CT078-3-M - SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SUPPORT ENVIRONMENT PAGE 1 OF 2

Answer all FOUR questions. Each question carries 25 marks.

Question 1

Allied Bank had recently acquired a few smaller local banks and has merged their
electronic retail banking systems together. You have been assigned to handle the
‘Maintenance’ of Allied Bank’s system which consists mainly of their existing retails
systems, merged systems and many of their legacy systems which they still wish to use.

a) Critically analyse the various challenges that you would face by taking up the
maintenance operations for Allied Bank. (10 marks)

b) Describe in detail the various types of maintenance strategies that you could
exercise for the above project. (15 marks)

Question 2

SYSAPP is a new software development company which undertakes application

development projects for the web and mobile environment. Fast and error free product
development are vital for the company in competing with rivals. You have just joined the
company as a software developer.

a) Your manager has asked for you advice on investing in CASE Tools for the company.
You are given limited budget to purchase CASE Tools for your company’s software
development projects. What would your advice be to the manager when purchasing
CASE Tools? Discuss the criteria of choosing CASE Tools for your in-house projects.
(10 marks)

b) Prototyping is a technique recommended for many modern system development

methodologies. How would a prototype developed by SYSAPP look like? Describe the
significant characteristic of a prototype developed for the company’s projects.
(15 marks)

Level M Asia Pacific University

092021
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Question 3

MIMICA is an animation and graphic design company, providing professional services in

the area of graphic arts including 3D rendering, motion graphics and 3D animation
services. They run many projects simultaneously, serving production companies such as
movies makers, television producers and game developers who usually outsource their
graphic development tasks to MIMICA. MIMICA’s product development life cycle
primarily involves many stages of prototypes being delivered to its customers. Quality of
product and timely delivery are crucial in their business.

a) Synthesize a suitable Information System (IS) Development Methodology that you are
familiar with, which could be suitable to handle MIMICA’s projects. Point-out the
significant features of the methodology which makes it qualified. (10 marks)

b) Testing is a critical activity in system development. Modern IS methodologies

recommends testing to be applied throughout the development life cycle. Discuss the
various types of testing strategies throughout a typical system development project.
(You may use your own example of a system for your discussion). (15 marks)

Question 4

Edward is the new IT manager for a local bank. He has learned that the bank has been
applying ‘Structured Development Methods’ for all their information system
development projects. All projects will be planned five years ahead and carried out in
strict and rigid manner. Any drastic changes are discouraged and need to go through lots
of inefficient processes. Edwards has decided to introduce ‘Agile’ approach in system
development which he considers crucial for the bank in today’s dynamic environment.

a) Critically analyze Edward’s decision on introducing ‘Agile’ system development

approach and its necessity in today’s environment. (10 marks)

b) Edward’s IT department has over 50 staffs, mainly consisting of system developers

who have been practicing structured development approaches. Edward reports to
several senior managers as well. They are not familiar with the Agile approaches.
Discuss in detail, a few strategies that Edward could carry out to introduce and
implement Agile approach for his department and future projects. (15 marks)

Level M Asia Pacific University

092021