EXAMINATION PAPER: ACADEMIC SESSION 2010/2011Campus Maritime

GreenwichSchool Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Department Information Systems and Digital Media
Level ThreeTITLE OF PAPER Information Systems Engineering
COURSE CODE COMP1304
Date and Time Monday 6th
December 2010 (2 hours)
APPROVED
COMP1304 – Information Systems Engineering
 Page 2 of 4
Section A (Compulsory)
1.
 
You have been asked to help develop a management information system for alarge
national charity which runs a number of different projects throughout thecountry. Each
project is run independently and data is held in a number of different formats (e.g. Access
databases and Excel spreadsheets). There is nocohesive way of obtaining information
from the projects to identify how well theyare run. The project is just entering a
requirements gathering phase. It issuggested that the development team use Rich Pictures
and Use Cases to helpunderstand and document the system requirements.
 
(a)
 
Using suitable examples, describe the key elements the requirements analyst should
consider when drawing a Rich Picture.[10 marks](b)
 
Explain why producing primary and secondary scenarios when using Use Casemodelling
is essential to understanding the requirements of a system.[10 marks](c)
 
Rich Pictures and Use Cases are different types of tools with different uses.Examine
these differences and discuss whether using different tools such asRich Pictures and Use
Cases adds value to the overall requirements analysisactivity.[20 marks
Section B (Answer any TWO questions)
2.
 
The development process of an information system can be considered at anumber of
different levels and in a number of different ways. For example, theproblem can be
looked at in terms of choice of hardware, the softwaredevelopment framework used or
understanding the social environment in whichthe system will be placed.(a)
 
Discuss why it is important to consider the development of an informationsystem not just
as a technical solution, but also as a social world problem andwhy this will reduce the
potential for system failure.[20 marks](b)
 
Explain two techniques the system developer can use to help manage
user 
 
expectations
.[10 marks]3.
 
A System development methodology will provide a framework for
managing
thedevelopment process and providing the necessary tools to understand
the
 
technical 
 
requirements
.a)
 
Explain why both of these views are a necessary part of a system
development methodology.[10 marks]b)
 
How does a formal development methodology help to support successfulsystem
development? In answering this question, comment on why systemsfailure still occurs
despite the benefits of using a development methodology orframework.[20 marks
APPROVED
COMP1304 – Information Systems Engineering
 Page 4 of 4
4.
 
The Soft Systems Method (SSM) provides a framework for the modelling of 
real 
 
world 
activities and
system
 
world 
activities.(a)
 
With the aid of a diagram, describe the SSM framework and the key activitiesthat should
take place at each stage[10 marks](b)
 
Discuss why using the SSM approach can add value to the IS development process. In
your answer explain why SSM is not applicable for all types of system development.[20
marks