System Lifecycle Questions in IGCSE

1. What are the methods of analysis? Discuss the following advantages and disadvantages
of each method.
Analysis Techniques Advantages Disadvantages
Observation The use of the - Information will - Some people may
current system is not be biased be uncomfortable
observed to find - The analyst can being observed
out how it works. obtain reliable - Employees may
information perform differently
while being
observed
Interview People who use - Can ask open- - Time Consuming
the system are ended questions - Interview can’t be
interviewed to - Questions can be anonymous
gauge their modified
feedback.
Questionnaire Questionnaires - Larger audience - Not completely
are distributed to - Cheaper accurate
employees/ - Saves time - Not all results are
customers to find returned
out a range of - No open-ended
opinions about questions
the current
system.
Collecting Existing - Analysts can see - Time consuming
Documents documentation how current the - Costly to have
for the current paper system specialised people
system is operates. investigate it
analysed to - Can obtain
identify what data information critical
is inputted and to the system.
outputted
2. What is the purpose of analysis?
Once the systems analysts have completed the analysis stage of the systems life cycle,
they should be fully aware of the limitations of the current system. The new system
will then be designed to resolve the problems identified by the users and the systems
analyst. The Requirements Specification will be created which will outline the
required improvements and expectations for the new system.
3. What is the design phase for?
The design phase to so design a new system that resolves limitations in existing
system.
4. What are validation methods to consider in design phase?
- Tick boxes
- Drop down lists to choose option
- Buttons to clearly show its functions
5. What validation routines can be applied?
- Length check
- Type check
- Format check
- Presence check
6. Describe how development and testing are done.
Software systems are developed in modular form which means each part of the system
is developed separately by the programmer. This allows each module of the system
to be tested separately once it has been developed. If errors are found in the modules
or full program, then the modifications will be made to the system.
7. What must a test plan include?
- What is being tested
- What is expected
- Expected outcome
- Actual outcome
8. What are test data?
Test data are three different types of test data that could be entered into the system.
Once the system has been fully tested then live data (actual data that would be
entered) will be entered into the system. Results are compared to those produced
from the current system.
9. What are the implementation methods? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Methods Definition Advantages Disadvantages
Direct Changeover The existing Costs are reduced - If the new system
system is stopped as only one system fails then old
and replaced by is being used. system is not
the new system available to fall
immediately. back to
- There may not be
enough time to
provide training to
employees.

Parallel Running The existing and - If the new system - Tasks will be
new system work does not meet the duplicated as data
together for a requirements, then is inputted into
period until the old system is still both systems.
new system fully available - This will require
takes over. - Employees can more employees
be trained which will result in
gradually how to more costs (paying
use the new system salaries) for the
employers.
Phased The new system is - The working part - Time consuming
Implementation gradually of the system will - Training sessions
introduced. Parts be introduced so would be needed
of the system will less errors every time a new
be implemented at - If that part is not part is being
a time and working, can introduced.
eventually take always go back to
over the old the old system.
system.
Pilot running The new system is - If the new system - It could take a
does not meet the while for the whole
 piloted (trialled) requirements, then system to be
in one part only one implemented
(department) of department is across all
an organisation. affected. departments.
- Training can take - If the system fails
place in one in one department
department at a then modifications
time. Then and further
employees could training would be
be used in other required resulting
departments to in delays.
help with training.

10. What is the purpose of a technical document?

Technical document will be for the technical people, who need to know exactly how
the system works.
11. What are the requirements of a technical document?
- Details of the hardware and software required for the system
- Details of data structures (data types, field names, etc.)
- Details of expected inputs
- Details of validation checks
- Details of how data is processed
- Diagrams showing how data moves through the system
- Flowcharts describing how the system works
12. Explain the need for user documentation.
The user documentation is intended to help the users of the system.
13. What are the requirements of a technical document?
- List of minimum hardware and software required to use the system
- How to install the system
- How to start / stop the system
- How to use the features of the system
- Screenshots showing the system in typical use
- Example inputs and outputs
 - Explanations of any error messages that might be shown
- A troubleshooting guides
14. What is the evaluation stage for?
The purpose of the evaluation refers to the requirements specification to see whether
the new system has resolved the issues of the previous system and met the
requirements stated in the design.
15. What are the 3 main evaluation strategies?
- Compare the solution with the original task requirements.
- Identify any limitations and necessary improvements to the system
- Evaluate the users’ responses to the results of testing the system.