Fall 2018 CSIS2200 - 003

Assignment #2 – Requirements Modeling and

Data and Process Modeling
Due: October 17, 2018

1. {5 marks – P140-3} What are JAD and RAD, and how do they differ from
traditional fact find methods? What are the main advantages of team-based
methods?

Joint Application Development (JAD) and Rapid Application Development (RAD)

are user-oriented techniques for fact-finding and requirements modeling. The traditional
fact-finding methods for systems development was all about the IT department using
structured analysis and consulting users only when their input or approval was needed.
User-oriented techniques invite system users to participate actively in various
development tasks.

The main advantages of team-based methods are really fast and the systems can
be developed quickly saving the cost for the company. As the user is involved throughout
the development of the application, a quality product with customer satisfaction can be
formed. JAD and RAD focus on group assessment rather individual’s requirement for a
project that makes them more focused and defines an accurate project goal.
2. {5 marks – P140-5} Provide three examples each of closed-ended, open-ended,
and range-of response questions?

Examples of closed-ended questions:

- How many personal computers do you have for this operation?
- Did you finish all of the reports before they are sent out?
- How many hours of training does an IT manager receive?
Examples Open-ended questions:
- What are the user’s thought on the new system?
- How can this task be performed?
- Why do you prefer to perform this task that way?
Examples of Range-of Response Questions:
- How effective was the system?
- How would you rate the severity of the problem: low, medium, or high?
- Is the operating system that occurs never, sometimes, often, usually, or
always? {5 marks – P140-8} What is a functional decomposition diagram (FDD)
and why would you use one? Explain how to create an FDD?

A functional decomposition diagram (FDD) is a top-down representation of a

function or process. Using an FDD, an analyst can show business functions and
break them down into lower-level functions and processes.

Creating an FDD is similar to drawing an organization chart — you start at the top
and work your way down as shown in Figure 4-8 in the textbook (p.112).

3. {5 marks – P177-3} What is the difference between a context diagram

and diagram 0? Which symbol is not used in a context diagram?

A context diagram is a top level view of a system that displays the boundaries and
 scope of the system. Diagram 0 is a DFD that that shows the first level of detail
below the initial context diagram and shows major processes, data flows and data
stores while repeating the external entities and data flows that show up in the
context diagram.

Data stores are not used in a context diagram.

4. {5 marks- P177-3} Explain the differences between Gane and Sarson and
Yourdon symbols. Provide examples of an information system at Douglas
College of symbols that represent processes, data flows, data stores, and entities
– e.g. library system.

Gane and Sarson – a process is represented by a square shape with rounded

corners, data flow is represented with an arrow, internal and external entities are
represented with a square, and a data store is represented with a rectangle that is open
on one side.
Yourdon – circles or ‘bubbles’ represent processes, rectangles represent internal
and external entities, opened-ended boxes on both ends represent data stores, and
arrows represent data flow.

https://www.coursehero.com/file/12446399/ch5-subjectiveQuestions/

Examples of processes: APPLY BOOK RENTING, CALCULATE RENTING TIME,

ASSIGN FINAL RETURN DATE, VERIFY STUDENT ID.
Examples of data flows: COMSSION, STUDENT LIST, OVERTIME PAYMENT,
ORDER.
Examples of data stores: LIBRARY ITEM, BOOK ROSTER, INVENTORY LIST,
RENTING SCHEDULE.
Examples of entities: STUDENT, STAFF, INVENTORY CHECKING SYSTEM,
VENDOR.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/13812828/week-3/

5. {5 marks – P177-9} Why would a manager prefer a decision tree instead of

a decision table?

A manager might prefer a decision tree instead of a decision table because

decision trees show the logic structure in a horizontal form which is an effective
way to describe simple processes. It is really up to the manager’s personal
preference because decision tables and trees give the same results, just in
different forms.
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p3iv1ssu/8-What-is-the-purpose-of-
decision-tables-How-do-you-create-them-The-purpose-of/

Submission: Use blackboard to submit Assignment#2_Lastname

Note: You may work in groups of 2.