Question 1

Within the context of systems design, the "make or buy" decision refers to whether an organization should purchase an existing system, or develop its own system.

Accepted Answer

The "make or buy" decision in systems design involves determining whether it is more beneficial for an organization to develop a system in-house ("make") or to purchase an existing system from a vendor ("buy").

Question 2

Within the context of systems design, an example of a "demand report" is one that shows anticipated demand for a new product.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Within the context of systems design, an...

Question 3

Prototyping is an approach to systems design whereby a design team develops a simplified shell of working software for a proposed information system.

Accepted Answer

Prototyping involves creating a simplified or preliminary version of a system, allowing designers and users to explore ideas, test functionalities, and gather feedback before developing a full-scale system.

Question 4

Within the context of systems design, an example of an "exception report" is one that identifies exceptional employees, as judged by popular vote.

Accepted Answer

An exception report in systems design typically refers to a report generated by an information system to highlight transactions or data that are outside of the normal or expected range, not to identify exceptional employees.

Question 5

An advantage of prototyping is that models are usually developed without the aid of a computer.

Accepted Answer

Prototyping often involves the use of computers, especially in software development, where digital prototypes are created to simulate how the final product will function.

Question 6

Unless the human element of a systems change is considered, the best designed system "on paper" will often be an operational failure when it is implemented.

Accepted Answer

Considering the human element in systems change is crucial because people are the ones who interact with, manage, and maintain the system. If their needs, habits, and resistance to change are not addressed, even the most well-designed system can fail in practice due to lack of user adoption, misunderstanding, or misuse.

Question 7

Employee behavioral problems are rarely important in systems analysis and design work because most systems are computer-based, not human-based.

Accepted Answer

Employee behavioral problems are important in systems analysis and design work because the success of a system often depends on how well it fits with the needs, habits, and attitudes of its human users. Human factors are crucial in ensuring user acceptance and effective system use.

Question 8

An important deliverable from the analysis portion of a systems study is the final systems analysis report, which should be sent to the company's steering committee.

Accepted Answer

The final systems analysis report is a crucial deliverable from the analysis phase of a systems study, summarizing findings, recommendations, and detailed analyses, and is typically shared with key stakeholders such as the company's steering committee for review and decision-making.

Question 9

An example of "legal feasibility" is whether or not a proposed computer system can comply with state and federal statutes.

Accepted Answer

Legal feasibility assesses whether a project or proposal can operate within the current legal and regulatory framework, including compliance with state and federal statutes.

Question 10

Systems survey work might include gathering data on an existing information system or observing the current system in operation.

Accepted Answer

Systems survey work involves collecting data about the current state of an information system, which includes gathering data on the existing system and observing how it operates in its current environment. This helps in understanding the system's performance, identifying issues, and planning for improvements or replacements.

Question 11

"Economic feasibility" refers to whether a company can afford a proposed system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Economic feasibility" refers to whether a company...

Question 12

An example of a soft-copy report is one that identifies slow-moving items where demand is soft.

Accepted Answer

A soft-copy report refers to a digital document or output that can be accessed electronically, such as on a computer or mobile device, not to the content or type of analysis it contains.

Question 13

In designing an AIS, system developers should design the outputs of the system first, not the inputs.

Accepted Answer

Designing outputs first ensures that the system meets user needs and requirements, guiding the development of necessary inputs and processes.

Question 14

The term "cost/benefit" is most closely associated with the economic feasibility of a proposed accounting information system.

Accepted Answer

The term "cost/benefit" analysis is a financial assessment tool used to evaluate the economic feasibility of a proposed accounting information system by comparing the costs of implementing the system against the benefits it is expected to provide.

Question 15

When considering the design of a new system, four types of feasibility concerns are (1)technical feasibility, (2)operational feasibility, (3)schedule feasibility, and (4)legal feasibility.

Accepted Answer

These four types of feasibility concerns are commonly assessed when designing a new system to ensure it is technically possible, operationally practical, can be completed within the given timeframe, and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

Question 16

"Schedule feasibility" is not important to a study team if a company already has an automated system.

Accepted Answer

Schedule feasibility remains important even with an automated system, as it assesses whether the project timeline is achievable within the given constraints, which is critical for successful project completion regardless of automation.

Question 17

When developing a new AIS, it is important for designers to delay developing controls for it so that they can retrofit controls after the new system is best understood.

Accepted Answer

Incorporating controls during the initial design phase of an AIS (Accounting Information System) ensures that the system is secure, reliable, and compliant from the start, making it more efficient and cost-effective than retrofitting controls later.

Question 18

When developing the specifications for a new AIS, designers begin with outputs-not inputs or processing requirements.

Accepted Answer

Designers often start with outputs to ensure the system meets user needs and business objectives, then work backward to determine necessary inputs and processes.

Question 19

For a system to be totally feasible, all feasibility areas must be considered in the
process.

Accepted Answer

For a system to be considered totally feasible, it must be evaluated across various feasibility areas such as technical, economic, legal, operational, and schedule feasibility to ensure it can be successfully developed, implemented, and sustained.

Question 20

"Schedule feasibility" refers to whether or not computer vendors can provide bids in a timely manner.

Accepted Answer

"Schedule feasibility" refers to the likelihood that a project can be completed within the planned timeframe, not about vendors providing bids.

Quiz 13: Developing and Implementing Effective Accounting Information Systems