Question 1

_____ is a software development methodology that delivers functionality in rapid iterations, usually measured in weeks.

Accepted Answer

Agile development is known for delivering working software in short iterations, which are typically 1-4 weeks long. This approach emphasizes communication and collaboration within the development team and with stakeholders, and it values responding to change over following a strict plan. Prototyping, joint application development, and component-based development may also involve iterative development, but they are not typically associated with rapid delivery of functionality. The systems development life cycle (SDLC) is a traditional, plan-driven approach to software development that does not prioritize rapid iteration.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most difficult and crucial task in evaluating a vendor and a software package?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the most...

Question 3

As an MIS analyst, you have decided to use a prototyping methodology for a small, Web-based design project. What is the order of steps that you will follow in the project?

Accepted Answer

The prototyping methodology typically involves identifying user requirements first, then developing a prototype that meets those requirements. The prototype is then used and tested by users, and feedback is incorporated into the prototype through revisions and enhancements. Therefore, option B is the correct order of steps for a prototyping methodology.

Question 4

Refer to Opening Case - GE Healthcare Switches from Waterfall to Agile: Which of the following statements concerning GE Healthcare's Imaging Solutions' experience with agile development is not true?

Accepted Answer

The statement that the development teams remained independent is not true. The case states that Imaging Solutions formed cross-functional teams with members from various disciplines and specialties to work together towards a common goal, indicating that the development teams were not completely independent.

Question 5

Agile development

Accepted Answer

Agile development is characterized by delivering functionality in rapid iterations or sprints, with constant user feedback and involvement in the development process to ensure the end product meets their needs. It focuses on delivering a working solution quickly rather than trying to achieve all requirements at once. The scrum approach is one of the methods used in agile development, but it is not a requirement. Option A is incorrect as agile development is meant to be fast and efficient. Option B is also incorrect as user input and involvement is a key component of agile development. Option D is incorrect as agile development generally follows the principle of delivering minimum viable products in each iteration while user feedback is used to refine the functionality.

Question 6

Differentiate between the IT strategic plan and the IS operational plan.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Differentiate between the IT strategic plan and...

Question 7

Refer to IT's About Business 13.1 -- Anniston Orthopaedics and Greenway Medical Technologies: Assuming that a contract can be reached and Anniston decides to install Greenway's software, which is the best implementation approach?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refer to IT's About Business 13.1 --...

Question 8

Refer IT's About Business 13.3 - State of Virginia's Outsourcing Contract: Which of the following statements concerning the contract the State of Virginia signed with Northrop?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refer IT's About Business 13.3 - State...

Question 9

The _____ approach to systems development is a group-based tool for collecting user requirements.

Accepted Answer

The joint application design approach involves bringing together users, managers, and analysts to jointly define and design information systems. It uses group-based tools for collecting user requirements and is a highly interactive and collaborative approach. The other options listed (Integrated computer-assisted software engineering, Rapid application development, Prototyping, and Systems development life cycle) do not specifically focus on group-based tools for collecting user requirements.

Question 10

Which of the following systems acquisition methods helps clarify user requirements, promotes genuine user participation, and may produce part of the final system?

Accepted Answer

Prototyping involves creating a simplified version of the final system that can help clarify user requirements and promote genuine user participation. It can also produce part of the final system. Systems development life cycle (A) involves a structured approach to the development of a system from inception to retirement, but may not always provide as much opportunity for user participation or produce part of the final system. End-user development (C) involves users themselves creating their own software or modifying existing software, but may not always be appropriate for complex systems. External acquisition (D) involves acquiring an existing system from an outside vendor, which may not provide as much opportunity for user participation or customization. Component-based development (E) involves building a system by integrating pre-built components, which may not always provide as much opportunity for user participation or produce part of the final system.

Question 11

Refer to Closing Case - A tale of Two Software Upgrades: Both JetBlue and WestJet used which implementation approach when they implemented Sabre Holding's reservation software?

Accepted Answer

Both JetBlue and WestJet used the direct implementation approach when they implemented Sabre Holding's reservation software, meaning they switched over to the new system all at once.

Question 12

A _____ is sent to potential vendors inviting them to describe their product and how it would meet the firm's needs.

Accepted Answer

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a formal document that is issued by a company seeking bids from potential vendors. It outlines the company's needs and requirements for a product or service, and invites vendors to submit proposals detailing how they would meet those needs. This allows the company to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal and select the vendor that offers the best value. The other options (A, C, D, E) all relate to specific aspects of the procurement process, but none of them fully capture the idea of a formal solicitation for bids or proposals.

Question 13

Which of the following systems acquisition methods may encourage inadequate problem analysis, is not practical with large numbers of users, and may result in a company's purchasing a lower-quality system?

Accepted Answer

Prototyping may encourage inadequate problem analysis because it focuses on quick development rather than thorough analysis. It may not be practical with large numbers of users as it may not be scalable, and it may result in the company purchasing a lower-quality system if the prototype is not thoroughly tested and evaluated before selection.

Question 14

_____ specify how work is to be divided between the company and its vendors.

Accepted Answer

Service-level agreements (SLAs) are contracts that specify the level of service a vendor must provide to the company. SLAs typically include details about work division between the vendor and the company, as well as performance metrics and penalties for non-compliance. Prototypes, user requirements, vendor requirements, and feasibility studies may provide useful information for work division between the company and its vendors, but they do not specifically outline this division in a contractual agreement.

Question 15

Contrast the tangible and intangible benefits of a proposed information system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Contrast the tangible and intangible benefits of...

Question 16

When systems are created rapidly, without a formal development methodology:

Accepted Answer

Without a formal development methodology, there is a higher chance that testing and documentation will be inadequate. This can lead to system errors and difficulties maintaining and upgrading the system in the future.

Question 17

Object-oriented development

Accepted Answer

Object-oriented development focuses on modeling processes to perform a task, rather than just focusing on the task itself or the data involved. It involves identifying the subjects of the new system, but this is not its primary focus. It differs from traditional development approaches in its emphasis on modeling processes and objects.

Question 18

Which of the following systems acquisition methods may eventually require maintenance assistance from the IT department, can produce inadequate documentation, and might result in a company's acquiring a system with inadequate interfaces to existing systems?

Accepted Answer

End-user development often leads to systems that may require maintenance from the IT department, can have inadequate documentation, and might result in systems with inadequate interfaces to existing systems, as end-users may not have the technical expertise to address these issues comprehensively.

Question 19

Refer to IT's About Business 13.2 - A Disastrous Development Project: Marin County hired Deloitte Consulting to work with them on the implementation of the new SAP system. This arrangement is called ____________.

Accepted Answer

Marin County hired Deloitte Consulting to work with them on the implementation of the new SAP system, which is an example of outsourcing.

Question 20

Which of the following is not an advantage of the joint application design approach to systems development?

Accepted Answer

The statement "It involves fewer users in the development process" is not an advantage of the joint application design approach, as one of its main features is to involve a wide range of stakeholders in the design and development process. This approach encourages more user participation, which leads to greater user acceptance and a higher-quality system. It may take more time than traditional methods, but the benefits of the approach usually outweigh any additional time investments.

Quiz 13: Acquiring Information Systems and Applications