Compared to the use of proprietary components, Web services promise to be less expensive and less difficult to implement because of:

Compared to the use of proprietary components, Web services promise to be less expensive and less difficult to implement because of:

a. their ability to integrate seamlessly with legacy systems.
b. the use of universal standards.
c. the ubiquity of the Internet.
d. the ability to reuse Web services components.

Answer: B

Groups of objects are assembled into software components for common functions, which can be combined into large-scale business applications, in this type of software development.

Groups of objects are assembled into software components for common functions, which can be combined into large-scale business applications, in this type of software development.

a. Object-oriented development
b. Component-based development
c. Structured methodologies
d. RAD

Answer: B

You are an IT project manager for an advertising firm. The firm wishes to create an online survey tool that will be used to survey focus group reactions to products in development. The most important consideration for the firm is being able to offer the tool as soon as possible as a new corporate service. However, you know that many of the senior managers that are business owners of this project have difficulty in understanding technical or software development issues, and are likely to change their requirements during the course of development. What development method would be most successful for this project?

You are an IT project manager for an advertising firm. The firm wishes to create an online survey tool that will be used to survey focus group reactions to products in development. The most important consideration for the firm is being able to offer the tool as soon as possible as a new corporate service. However, you know that many of the senior managers that are business owners of this project have difficulty in understanding technical or software development issues, and are likely to change their requirements during the course of development. What development method would be most successful for this project?

a. RAD
b. JAD
c. End-user development
d. Prototyping

Answer: D

This type of systems development is characterized by significantly speeding up the design phase and the generation of information requirements and involving users at an intense level.

This type of systems development is characterized by significantly speeding up the design phase and the generation of information requirements and involving users at an intense level.

a. RAD
b. JAD
c. Prototyping
d. End-user development

Answer: B

The chapter case on outsourcing models describes the outsourcing model of transaction relationships as one in which:

The chapter case on outsourcing models describes the outsourcing model of transaction relationships as one in which:

a. both the vendor and firm co-manage the project.
b. the firm contracts for relatively small chunks of IT services that are well-defined.
c. the firm's internal staff are used on a transaction basis by the vendor.
d. use of the vendor's systems are contracted for on a use or transaction basis.

Answer: C

The process of creating workable information systems in a very short period of time is called:

The process of creating workable information systems in a very short period of time is called:

a. RAD.
b. JAD.
c. prototyping.
d. both b or c.

Answer: A

"Hidden costs" such as ______ can easily undercut anticipated benefits from outsourcing.

"Hidden costs" such as ______ can easily undercut anticipated benefits from outsourcing.

a. monitoring vendors to make sure they often are fulfilling their contractual obligations
b. transitioning to a new vendor
c. identifying and evaluating vendors of information technology services
d. all of the above

Answer: D

If an organization's requirements conflict with the software package chosen and the package cannot be customized, the organization will have to:

If an organization's requirements conflict with the software package chosen and the package cannot be customized, the organization will have to:

a. change its procedures.
b. outsource the development of the system.
c. redesign the RFP.
d. change the evaluation process.

Answer: A

Fourth-generation tools cannot replace conventional development tools because:

Fourth-generation tools cannot replace conventional development tools because:

a. they cannot handle large numbers of transactions or extensive procedural logic.
b. they are not designed to integrate with legacy systems.
c. they do not incorporate methods for documentation.
d. they do not incorporate methods for testing.

Answer: A

Which type of fourth-generation language tool contains pre programmed modules that can be used to create entire applications?

Which type of fourth-generation language tool contains pre programmed modules that can be used to create entire applications?

a. PC software tools
b. Report generator
c. Application generator
d. Application software package

Answer: C

Which type of fourth-generation language tools are end-users most likely to work with?

Which type of fourth-generation language tools are end-users most likely to work with?

a. Report generators and query languages
b. Report generators and application generators
c. PC software tools and query languages
d. PC software tools and report generators

Answer: C

Management should control the development of end-user applications by:

Management should control the development of end-user applications by:

a. developing a formal development methodology.
b. requiring cost justification for end-user IS projects.
c. establishing standards for user-developed applications.
d. both b and c.
e. both a and b.

Answer: D

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

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

a. end users can take over the work of IT specialists.
b. the organization quickly outgrows the new system.
c. hardware, software, and quality standards are less important.
d. testing and documentation may be inadequate.

Answer: D

A systems building approach in which the system is developed as successive versions, each version reflecting requirements more accurately, is described to be:

A systems building approach in which the system is developed as successive versions, each version reflecting requirements more accurately, is described to be:

a. end-user oriented
b. iterative
c. object-oriented
d. progressive

Answer: B

As a technical project manager you have decided to propose implementing a prototyping methodology for a small Web-based design project. What is the order of steps you will follow in this project?

As a technical project manager you have decided to propose implementing a prototyping methodology for a small Web-based design project. What is the order of steps you will follow in this project?

a. Develop the prototype; use the prototype; revise and enhance the prototype.
b. Identify user requirements, develop the prototype, use the prototype, revise and enhance the prototype.
c. Define the requirements, develop solutions, select the best prototype, and implement the prototype.
d. Define the requirements, develop the prototype, revise and enhance the prototype

Answer: B

In which type of systems building are the development stages organized so that tasks in one stage are completed before the tasks in the next stage begun?

In which type of systems building are the development stages organized so that tasks in one stage are completed before the tasks in the next stage begun?

a. Traditional
b. Prototyping
c. RAD
d. All of the above

Answer: A

In the traditional systems development lifecycle, end users:

In the traditional systems development lifecycle, end users:

a. are important and ongoing members of the team from the original analysis phase through maintenance.
b. are important only in the testing phases.
c. have no input.
d. are limited to providing information requirements and reviewing the technical staff's work.

Answer: D

The oldest method for building information systems is the:

The oldest method for building information systems is the:

a. component-based development.
b. prototyping.
c. object-oriented development.
d. systems development lifecycle.

Answer: D

Back-end CASE tools focus on:

Back-end CASE tools focus on:

a. converting specifications into program code.
b. capturing design specifications in the early stages of development.
c. integrating legacy tools with systems in development.
d. integrating databases with user interfaces.

Answer: A

Object-oriented development could potentially reduce the time and cost of writing software because:

Object-oriented development could potentially reduce the time and cost of writing software because:

a. object-oriented programming requires less training.
b. iterative prototyping is not required.
c. objects are reusable.
d. a single user interface object can be used for the entire application.

Answer: C

Object-oriented modeling is based on the concepts of:

Object-oriented modeling is based on the concepts of: 

a. objects and relationships.
b. classes and objects.
c. class and inheritance.
d. objects and inheritance.

Answer: C

In an object-oriented development framework for a university, how would the classes Degree, Mathematics, and Physics be related?

In an object-oriented development framework for a university, how would the classes Degree, Mathematics, and Physics be related?

a. Degree would be a sister class to Mathematics and Physics
b. Degree is a superclass to Mathematics and Physics
c. Mathematics and Physics would be ancestors to Degree
d. Degree would be a subclass to Mathematics and Physics

Answer: B

An entire information system is broken down into its subsystems by using:

An entire information system is broken down into its subsystems by using:

a. high-level data flow diagrams.
b. low-level data flow diagrams.
c. process specifications.
d. structured diagrams.

Answer: A

To show each level of a system's design, it's relationship to other levels, and its place in the overall design structure, structured methodologies use:

To show each level of a system's design, it's relationship to other levels, and its place in the overall design structure, structured methodologies use:

a. structure charts.
b. Gantt charts and PERT.
c. process specifications.
d. data flow diagrams.

Answer: A

To understand and define the contents of data flows and data store, system builders use a(n):

To understand and define the contents of data flows and data store, system builders use a(n):

a. data dictionary.
b. process specifications diagram.
c. user documentation.
d. data flow diagram.

Answer: A

In what stage of systems development are design specifications created?

In what stage of systems development are design specifications created?

a. Systems analysis
b. Systems design
c. Testing
d. Conversion

Answer: B

The primary tool for representing a system's component processes and the flow of data between them is the:

The primary tool for representing a system's component processes and the flow of data between them is the:

a. data dictionary.
b. process specifications diagram.
c. user documentation.
d. data flow diagram.

Answer: D

Changes in hardware, software, documentation, or production to a production system to correct errors, meet new requirements, or improve processing efficiencies are termed:

Changes in hardware, software, documentation, or production to a production system to correct errors, meet new requirements, or improve processing efficiencies are termed:

a. compliance.
b. production.
c. maintenance.
d. acceptance.

Answer: C

In the direct cutover conversion strategy, the new system:

In the direct cutover conversion strategy, the new system:

a. is tested by an outsourced company.
b. replaces the old one at an appointed time.
c. and the old are run together.
d. is introduced in stages.

Answer: B

In a parallel conversion strategy, the new system:

In a parallel conversion strategy, the new system:

a. is tested by an outsourced company.
b. replaces the old one at an appointed time.
c. and the old are run together.
d. is introduced in stage.

Answer: C

Acceptance testing:

Acceptance testing:

a. includes all the preparations for the trials.
b. tests the functioning of the system as a whole in order to determine if discrete modules will function together as planned.
c. tests each program separately.
d. provides the final certification that the system is ready to be used in a production setting

Answer: D

System testing:

System testing:

a. includes all the preparations for the series of tests to be performed on the system.
b. tests the functioning of the system as a whole in order to determine if discrete modules will function together as planned.
c. tests each program separately.
d. provides the final certification that the system is ready to be used in a production

Answer: B

Unit testing:

Unit testing:

a. includes all the preparations for the series of tests to be performed on the system.
b. tests the functioning of the system as a whole in order to determine if discrete modules will function together as planned.
c. tests each program separately.
d. provides the final certification that the system is ready to be used in a production

Answer: C

Determining methods for feedback and error handling would be defined by which category of system design specification?

Determining methods for feedback and error handling would be defined by which category of system design specification?

a. Training and documentation
b. User interface
c. Manual procedures
d. Security and controls

Answer: B

Transferring transaction data from a legacy system to the new system would be defined by which category of system design specifications?

Transferring transaction data from a legacy system to the new system would be defined by which category of system design specifications?

a. Input
b. Database
c. Manual procedures
d. Conversion

Answer: D

System design specifications that address the category of database design issues will include specifications for:

System design specifications that address the category of database design issues will include specifications for:

a. transaction volume and speed requirements.
b. data entry.
c. input, processing, and output controls.
d. program logic and computations.

Answer: A

Systems design:

Systems design:

a. describes what a system should do to meet information requirements.
b. shows how the new system will fulfill the information requirements.
c. always tries to increase precision.
d. includes the testing phases.

Answer: B

The entire system-building effort is driven by:

The entire system-building effort is driven by:

a. organizational change.
b. feasibility studies.
c. the information value chain.
d. user information requirements

Answer: D

Which process develops a detailed description of the functions that a new information system must perform?

Which process develops a detailed description of the functions that a new information system must perform?

a. Feasibility study
b. Requirements analysis
c. Systems design
d. Test plan development

Answer: B

The idea that the achievement of quality control is an end in itself describes a main concept of:

The idea that the achievement of quality control is an end in itself describes a main concept of:

a. BPM.
b. BPR.
c. Six Sigma.
d. TQM.

Answer: D

Enabling organizations to make continual improvements to many business processes and to use processes as the fundamental building blocks of corporate information systems is the goal of:

Enabling organizations to make continual improvements to many business processes and to use processes as the fundamental building blocks of corporate information systems is the goal of:

a. BPM.
b. BPR.
c. Reengineering.
c. Work flow management.

Answer: A

What are the main dimensions used to measure business processes?

What are the main dimensions used to measure business processes?

a. Cost, time, quality, and flexibility
b. Cost, time, quality, and organization
b. Inputs, outputs, cost, and quality
c. Inputs, outputs, cost, and time

Answer: A

What are the two main considerations in determining which business processes should be improved for an effective reengineering project?

What are the two main considerations in determining which business processes should be improved for an effective reengineering project?

a. Cost and risk
b. Strategic analysis and pain points
c. Strategic analysis and workflow
d. Inputs and outputs

Answer: B

According to the chapter case on the SBA's redesign of its processes, the greatest gain from implementing its new information system was:

According to the chapter case on the SBA's redesign of its processes, the greatest gain from implementing its new information system was:

a. reduction in total claims needing processing.
b. major decreases in paperwork.
c. salary and daily expense reductions.
d. elimination of the need for processing paper-based claim forms.

Answer: C

Based on your reading of the chapter, the redesign of mortgage application process by major mortgage banks was an example of which type of organizational change?

Based on your reading of the chapter, the redesign of mortgage application process by major mortgage banks was an example of which type of organizational change?

a. Automation
b. Paradigm shift
c. Reengineering
d. None of the above

Answer: B

Automation:

Automation:

a. may change the entire nature of the business.
b. business processes are analyzed, streamlined, and reorganized to cut waste and eliminate repetitive, paper-intensive tasks.
c. standard operating procedures are streamlined to remove bottlenecks.
d. assists employees with performing their tasks more efficiently.

Answer: C

The four kinds of structural organizational change enabled by IT are:

The four kinds of structural organizational change enabled by IT are:

a. rationalization, automation, reengineering, and redesigning
b. rationalization, automation, reengineering, and paradigm shift
c. automation, rationalization, restructuring, and reengineering
d. automation, restructuring, reengineering, and paradigm shift.

Answer: B

In which way did network economics play a role in the Girl Scouts solution to their supply chain problems?

In which way did network economics play a role in the Girl Scouts solution to their supply chain problems?

a. The cost per user for their hosted Web solution
b. The use of a centralized database
c. Using a centralized system for orders and distribution
d. Network economics did not play a strong role in the solution

Answer: A

What was the primary concern facing the Girl Scouts regarding their supply chain problems?

What was the primary concern facing the Girl Scouts regarding their supply chain problems?

a. Ordering process was inefficient for a large volume of orders
b. High error rates in ordering and fulfillment
c. Required too much time of volunteers
d. Paper-based system was outdated

Answer: A

As discussed in the chapter case on the U.S. Army payroll systems, the primary cause of errors in the system were due to:

As discussed in the chapter case on the U.S. Army payroll systems, the primary cause of errors in the system were due to:

a. lack of integration between two systems used for payroll.
b. vendor unfamiliarity with the U.S. Army's business processes.
c. lack of documentation in the reengineering process.
d. poorly documented processes used for determining pay.

Answer: A