Accounting Information Systems, 12e (Romney/Steinbart)

Chapter 22 Systems Design, Implementation, and Operation

1) Developing a general framework for implementing user requirements and solving problems identified
in the analysis phase occurs in which phase of the SDLC?
A) conceptual systems design
B) implementation and conversion
C) operations and maintenance
D) physical design
Answer: A
Page Ref: 641
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

2) Who is responsible for evaluating the design alternatives and selecting the one that best meets the
organization's needs?
A) design team
B) implementation committee
C) steering committee
D) systems analysts
Answer: C
Page Ref: 641
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

3) Which of the following lists represent the sequence of elements in developing the conceptual design
specifications?
A) input, data storage, processing procedures and operations, and output
B) input, output, data storage, and processing procedures and operations
C) output, data storage, input, and processing procedures and operations
D) processing procedures and operations, input, data storage, and output
Answer: C
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

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4) The project team wants to find the most efficient way to collect data in order to prepare a report on
sales per store. Which element in design specifications will deal with the decision?
A) data collection
B) input
C) output
D) processing procedures
Answer: B
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

5) One of the purposes of the ________ is to guide physical systems design activities.
A) conceptual systems design report
B) physical systems design report
C) program design
D) systems analysis report
Answer: A
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

6) The decision about how often to produce a certain report is part of which conceptual design
specification element?
A) data storage
B) input
C) output
D) processing procedures and operations
Answer: C
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

7) Which of the following is not a reason for preparing the conceptual systems design report?
A) It can be used to guide physical systems design activities.
B) It communicates how management and user information needs will be met.
C) It discusses the design alternatives that were not selected for the project.
D) It helps the steering committee assess system feasibility.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

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8) Which consideration below is not considered important to output design?
A) format
B) location
C) medium
D) source
Answer: D
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

9) All of the following reports have pre-specified content and format except
A) demand reports.
B) scheduled reports.
C) special-purpose analysis reports.
D) triggered exception reports.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

10) For file and database design, it is advantageous to have

A) all data in compatible format.
B) easy access to the system.
C) a printout of the data dictionary.
D) copies of necessary reports.
Answer: A
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

11) Physical input design considerations include

A) which transactions to enter.
B) layout of source documents.
C) types of data input and optimal input methods.
D) cost of collecting and storing data.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 645
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

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12) Program design
A) spans all five stages of the system development life cycle.
B) includes writing computer code.
C) includes debugging logic errors.
D) is described by all the above.
Answer: D
Page Ref: 645-646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

13) Which of the following statements below is correct about modules of computer code created during
program design?
A) Modules interact with each other directly and also through the control module.
B) Modules interact with each other directly.
C) Modules interact with only the control module.
D) Modules primarily, but not always, interact with the control module.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

14) Which of the following statements is true?

A) Structured programming divides programs into well-defined segments to reduce complexity.
B) Structured programming is used to debug logic errors in programs.
C) Structured programming is accomplished by using a flowchart to guide design.
D) Structured programming pieces together standard code strings into a completed program.
Answer: A
Page Ref: 646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

15) Which of the following is not a consideration in procedures and controls design?
A) Are customer data stored in alphabetical order in a master file?
B) Are payments made only to legitimate vendors?
C) Are data processed and stored accurately?
D) Can the system be modified without affecting system availability?
Answer: A
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Difficult
AACSB: Analytic

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16) The accountant wants to make sure that all cash disbursements are made only to legitimate vendors.
Which of the following control considerations will deal with this concern?
A) security
B) accuracy
C) authorization
D) validity
Answer: D
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

17) The sales department wants to make sure that all customer inquiries are answered in real-time.
Which of the following controls design considerations will deal with this concern?
A) security
B) authorization
C) accuracy
D) audit trail
Answer: D
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

18) At what point in the systems development life cycle does the company determine how the
conceptual AIS design is to be implemented?
A) the conceptual design phase
B) the implementation and conversion phase
C) the physical design phase
D) the systems analysis phase
Answer: C
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

19) What is the most time-consuming activity in the physical design stage of the systems development
life cycle (SDLC), or perhaps even in the entire SDLC process?
A) controls design
B) input design
C) output design
D) program design
Answer: D
Page Ref: 645
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

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20) Which of the following is a consideration during file and database design?
A) form size
B) format
C) medium
D) organization
Answer: C
Page Ref: 645
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

21) ________ is the process of installing hardware and software and getting the AIS up and running.
A) Conceptual design
B) Physical design
C) Systems analysis
D) Systems implementation
Answer: D
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

22) The first step in program design is to

A) determine user needs.
B) develop a plan.
C) hire program users.
D) write program instructions.
Answer: A
Page Ref: 646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

23) Flowcharts, record layouts, decision tables, and related items are part of
A) determining user needs.
B) documenting the program.
C) testing the program.
D) training program users.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 647
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

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24) Effective AIS training involves
A) instruction on new hardware and software.
B) orientation to new policies and operations.
C) planning and scheduling so it occurs before system testing and conversion.
D) All of the above are correct.
Answer: D
Page Ref: 649
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

25) Step-by-step reviews of procedures or program logic early in the system design that focus on inputs,
files, outputs, and data flows are called
A) acceptance tests.
B) operating tests.
C) processing of test transactions.
D) walk-throughs.
Answer: D
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

26) One process used to uncover and eliminate program errors is known as
A) black box testing.
B) debugging.
C) desk checking.
D) white box testing.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

27) What is used as the basis for management to make a "go/no go" decision regarding whether to
proceed from the physical design phase to the implementation and conversion phase of the systems
development life cycle?
A) conceptual system design report
B) physical systems design report
C) systems design report
D) implementation planning design report
Answer: B
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

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28) Who is responsible for identifying such risk factors in an implementation plan?
A) implementation team
B) steering committee
C) systems analysis team
D) systems development team
Answer: A
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

29) Within the implementation planning and conversion phase of the systems development life cycle,
analysts must ________ before they can ________.
A) complete documentation; test software programs
B) install and test software; test software programs
C) test software programs; test the system
D) test the system; select and train personnel
Answer: C
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

30) In which phase of the systems development life cycle would changing tax rates in a software
program be accomplished?
A) maintenance
B) operations
C) program design
D) implementation
Answer: A
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 4
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

31) Several types of documentation must be prepared for a new system. The type of documentation that
includes the files and databases accessed and file retention requirements is called
A) development documentation.
B) operations documentation.
C) reference documentation.
D) user documentation.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

8
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32) What type of system test determines whether a program is operating as designed?
A) acceptance test
B) debugging
C) process test data
D) walk-through
Answer: C
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

33) What type of system test uses copies of real transaction and file records?
A) acceptance test
B) debugging
C) process test data
D) walk-through
Answer: A
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

34) In what type of conversion are old and new systems operated simultaneously for a period of time?
A) direct conversion
B) parallel conversion
C) phase-in conversion
D) pilot conversion
Answer: B
Page Ref: 651
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

35) Implementing a new system at a branch location before company-wide adoption is called
A) direct conversion.
B) parallel conversion.
C) phase-in conversion.
D) pilot conversion.
Answer: D
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

9
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36) Which of the following activities is not part of data conversion?
A) changing data content
B) moving file servers
C) changing file formats
D) moving files to a new storage medium
Answer: B
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

37) What type of conversion terminates the old system as soon as the new system is ready?
A) direct conversion
B) parallel conversion
C) phase-in conversion
D) pilot conversion
Answer: A
Page Ref: 651
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

38) Which of the following describes a phase-in conversion?

A) Both the old and new AIS are operated simultaneously.
B) Elements of the old AIS are replaced gradually with elements of the new AIS.
C) The new AIS is introduced into a segment, rather than the whole organization.
D) The old AIS is terminated as the new AIS is introduced.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

39) Which of the following is the final step in the data conversion process?
A) data conversion
B) testing the system
C) documentation of conversion activities
D) monitoring of the system after data conversion
Answer: C
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

10
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40) Which factor is not investigated during the post-implementation review?
A) accuracy
B) benefits
C) completion
D) costs
Answer: C
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 4
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

41) Which of the following is the final activity in the systems development life cycle?
A) monitoring of the system
B) ongoing maintenance activities
C) preparation of the post-implementation review report
D) user acceptance of the post-implementation review report
Answer: D
Page Ref: 653
Objective: Learning Objective 4
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

42) An analyst who asks the question, "Does the system produce actual and complete data?" is
investigating what postimplementation factor?
A) accuracy
B) compatibility
C) goals and objectives
D) reliability
Answer: A
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 4
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

43) Which of the following is not one of the ways data may need to be modified during data conversion?
A) Resolve data inconsistencies
B) Validate new files
C) Identify files to be converted
D) Remove unnecessary fields from data files
Answer: D
Page Ref: 652
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

11
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44) Walk-throughs are system tests that involve
A) managers observing the operation of the system by "walking through" the IT department.
B) processing hypothetical data that are designed to identify errors in the system.
C) processing copies of real transactions in order to determine whether or not the system meets
requirements.
D) a thorough review of the procedures and program logic of the system.
Answer: D
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

45) Acceptance tests involve

A) managers observing the operation of the system by "walking through" the IT department.
B) processing hypothetical data that are designed to identify errors in the system.
C) processing copies of real transactions in order to determine whether or not the system meets
requirements.
D) a thorough review of the procedures and program logic of the system.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

46) Processing test data involves

A) managers observing the operation of the system by "walking through" the IT department.
B) processing hypothetical data that are designed to identify errors in the system.
C) processing copies of real transactions in order to determine whether or not the system meets
requirements.
D) a thorough review of the procedures and program logic of the system.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

47) Which of the following is not one of the types of documentation that should be prepared for a new
system?
A) Management
B) Operations
C) User
D) Development
Answer: A
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

12
Copyright 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall
48) Subdividing program code into small, well-defined modules is
A) called debugging.
B) known as structured programming.
C) part of program maintenance.
D) done during testing.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

49) Performing revisions to existing program code is an example of

A) debugging.
B) structured programming.
C) program maintenance.
D) walk through.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 647
Objective: Learning Objective 4
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

50) Chuck in ITS got a call from Phil in Marketing. "Chuck, you know that inventory report I had you
guys prepare for me last year? Well, I need you to run it again and send it over in hard copy. Thanks."
This is an example of a
A) scheduled report.
B) special-purpose analysis report.
C) triggered exception report.
D) demand report.
Answer: D
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

51) Phil in Marketing got a call from Chuck in ITS. "Phil, the system just generated a stock-out report. I
wanted to give you a heads up. I'm sending it right over." This is an example of a
A) scheduled report.
B) special-purpose analysis report.
C) triggered exception report.
D) demand report.
Answer: C
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

13
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52) Chuck in ITS got a call from Phil in Marketing. "Chuck, I need you to do something for me. Query
sales data for the first quarter and pull out all of the invoices that include the snow blower discount. I
need a count and the total amount of the discount. Thanks." This is an example of a
A) scheduled report.
B) special-purpose analysis report.
C) triggered exception report.
D) demand report.
Answer: B
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

53) Phil in Marketing got a call from Fred at regional headquarters. "Phil, I just got the quarterly sales
report for your district. You beat your quota again, you son of a gun!" This is an example of a
A) scheduled report.
B) special-purpose analysis report.
C) triggered exception report.
D) demand report.
Answer: A
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

54) Which of the following is the most costly and least risky method of converting from one system to
another?
A) Direct
B) Parallel
C) Pilot
D) Phase-in
Answer: B
Page Ref: 651
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

55) Which of the following is the least costly and most risky method of converting from one system to
another?
A) Direct
B) Parallel
C) Pilot
D) Phase-in
Answer: A
Page Ref: 651
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

14
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56) How can accountants help in the systems development life cycle (SDLC) process?
Answer: Accountants must first understand the development process, and then realize that they can
make a valuable contribution to the development process in several ways. As users, accountants can
specify their needs and help explain such needs to the development team. As members of the
development team, they can provide valuable input throughout the design and development process. As
auditors, they can perform attest functions with a greater working knowledge and enhanced skill sets.
Accountants should keep the project on track by evaluating and measuring benefits, monitoring costs,
and helping to maintain the timetable.
Page Ref: 582, 583, 647
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Reflective Thinking

57) What factors does a steering committee consider when evaluating different system designs?
Answer: How well does the design meet organizational and systems objectives? How well does the
design meet users' needs? How economically feasible is the design in terms of costs versus benefit?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the design? Do the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages?
Page Ref: 641-643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

58) What are the purposes of a conceptual systems design report?

Answer: The purposes of this report are to a) guide physical systems design activities, b) communicate
how management and user information needs will be met, and c) help the steering committee assess
system feasibility.
Page Ref: 643
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

59) Describe at least four considerations during controls design.

Answer: Controls design ensures the effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy of the AIS. The important
concerns to be addressed are: validity of transactions authorization of input, storage, and output
activities accuracy of input and processing activities security access to system numerical
control pre-numbering and accounting of all documents audit trail - tracing of transactions from
source documents to final output and vice versa availability of the system when needed -
maintainability so the system can be modified without affecting availability or security integrity
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

15
Copyright 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall
60) What is systems implementation? How do you plan for it?
Answer: Systems implementation is the process of installing hardware and software and getting the AIS
in place and in use. Systems planning consists of: Implementation tasks and person(s) responsible for
tasks. Setting expected completion dates. Cost estimates and variances. Identify risk factors that
decrease likelihood of successful implementation. Strategies for coping with risk factors.
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

61) Describe the different types of documentation that should be prepared for a new system.
Answer: Development documentation includes system description; copies of output, input and file and
database layouts; program flowcharts; test results; and user acceptance forms. Operations
documentation includes operating schedules; files and databases accessed; and equipment, security and
file retention requirements. User documentation includes procedures manuals and training materials.
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

62) Describe the different methods of testing a system.

Answer: Walkthroughs, which involve systematic reviews of procedures or program logic at different
phases during the SDLC. In the early stages of the design process, the focus is inputs, outputs, and files.
In the later stages, the focus is on program logic and structure. Processing test transactions to
determine whether a program operates as designed. Different types of hypothetical transactions are
processed to see if the controls catch various types of errors. Acceptance tests, which use real
transactions and file records. Users develop the acceptance criteria and make the final acceptance or
rejection decision.
Page Ref: 650
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Easy
AACSB: Analytic

63) Describe the post-implementation review activity.

Answer: A post-implementation review ensures that the new AIS meets planned objectives. Any
problems uncovered during the review are brought to the attention of the management and the necessary
adjustments are made. When review is complete, prepare a report. The acceptance of the post-
implementation review report by users concludes the systems development process. Control of the AIS
now passes on to the data processing department.
Page Ref: 653
Objective: Learning Objective 4
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

16
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64) What output design considerations should be analyzed as part of the physical system design phase?
Answer: Two things must be considered regarding system output. First, who will use the output? Why
do users need this type of output, and what decisions will be made based on such output? Second, the
medium of the output must be addressed. What medium should be used? Should the output be on paper,
computer screen, stored as a voice response file, placed on diskette, microfilm, or some possible
combinations of these mediums? These are two important considerations that can either "make or break"
a system in terms of its successful use. Other considerations are: What format (table, graph, etc)? Should
preprinted forms be used? Where should the output be sent? Who should have access to the output?
How often should the output be produced? Lengthy output should be preceded by an executive summary
and a table of contents.
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

65) Describe structured programming.

Answer: Structured programming refers to programs that are subdivided into small, well-defined
modules with the goal of reducing complexity and enhancing reliability and modifiability. Each module
should interact with a control module rather than with each other. Proper structured programming
dictates that each module should have only one entry and exit point to facilitate testing and modification.
Page Ref: 646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

66) Describe the conceptual systems design phase and identify the elements of conceptual design
specifications?
Answer: The conceptual systems design phase involves the development of the general framework for
implementing user requirements and solving problems identified in the analysis phase. Conceptual
design elements include the following elements: Output specifications to meet users' information needs.
Data storage specifications based on reports that need to be produced, the manner in which data are
stored (sequential, random, etc.), the type of database to use, and appropriate field sizes. Input
specification after output is identified so that the "when, where, and how" of data input are appropriate
for the types of output needed. Processing procedures and operations specifications are determined after
the sequencing and processes for input and data storage are known.
Page Ref: 641
Objective: Learning Objective 1
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

17
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67) What is the objective of output design? What are the output design considerations? What are the
various categories of outputs?
Answer: Output design: The objective is to determine the nature, format, content, and timing of printed
reports, documents, and screen displays.
Design considerations: Use who will use, why is it needed, what is needed for use. Medium paper,
screen, diskette. Format tables, graphs, narratives. Preprinted e.g., purchase orders, checks.
Location where sent. Access by whom and to what. Detail summary, table of contents, headings.
Timeliness how often.
Categories of output are: Scheduled reports are prespecified and formatted and prepared regularly.
Special-purpose analyses are not prespecified or formatted, but are prepared when management requests
data to evaluate an issue. Triggered exception reports are prespecified and formatted and prepared in
event of abnormal conditions. Demand reports are prespecified and formatted and prepared when
requested.
Page Ref: 644
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

68) Describe the approaches to system conversion.

Answer: Direct conversion is used when the old system is of no value or is not comparable to the new
system. This type of conversion carries a high risk of failure. Parallel conversion protects the company
from error, but it is costly and stressful to process transactions twice. Phase-in conversion results in
gradual changes over time that also allows resources to be acquired over time. However, creating
temporary interfaces is costly and gradual changes take time and come at greater expense. Pilot
conversion implements the system in just one part of the organization that allows problems to be
corrected before the system is completely adopted. However, the costs of interfaces and running both
systems are a disadvantage.
Page Ref: 651-652
Objective: Learning Objective 3
Difficulty : Moderate
AACSB: Analytic

18
Copyright 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall
69) Write one question that should be asked about each of the controls design considerations.
Answer: There are several controls design considerations to be addressed in this phase of the SDLC.
Validity, authorization, accuracy, access, numerical control, and providing an audit trail are the major
items, which must be taken into account in physical design. Validity would address a question such as,
"Are all system interactions valid?" Authorization could be examined by asking, "Are input, processing,
storage, and output activities authorized by the appropriate managers?" Accuracy can be analyzed by
asking, "Is input verified to ensure accuracy and what controls are in place to ensure that data passed
between processing activities is not lost?" When dealing with access issues, the analyst should ask if
there is adequate control over accessing data, and ask the important question, "How is a hacker denied
access to a data file?" Asking the question, "Are documents pre-numbered to prevent errors or
intentional abuse?" can provide insight about numerical controls. Finally, to provide appropriate audit
trails, the analyst should ask the question, "Can transaction data be traced from source documents to
final output, and vice versa?" It is imperative that controls design be properly implemented in this phase
of the SDLC to ensure the success of launching the system and its ongoing use. Also, availability and
integrity.
Page Ref: 648
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Difficult
AACSB: Reflective Thinking

70) Describe the eight basic steps in program design.

Answer: Generally speaking, developers use an eight-step method to develop and test software
programs. As part of the systems implementation phase of the SDLC, it is important that these steps
faithfully are followed by the development team. 1) The team should consult with users and write an
agreement about software requirements as a way to determine user needs. 2) Next, a development plan
should be created and documented. 3) The overall approach and major processing tasks should be
identified on a high level before proceeding to levels of greater detail. At that point the activity of
writing program instructions can begin. 4) After program code has been written, the next step is to test
the program. This can be achieved in part through debugging and desk checking, along with other types
of testing. 5) The next thing to be done is to document the program, since this will explain how the
program works and assist analysts in correcting and resolving errors. 6) Training program users is the
beginning of the end of the test phase. Program documentation developed in step five will be used at this
time. 7) The seventh step is to install and use the system. At this point the program can be used and
program maintenance can take place as needed. 8) Use and modify the system. Revise existing programs
(called program maintenance).
Page Ref: 645-646
Objective: Learning Objective 2
Difficulty : Difficult
AACSB: Analytic

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