biometric device
A mechanism used to uniquely identify a person by a retina scan or by mapping a facial pattern.
business case
Refers to the reasons, or justification, for a proposal.
case for action
A part of the preliminary investigation report to management that summarizes project requests and makes specific recommendations.
computer resources committee
A group of key managers and users responsible for evaluating systems requests. The term systems review committee is also used.
constraint
A requirement or a condition that the system must satisfy or an outcome that the system must achieve.
critical success factor
Vital objective that must be achieved for the enterprise to fulfill its mission.
customer relationship management (CRM)
Many companies implement systems to integrate all cus- tomer-related events and transactions including marketing, sales, and customer service activities.
discretionary project
Where management has a choice in implementing a project, they are called discretionary. For example, creating a new report for a user is an example of a discretionary project.
economic feasibility
Achieved if the projected benefits of the proposed system outweigh the estimated costs involved in acquiring, installing, and operating it.
electronic product code (ePC)
Technology that uses RFID tags to identify and monitor the movement of each individual product, from the factory floor to the retail checkout counter.
electronic proof of delivery (ePOD)
A supplier uses RFID tags on each crate, case, or shipping unit to create a digital shipping list to verify receipt of goods.
encryption
A process where data is coded (converted into unreadable characters) so that only those with the required authorization can access the data.
fishbone diagram
An analysis tool that represents the possible causes of a problem as a graphical out- line. Also called an Ishikawa diagram.
intangible benefit
Positive outcome that is difficult to measure in dollars. However, intangible benefits can be very important in the calculation of economic feasibility. An example of an intangible benefit might be a new website that improves a company's image.
intangible cost
Item that is difficult to measure in dollar terms, such as employee dissatisfaction.
just-in-time (JiT)
The exchange or delivery of information when and where it is needed. For example, just-in-time inventory systems rely on computer-to-computer data exchange to minimize unnecessary inventory.
mission statement
A document or statement that describes the company for its stakeholders and briefly states the company's overall purpose, products, services, and values.
nondiscretionary project
Where management has no choice in implementing a project, it is called nondis- cretionary. For example, adding a report required by a new federal law.
operational feasibility
A system that that will be used effectively after it has been developed.
Pareto chart
A vertical bar graph named for a nineteenth-century economist. The bars, which represent various causes of a problem, are arranged in descending order, so the team can focus on the most important causes.
project creep
The process by which projects with very general scope definitions expand gradually, with- out specific authorization.
project scope
A specific determination of a project's boundaries or extent.
scatter diagram
A tool used by system analysts to graphically show the correlation between two vari- ables. Also called an XY chart.
schedule feasibility
A project can be implemented in an acceptable time frame.
strategic planning
The process of identifying long-term organizational goals, strategies, and resource.
systems review committee
A group of key managers and users responsible for evaluating systems requests. The term computer resources committee is sometimes also used.
SWOT analysis
An examination of a company's strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T)
tangible benefit
Positive outcome that can be measured in dollars. It can result from a decrease in expenses, an increase in revenues, or both.
tangible cost
Expense that has a specific dollar value. Examples include employee salaries and hardware purchases.
technical feasibility
When an organization has the resources to develop or purchase, install, and operate the system.
total cost of ownership (TCO)
A number used in assessing costs, which includes ongoing support and maintenance costs, as well as acquisition costs.
XY chart
A tool used by system analysts to graphically show the correlation between two variables. Also called a scatter diagram.
What is a SWOT analysis? Prepare a SWOT analysis of your school or your employer
SWOT is an acronym for Strenght, Weaknes, Opportunities, Threat. This analysis is used in organization for decision making in organization.
How does strategic planning influence day-to-day business operations? Why is it important for sys- tems analysts to understand a company's strategic plan?
Strategic planning is a planning process for setting of the organization, taking important decisions for its future growth, setting business objectives. The planning process includes ways to achieving goals, formulating a strategy and implementing the str
What is an effective way to assess user requests for additional features and functions?
Assessing and evaluating user requests is usually done by systems review committees.
What are four types of feasibility? Which type focuses on total cost of ownership? Which type do users primarily influence
The four types of feasibility are operational, technical, economic and schedule. Economic feasibility focus on the idea of total cost of ownership (TCO), while operational feasibility is primarily influenced by the users.
Describe the six steps in a typical preliminary investigation. Why should an analyst be careful when using the word problem
1. Understand the problem or opportunity; involves understanding the problem you are up against. You must develop a business profile and understand how certain modifications will affect the system as a whole.
2. Define the project scope and constraints. A
What is project scope? What are constraints? Provide an example of a mandatory, external, future constraint. Also provide an example of a discretionary, internal, present constraint
Project scope identifies the boundaries of the project and constraints are requirements that the system has to satisfy. An example of a mandatory, external, future constraint could be a system needing updated security operations for their users. A discret
Identify and briefly describe five common fact-finding method
CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS, the interviewee should be someone who has an understanding of the system and its inner workings.
ANALYZING ORGANIZATION CHARTS is done when you want to become abreast with the company's organizational structure.
OBSERVING OPERATIONS
What fact-finding methods are well suited for complex technical issues? Which might be appropriate for the pursuit of new, cutting-edge features
CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS.
In the pursuit of new, cutting-edge features, observing operations and analyzing organization charts can be appropriate.
What type of tool might a systems analyst use to identify a relationship between two variables? What tool is useful for identifying and prioritizing causes of problems?
Tool used for identifying and prioritizing causes of problems is Pareto chart. It is a tool to identify what cause of problem that needs more attention. It can be designed by the analyst to analyze the problem. It is used for prioritizing the cause of pro
What is a fishbone diagram, and why would you use one? Think of a problem you have experienced at school or work, and draw a sample fishbone diagram with at least two levels.
a tool that can help you perform a cause and effect analysis for a problem you are trying to solve. This type of analysis enables you to discover the root cause of a problem.