Question 1

Which is a standard example of a hierarchical data structure used in computer science?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Hierarchical data structures organize elements in parent child relationships. The most common structure with this property is the tree, which underpins file systems, parsers, and many indexing strategies. Given Data / Assumptions: We are comparing common data structures. Hierarchy implies nodes with ancestors and descendants. Linear structures do not satisfy hierarchy. Concept / Approach: A tree has a root node and subtrees that form levels. Operations such as traversal, insertion, and search exploit this shape. Variants include binary trees, B trees, and tries, all maintaining hierarchical relationships that enable logarithmic behavior in many cases. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify which structures are linear versus hierarchical. 2) Recognize that arrays and linked lists are linear sequences. 3) Conclude that trees uniquely model hierarchy among the listed choices. Verification / Alternative check: Check the presence of parent child edges and levels. Only trees satisfy that property here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Array stores elements contiguously with index based access. Linked list is linear with next pointers, not hierarchical. Ring topology describes network layout, not a hierarchical data structure. Hash table organizes by hash buckets without a parent child hierarchy. Common Pitfalls: Confusing directory trees with arrays or assuming links imply hierarchy can lead to errors. Final Answer: Tree.

Question 2

In a data-flow diagram (DFD), what does a square symbol represent?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: In structured analysis, a data-flow diagram (DFD) uses a small set of standard symbols so that analysts, developers, and business users share a common visual language. This question checks recognition of the square symbol and reinforces the meaning of each core DFD element. Given Data / Assumptions: Context is a standard Yourdon or Gane–Sarson style DFD. Symbols include square/rectangle, circle/rounded-rectangle, open-ended bars, and arrows. Terminology: external entity, process, data store, data flow. Concept / Approach: A DFD shows how data moves and is transformed. The external entity is outside the system boundary and either supplies data to the system or consumes data produced by the system. It is drawn as a square or rectangle. Processes are circles. Data stores are open-ended bars. Data flows are arrows. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the symbol in question: a square. 2) Map symbol to DFD legend: square = external entity. 3) Define external entity: a source or destination of data, outside the system boundary. 4) Conclude that the square denotes originator/receiver of data. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-check with any standard systems analysis text: the square or rectangle is consistently labeled as an external entity or terminator. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: Arrows denote data flow, not squares. Option C: Processes are circles or rounded rectangles, not squares. Option D: Data stores are open-ended parallel lines, not squares. Option E: DFDs do not include a dedicated “control” symbol as a square. Common Pitfalls: Confusing external entities with processes, since both can be drawn as boxes in other notations. Remember that in DFDs, the square is specifically external to the system. Final Answer: Defines a source or destination of system data (external entity)

Question 3

On-line data entry is most appropriate when immediate, real-time updates are required—for example, which case below?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Online data entry suits scenarios needing immediate validation, confirmation, and posting. This question focuses on distinguishing real-time, transaction-level needs from periodic, batch-appropriate work. Given Data / Assumptions: “Online” means interactive, immediate validation and update. Bank cheque processing often needs instant status checks and holds. Payroll master updates and monthly journals can be batch-oriented. Concept / Approach: Real-time input is justified when delay risks errors, customer dissatisfaction, or financial exposure. Banking transactions exemplify this: balances, holds, and fraud checks must be current. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify tasks needing immediacy. 2) Cheque processing requires current balances and validation. 3) Monthly journal entries are periodic and often reviewed in batch. 4) Payroll master updates usually occur in controlled cycles. Verification / Alternative check: Operational policies and core banking systems universally implement tellering operations as online transactions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Periodic updates; immediacy rarely critical per record. Option B: Month-end batch processing is common and adequate. Option D: Not all listed tasks require online entry. Option E: Incorrect because banking cheque processing is a canonical online case. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all accounting tasks must be online. Batch remains cost-effective for periodic work. Final Answer: Processing payment of a cheque in a bank (real-time validation and posting)

Question 4

A statement-by-statement description of a procedure is documented as which type of artifact?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Understanding documentation types is essential in systems analysis and design. The question distinguishes a prose, stepwise description from diagrammatic or structural documentation. Given Data / Assumptions: Artifacts include narratives, logs, flowcharts, and data definitions. We need statement-by-statement detail of a procedure. Concept / Approach: A written narrative describes logic and sequencing in natural language. Flowcharts provide visual logic. Record layouts define data fields. Logs track execution history or changes, not the logic itself. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the artifact that uses continuous text to explain steps. 2) The narrative explains each action in order with conditions and exceptions. 3) Other documents serve different purposes: visuals, data definitions, or historical tracking. Verification / Alternative check: Standards in software documentation consistently place detailed prose descriptions in a program or procedure narrative section. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option B: Logs record events; they do not specify intended steps. Option C: Flowcharts are graphical, not full prose descriptions. Option D: Record layouts describe data structure, not procedure steps. Option E: Incorrect because a narrative fits exactly. Common Pitfalls: Confusing “systems flowchart” with a complete textual description. Flowcharts summarize logic; narratives capture nuance and business rules. Final Answer: Written narrative (program or procedure narrative)

Question 5

Within the data processing cycle, which is a function of the process step?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: The classic data processing cycle includes input, processing, storage, and output, with controls and protection wrapping the life cycle. This question targets what belongs to processing proper. Given Data / Assumptions: Processing transforms input into more useful information. Common functions: sort, classify, calculate, and update master data. Indexing and retrieval are typically storage or access functions. Concept / Approach: Processing involves applying business rules to change state, most notably updating transaction or master files. Retrieval and indexing are related to access paths and outputs. Protection is a control activity. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) List typical processing actions: compute, validate, post, and update. 2) Map each option to its life-cycle area. 3) Recognize “update” as a transformation of data state. Verification / Alternative check: Any introductory MIS or database text places updating under processing functions that change content of stored records. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Index is an access structure, not a transformation step. Option C: Protect is a control/security concern, not transformation. Option D: Retrieval is output/access, not internal transformation. Option E: Archive is long-term storage, not a processing step. Common Pitfalls: Equating retrieval with processing because it involves computation. Retrieval may use processing resources but does not change the data state. Final Answer: Update

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of good test data and test design?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Effective test data ensures quality by exercising functionality, boundaries, and error handling. Collaboration is also key. This question asks you to spot an anti-pattern that contradicts good testing principles. Given Data / Assumptions: We consider unit, integration, and user acceptance test perspectives. Coverage, oracle definition, and realistic scenarios are important. User involvement is beneficial where business validation matters. Concept / Approach: Good test design seeks breadth (normal and edge inputs) and depth (branch and condition coverage). Expected outputs are defined in advance to enable objective pass/fail decisions. Representative user scenarios require stakeholder engagement even early in planning for UAT. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify best practices: comprehensive cases, coverage, predefined oracles. 2) Compare options to these practices. 3) Excluding users early reduces realism and acceptance; therefore it is not a good characteristic. Verification / Alternative check: Standards like ISTQB emphasize stakeholder collaboration and clearly specified expected results before execution. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Breadth is essential to uncover defects. Option C: Code coverage supports structural adequacy. Option D: Oracles allow objective verification of results. Option E: Negative testing ensures robustness. Common Pitfalls: Mistaking “preliminary stage” as purely technical. Early user input helps shape realistic scenarios and acceptance criteria. Final Answer: Users do not participate at the preliminary stage

Question 7

In a DFD, an originator or receiver of data (external to the system) is shown using which symbol?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Accurate symbol recognition is foundational to reading and creating data-flow diagrams. This item checks whether you can identify the external entity symbol for sources and sinks of data. Given Data / Assumptions: Notation aligns to standard DFD practice. We distinguish process, data flow, data store, and external entity. Concept / Approach: External entities are outside the system boundary but interact with it by supplying or consuming data. They are drawn as squares or rectangles. Processes are circles; data flows are arrows; data stores are open-ended bars. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Determine the role: originator or receiver external to the system. 2) Map the role to the correct DFD symbol. 3) The correct symbol is a square box: external entity. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-reference any systems analysis handbook for DFD symbol tables showing squares for external entities. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Circles represent processing steps. Option B: Arrows represent data flows. Option D: Parallel lines represent data stores. Option E: Clouds are used in network diagrams, not standard DFDs. Common Pitfalls: Confusing external entities with processes because both can be boxes in other diagram types. In DFDs, the square has a specific meaning. Final Answer: A square box (external entity / source or sink)

Question 8

What does a data-flow diagram (DFD) depict at a glance?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: A DFD is a high-level visualization of how information moves and changes inside a system. It combines flows, transformations, and storage to form a coherent picture for stakeholders. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard DFD elements: data flows, processes, data stores, external entities. Goal is to understand scope and interfaces, not algorithmic detail. Concept / Approach: DFDs show how input becomes output through processes and where intermediate or master data are kept. Each symbol contributes part of the picture. Limiting a DFD to only one aspect misses its integrated purpose. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify core components: flows, processes, stores. 2) Recognize that DFDs include all three, plus external entities. 3) Therefore, “All of the above” is correct. Verification / Alternative check: Open any structured analysis reference: DFD definitions consistently include processes, data stores, and data flows. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A/B/C: Each captures only a subset of what a DFD shows. Option E: Invalid because DFDs do depict these elements together. Common Pitfalls: Mistaking a DFD for a workflow or algorithm chart. DFDs focus on data movement and transformation, not control flow or code logic. Final Answer: All of the above: flows, processes, and data stores

Question 9

In relation to a DFD, which artifact is used to specify the internal activities, methods, and procedures that a process performs?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: A data-flow diagram deliberately hides internal algorithmic detail. To capture what happens inside a process bubble, analysts attach a separate process specification (PSPEC), which may be documented by a flow chart, decision table, or structured English. Given Data / Assumptions: DFD process = black box at the DFD level. PSPEC describes the internal steps of that process. Common PSPEC forms include flow charts and structured narratives. Concept / Approach: Keep DFDs simple and focused on data movement. When detail is needed, use a PSPEC. A flow chart is a well-known format to express activities and decisions step by step, which suits process internals. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the missing layer: internal logic of a DFD process. 2) Choose a suitable PSPEC form that captures activities and decisions. 3) Flow chart is a standard choice to specify methods and procedures. Verification / Alternative check: Methodologies (e.g., Yourdon/DeMarco) explicitly recommend a PSPEC alongside DFDs. Flow charts, decision tables, and structured English are typical options. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: “Datagram” is not a DFD documentation artifact in this context. Option B: “Actigram” is not a standard DFD attachment. Option C: Feedback is a control concept, not a full specification artifact. Option E: Incorrect because flow charts are accepted PSPECs. Common Pitfalls: Trying to cram algorithmic detail directly into the DFD. The DFD should remain readable; use a PSPEC artifact such as a flow chart for internal logic. Final Answer: Flow chart (used as a process specification, i.e., mini-spec/PSPEC)

Question 10

In systems development, the “communication problem” most often refers to which difficult interface?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Successful systems meet genuine user needs. The chronic risk is not coding the wrong thing, but building the wrong thing. The most cited “communication problem” addresses the gap between business stakeholders and analysts. Given Data / Assumptions: Managers and users express goals in business terms. Analysts must elicit, clarify, and model those needs accurately. Miscommunication here drives costly rework. Concept / Approach: Bridging the semantic gap requires effective requirements engineering: interviews, workshops, use cases, prototypes, and models such as DFDs. Shared vocabulary and frequent validation reduce misunderstandings. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify where misunderstandings most harm outcomes. 2) Recognize that translating business intent to precise requirements is hardest. 3) Therefore, the manager/user and analyst interface is the classic communication problem area. Verification / Alternative check: Industry reports repeatedly cite requirements errors as the most expensive defects, confirming the centrality of this interface. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: Analyst and programmer collaborate closely with shared technical language. Option C: Programmers and computers communicate deterministically through code. Option D: Operators have procedural manuals; issues are narrower. Option E: Vendor-network communication matters but is not the prototypical “communication problem.” Common Pitfalls: Assuming problems are mostly technical. In practice, misaligned expectations and ambiguous requirements dominate failures. Final Answer: Manager (or user) and analyst

Question 11

In systems parlance, what does the term “environment” refer to relative to a defined system?

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Defining the system boundary is foundational to analysis. The “environment” is then whatever lies outside this boundary, potentially interacting with the system through inputs and outputs. Given Data / Assumptions: We adopt classic systems theory terminology. System boundary is explicit and stable for a given analysis view. External actors and organizations constitute the environment. Concept / Approach: A system is a set of interrelated components with a purpose. The environment includes entities not controlled by the system but which provide inputs or receive outputs. This distinction clarifies scope, responsibilities, and interfaces. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the boundary that separates internal components from external actors. 2) Define environment as everything outside that boundary. 3) Recognize interactions (inputs/outputs) across the boundary. Verification / Alternative check: Systems analysis references consistently define environment as the superset of external entities relative to the system. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A: A subsystem is inside, not outside. Option B: The boundary is the demarcation line, not the environment. Option D: Cannot be “All” because A and B contradict the definition. Option E: Incorrect because there is a correct definition. Common Pitfalls: Confusing stakeholders within the organization as automatically inside the system. Many are external from a given system viewpoint. Final Answer: Everything external to the system boundary that interacts with it

Question 12

In database management, which of the following are core advantages of the Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)? Select the most complete and accurate set of advantages.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) are widely adopted because they balance data integrity, security, and flexibility. This question tests your understanding of the core advantages typically cited in information systems and database design courses. Given Data / Assumptions: We are comparing general, commonly accepted advantages of RDBMS. The options list flexibility, security, and data independence as candidate benefits. Assume a modern RDBMS with role-based access control, constraints, and schema evolution features. Concept / Approach: To answer, recall standard textbook advantages of RDBMS: logical data independence, physical data independence, rich integrity constraints, declarative querying (SQL), and robust security models. RDBMS also supports flexible relationships via keys and foreign keys, enabling normalized, consistent linking of logical files (tables). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Flexibility: Relations (tables) can be linked using keys, enabling queries that combine datasets without duplicating data.2) Security controls: Mature authentication, authorization, views, and auditing reduce unauthorized access and protect sensitive data.3) Data independence: Schemas can evolve (new attributes, new relations) while minimizing impact on applications, thanks to logical data independence.4) Evaluating options: The most complete set is the one that includes all three recognized advantages. Verification / Alternative check: Consult standard DBMS texts: advantages consistently include integrity, security, and data independence, with relational flexibility through normalization and keys. Real systems like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server demonstrate these properties in practice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only-one-advantage options are incomplete and therefore incorrect because they omit other core benefits that RDBMS provide in practice. Common Pitfalls: Learners sometimes confuse performance with advantage categories. While RDBMS can be performant, performance depends on workload and design; the key theoretical advantages are independence, security, and relational flexibility. Final Answer: Flexibility in relations + stronger security controls + data independence (all three).

Question 13

In systems analysis and design, which diagram best presents the overall “big picture” view of how a system works?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Systems analysis and design uses various diagrams to communicate architecture and process flow. The question asks for the diagram that shows the overall, end-to-end “big picture” of a system’s processes, inputs, outputs, and major components. Given Data / Assumptions: The focus is on a comprehensive, high-level view, not low-level logic or code. Candidate diagrams include block, logic, system flowchart, and program flowchart. We assume conventional textbook definitions of these diagrams. Concept / Approach: A system flowchart depicts the entire system’s flow of data and control across subsystems, external entities, input/output media, and storage. It provides an integrated overview, making it ideal for stakeholders to understand the whole process without diving into program-level detail. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the need: a big-picture representation of processes, I/O, files, and major modules.2) Compare options: block diagrams are too abstract; logic and program flowcharts describe decision logic or a single program.3) The system flowchart uniquely integrates the system’s components and their interactions.4) Therefore, the correct choice is the system flowchart. Verification / Alternative check: Standard systems analysis references consistently define system flowcharts as comprehensive overviews, whereas program flowcharts narrow down to a specific program’s internal logic. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Block diagram: too coarse and typically omits data/media details. Logic diagram: focuses on boolean logic, not system-wide flow. Program flowchart: narrows to one program, not the entire system. ER drawing: emphasizes data structure, not the full process flow. Common Pitfalls: Confusing program flowcharts with system flowcharts. Program flowcharts are granular; system flowcharts are holistic. Final Answer: System flowchart provides the clearest big-picture view.

Question 14

In decision tree modeling, which statements correctly describe the structure and reading convention of a typical decision tree?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Decision trees are graphical models used in analytics, machine learning, and decision analysis. This question checks whether you recognize the standard structural elements and the common left-to-right convention used to read many decision trees. Given Data / Assumptions: Decision trees have a root, internal nodes (tests), branches (test outcomes), and leaves (actions or class labels). Many depictions are drawn with the root on the left, expanding to the right. The question uses conventional practice rather than software-specific variations. Concept / Approach: A correct description should include node semantics and directional reading. Internal nodes represent conditional tests; branches correspond to test outcomes; leaves represent decisions or predicted classes. Many textbooks and tools draw the root at the left, though vertical or top-down layouts also exist. The essence, however, remains consistent across orientations. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify node roles: internal nodes are conditions; leaves are outcomes.2) Understand branching: each edge represents a possible result of the node’s test (e.g., yes/no, threshold comparisons).3) Recognize reading convention: commonly, the root is placed at the left and branches flow to the right (alternatively, top to bottom).4) Therefore, statements A, B, and C collectively describe standard practice. Verification / Alternative check: Whether the tree is drawn left-to-right or top-down, the semantics of nodes and branches do not change. Most references align with A–C as accurate descriptions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Options that exclude any of A–C omit a standard aspect of decision trees and are thus incomplete. Common Pitfalls: Assuming orientation changes semantics. Orientation is a stylistic choice; node and branch meanings remain the same. Final Answer: All statements A–C are correct for standard practice.

Question 15

During desk checking (manual dry run) of an algorithm, what columns should you include in your trace table? Choose the most complete set needed to validate correctness.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Desk checking (manual dry run) helps validate algorithm logic before coding. A well-designed trace table shows how inputs transform through processing steps to become outputs, exposing logic and boundary errors early. Given Data / Assumptions: We are analyzing algorithm correctness without executing code. We need visibility into inputs, outputs, and intermediate state changes. Processing variables include loop counters, accumulators, flags, and temporaries. Concept / Approach: To fully validate behavior, capture the entire data path. Inputs establish initial conditions, processing variables reveal state transitions, and outputs confirm final results. Omitting any of these can hide defects such as off-by-one errors, mishandled edge cases, or incorrect updates. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) List inputs: these seed the run (e.g., array values, N, thresholds).2) Identify processing variables: counters (i), indices, sums (total), decision flags (found), temporary holders (temp).3) Specify outputs: final values, messages, returned objects.4) Create columns for each and simulate each algorithm step, recording transitions row by row. Verification / Alternative check: Try boundary cases (empty list, single element, maximum size) and ensure the trace table exposes expected transitions and final outputs. Compare to intended algorithm invariants to confirm correctness. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Inputs only or outputs only omit essential visibility. Excluding processing variables hides the logic that produces results, making defect detection difficult. Common Pitfalls: Not updating the table at each step; skipping state variables; failing to test boundary inputs. These reduce the value of the desk check. Final Answer: Include columns for inputs, outputs, and key processing variables.

Question 16

In systems development, what should a feasibility study include to support a sound go/no-go decision?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: A feasibility study assesses whether a proposed information system or project is viable. It should frame the problem, evaluate alternatives, and analyze costs, benefits, risks, and constraints so decision makers can choose an approach or reject the project. Given Data / Assumptions: We need both clarity of the problem and exploration of options. Decision makers require a balanced view of costs, benefits, timelines, and risks. The goal is to inform a go/no-go decision, not to validate a predetermined choice. Concept / Approach: Good feasibility studies contain problem definition, alternative solutions, and analyses (technical, economic, operational, legal, schedule feasibility). They compare options to show trade-offs and recommend the most feasible path. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Define the problem: what pains are we solving and why now.2) Identify alternatives: build vs buy, phased vs big-bang, cloud vs on-premises.3) Analyze feasibility dimensions for each option: cost/benefit, risk, schedule, organizational impact.4) Recommend the option with best value-to-risk profile. Verification / Alternative check: Cross-check whether the recommended option remains viable under sensitivity analysis (cost overruns, schedule slips). A robust study holds up when assumptions vary moderately. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only one solution biases the study. A list of alternatives without a problem statement lacks context. Budget without analysis is insufficient for decision quality. Common Pitfalls: Premature lock-in, ignoring hidden costs (training, change management), or underestimating schedule risk. Final Answer: A problem statement plus realistic alternative solutions.

Question 17

Structured design principles: which item below is NOT a requirement for a well-structured software design?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Structured design emphasizes clarity, maintainability, and testability through disciplined control structures and modular organization. This question asks you to identify what does not belong to structured design practices. Given Data / Assumptions: Structured programming favors sequence, selection, and iteration. Low coupling and high cohesion improve modularity. GOTO-heavy code degrades readability and reliability. Concept / Approach: Structured design avoids arbitrary jumps in flow that make reasoning about correctness difficult. Instead, it advocates for hierarchical decomposition, clear interfaces, and well-defined control constructs within modules. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Review standard tenets: hierarchy, low coupling, high cohesion, clear control flow.2) Evaluate each option against these tenets.3) The use of many GOTO statements conflicts with structured principles.4) Therefore, the option referencing many GOTO statements is the correct “NOT a requirement.” Verification / Alternative check: Classic literature (e.g., Dijkstra’s critique of GOTO) warns that unstructured jumps hinder verification and maintenance, confirming why structured design avoids them. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Top-to-bottom execution, hierarchical modularity, low coupling, and high cohesion are all hallmarks of structured design. Common Pitfalls: Believing that occasional, constrained jumps are equivalent to widespread GOTO usage; structured design is about predictable, composable control flow. Final Answer: Using many GOTO statements is not a requirement and, in fact, contradicts structured design.

Question 18

Passenger Reservation System (PRS): which requirement is the most critical for user satisfaction and operational effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Passenger Reservation Systems must serve large volumes of users making time-sensitive queries (availability, fares) and transactions (booking, cancellation). This question targets the single most critical requirement for such systems in production. Given Data / Assumptions: High concurrency and peak loads are common. Users expect immediate feedback to secure limited seats. Reliability and correctness are assumed baselines. Concept / Approach: While usability and printing are important, responsiveness directly impacts user trust and conversion. A slow PRS causes timeouts, double bookings, abandonment, and customer dissatisfaction. Hence, performance (low-latency response time) is paramount. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify core user journey: search availability, choose train/flight/bus, confirm payment.2) Map pain points: delays in search or confirmation lead to lost seats and failed payments.3) Conclude that response time dominates perceived quality and business outcomes. Verification / Alternative check: Industry SLAs and performance benchmarks consistently weight latency more heavily than secondary features such as print formatting when seats are perishable and competition is time-based. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Ease of programming benefits developers, not users. GUI aesthetics matter but do not compensate for latency. Printing is now often replaced by e-tickets; it is not the critical path. Common Pitfalls: Over-optimizing visuals while underinvesting in back-end performance (caching, indexing, capacity planning). Final Answer: Fast response time for search, booking, and confirmation.

Question 19

Management Information System (MIS) implementation: who should formally announce and sponsor the initiative across the organization?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: MIS implementation affects processes, reporting, and decision-making across departments. Successful adoption requires visible executive sponsorship to align priorities, secure budgets, and drive change management. Given Data / Assumptions: MIS impacts strategy, operations, and culture. Cross-functional coordination is essential. Resistance to change is common without top-down support. Concept / Approach: Top management sponsorship (president/CEO) legitimizes the initiative, sets expectations, and empowers managers to allocate resources. Operational or tactical managers can lead execution, but the formal announcement and sponsorship should come from the senior-most leadership to ensure organization-wide buy-in. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Identify the role with enterprise authority: president/CEO.2) Connect authority to needed outcomes: prioritization, funding, escalation paths.3) Conclude that executive announcement and sponsorship are necessary for broad adoption. Verification / Alternative check: Best-practice frameworks for change management (e.g., executive sponsorship models) emphasize top-level ownership for cross-cutting systems like MIS. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Operational/tactical managers lack enterprise mandate. Committees and vendors without executive authority cannot compel adherence across departments. Common Pitfalls: Delegating sponsorship too low, resulting in fragmented adoption and underfunding. Final Answer: The president or chief executive (top management) should announce and sponsor MIS implementation.

Question 20

Systems implementation truths: identify the correct statement among the following options.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Implementation and testing involve phases like alpha and beta, as well as deployment strategies such as parallel runs. This question distinguishes common misconceptions from a correct statement about testing practice. Given Data / Assumptions: Alpha testing occurs internally by developers or select internal users. Parallel run means old and new systems operate simultaneously to compare results. Information flow in real organizations is multidirectional (vertical, horizontal, diagonal). Concept / Approach: Evaluate each option against standard definitions. Alpha testing is indeed an early internal verification stage, typically preceding beta testing with external or wider audiences. Parallel runs are not defined by terminals sharing a database; instead, they compare the outputs of old vs new systems over a period. Systems analysis can be performed conceptually and manually; computers facilitate but are not strictly required. Information flow is rarely strictly vertical; cross-functional and networked flows are common. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Analyze A: misdefines parallel run; reject.2) Analyze B: systems analysis methods (interviews, process mapping) do not require computers; reject absolute claim.3) Analyze C: information flow varies; strictly vertical is incorrect; reject.4) Analyze D: matches standard definition of alpha testing; accept. Verification / Alternative check: Software engineering texts consistently define alpha as internal and beta as external or pre-release; deployment strategies clarify what parallel run actually entails. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A misstates parallel run. B is an overstatement. C ignores real organizational communication patterns. Common Pitfalls: Confusing alpha with beta; assuming tooling is mandatory for analytical thinking. Final Answer: Alpha testing is an initial internal verification of a system before wider release.

System Analysis and Design Questions