Cis 320 Test 2

Front 1

What is an independent entity? What is a dependent entity? How are thetwo types of entities differentiated on the data model? a

Back 1

An independent entity is an entity that can exist without the help ofanother entity. These entities all have identifiers that were created fromtheir own attributes. A dependent entity is an entity that requires attributesfrom a parent entity. Its identifier consists of at least one attribute from aparent entity

Front 2

Explainthe distinction between identifying and non-identifying relationships. anotfq

Back 2

When a relationship has a dependent child entity, they are calledidentifying relationships. When a relationship has an independent child entity,they are called non-identifying relationships. Dependent child relationshipshave this name because they identify through their parent. Independent childrelationships have this name because they have their own identity separate fromtheir parent

Front 3

What is the purpose of an intersection entity? How do you know whetherone is needed in an ERD?

Back 3

It exists in order to capture someinformation about the relationship between two other entities. Typically,intersection entities are added to a data model to store information about twoentities sharing an M:N relationship. Any time you have a M:N relationship youwill need an intersection entity.

Front 4

Describe the three-step process of creating an intersection entity

Back 4

The process is called resolving an M:Nrelationship.

Step 1- remove the M:N relationship lineand insert a new entity in between the two existing ones

Step 2- add two 1:N relationships to themodel. The two original entities should serve as the parent entities for each1:N, and the new intersection entity becomes the child entity in in both relationships

Step 3- Name the intersection entity

Front 5

Isan intersection entity dependent or independent? Explain your answer.

Back 5

An intersection entity is dependent sinceit gets its main attributes from parent entities

Front 6

What is the purpose of normalization?

Back 6

Normalization helps validate the models an analyst has drawn. It is aprocess whereby a series of rules are applied to a logical data model or a fileto determine how well formed it is

Front 7

Describe the analysis that is applied to a data model in order to placeit in first normal form (1NF)

Back 7

The main question is “do any attributes have multiple values for asingle instance of an entity?” if the answer to this question is Yes, then theanalyst must remove the repeating attributes and groups, create an entity thatdescribes the attributes, and add a relationship to connect them. If the answeris No, then the model is in 1NF

Front 8

Describe the analysis that is applied to a data model in order to place it in second normal form (2NF)

Back 8

The main question is “is the identifier composed of more than oneattribute? If so, are any attribute values dependent on just part of theidentifier?” If yes, remove the partial dependency, move the attributes to anentity in which their values are dependent on the entire identifier, and addany necessary relationships. If no, then the model is in 2NF

Front 9

Describe the analysis that is applied to a data model in order to placeit in third normal form (3NF)

Back 9

· The main question is “Do any attributevalue depend on an attribute that is not the entities identifier?” If yes,remove the transitive dependency, move to a new entity that shares the samevalues, and then create the relationship. If No, then the model is in 3NF

Front 10

Describe how the data model and process model should be balanced againsteach other

Back 10

A data model is a conceptual model of how data items relate to eachother. A process model is a description of how a particular “feature” works.Knowing how data will relate to each other can help improve processes andperform tasks not only correctly, but also most efficiently. If these twomodels are balanced against each other than

Front 11

What is a CRUD matrix? How does it relate to process models and data models

Back 11

· CRUD matrix is a table that shows thelinks between processes and data or between processes and resources. When alink exists, it shows whether the process performs a Create, Read, Update, orDelete (CRUD) operation on the data. CRUD matrix relates to process modelssince it states whether the process performs a Create, Read, Update or Delete.

Front 12

Summarize the distinctions between the analysis phase and the designphase of the SDLC.

Back 12

· The difference between the two phases isthat analysis focuses on determining what the business needs are, whereas thedesign phase takes those business needs and determines how they will be metthrough a specific system implementation.

Front 13

Describe the primary activities of the design phase of the SDLC.

Back 13

The design strategy options are

o Build the system in house- building asystem in-house lets developers learn more about how the business works andhelps build technical skills. The problem is it requires a massive timededication, effort dedication and potentially expensive.

o Purchase a pre- written software package-Pre written software is intended to fit a variety of businesses. Its alreadydone and requires minimal time to integrate. The problem is it might not fitexactly what you need. Users may end up paying more for features that areunnecessary or may not get exactly everything they want due to integrationproblems or technical limitation of the system/network

o Hire an outside firm to do thedevelopment- when outsourcing you get a dedicated team to work on exactly whatyou need. It comes at a premium and there is more of a learning curve for thedevelopers in regards to your systems. An outside developer can custom buildeverything just for you and make sure it is tailor fitted to a clients needs

Front 14

List and describe the contents of the system specification

Back 14

This document includes:

o Physical process models- physicaldescription of the proposed system

o Physical data model- representation of adata design which takes into account restraints of a DBMS

o Architecture report- architecture structureand overall design of the project

o Hardware and software specification- whatspecific hardware and software will be needed for the system

o Interface design- user GUI preferences anddesign

o Data storage design- how the database willbe built

o Program design- how the program will bebuilt

Front 15

Describe the three primary strategies that are available to obtain a new system

Back 15

· Custom Development- Build a project tospecifications just for your need. This is not a canned system or an off theshelf solution that has been changed. This is a ground up solution designed forone client/purpose

· Packaged Systems- these solutions arefound pre made and are able to be used by other clients/purposes.

· Outsourcing- using outside developers tocomplete a systeme

Front 16

What circumstances favor the custom design strategy?

Back 16

· Teams have complete control over the waythe system looks and functions.

· Challenges being addressed are verydemanding or complex.

· Allows developers to be flexible andcreative to solve the business problems.

· Builds technical skills and functionalknowledge within the company

Front 17

What circumstances favor the use of packaged software?

Back 17

· Eliminates development efforts if itfulfills business needs

· More efficient to purchase than todedicate labor hours

Front 18

What circumstances favor using outsourcing to obtain the new system?

Back 18

· Requires the least in-house resources

· Low cost of entry; short setup time

· Often less expensive for all but the mostfrequent users of the service

· Can also develop a custom system;developers have more experience or have more resources

Front 19

What are some problems associated with using packaged software? How canthese problems be minimized?

Back 19

· Must accept the functionality that isprovided by the system; rarely is there a perfect fit for the business.

· The search for a software package should be based on the detailed requirements identified during analysis

Front 20

What is meant by customizing a software package?

Back 20

· Altering or manipulation of a software package to change how certain features work

Front 21

What is meant by creating a workaround for a software package? What arethe disadvantages of workarounds (if any)

Back 21

· Creating a custom-built add-on programthat interfaces with the software package to handle special needs or to createneeded functionality that does not already exist.

· When upgrades are made to the main systemby the vendor, they can render the workaround useless. Also, vendors tend toblame workarounds for problems that arise and refuse to provide support

Front 22

What is involved with systems integration? When is it necessary?

Back 22

· Process of building new systems bycombining packaged software, existing legacy systems, and new software writtento integrate these. · When the business problems cannot be solved by either process individually

Front 23

Describethe role of application service providers (ASPs) in obtaining new systems. What are their advantages and disadvantages?

Back 23

They supply software applications and/orsoftware-related services over wide-area networks or the Internet.

o Advantages

§ Lowcost of entry and extremely short setup time

§ Oftenless expensive for the consumer than buying packaged software.

§ Investmentsin IT staff are reduced; investments in IT infrastructure can be avoided

o Disadvantages

§ Neveroutsource what you do not understand; always be well aware of your needs.

§ Always choose (if possible) a vendor, developer, etc. with a good track record with the system your company needs

Front 24

Distinguish between a traditional ASP and a provider of software as aservice. What are the pros and cons of each solution approach?

Back 24

· Software as a Service vendors develop and manage their own software rather than managing and hosting a third-party independent software vendor’s software (traditional ASP model)

Front 25

Explainthe distinctions between time and arrangements, fixed-price, and value-addedoutsourcing contracts. What are the pros and cons of each?

Back 25

· With time and arrangements, theorganization pays for whatever time and expenses are incurred to complete theproject. The actual final cost of the project will not be known until it isover. With a fixed price contract, the organization pays a set contractual feefor the work. A value-added arrangement usually involves a small initial costto the organization, but the outsourcer shares in the benefits of the system asadditional compensation. In this case, the organization trades off higherinitial costs for a lower return over the life of the system.&nbsYKЙ

Front 26

What is the purpose of a request for proposal (RFP)? How does it differ from the RFI?

Back 26

· The RFP is a request for proposals. It isa document that solicits proposals from vendors, developers or serviceproviders based on a description of what the intended system is expected toaccomplish. The RFP generally also tells vendors or other applicants the basis for selection of the winning proposal. · The RFI is a less intensive but similar effort to interact with potential vendors regarding basic services that can be supplied.

Front 27

What information is typically conveyed in an RFP?

Back 27

· Certain key facts that the vendor requires, such as a detailed description of needs, any special technical needs or circumstances, evaluation criteria, procedures to follow, and timetable

Front 28

What is the purpose of the weighted alternative matrix? Describe itstypical content.

Back 28

· The alternative matrix provides a conciseframework to summarize alternatives, such as various software packages. Addingweights and scores to the matrix allow the decision maker to prioritize thecriteria. Typically, analysts take 100 points and distribute the points to thevarious criteria depending upon how important the criterion is deemed to be.The assignment of points is entirely subjective. Once the points are assigned,the analyst then awards a score (1-5), of how well each alternative meets thatcriterion. The weighted score is the weighted points assigned multiplied by thescore received. Each criterion’s weighted score is calculated, and the weightedscores summed. The alternative with the highest score would indicate the best match for the criteria

Front 29

Shouldthe analysis phase be eliminated or reduced when we intend to use a softwarepackage instead of custom development or outsourcing?

Back 29

· The analysis phase is very important, evenif the design strategy chosen is packaged software. It is critical tounderstand the business requirements for the problem domain so that the variouspackaged solution options can be accurately evaluated. The business requirements should drive the evaluation of the packaged software options. We do not want the features of available software packages to determine what is needed to solve the business problems.