Within a systems requirements report, which contents are typically included before detailed design begins?

Computer Science System Analysis and Design Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
  • A
    A hierarchy chart showing the top-level modules
  • B
    A list of alternative solutions considered with feasibility rationale
  • C
    A data flow diagram describing the proposed new system scope
  • D
    All of the above
  • E
    Only the current system description

Answer

Correct Answer: All of the above

Explanation

Introduction / Context:The systems requirements report (sometimes called the requirements specification) consolidates what the solution must accomplish and the rationale for pursuing a particular approach. It anchors scope for stakeholders and provides a bridge to design and implementation planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Alternative solutions were investigated during analysis.
  • Stakeholders need a clear view of proposed scope and boundaries.
  • A high-level structure may be sketched to communicate feasibility and partitioning.

Concept / Approach:Comprehensive requirements reports usually include: (1) alternatives with feasibility and selection criteria; (2) models of the proposed system such as context and data flow diagrams to set boundaries; and, in many methodologies, (3) a preliminary module hierarchy or structure view to communicate how responsibilities might be partitioned. While detailed structure charts belong to design, a top-level hierarchy overview is often included to aid planning and stakeholder understanding.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Confirm that alternatives and DFDs are core analysis artifacts. 2) Recognize that a top-level hierarchy chart may appear as a preliminary, non-final design indicator. 3) Conclude that all listed items can be present in a well-formed requirements report.

Verification / Alternative check:Review standard templates: most include business needs, scope, use cases/process models, data models/DFDs, alternatives and feasibility, and often a high-level solution concept (including tentative module decomposition).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Picking only one item omits other essential viewpoints (rationale and scope models). Limiting to the current system fails to specify the proposed future state.

Common Pitfalls:Treating a preliminary hierarchy as final design, or skipping alternatives which later undermines stakeholder buy-in when trade-offs surface during implementation.

Final Answer:All of the above.

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