
<p> Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course</p><p>Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course</p><p>The answers below are, in many cases, only a brief guide to a full answer. Some of the answers in the learning activities have not been provided as they involve the student investigating, forming opinions, working in a group or completing practical tasks on the computer. </p><p>Chapter 1: Project work</p><p>Exercise 1.1 1 The five stages in the system development cycle are understanding the problem; making decisions; designing solutions; implementing; and testing, evaluating and maintaining.</p><p>2 The cycle is an ongoing process as the results from the final stage are used for the initial stages of another new system.</p><p>3 In a small project, some of the stages can be simplified and completed very quickly. In a large project, all the stages are more involved. A large project usually requires a detailed study of the existing system and extensive work in the analysis and design stages.</p><p>4 A project plan is a summary of a project that specifies who, what, how and when. It clarifies what needs to be done and helps people to understand how they fit into the project.</p><p>5 A deliverable is a tangible item expected from a task. It may be a diagram, report, data dictionary, program or training manual. A schedule is the timing of major tasks and who will do the work.</p><p>6 Information management software helps individuals on a project to manage information and schedule tasks. It allows email messages to be exchanged and organised. Information management software stores names and addresses of individuals and organisations. Tasks in the project are assigned, sorted and organised. The progress made on tasks is seen at a glance.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>1 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 7 Gantt charts are a popular management tool as they provide a quick method of determining if the project is on schedule.</p><p>8 Five strategies for effective communication are active listening, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, interview techniques and team building.</p><p>9 A systems analyst performs the analysis to decide if a new or updated system will solve the problem. Systems analysts must be familiar with the organisation’s operations and the latest developments in information technology and computer programming techniques. Systems analysts communicate their results to the programmers.</p><p>10 A project leader develops schedules, checks work and resolves conflicts. He or she ensures that the project is meeting its goals. The project leader is responsible both for developing the project plan and ensuring it is implemented correctly.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 When one stage is being completed, it often provides a good reason to revisit the previous stages. This does not mean that the previous stages were not carried out properly. For example, making decisions about a new system may provide information that expands the purpose of the new system. This occurs throughout the system development cycle.</p><p>2 If the system development cycle is not applied, then there is a possibility that a new system could be developed that does not solve the problem. For example, if minimal time or no time is spent on the problem statement, then the new system may be totally inappropriate.</p><p>3 It is easier and less expensive to identify and solve problems in the first stage of the system development cycle: understanding the problem. If a problem is found in the first stage, then the remaining stages are not affected. It is difficult and more expensive to identify and solve problems in the last stage of the system development cycle: testing, evaluating and maintaining. The problem may require changes to more than one previous stage or a completely new system.</p><p>4 It is important to be able to return to the previous stage when developing a new system in order to change the purpose of the system, the type of system, the system itself or the use of the system. This enables a better system to be developed. Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>2 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 5 Minimum time for completion of the project is 11 weeks: system design documentation (2 weeks) during which the 1 week for application software purchasing also occurs, code and test the custom software (5 weeks) is carried out at the same time as hardware tasks (7 weeks), and set up software (2 weeks).</p><p>6 Minimum time for completion of the project is 14 days. Tasks do not overlap.</p><p>Exercise 1.2 1 People are good at understanding and thinking up new ideas but have an unpredictable memory and get bored with very structured tasks. Machines are good at repetitive tasks involving endurance, consistency and speed. They have very predictable storage and retrieval times and can only perform structured tasks.</p><p>2 Machine-centred systems are designed to simplify what the computer must do at the expense of participants. They assume people will follow confusing procedures and illogical user manuals. If errors occur in a machine-centred system, they are usually blamed on the participant (operator error) rather than the technology. Machine-centred systems are not always the best systems for participants. Human- centred systems are those that make participants’ work as effective and satisfying as possible. They allow people to do their work without wasting time and effort with the information technology. </p><p>3 User-friendly information systems are more productive as participants do not waste time and effort dealing with the system. In other words, the information system does not get in the way of the work.</p><p>4 The incorrect use of computers can cause such health problems as eyestrain, headaches, backaches, fatigue, muscle pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI).</p><p>5 The ergonomic recommendation for furniture is for the desk and chair to be adjusted to suit each person’s body. Desk height must be between 660 mm and 680 mm. Chairs should have an adjustable seat height that ranges from 370 to 520 mm. The seat should be flat, well padded and slanted slightly backwards.</p><p>6 Environmental factors that affect the work environment include lighting, temperature, relative humidity and noise. Lighting needs to be uniform and bright enough for all text to be easily read. The temperature range should range between </p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>3 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 20ºC and 23ºC. The relative humidity of the air should be between 30% and 70%, with air movements less than 0.2 m/s. Noise levels should not exceed 55 decibels.</p><p>7 A new system may create a high level of stress by increasing workload, inadequate job design, lack of social relations or concerns about job security.</p><p>8 New systems have an impact on work in the use of skills (multiskilled and deskilled), meaningful work (not understanding the importance of their work), nature of the workplace (part-time, changing jobs) and social relationships.</p><p>9 Information systems such as communication systems have the potential to reduce pollution by reducing the need for transportation and hence air pollution. They allow people to work from home, regardless of where they live. Communication systems also enable people to access electronic services in country areas. This may reduce the need for high-density housing and the overpopulation of cities.</p><p>10 Gender equity is a concern to many people as women are not taking advantage of information technology in the same numbers as men. Significantly fewer women than men have information technology careers. Similarly, fewer women than men use the Internet regularly. There is an image in society that computers are ‘technical’ and therefore an area more for men than for women. This image is reinforced by advertising in the media that has traditionally targeted men and excluded women.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 Information systems give people the power to affect the environment. It can reduce pollution through a greater use of communication systems. On the other hand, information systems are increasing the damage to our environment. Students need to state and justify their opinion.</p><p>2 The small business could be a farm, a shop or a particular service to the community. Students need to state the information technology used in the small business and the advantages (such as efficiency, time saving, service to customer) and disadvantages (such as cost, training, frustrations). Possible issues include ergonomics, privacy, security, environment and nature of work.</p><p>3 Information technology has caused some people stress, suffering and deskilling. However, other people are pleased to be using information technology as it makes their job easier. Students need to state and justify their opinion. Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>4 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 4 The project leader would ensure that the new system was implemented according to ergonomic recommendations for furniture, information technology and environmental factors. The new system should also be implemented with due consideration to the nature of work, such as use of skills, meaningful work and social relationships. Students need to outline the steps to reduce these issues.</p><p>5 Social and ethical issues associated with information systems include computer crime (security), copyright, health and safety concerns, control, equity and nature of work. Students need to name and discuss (positive/negative) two issues.</p><p>Exercise 1.3 1 In the understanding the problem stage, it is essential to develop a clear problem statement.</p><p>2 Activities in the preliminary investigation involve examining each of the information processes and recording any deficiencies in the existing system. Data is gathered using interviews, surveys, observations and measurements.</p><p>3 The requirement report outlines the aims and objectives of the new system and how it will help the organisation. It provides an overview of the new system in terms the data/information to be used, information processes and required information technology. </p><p>4 Prototypes are built in order to understand the requirements of the system.</p><p>5 Prototypes may contain data entry screens, a small sample database or formulas that provide approximate results.</p><p>6 The use of a prototype is a repetitive process as it builds a succession of models. Participants evaluate the model, they suggest improvements, and then another version of the prototype is built. These three steps are repeated until the prototype successfully solves the problem or the project is abandoned.</p><p>7 Three advantages in using a prototype:</p><p> The requirements of the system more accurately reflect the needs of the participants.</p><p> Participants have the opportunity to be involved earlier in the development of the new system.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>5 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course The new system is easier to create from a prototype.</p><p>8 Greater involvement of the participants could impact on their work with the old system.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 It is important to involve participants in the system development cycle as they have a good understanding of the old system with its advantages and disadvantages. Participants may also be able to outline any problems with a proposed new system and their involvement in new system will reduce training/conversion problems.</p><p>2 The project leader usually does not require participants to have design or programming skills; however, the information obtained from participants helps people with these skills develop an appropriate system. The information gathered by participants is important in guiding the project leader to develop a new system that will successfully solve the problem.</p><p>3 The prototype would be a template, probably created in a word processing or a desktop publishing program. The template would contain a heading, specific areas for each family member and areas for photographs and graphics.</p><p>4 The prototype is created on a DBMS using a data dictionary containing at least four fields: key term, explanation, text reference and topic. Students should create an appropriate form to enter the data and reports to present the glossary.</p><p>Exercise 1.4 1 The second stage of the system development cycle involves making decisions using the data gathered in the preliminary investigation. The first task is to develop one or more potential solutions to the problem. If potential solutions are accepted, a feasibility study is carried out. The feasibility study analyses potential solutions in terms of the known constraints and makes a recommendation. If the feasibility study suggests a new system, then an analysis report is carried out. It contains design specifications for the next stage.</p><p>2 A feasibility study is a short report that analyses potential solutions and makes a recommendation. It does not attempt to find a detailed solution.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>6 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 3 The initial sections of the feasibility study (problem definition, requirement report and summary investigation) state the nature of the problem, list the aims and objectives of the new system and give an overview of the existing system.</p><p>4 Economic feasibility compares the costs of developing the new system with the expected benefits.</p><p>5 Organisational feasibility determines whether the new system will fit into the organisation and meet the current goals and objectives. It also determines whether the new system will have enough support to be successfully implemented and whether participants can operate the system.</p><p>6 A feasibility study has three recommendations options: no change, develop a new system or investigate other solutions.</p><p>7 The analysis report provides a basis for further development. The details of the new system are presented with recommendations for design, implementation and maintenance. The analysis report contains specifications for the next stage. It is also a basis for a more detailed project plan. </p><p>8 The design specifications give the general hardware configuration of the new system and designs for both input and output.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 The project leader needs to investigate whether the network version of the application software is required and whether it is available. He or she also needs to investigate the cost of the network licence and any technical constraints of the network version. The project leader will outline this information in the feasibility study as one or more potential solutions.</p><p>2 Digital cameras cost from about $150 to $2500 depending on the quality of the lens and their features. Photos are stored on a flash card or floppy disk.</p><p>3 Personal computers range in price from $2000 to $5000 depending on the CPU, memory and peripheral devices. A popular PC has Intel PIII 800 MHz, 128 Mb RAM, 30 Gb HD, 8xDVD-ROM and 15 inch monitor.</p><p>4 a Students, teachers, parents (community). b Students―more help with their work from home; need technology to access the online tutorial system.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>7 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course Teachers―need to ensure the online tutorial system is appropriate (worthwhile) for their students; need to train teachers and students to use the system; some teachers fear the possibility that the tutorial system will take their job.</p><p>Parents―provide access (technology, study area) for their students; supervise students using the system.</p><p> c The recommendation will be affected by economic feasibility (costs of the system), technical feasibility (information technology requirements of the system) and organisational feasibility (whether the system can be managed and meets its goals/objectives).</p><p>5 This is a brief summary of a fictional feasibility study for the online tutorial system.</p><p>Section Content 1.Title page Online tutorial system, School, Name, date of study (a separate page) 2.Contents Problem definition page XX Requirement report...... page XX Summary of investigation ...... page XX Alternative solutions...... page XX Recommendation ...... page XX Project plan...... page XX Appendices...... page XX 3.Problem definition Students are requesting more help from their teachers with their school work. The demands of the HSC courses require more efficient methods of presenting and checking students’ work. 4.Requirement report Outline the needs of the online tutorial system. It specifies the need to have material appropriate to the learning stages of the students. Opportunity for teachers to check students’ progress on the system. The system has to be user-friendly for students and teachers. 5.Summary of Most of the school community perceives a need for an online investigation tutorial system. However, the issue of equity is a concern of many teachers and parents. The project leader investigated other schools who were implementing an online tutorial system. 6.Alternative solutions The project leader outlines three possible tutorial systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each system are outlined. A nearby school was successfully using the third online tutorial system. It contains material more appropriate to this school. 7.Recommendations The project leader recommends that the third online tutorial system be further investigated. 8.Project plan Schedule for the development of the online tutorial system. 9.Appendices Appropriate surveys, Gantt charts and diagrams</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>8 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course Exercise 1.5 1 The third stage in the system development cycle involves designing a solution. It is the transformation of the specifications into appropriate hardware, software and information processes. Designing a solution involves purchasing hardware, writing or purchasing software, and specifying information processes to make the system operational.</p><p>2 Participant development occurs when people within the information system develop the solution. Participants produce their own information system using readily available information technology.</p><p>3 The stages in the system development cycle are affected by the participant development as follows:</p><p> Understanding the problem―participant identifies the problem.</p><p> Making decisions―participant chooses an appropriate solution.</p><p> Designing solutions―participant develops the solution, often using guided processes found in application packages.</p><p> Implementation―participant begins using the system.</p><p> Testing, evaluating and maintaining―participants are totally responsible for the maintenance and testing of the solution.</p><p>4 Three disadvantages in participant development are:</p><p> Participants who develop a solution are not hardware experts.</p><p> Applications and the operating system chosen by a participant may be different to those used by other participants in the organisation.</p><p> Participants need access to data for their solutions. This creates security problems.</p><p>5 The three symbols used in a context diagram are:</p><p> Process―a circle is used to represent the entire system.</p><p> Data flow―an arrow is used to represent the flow of data between the process and external entities.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>9 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course External entity―a square or rectangle represents any person or organisation that sends data to or receives data from the system.</p><p>6 Data flow diagrams (DFD) are a graphical method of representing a system that use a number of processes together with inputs, outputs and storage. DFDs focus on the flow of data between information processes in a system.</p><p>7 The four symbols in a DFD are:</p><p> Process―a circle is used to represent the processes or actions that transform inputs to outputs.</p><p> Data flow―an arrow is used to represent the flow of data between the process, external entities and data store.</p><p> Data store―an open rectangle represents the location where data is stored. It could be a filing cabinet, hard disk or DVD.</p><p> External entity―a square or rectangle represents any person or organisation that sends data to or receives data from the system.</p><p>8 A decision tree indicates the decisions made within a system as the branches of a tree. Each branch ends with a particular action. A decision table indicates the alternatives for different conditions and actions based on the rules. The table is divided vertically into conditions and actions and then horizontally into rules.</p><p>9 A data dictionary provides information about the characteristics of each item entered in the database, such as the field names, field sizes, data types and field descriptions. Data dictionaries may contain validation rules that specify appropriate codes, ranges or values for each data item.</p><p>10 A system flowchart is a graphical method of representing both the flow of data and the logic of a system. It documents the essential details of the system, such as the sequence, the processes, and the precise rules for selecting particular actions.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 It is important to consider how data is manipulated by a system as this affects the solution to the problem. When the manipulation of data is clearly understood, it increases the possibility of designing an efficient system that will correctly solve the problem.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>10 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 2 A possible context diagram would contain:</p><p> Process―study system.</p><p> External entities―student.</p><p> Data flow―subjects, time required, knowledge, understanding.</p><p>3 A possible DFD would contain:</p><p> Process―study system.</p><p> External entities―student, tutor.</p><p> Data flow―subjects, time required, knowledge, understanding.</p><p> Data store―table.</p><p>4 A possible system flowchart would contain the following symbols:</p><p> Input―enter subjects and time.</p><p> Direct access storage device―save data.</p><p> Process―format table, edit table.</p><p> Paper document―print table.</p><p>5 The decision tree contains two conditions. The first condition determines whether employees have worked more than 2 years. Employees with less than 2 years’ service receive no bonus (action). The second condition is on employees who have more than 2 years service. It determines whether the employee is a manager. If the employee is a manager, then he or she receives a bonus of $750 (action); if the employee is not a manager, he or she receives a bonus of $500 (action). The decision table contains two conditions and three actions.</p><p>6 The decision tree contains three conditions. The first condition determines whether the cheque is less than $300. A cheque equal to or greater than $300 is not accepted (action). A second condition is on a cheque less than $300. It determines whether a driver’s licence is shown. If no driver’s licence is shown, then the cheque is not accepted (action). A third condition is on a cheque less than $300 with a driver’s licence. It determines whether the customer’s signature matches the signature on the driver’s licence. If the signature matches, then the </p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>11 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course cheque is accepted (action); otherwise, the cheque is not accepted (action). The decision table contains three conditions and two actions.</p><p>7 The decision tree contains two conditions. The first condition determines the number of pairs of shoes purchased. One pair of shoes receive no discount (action), two or three pairs of shoes receive 10% (action) and greater than three pairs of shoes. A second condition is on greater than three pairs of shoes. If purchases are less than or equal to $200, they receive 15% (action); and if their purchases are greater than $200, they receive 20% (action). The decision table contains two conditions and four actions.</p><p>Exercise 1.6 1 The fourth stage of the system development cycle involves the implementation of the new system. The new system is delivered to the participants. The implementation stage involves using the solution to solve the problem. It may involve a major change in the way the organisation operates and must be carefully planned.</p><p>2 Large projects require an implementation plan to detail the participant training, method of conversion and testing of the system.</p><p>3 Participant training is necessary to ensure participants can use the new system and understand its benefits.</p><p>4 Training specialists instruct participants how to operate their system. Training is needed in the installation of a new system and to ensure that the computer is being used efficiently. Participants may also need regular training to keep pace with the latest developments in hardware and software.</p><p>5 Four methods of conversion are direct, parallel, phased and pilot.</p><p>6 The risk of implementing a new system using direct conversion involves not checking whether the new system will operate correctly and that participants understand the system. If the new system fails or problems occur, the old system is not available as a backup.</p><p>7 Parallel conversion involves the old and new systems both working together at the same time. Participants can compare both systems and obtain a good understanding of the differences between the systems. Phased conversion involves Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>12 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course the gradual implementation of the new system. Certain operations of the new system are implemented while the remaining operations are completed by the old system.</p><p>8 Testing a system is a very important part of the implementation of a system. Without rigorous testing, the system cannot be guaranteed to work as expected.</p><p>9 Test data is used to check the software. It is structured to test all decisions made within the system.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 Outline of a training program to help beginners use the Internet:</p><p> Accessing Web sites―fundamentals of a Web browser (back, forward, refresh, home, stop, print, search), entering Internet addresses, hypertext, links, surfing the Web.</p><p> Domain names―structure, organisation domains, geographical domains, file paths.</p><p> Using search engines―keywords, directories, operators (phrase, and, or, not).</p><p> Appropriate Web sites―Web sites to help beginners use the Internet, such as search engines.</p><p>2 Parallel conversion is a method of conversion that involves the old and new systems both working together at the same time. Some of the advantages of parallel conversion include:</p><p> Participants can compare both systems and obtain a good understanding of the differences between the systems.</p><p> If there are any problems with the new system, they can be solved before the old system is discontinued.</p><p>Some of the disadvantages of parallel conversion include:</p><p> There is an additional workload for participants as both systems are operating.</p><p> It may result in confusion about which system has the correct data.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>13 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 3 Two methods the project leader might propose are direct conversion and parallel conversion. Direct conversion involves the immediate change to the new system, whereas parallel conversion involves the old and new systems both working together at the same time.</p><p> Direct conversion involves minimal transition costs. Parallel conversion allows participants to compare both systems and obtain a good understanding of the differences between the systems. </p><p> Direct conversion does not check whether the new system will operate correctly and that participants understand the system. If the new system fails or problems occur, the old system is not available as a backup. Parallel conversion results in additional workloads for participants as both systems are operating. It may also result in confusion about which system has the correct data.</p><p>4 The method of conversion is pilot conversion. The success of this conversion method depends on the selection of students used to trial the system. The participants selected for the pilot should cover students who are junior/senior, are male/female, are located in different parts of the school, and have a teacher who is positive about the new system.</p><p>Exercise 1.7 1 The fifth and final stage of the system development cycle involves testing, evaluating and maintaining. Testing a solution ensures that it works. Evaluation determines whether the system is working as expected or whether changes are required. Maintenance is the modification of the system by making minor improvements.</p><p>2 If the system breaks down, the computer operator must attempt to diagnose and correct the problem. If necessary, the computer operator liaises with a technician to rectify the problem.</p><p>3 The managers are responsible for the effective use of the system. They oversee the computer operation and ensure that participants and machines work efficiently.</p><p>4 Testing a solution ensures that it works. It is carried out throughout the system development cycle. Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>14 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course 5 A new system is evaluated by using interviews, surveys, observations and measurements. The results of the new system are compared to the initial aims and objectives outlined in the requirement report.</p><p>6 Maintenance may involve installing new hardware and upgrading software packages.</p><p>7 An operation manual details procedures participants follow when using a new system. </p><p>8 Some of the factors for creating an easy-to-use operation manual include:</p><p> User-friendly format and structure.</p><p> Clear and concise instructions.</p><p> Steps listed in point form.</p><p> Tasks completed in the simplest way.</p><p> Appropriate instructions for file management and security.</p><p> Screen dumps included where possible.</p><p>LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1 A new system should be evaluated after installation to ensure that it is working. Minor problems with the installation should be fixed before participants implement the system.</p><p>2 Ongoing testing and evaluation are needed to ensure the system continues to meet its aims and objectives. The system could initially carry out the required tasks; however, a bug or virus could have been undetected and may be causing errors. Management priorities, new technology and changes in personnel may require a new system to be developed. Ongoing evaluation will determine whether changes are necessary.</p><p>3 A range of desktop publishing programs software would be appropriate for Port Nelson Tourism, such as Pagemaker or Publisher.</p><p>4 The standards for a high-performance personal computer are increasing every month. Students need to state current standards for CPU, RAM, HD and monitor. A range of peripheral devices could be used by Port Nelson Tourism, such as a </p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>15 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course digital camera, digital video camera, modem, scanner, printer and DVD. Students need to list current prices and performance for each device.</p><p>5 People interviewed need to include participants, customers and the wider community. Interview questions could be specific, such as ‘Do you like the icons used in the guide?’, followed by a probing question, such as ‘Why do you like/dislike these icons?’. Open-ended questions should also be include, such as ‘What is your impression of the restaurant guide?’.</p><p>Chapter review 1 PART A 1 B 2 B 3 D 4 C 5 A 6 A 7 C 8 C 9 D 10 C PART B 1 (b) decision table 2 (c) direct conversion 3 (i) project management 4 (l) system development cycle 5 (k) specification 6 (d) feasibility study 7 (h) preliminary investigation 8 (j) prototype 9 (f) participant development 10 (a) data flow diagram 11 (g) phrased conversion 12 (e) operation manual</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>16 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course PART C 1 A Gantt chart is a bar chart with each bar representing a task or stage of the system development cycle. The activities the student completed today should be listed on the vertical axis, and the horizontal axis should show the time frame, such as hours.</p><p>2 Ergonomic issues include developing systems that are human-centred rather than machine-centred. The software must be user-friendly. The work environment should be designed by considering health and safety issues (furniture, information technology and environmental factors) and the nature of work.</p><p>3 Prototypes are built in order to understand the requirements of the system. They help in defining the problem to be solved and in determining how the information system might solve the problem. Prototypes can also be used to test possible information system features (good and bad).</p><p>4 The initial sections of the feasibility study (problem definition, requirement report and summary investigation) state the nature of the problem, list the aims and objectives of the new system and give an overview of the existing system. The middle sections of the feasibility study analyse alternative solutions and make a recommendation. The final section of the feasibility study is the project plan that specifies who, what, how and when.</p><p>5 a A decision table is a table that represents all possible conditions and actions. It indicates the alternatives for different conditions and actions based on the rules. Decision tables are used to help determine how the information processes on a new system will operate.</p><p> b A data dictionary describes the data within the system. It is a tool used to manage the information resources. A data dictionary is often used to assist the design and check the accuracy of data flow diagrams. It is also a starting point for designing screens and reports for a new system.</p><p>6 Participant development is more responsive to participant needs and has the potential to save time and money. It reduces the involvement of information system personnel. There is no need for programmers. In addition, the participants do have to communicate their needs during the initial stages, and training in the implementation stage should be reduced. Tools used for participant development </p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>17 Chapter 1 Answers Heinemann Information Processes and Technology: HSC Course include general applications, such as spreadsheets and DBMS, and specific industry applications, such as software developed for real estate and libraries.</p><p>7 a Pilot conversion involves trialling the new system with a small portion of the organisation.</p><p> b Advantages―the old system is still available if the new system fails or experiences problems. In addition, if pilot implementation works, it is usually easier to motivate the other participants of the organisation. Disadvantages―there may not be a group of participants who are keen to pilot the new system. It may be confusing if some participants are on the new system and some are on the old system.</p><p>8 The final stage of the system development cycle involves testing, evaluating and maintaining. Testing a solution ensures that it works. Evaluation determines whether the system is working as expected or whether changes are required. Maintenance is the modification of the system by making minor improvements.</p><p>Copyright © Pearson Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)</p><p>18 Chapter 1 Answers</p>
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