Systems analysis and evaluation: When comparing alternatives during system design, the “best” alternative is recognized as the one that most effectively does which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Systems analysis requires evaluating alternatives against clear objectives. While cost and pros/cons matter, the primary criterion is alignment with the defined system goals—functionality, performance, compliance, and value. This question asks you to select the essence of “best.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Objectives are defined in the requirements and business case.
• Trade-offs include cost, schedule, risk, quality, and scope.
• We seek the overarching decision principle.

Concept / Approach:
The best alternative maximizes goal satisfaction for the stakeholders, within constraints. Lowest cost alone may underdeliver; tallying advantages/disadvantages without reference to objectives can mislead. Therefore, the alternative that best enables the system to meet its objectives is preferred, subject to constraints and feasibility.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Decision-analysis methods (weighted scoring, utility functions, cost-benefit with value measures) formalize this principle: maximize value against stated objectives.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Optimizing for a single metric (cost or time) while violating constraints like security or compliance.

Final Answer:
best enabling the system to meet its objectives