oin the screen. The layout sheet
for displayed output is similar to the layout chart used for designing input.

Q.3 Describe File Structure and Organization.

Ans.: Given that a file consists, generally speaking, of a collection of records, a key
element in file management is the way in which the records themselves are
organized inside the file, since this heavily affects system performances ad far as
record finding and access. Note carefully that by ``organization'' we refer here to
the logical arrangement of the records in the file (their ordering or, more
generally, the presence of ``closeness'' relations between them based on their
content), and not instead to the physical layout of the file as stored on a storage
160

media, To prevent confusion, the latter is referred to by the expression ``record

blocking'', and will be treated later on.
Choosing a file organization is a design decision, hence it must be done having in
mind the achievement of good performance with respect to
the most likely usage of the file. The criteria usually considered important are :
(5) Fast access to single record or collection of related recors.
(6) Easy record adding/update/removal, without disrupting.
(7) Storage efficiency.
(8) Redundance as a warranty against data corruption.
Needless to say, these requirements are in contrast with each other for all but the
most trivial situations, and it's the designer job to find a good compromise
among them, yielding and adequate solution to the problem at hand. For
example, easiness of adding. is not an issue when defining the data organization
of a CD-ROM product, whereas fast access is, given the huge amount of data that
this media can store. However, as it will become apparent shortly, fast access
techniques are based on the use of additional information about the records,
which in turn competes with the high volumes of data to be stored.
Sequential : This is the most common structure for large files that are typically
processed in their entirety, and it's at the heart of the more complex schemes. In
this scheme, all the records have the same size and the same field format, with
the fields having fixed size as well. The records are sorted in the file according to
the content of a field of a scalar type, called ``key''. The key must identify
uniquely a records, hence different record have diferent keys. This organization
is well suited for batch processing of the entire file, without adding or deleting
items: this kind of operation can take advantage of the fixed size of records and
file; moreover, this organization is easily stored both on disk and tape. The key
ordering, along with the fixed record size, makes this organization amenable to
dicotomic search. However, adding and deleting records to this kind of file is a
tricky process: the logical sequence of records typically matches their physical
layout on the media storage, so to ease file navigation, hence adding a record and
maintaining the key order requires a reorganization of the whole file. The usual
solution is to make use of a ``log file'' (also called ``transaction file''), structured
System Analysis and Design 161

as a pile, to perform this kind of modification, and periodically perform a batch

update on the master file.
Indexed Sequential : An index file can be used to effectively overcome the above
mentioned problem, and to speed up the key search as well. The simplest
indexing structure is the single-level one: a file whose records are pairs key-
pointer, where the pointer is the position in the data file of the record with the
given key. Only a subset of data records, evenly spaced along the data file, are
indexed, so to mark intervals of data records.
A key search then proceeds as follows: the search key is compared with the index
ones to find the highest index key preceding the search one, and a linear search is
performed from the record the index key points onward, until the search key is
matched or until the record pointed by the next index entry is reached. In spite of
the double file access (index + data) needed by this kind of search, the decrease
in access time with respect to a sequential file is significant. Consider, for
example, the case of simple linear search on a file with 1,000 records. With the
sequential organization, an average of 500 key comparisons are necessary
(assuming uniformly distributed search key among the data ones). However,
using and evenly spaced index with 100 entries, the number of comparisons is
reduced to 50 in the index file plus 50 in the data file: a 5:1 reduction in the
number of operations. This scheme can obviously be hierarchically extended: an
index is a sequential file in itself, amenable to be indexed in turn by a second-
level index, and so on, thus exploiting more and more the hierarchical
decomposition of the searches to decrease the access time. Obviously, if the
layering of indexes is pushed too far, a point is reached when the advantages of
indexing are hampered by the increased storage costs, and by the index access
times as well.

Case studies:-

Partial source Document with check-off option

Recommended Inefficient
162

Shirt size (check one) Shirts(enter size)

Small
Medium
Large
X large

Form to fill information

Assignment:
c.) What flaws are there in the form?
d.) Develop an updated version of the form.
System Analysis and Design 163

Unit-8
Documentation

Introduction:
Documentation is one of the systems which are used to communicate, instruct and
Record the information for any reference of operational papoose.

Q.1 what is documentation and its importance?

They are very useful for representing the formal flow of the present system. With the
help of Documentation it is very easy to track the flow of the system's progress and they
working of the system can be explained very easily.

It helps to provide the clear description of the work done so far. It is essential that the
documents prepared must be updated on regular basis this will help to trace the
progress of work easily. With appropriate and good documentation it is very easy to
understand the how aspects of the system will work for the company where the system
is to installed. It is also help to understand the type of data which will be inputted in the
164

system and how the output can be produced.

After the system is installed, and if in case the system is not working properly it will be
very easy for the administrator to understand the flow of data in the system with
documentation which will help him/ her to correct the flaws and get the system
working in no time.

Uses of Documentation

It facilitates effective communication regarding the system between the technical

and the non technical users.
It is very useful in training new users. With a Good documentation new users
can easily get acquainted with the flow of the systems.
Documentation also helps the users to solve problems like trouble shooting even
a non technical user can fix the problems.
It plays a significant role in evaluation process.
It not only helps to exercise a better control over the internal working of the firm,
but it also external as well especially during audit.
Documentations can help the manager to take better financial decisions of the
organization.

Q.2 Describe the different types of Documentation.

Ans.: There are five types of documentation:
(6) Program: Before a program is developed, the systems analyst should
provide the programmer with the required documentation. The logic in
some programs is best described by a flowchart. Sometimes decision
tables are also useful. The main responsibility in documentation is to
provide enough information to enable future programmers to understand
and make necessary changes. Since programmers do not retain their jobs
for a very long time, it becomes necessary that there be some kind of
documentation that will be useful for the new programmers who are
assigned the same system.
(7) Operations: For smooth running of the system, the data entry operator
must have complete knowledge about the job. The instructions must be in
System Analysis and Design 165

a form that is easily accessible to the console operator and written in

simple and understandable style.
(8) User : System users should have a manual that describes everything the
users must know to do their job correctly. Users require two general type
of information: complete details to handle everything the system
processes, and an overall picture of the system.
(9) Management : The documentation required by management differs a lot
from that required by users. The manual should enable management to
perform three functions:
(a) Evaluate progress on the development of system.
(b) Monitor the existing systems.
(c) Understand the objectives and methods of the new and existing
system.
(10) Systems: This manual document the complete life cycle of the system. If
documents the results of the feasibility study, the team assigned, etc. It
also documents the file specification, transaction specification and output
specification.

MCQs

Set 1:-

1. Which of the following technical skills is essential for a system analyst?

(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of the above ( )

2. Which one of the following is not a Top Management function?

(a) Planning
166

(b) Organizing
(c) Decision making
(d) Day to day operation ( )

3. An entity one of the following is not a Top Management functions?

(a) All entities are so same type
(b) May be of same type or may be of different type
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither (a) nor (b) ( )

4. "SQL" stands for:

(a) Software Quality Accuracy
(b) Maybe same type or may be of different type
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither a nor b ( )

5. A central repository of records is known as:

(a) Data warehousing (b) Client server system
(c) Data mining (d) Distributed System ( )

6. System Development Cycle is also known as:

(a) Problem solving cycle (b) Product life cycle
(c) Hardware cycle (d) Software cycle ( )

7. A computer which requests another computer is:

(a) Server
(b) Multiplexer
(c) Client
(d) None of the above ( )

8. System testing is an important par of:

(a) Model building
(b) Quality assurance
(c) Generating information
(d) None of the above ( )

9. Risk analysis includes:

(a) Manpower risk
(b) Technology risk
(c) Customer/user risk
System Analysis and Design 167

(d) Environment risk ( )

10. Deductive database and expert system are mainly used for:
(a) Replacing the functionality of a real expert
(b) Hypothesis testing
(c) Knowledge discovery
(d) All of the above ( )

11. Error and fraud in any computer system can be detected through:
(a) Usage of password
(b) Network security
(c) Audit trails
(d) None of the above ( )

12. Which is the characteristics of data in a DBMD?

(a) Consistency (b) Security
(c) Independence (d) All of the above ( )

13. Which tool is used for analysis of data flow:

(a) Data flow diagram (b) Data dictionary
(c) Flow chart (d) All of the above ( )

14. Storage of information in graphs video, voice is:

(a) Multimedia (b) Cookies
(c) Text file (d) All of the above ( )

15. Decision tables is:

(a) table containing decision
(b) methods
(c) none of the various programming analysis tools
(d) debugging tool ( )

16. A distinct object in a system is known is:

(a) Degree
(b) Attribute
(c) Parameter
(d) Entity ( )

17. An unstructured tool for information gathering can be:

(a) prototyping (b) questionnaires
168

(c) observation (d) all of the above ( )

18. ......................is the process of collecting organizing, storing and maintaining complete
historical record of programs.
(a) Documentation (b) Testing
(c) Debugging (d) None of the above ( )

19. Cost benefit analysis is performed during be:

(a) Analysis phase
(b) Design phase
(c) Implementation
(d) None of the above ( )

20. In terms of total software cost, maintenance costs appear to constitute about:
(a) 5%–20%
(b) 20% – 40%
(c) 40% – 80%
(d) 80% – 90% ( )

21. CASE is stand for:

(a) Computer Assisted Software Engineering
(b) Computer and Software Engineering
(c) Computer Aided Software Engineering
(d) None of the above ( )

22. Pseudo code is:

(a) Programmer (b) IBA
(c) User (d) System Analyst ( )

23. A system that groups a number of transaction for later processing is known is:
(a) Programmer
(b) IBA
(c) User
(d) System Analyst ( )

24. A person who analysis the way the system works and its problem is:
(a) Client server (b) On line system
(c) Real time system (d) Batch system ( )

25. Which of the following areas should be addressed while designing a system:
System Analysis and Design 169

(a) Problem domain (b) Human interface

(c) Task management (d) Data management ( )

26. Top level manager uses:

(a) Strategic information
(b) Tactical information
(c) Operational information
(d) None of the above ( )

27. Entities, attributes and relationship are associated with:

(a) Logical concept of data
(b) Physical concept of data
(c) Person of organization
(d) None of the above ( )

28. Prototyping aims at:

(a) End user understanding and approval
(b) Program logic
(c) Planning of data flow organization
(d) None of the above ( )

29. File conversion is part of:

(a) System cut over
(b) System design
(c) Day to day activity
(d) None of the above ( )

30. DSS role is:

(a) Trial and error search for solutions
(b) Planning
(c) Analyzing alternatives
(d) (a) (b) and (c) of the above ( )

31. Tangible benefits by their very nature, require:

(a) Subjective evaluation
(b) Quantifiable evaluation
(c) Feasible evolution
(d) None of the above ( )

32. The components that make up any system is known is:

170

(a) Data
(b) Boundary
(c) Description
(d) Information ( )

33. In a DBMS two records types and their relationship are called:
(a) Schema (b) Segment
(c) Set (d) Database record ( )

34. Data integrity stands for:

(a) Validated data
(b) Data stored in different files showing consistency
(c) Data field integrated to provide summary
(d) None of the above ( )

35. Hashing procedure is used in:

(a) Random files
(b) Sequential files
(c) Indexed relationship, field and record type
(d) None of the above ( )

36. A DDL is:

(a) Establishes relationship, field and record type
(b) Helps maintaining data in database
(c) Create database
(d) None of the above ( )

37. Which of the following are tools of SASD?

(a) HIPO
(b) CASE
(c) DFD
(d) All of the above ( )

38. Which of the following is not part of SDLC?

(a) Audit
(b) Reliability
(c) Security
(d) None of the above ( )

39. .........................means changing from one system to another:

System Analysis and Design 171

(a) Manipulations
(b) Conversion
(c) Requirement
(d) Designing ( )

40. The full form of CPM is:

(a) Critical path method
(b) Critical program methodology
(c) Computer program and maintenance
(d) Complicated path method ( )

Answer Key
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (c) 12. d) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (d) 25. (a) 26. (a) 27. (a) 28. (a) 29. (b) 30. (d)
31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (a) 36. (c) 37. (d) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (a)

Set 2:-

1. Which of the following technical skills is essential for a system analyst?

(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of the above ( )

2. The first step in SDLC is:

(a) Preliminary investigation and analysis
(b) System design
(c) Database Design
(d) None of the above ( )

3. Which one of the following is not a Top Management function?

(a) Planning
172

(b) Organizing
(c) Decision-making
(d) Day to day operation ( )

4. Data dictionary keeps details of the content of:

(a) Data Flow (b) Data stores
(c) Both a and b (d) Neither a nor b ( )

5. Structured programming involves:

(a) Functional modularization (b) Localization of error
(c) Decentralized programming (d) All of the above ( )

6. Tangible benefits by their very nature, require:

(a) Subjective evaluation (b) Quantifiable evaluation
(c) Feasible evaluation (d) None of the above ( )

7. An entity set of ER-Diagram, is a set of entities.

(a) All entities are of same type
(b) May be of same type or may be of different type
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither a nor b ( )

8. "SQA" stands for:

(a) Software Quality Accuracy
(b) Software Quality Assistant
(c) Software Quality Assurance
(d) None of the above ( )

9. A set of predefined steps for building a systems is :

(a) Linear cycle
(b) Water full cycle
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above ( )

10. The full form of CPM is:

(a) Critical path methods
(b) Critical program methodology
(c) Computer program and maintenance
(d) Complicated path method ( )
System Analysis and Design 173

11. A central repository of records is known as:

(a) Data warehousing
(b) Client server system
(c) Data mining
(d) Distributed system ( )

12. System development cycle is also known as:

(a) Problem solving cycle (b) Product life cycle
(c) Hardware Cycle (d) Software cycle ( )

13. A method to illustrate how data flows in a system is known as:

(a) Data flow diagram (b) Pseudo-code
(c) Decision-support systems (d) None of the above ( )

14. A distinct object in a system is known as:

(a) Degree (b) Attribute
(c) Parameter (d) Entity ( )

15. A diagram that shows the inputs and outputs of a system is known as:
(a) Document flow diagram (b) context diagram
(c) Process diagram (d) None of the above ( )

16. A computer which requests another computer is:

(a) Server
(b) Multiplexer
(c) Client
(d) None of the above ( )

17. A step in the development process is :

(a) Set (b) Subset
(c) Break (d) Phase ( )

18. System testing in an important part of:

(a) Model building (b) Quality assurance
(c) Generating information's (d) None of the above ( )

19. Adapting an object for use in an application is known is:

(a) conversation
(b) Data mining
(c) Collaboration
174

(d) Customization ( )

20. The detailed study of the present system is referred to as:

(a) System planning
(b) System analysis
(c) Feasibility study
(d) System design. ( )

21. Management is linked to information by:

(a) Decision (b) Data
(c) Both a and b (d) Neither a nor b ( )

22. Which of the following is a tactical decision?

(a) Diversification (b) Data
(c) Both a and b (d) Neither a nor b ( )

23. Waterfall model follows;

(a) systematic approach
(b) Sequential approach
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above ( )

24. When the customer wants quick delivery, which model is best suited?
(a) Prototype model (b) Waterfall model
(c) DSDM (d) None of the above ( )

25. LOC stands for:

(a) Line of code (b) Label of code
(c) Both a and b (d) None of the above ( )

26. Tools used in requirements are:

(a) Prototypes
(b) Use case
(c) Data flow diagram
(d) Transition process diagram ( )

27. Which of the following is not an element in the physical DFD?

(a) Internal/External entity
(b) Data flows
(c) Processors
System Analysis and Design 175

(d) Flowchart ( )

28. A DFD is:

(a) Mainly used at the system specification stage
(b) The primary output of the system specification stage
(c) The modern version of a flowchart
(d) None of the above ( )

29. A software design description document only includes;

(a) Data dictionary

(b) ER diagram
(c) DFD
(d) All of the above ( )

30. Same types of attribute is called:

(a) Attribute set (b) Domain
(c) Entity set (d) None of the above ( )

31. Once the software is installed and deployed it enters the:

(a) Implementation phase
(b) System design phase
(c) Maintenance
(d) None of the above ( )

32. Risk analysis includes:

(a) Manpower risk
(b) Technology risk
(c) Customer/user risk
(d) Environment risk
(e) All of the above ( )

33. Which set of properties that should be specified as a part of an architectural

design?
(a) Structured Properties (b) Extra-functional properties
(c) Families of related systems (d) All of the above ( )

34. FTR stands for:

(a) Formal Testing Review
(b) Formal Technical Review
176

(c) Formal Technical Relation

(d) None of the above ( )

35. Validation testing includes:

(a) Recovery testing
(b) Stress testing
(c) Alpha and Beta testing
(d) Security testing ( )
36. System testing includes:
(a) Recovery testing
(b) Stress testing
(c) Security testing
(d) All of the nonve ( )

37. Project manager is responsible for:

(a) Successful execution of the implementation phase
(b) Accomplishing assigned tasks
(c) Preparing soliciting document
(d) None of the above ( )

38. Client-server database consists of:

(a) Client application
(b) Database server
(c) Middleware
(d) All of the above ( )

39. Which of the following is false?

(a) Data mining support massive data collection
(b) Data mining support powerful multiprocessor computer
(c) Data mining support, data mining algorithms
(d) None of the above ( )

40. Deductive database and expert systems are mainly used for:
(a) Replacing the functionality of a real expert
(b) Hypothesis testing
(c) Knowledge discovery
(d) All of the above ( )

Answer Key
System Analysis and Design 177

1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (c 7. (c) 8. (c) 9. (c) 10. (b)
11. (a) 12. a) 13. (b) 14. (c) 15. (d) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (a) 24. (b) 25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (b) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (b) 32. (c) 33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (d) 37. (a) 38. (c) 39. (a) 40. (b)

Set 3:-

1. Which is the system development approach?

(a) Data modeling (b) Function oriented
(c) Process modeling (d) None of these ( )

2. Which is the characteristic of data in a DBMS?

(a) Consistency
(b) Security
(c) Independence
(d) All of the above ( )

3. Error and fraud in any computer system can be detected through:

(a) Usage of password (b) Network security
(c) Audit trails (d) None of the above ( )

4. What is decision table?

(a) A graphic method for describing the logic of decisions
(b) Data dictionary
(c) Flow chart
(d) None of these ( )

5. Which tool is used for analysis of data flow?

(a) Data flow diagram (b) Data dictionary
(c) Flow chart (d) All of the above ( )

6. How many types of relationships can be defined between two or more entities.
178

(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 1 (d) None of the above ( )

7. The characteristic of data in a database is:

(a) Shared
(b) Security
(c) Persistence
(d) All of the above ( )

8. The rectangular is used in DFD:

(a) Read/write data
(b) Processing
(c) Decision-making
(d) None of these ( )

9. Which is a desirable feature of good quality design?

(a) Flexible
(b) Portable
(c) Secure
(d) All of the above ( )

10. Which tool is used for analysis of data flow?

(a) Data dictionary
(b) Structured English
(c) Decision Tables
(d) None of these ( )

11. A person who analyze the way the system works and its problems is:
(a) Programmer
(b) DBA
(c) User
(d) System analyst ( )

12. Storage of information in graphs, video, voice etc. is:

(a) Multimedia
(b) Cookies
(c) Text file
(d) None of the above ( )

13. The sequence of steps followed in a system study is :

System Analysis and Design 179

(a) Problem definition, system design, system analysis, programming and

implementation
(b) Problem definition, system analysis, programming and implementation
(c) System analysis, system design and system implementation
(d) Problem, definition, system analysis, system design, programming analysis,
program preparation and implementation ( )

14. Decision table is:

(a) A table containing decisions
(b) A method to analyze how to get decision
(c) One of the various programming analysis tools
(d) A debugging tool ( )

15. Decision tables are made prior to making a/an:

(a) Flowchart (b) Algorithm
(c) Program (d) Task analysis ( )

16. We task the help of flowcharts:

(a) To decide the sequence of steps involved in finding the solution
(b) As an addition to making algorithm
(c) To prepare decision tables
(d) None of the above ( )

17. A district object in a system is known is:

(a) Degree (b) Attribute
(c) Parameter (d) Entity ( )

18. A system that groups a number of transaction for later processing is known is:
(a) Client Server (b) Batch system
(c) Online system (d) Real time system ( )

19. Which of the following items are discussed during the system implementation phase
of the application:
(a) Program specification
(b) Software specification
(c) Software maintenance
(d) All of the above ( )

20. A system flow chart describes the:

(a) details of each program module
180

(b) line diagram for particular program

(c) data files and operations and decision for a particular program
(d) sequence of operations techniques is used to simplify defining problem ( )

21. Which of the following techniques is used to simplify defining problems by both system
analysis and programmers:
(a) Documentation
(b) Decision tables
(c) Sub-routine
(d) Decision instruction ( )

22. The normal starting point of any system design is to:

(a) determine the input requirement
(b) determine the output requirement
(c) establish data entry procedures
(d) determine data entry requirement ( )

23. Which of the following is not true about distributed processing:

(a) They are modular
(b) They are more reliable
(c) Maintenance costs are high
(d) Response is slow ( )

24. Which of the following technical skills is essential for a system analyst:
(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of the above ( )

25. An unstructured tools for information gathering can be:

(a) prototyping
( b) questionnaires ( )

26. The components of a distributed system are connected by a :

(a) Multiplexer
(b) Communication controller
(c) Network
(d) Switcher ( )

27. Entities attributes and relationships are associated with:

System Analysis and Design 181

(a) Logical concept of data

(b) Physical concept of data
(c) Person of an organization
(d) None of the above ( )
28. Prototype is:
(a) minimodel of the existing system
(b) minimodel of tthe proposed system
(c) working model of the existing system
(d) none of the above ( )

29. ...................is a collection of computer based information that is critical to successful

execution of enterprise initiatives.
(a) data mining
(b) data warehouse
(c) both a and b
(d) None ( )

30. A/An............is a set of components that work together to accomplish one or more
common goals.
(a) System
(b) Flow chart
(c) Algorithm
(d) None ( )

31. The feasibility report consists of:

(a) General specification for the new system
(b) Economic analysis of costs and justification for expenditure
(c) Technical considerations
(d) All of the above ( )

32. A....................is a structured repository of data.

(a) Data flow diagram
(b) Data dictionary
(c) Structure chart
(d) None ( )

33. An association among entities is caused a :

(a) Attribute
(b) Relationship
(c) Redundancy
182

(d) None ( )

34. ..............are a fundamental tool of a structured desing.

(a) Structure charts
(b) Data structure diagrams
(c) Case tools
(d) None of the above ( )

35. Which of the following appropriately explains the desirable characteristic of a good
system design?
(a) Modular approach
(c) Proper documentation
(a) Neither a nor b
(c) Both a and b ( )

36. Design specifications do not normally include:

(a) Output requirements
(b) Input and storage requirements
(c) Control Provisions
(d) Blueprints showing the layout hardware ( )

37. ................is a network that describes data flows and transformations throughout a
system:
(a) Data flow diagram
(b) Data dictionary
(c) Structure charts
(d) None ( )

38. In development of an applications systems, which accesses data under a DBMS, the
user vies the database as a:
(a) Group of files
(b) Logical Structure
(c) Random storage structure
(d) None of the above ( )

39. A set of prerecorded instructions executed by a computer is called the:

(a) Action
System Analysis and Design 183

(b) Hardware
(c) Program
(d) None of these ( )

40. ...................is the process of collecting, organizing, storing and maintaining a

complete historical record of programs.
(a) Documentation
(b) Testing
(c) Debugging
(d) None of these ( )

Answer Key
1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (c) 4. (c) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (a) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (d)
21. (b) 22. (d) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (a) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (c) 29. (b) 30. (c)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (a) 34. (b) 35. (b) 36. (a) 37. (c) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (a)

Set 4:-

1. The basic objective of system analysis is to:

(a) Understand computer hardware by opening the system unit
(b) Train manager in mathematical analysis
(c) Run simulation program
(d) Understand a current system and modify it in same way ( )

2. A zero level! DFD describes:

(a) Overview of processes, inputs and outputs
(b) Fully blown by system design
(c) The system design can not be spilt further
184

(d) None of these ( )

3. Which of the following is not part of the SDLC?

(a) Feasibility study
(b) System design
(c) Unit testing
(d) None of these ( )

4. Cost-benefit analysis is performed during the:

(a) Analysis phase
(b) Design phase
(c) Implementation phase
(d) None of these ( )

5. Which of the following is most likely to be used to describe conditional logic?

(a) Decision table
(b) Data flow diagram
(c) Structured English
(d) All of the above ( )

6. Which of the following technical skills are essential for a system analyst?
(a) Knowledge of networking
(b) Knowledge of operating system
(c) Problem solving approach
(d) None of these ( )

7. The entity-relationship diagram:

(a) Depicts how data is transformed as it moves through the system
(b) Depicts relationship between data object
(c) Describes how the system behaves as a consequences of external events
(d) None of these ( )

8. The data dictionary consists of:

(a) Definition of all data elements in data flow diagram
(b) Process Specifications
(c) Key field of the database
(d) None of these ( )

9. The system design:

(a) Documents the user requirement
System Analysis and Design 185

(b) Defines the architecture of the system

(c) Is carried out before the systems design
(d) None the these ( )

10. In terms of total software cost, maintenance costs appear to constitute about:
(a) 5% – 20%
(b) 20% – 40%
(c) 40% – 80%
(d) 80% – 90% ( )

11. Risk analysis is a part of which software development process:

(a) Waterfall model
(b) Prototype model
(c) Spiral model
(d) None of these ( )

12. In which phase of SDLC, the modules are tested against specification produced during
design for the module?
(a) Analysis phase
(b) Design phase
(c) Coding Phase
(d) None of these ( )

13. How many types of relationship can be defined between two or more entities?
(a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 1 (d) None of these ( )

14. An unstructured tool for information gathering can be:

(a) Prototyping
(b) Questionnaires
(c) Observation
(d) All of these ( )

15. A knowledge is being discovered from a large volume of data, the method used is known
is:
(a) Data warehousing (b) Data mining
(c) Data counting (d) None of these ( )

16. The type of organization, in which a single index for each key type exists and records
are not necessarily stored in particular sequence:
186

(a) Index sequential method

(b) Inverted list organization
(c) Chaining
(d) None of these ( )

17. Loss of data integrity implies that data is:

(a) Inconsistent (b) Repeated
(c) Outdated (d) None of these ( )

18. A CASE is:

(a) Computer assisted software engineering
(b) Computer and software engineering
(c) Prepare, connect, execute, fetchrow, finish, disconnect
(d) None of these ( )

19. A support system that is related to the higher level of management is:
(a) Data support system
(b) Digital support system
(c) Decision support system
(d) None of these ( )

20. The main advantage of normalized relations in relations DBMS is taht they:
(a) Are highly secure
(b) De not suffer from anomalies during deleted and update operations
(c) Occupy minimal storage
(d) All of the above ( )

21. A diagram that shows the input of output of a system is known as:
(a) Document flow diagram
(b) Process diagram
(c) Context diagram
(d) None of these ( )

22. Which of the following are tools of SASD?

(a) HIPO
(b) Case
(c) DFD
(d) All of the these ( )
System Analysis and Design 187

23. Which of the following appropriately explains the desirable characteristic of a good
system design?
(a) Modular approach
(b) Proper documentation
(c) Neither a nor b
(d) both a and b ( )

24. A typical data processing context, where master files are updated to produce desired
output, is known is:
(a) Validation checking
(b) Transaction processing
(c) Normalization process
(d) None of these ( )

25. Whether a proposed system can provide right information for the organizations
personnel, falls under the study of:
(a) Economic feasibility
(b) Operational feasibility
(c) Technical feasibility
(d) All of these ( )

26. Stub is met within the context of:

(a) Data communication
(b) Testing of module
(c) Random access
(d) None of these ( )

27. Entities, attributes and relationship are associated with:

(a) Logical concept of data
(b) Physical concept of data
(c) Persons of an organization
(d) None of these ( )

28. Decision tables link conditions and:

(a) Tables
(b) Programs
(c) Actions
(d) None of these ( )

29. Pseudo code is:

188

(a) False logic

(b) Programming aid
(c) Both a and b
(d) Neither a nor b ( )

30. Design specification do not normally include:

(a) Output requirements
(b) Input and storage requirements
(c) Control provisions
(d) Blueprints showing the layout of hardware ( )

31. The sequence of steps of following in a system study is:

(a) Problem definition, system design, system analysis, programming and
implementing
(b) Problem definition, system design, system analysis, programming and
implementing
(c) System analysis system design and system implementation
(d) Problem definition, system analysis, system design, programming and
implementing ( )

32. The phase of system development associated with creation of test data is:
(a) System analysis
(b) Physical design
(c) System acceptance
(d) Logical design ( )

33. Prototype is a :
(a) Minimodel of the existing system
(b) Minimodel of the proposed system
(c) Working model of the existing system
(d) None of these ( )

34. In development of an application system, which accesses data under a DBMS, the
user views the database as a:
(a) Group of files
(b) Logical structure
(c) Random storage structure
(d) None of these ( )

35. A distinct object in a system in known is:

System Analysis and Design 189

(a) Degree
(b) Attribute
(c) Parameter
(d) Entity ( )

36. A person who analysis the way the system works and its problem is:
(a) Programmer
(b) DBA
(c) User
(d) System analyst ( )

37. A system that groups a number of transaction for later processing is known is:
(a) Client Server
(b) Post on Point
(c) Post Office Protocol
(d) Post of Protocol ( )

38. ....................is an application layer protocol that establishes, maintains and terminates
a multimedia session.
(a) SIP
(b) RTCP
(c) DCT
(d) JPEG ( )

39. <Frameset Cols = "33%, 33%, 33%">

(a) Divides the browser screen into three equal horizontal sections
(b) Divides the browser screen into three equal vertical section
(c) Divides the browser screen into three horizontal sections
(d) Divides the browser screen into three vertical section ( )

40. A..............can forward or block packets based on the information in the network layer
and transport layer headers.
(a) Proxy farewell (b) Packet-filter fire well
(c) Message Digest (d) Private Key ( )

Answer Key
1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (c) 9. (b) 10. (a)
190

11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (d) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (d) 29. (a) 30. (a)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (c) 34. (b) 35. (d) 36. (c) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (d) 40. (b)

Set 5:-

1. Which of the following is supported in Java?

(a) Operator overloading
(b) Pointers
(c) Multiples Inheritance
(d) Conditional Operator ( )

2. Which of the following is not a characteristic of HTTP?

(a) Stateless protocol
(b) Connection oriented
(c) Object-oriented protocol
(d) None of the above ( )

3. HTTP is a ...................layer protocol:

(a) Network
(b) Transport
(c) Application
(d) Presentation ( )

4. A periodic signal completes one cycle in 0.001 seconds. What is the frequency?
(a) Get
(b) Post
(c) Find
(d) Put ( )

5. Which of the following is true with respect to cookies?

(a) They allow Microsoft to look at your hard driver
(b) They taste yummy and best served with milk
(c) They serve as the virtual machine to run Java applets
System Analysis and Design 191

(d) They allow server programs to store and retrieve info on the client side ( )

6. Dynamic HTML can:

(a) Create a ticker that automatically refreshes its content
(b) Create 3 - D Elements which can overlap
(c) Animate text and images without an animated gif file
(d) All of the above ( )

7. Which of the following is not internet security requirement?

(a) Protecting confidentiality of private information
(b) Preventing unauthorized modification information
(c) Counting the number of customers accessing the internet
(d) Presenting the availability of system resources ( )

8. When a person uses a regular modem to make a connection to an internet service

provider through POTS, the data travels over a:
(a) Dedicated circuit
(b) Dialed circuit
(c) ISDN circuit
(d) VPN circuit ( )

9. Mobile nodes are assigned:

(a) Three IP addresses
(b) Two IP address
(c) One IP address
(d) None of the above ( )

10. Which of the following is not an attribute of the <TR> tag?

(a) ALIGN (b) STYLE
(c) CHR (d) VALIGN ( )

11. Consider the following sets A and B:

AISMTP, HTTP, FTP, TELNET, NNTP, UUCP
B {Remote login, News groups, Webpages, Email, File upload}
Which of the following illustrate the best combinations of an elements of a with an
element of B?
(a) {SMTP-News group, HTTP-Web Pages, FTP-Email TELNET. File uplaod,
NNTP-Remote Logn}
(b) {SMTP-WebPages, HTTP-Newsgroups, FTP-File upload, TELNET- Remote
login}
192

(c) SMTP-Email, HTTP-WebPages, TP-File upload, TELNET-Remote login, NNTP-

Newsgroups}
(d) {SMTP-Email, HTTP,File upload, FTP-Newsgroups, TELNET-Remote login}
( )

12. Consider the following JavaScript code line document write (7/2) identify the correct
statement (s) from among the following statement:
(a) The output is 7/2
(b) The output is 3
(c) This output is 3.5
(d) The java script code produces an error message ( )

13. Which of the following is a correct statement?

(a) JavaScript is a strongly typed language
(b) DOM stands for document object model
(c) The java script function prompt ( ) can be used to display a confirmation
dialog box ( )
(d) The java script exist statement can be used in return a result from a function.

14. In HTML, which pair of tags is used to define a table row and table cell respectively?
(a) TH, TR
(b) TD, TR
(c) TR, TH
(d) TR, TD ( )

15. http://www.google.com/images/logo.gif is a URL, Then

(a) http://www.google.com/images/is the pathname where the file logo.gif is stored
(b) google.com is the internet domain name of the server where the file logo.gif is
stored
(c) www.google.com is the internet domain name of the server where the file logo.gif
is stored
(d) The above URL is a 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16. MIME stands for:

(a) Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
(b) Multipurpose Internet Management Extension
(c) Multipurpose Internet Media Extension
(d) Multipurpose Internet Multimedia Extension ( )
System Analysis and Design 193

17. Which of the following environment variable must be used by a CGI script in order to
produce a browser dependent output?
(a) HTTP_ACCEPT
(b) HTTP_USERAGENT
(c) REQUEST_METHOD
(d) HTTP_FROM ( )

18. Which of the following represent images, sound and vidio files respectively?
(a) Myfile.mid, myfie,avi,myfile,gif
(b) Myfile.gif,myfile,mid,myfile.avi
(c) Myfile.gif,myfile.png,myfile.avi
(d) Myfile.avi,myfile,gif.myfile.mid ( )

19. A linked page opens is new window when target property of anchor tag is set to:
(a) _blank
(b) _parent
(c) _child
(d) _mainframe ( )

20. Select the odd one:

(a) <font>
(b) FTP
(c) <title>
(d) <> ( )

21. <Frameset Rows="33%, 33%, 33%>

(a) Divides the browser screen into three equal horizontal sections
(b) Divides the browser screen into three equal vertical sections
(c) Divides the browser screen into three horizontal sections
(d) Divides the browser screen into three vertical sections ( )

22. Which of the following is not Internet Related?

(a) POP3
(b) FTP
(c) x-400
(d) HTML ( )

23. Which of the following is a web-server?

(a) Microsoft IE
(b) Netscape Navigator
194

(c) Opera
(d) IIS ( )

24. <Form> tag's..............attribute specifies the CGI Script to which the data should be
submitted:
(a) Post
(b) Action
(c) methods
(d) get ( )

25. Which protocol cannot be used on the internet?

(a) IPX
(b) DNS
(c) POP3
(d) TCP ( )

26. What is the term for two modems establishing communication with each other?
(a) Interconnecting (b)Connecting
(c) Pinging (d)Handshaking ( )

27. Which of the following factors does impact the amount of bandwidth customer require
to access the Internet over DSL?
(a) Type of application
(b) Length of user session
(c) Use of e-mail
(d) Necessity of web server to promote business information ( )

28. In JPEG image format, compression ratio of upto-can be achieved without losing image
quality:
(a) 80 : 1
(b) 60 : 1
(c) 40 : 1
(d) 20 :1 ( )

29. Which of the following statement is not true?

(a) Analog modems are inexpensive
(b) ISDN difficult to install
(c) Leased lines are expensive
(d) Analog modems offer high speed access ( )
System Analysis and Design 195

30. Which of the following is not a Traditional internet access method?

(a) Analog dial up modems
(b) ISDN
(c) Leased Lines
(d) DSL ( )

31. Which of the following domain names would most likely use a country domain to resolve
its IP address?
(a) chal.at ae.fhda.edu (b) gsfe.nasa.gov
(c) kenz.acct.sony.in (d) mae.eng.sony.com ( )

32. Which of the following is an address revolver in an internet?

(a) DNS client
(b) DNS Server
(c) Host Machine
(d) Root Server ( )

33. MPEG divides frames into three categories:

(a) I-Frames, frames, B-Frames
(b) I-Frames, A-Frames, B-Frames
(c) I-Frames, U-Frames, B-Frames
(d) I-Frames, T-frames, B-Frames ( )

34. Which of the following protocol is used to serve steaming audio/video?

(a) SMTP
(b) HHTP
(c) FTP
(d) RTSP ( )

35. JPEG encoding involves .............a process that reveals the redundancies in a block.
(a) Blocking (b) The DCT
(c) Quantization (d) Vectorization ( )

36. A client machine usually need............to sent email:

(a) Only SMTP
(b) Only POP
(c) Both SMTP and POP
(d) None of the above ( )

37. Protocols for internet Telephony are:

196

(a) SIP and H.323 (b) RSTP and SRTF

(c) RSTP and RTCP (d) None of the above ( )

38. ...................is a device at the telephone company site that can packetize data to be sent to
the ISP server.
(a) A SDLAM (b) An ADSL Modem
(c) A filter (d) A splitter ( )

39. A paired HTML tag ends with:

(a) <\tag_name> (b) </tag_name>
(c) <tag_name> (d) <tag_name/> ( )

40. An applet is:

(a) A stand alone java program
(b) An animation tool
(c) A java program run able only in a browser
(d) A server ( )

Answer Key
1. (d) 2. (c) 3. (c) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (d) 7. (c) 8. (a) 9. ( b) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (a) 20.(b)
21. (a) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (d) 29. (d) 30. (a)
31. (c) 32. (b) 33. (a) 34. (d) 35. (c) 36. (a) 37. (a) 38. (b) 39. (b) 40. (c)
System Analysis and Design 197

Glossary

Activity That set of tasks which are organized and broken down into a set of
procedures to accomplish a specific goal. The distinction between a sub-function and an
activity is as much a matter of interpretation as it is a matter of scope.

Analysis The separation of an intellectual or substantial whole into its constituent parts
for individual study. The stated findings of such a separation or determination.

Application The specific set of activities under analysis. An application may consist of
one or more activities within a functional area, or it may include all activities within a
functional area. In some cases the application may cross functional areas. In some firms
an application is synonymous with a system.
198

Attribute An aspect, quality, or characteristic of either an entity or a relationship which

describes it. An attribute may be a physical characteristic, such as size, weight, or color,
or a locational attribute, such as place of residence or place of birth. It may be a quality
such as level of a particular skill, educational degree achieved, or the dollar value of the
items represented by the order.

Baseline An item or collection of items of a particular shape and form used as a

reference. A baseline configuration is a reference point for evaluating modifications
and enhancements and a starting point for making those changes. This baseline is
normally considered the “official” version of an installed and operational Configuration
Item.

Class A set, group, collection or configuration containing members having or believed

to have at least one attribute or characteristic in common. To classify is to organize or
arrange according to class or category.

Client/Server That combination of common use, sharable machines which provide a

variety of services to a network of personal workstations know as clients. Server
machines may be dedicated to providing file storage or peripheral device management
(such as printers, scanners, etc.) services, or they may also function as personal
workstations.

Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) also called Computer Aided Systems
Engineering, Computer Assisted Software Engineering and Computer Assisted Systems
Engineering. CASE products are collections of software tools assembled by a vendor to
help the analyst, designer and developer to produce diagrams and models; analyze
component relationships; produce code; manage component and model versions;
produce reports; and to document the results of their analysis and design in narrative
form.

Configuration A specific arrangement of items assembled for a particular purpose.

Data analysis That process by which the data requirements of a functional area are
identified, element by element. Each data element is defined from a business sense, its
ownership is identified, and users and sources of that data are identified. These data
elements are grouped into records, and a data structure is created which indicates the
data dependencies.
System Analysis and Design 199

Data dictionary An automated tool for collecting and organizing the detailed
information about system components. Data dictionaries maintain facilities to
document data elements, records, programs, systems, files, users, and other system
components. A dictionary will also have facilities to cross-reference all system
components to each other.

Data element The lowest unit of meaningful information in an automated file or on a

document. A data element may consist of numbers, letters, or a combination of both.

Encyclopedia An integral part of a CASE product and designed by the CASE tool
vendor specifically to collect and organize the detailed information about the data and
process model system components developed using the CASE tool components. CASE
encyclopedias maintain facilities to document attributes, entities and relationships,
functions and processes, screens and reports, data flows, data stores, missions, goals,
objectives, critical success factors, users and organization structures, and other data and
process model components. An encyclopedia will also have facilities to cross-reference
all components of its data and process models. A specific vendor‟s encyclopedia cannot
normally operate independently of its associated CASE tool.

Entity Any real person, place, or thing, or logical person, place, or thing which can be
definitively described, and which is of immediate and/or ongoing interest to the firm as
a whole or to some aspect of the firm. An entity may also be an idea, concept, or
convenience.

Entity set All known or suspected variants of the singular entities which make up the
global set. In the entity-relationship model, the entity set is treated as if it were
synonymous with the individual entities which comprise it. That is, the set is treated as
if each of its component entities is defined and behaves in a similar manner.

Facilities Management. The process whereby one firm (the contracting firm) enters
into a fixed length contract with another (the contractor) where the contractor agrees to
operate and maintain the contracting firm‟s information systems. The Contracting firm
normally agrees to provide all or a specified part of the necessary Information Systems
equipment and supplies, and the contractor provides its own employees and
management. The contractor operates the contracting firm‟s equipment, on the
contracting firm‟s premises. Some or all of the contractor‟s employees may be located
on the contracting firm‟s premises.
200

File A group of records, in automated or document form, which relate to the same
subject and which are used and manipulated in the same manner.

Function A series of related activities, involving one or more entities, performed for the
direct or indirect purpose of fulfilling one or more missions or objectives of the firm,
generating revenue for the firm, servicing the customers of the firm, producing the
products and services of the firm, or managing, administering, monitoring, recording,
or reporting on the activities, states, or conditions of the entities of the firm.

Graphic User Interface (GUI) The term given to that set of items and facilities which
provide the user with a graphic means for manipulating screen data rather than being
limited to character based commands. Graphic User Interface tool kits are provided by
many different vendors and contain a variety of components including (but are not
limited to) tools for creating and manipulating Windows, Menu Bars, Status Bars,
Dialogue Boxes, Pop-Up Windows, Scroll Or Slide Bars, Icons, “Radio” Buttons, On-
Line and Context Dependent Help Facilities. Graphic User Interface tool kits may also
provide facilities for using a mouse to locate and manipulate on screen data and
activate program components.

Integrated CASE (I-CASE) A collection of products designed to allow the tools

contained within them to communicate with each other and to transfer analysis, design
and development data between them. Thus the data modeling tool may share data
with the process modeling tool and both will share data with the code generation tools.
the measurement tools may collect data from both and both may support the testing
tools. Rarely however, will one CASE product permit and facilitate the transfer of data
from its storage facility to that of another CASE product. Thus once a design is begin in
one CASE too it is difficult or in some cases impossible to transfer that design
information to another CASE product with completely reentering all the information

Interview A formal face-to-face meeting, especially, one arranged for the assessment of
the qualifications of an applicant, as for employment or admission.... A conversation, as
one conducted by a reporter, in which facts, or statements are elicited from another.

Life cycle The course of developmental changes thorough which a project passes from
its inception as a project request to the mature state as characterized by a stable
production environment.. A progression through a series of differing stages of
development.
System Analysis and Design 201

Method A means or manner of procedure, a regular and systematic way of

accomplishing something. An orderly and systematic arrangement. Procedures
according to a detailed, logically ordered plan.

Methodology The system of principles, practices, and procedures applied to a specific

branch of knowledge.

Metric - A standard of measurement. The term is most often used to identify things
that will be measured rather than the measurement process or the individual readings
or points. Some examples of metric might be: lines of code, number of phone calls,
number of resignations, or number of tests.

Model A representation, either graphic, narrative, or a combination of both, of a

physical or conceptual environment. A model must identify the major components of
the environment, describe those components in terms of their major attributes, and
depict the relationships between the components and the conditions under which the
components exist and interact with each other.

Outsourcing. The process whereby one firm (the contracting firm) enters into a fixed
length contract with another (the contractor) where the contractor agrees to operate and
maintain the contracting firm‟s information systems. The Contractor firm agrees to buy
all or a specified part of the contracting firms Information Systems equipment and
supplies, and to hire as their own employees all or a specified part of the contracting
firm‟s Information Systems employees.

Personal Computer (PC) - Any combination of processor, input device and output
device designed for use by a single individual. Personal computers may also be called
workstations. Personal computers may have a character orientation, a graphical
orientation, may be connected to other personal computers, or may operate in a
standaloness mode, and may or may not have connectivity to a mainframe. Personal
computer software is normally characterized by an operating system which provides
basic file access, management and display services and well as application scheduling
and management.

Plan That sequence of activities which are to be followed. A plan states each task, the
estimated time to complete it, the persons assigned to perform it, and any task-to-task
dependencies. Plans are updated on a periodic basis with actual results, and new
202

estimates are determined. At any point, the plan should reflect actual progress and
remaining work.

Platform The term used to distinguish between the different classes or sizes of
computing machinery –mainframe, minicomputer and microcomputer (or personal
computer or workstation), between the various operating systems on each machine, and
in some cases between stand-alone machines and networked machines. In some cases
the term platform is used to distinguish between one combination of machine and
software and some other combination.

Procedure The specific steps which must be followed in order to accomplish a specific
task or activity.

Process A sequence of related activities, or it may be a sequence of related tasks which

make up an activity. These activities or tasks are usually interdependent, and there is a
well-defined flow from one activity to another or from one task to another.

Program A sequence of instructions which may be followed by a computer to perform a

specific task or tasks.

Prototype A model on which later stages or development is based or judged.

Prototypes are usually primitive forms used to evaluate a design. Prototypes may or
may not actually work.

Record A group of one or more data elements which are stored together and which
represent information which relates to a common topic. A record may be automated, or
it may be a business document.

Relationship An association, linkage, or connection, either real or suspected, between

entities of the same or different set which describes their interaction, the dependence of
one upon the other, or their mutual interdependence.

Repository A tool independent of both DBMS and CASE products designed to collect
and organize all analysis and design information regardless of source. Repositories can
collect information about the components of the data and process model components
developed using the CASE tools, as well as that information collected about non-model
Information systems components such as data elements, records, programs, systems,
files, and users. Repositories maintain facilities to document attributes, entities and
System Analysis and Design 203

relationships, functions and processes, screens and reports, data flows, data stores,
missions, goals, objectives, critical success factors, users and organization structures,
and other data and process model components.

Review A reexamination or reconsideration.. A retrospective view or survey. An

inspection or examination with the intention of evaluating and correcting flaws or
errors

Security The protection of the firm's records and resources from unauthorized access,
modification, or other interference includes an analysis of ownership, access,
modification, use, and a determination of what protective or restrictive measures must
be taken to ensure adequate protection of the firm's files.

Standards The rules which must be followed in order to accomplish a specific activity
or task. Standards are established to ensure that all work is performed in a uniform
manner.

System A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent (business functions,

processes, activities or) elements forming a complex whole .... a functionally related
group of (business functions, processes, activities or) elements, for instance, a network
of structures and channels, as for communications, travel, or distribution.

Systems analyst One who engages in the study of, and separation of, a group of
interacting, interrelated, or interdependent (business functions, processes, activities or)
elements forming a complex whole into its constituent parts for individual study.

Task The lowest unit of discrete work which can be identified. An activity may be
composed of many tasks. Tasks are highly repetitive, highly formalized, and rigidly
defined.

Users Business personnel in other areas of the firm who manage, supervise, or perform
the direct and indirect operational, managerial, and administrative tasks of the firm.
Users provide the impetus for the development of these systems, in many cases they
fund the development and implementation process and provide for their ongoing
operation, and in all cases they supply the policies, guidelines, business requirements,
specifications, and background information about the particular area to be systematized
and automated.
204

Best books to refer:-

3.) System analysis and Design by Elias M. Awad
4.) Systems Analysis and Design by Kenneth E. Kendall

Best web-sites to surf:-

4.) http://www.nos.org/htm/sad1.htm
5.) http://www.umsl.edu/~sauterv/analysis/analysis_links.html
6.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_analysis