Common Board End Term Examination May, 2009 Subject:-Structured System Analysis And Design

Section: A
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Q. 1

What are the factors to be considered during selection of Hardware?

Hardware selection is an important activity and should be viewed as a project for which a project team should be made. The factors that should be kept in mind before H/W selection are: 1. Define system capabilities that are required. 2. Specify how big is the problem to clarify whether mainframe or microcomputer would be required, 3. Check the competence of the in-house staff who would be using the hardware. 4. Hardware and Software should be considered together as a package. 5. Define a time schedule for selection. 6. Familiarise the user with the hardware and software to be purchased. We should sell the system to the end user. Also provide training to them if required. The steps for H/W selection are: 1. Requirement Analysis: understand the users requirement clearly. 2. System Specification: system objectives, flow-charts, input-output requirements, file structure and cost should be analysed. 3. Request for Proposal: After the above two steps RFP is prepared and is sent to selected vendors for bidding. 4. Evaluation and validation: Best proposal is selected keeping in mind price, availability and technical support.

Note: If fewer words are required, you can simply write the hardware selection criteria: 1. Requirement Analysis 2. System Specification 3. Request for Proposal 4. Evaluation and validation Additional question: Q. What are the advantages of selecting a package (ready made application)

over the custom made software? Ans: Software can be procured in two ways: 1. Custom made 2. Off the shelf packeage Ready made package. Advantages of selecting a package: Time factor: obtain and run the package quickly. MIS personnel are released for other project. Time and cost cannot be predicted accurately for custom made software. Testing can be done before selection and payment. Disadvantages of selecting a package: The packages may not meet the user requirement perfectly in all respect. Too much of modification of software packages to meet the requirements of the system may bring in bugs. The vendor may stop giving the support for the modified package.

Q. 2

What is Data Dictionary? Why is it important in System analysis and design?

Data Dictionary:
Data about data in the system. Data dictionary precisely defines each and every data element in the system during data analysis. Data elements such as data flows, processes, stores and files are clearly defined. System analyst develops Data dictionary along with the DFDs during System Analysis stage. It can be used as a tool document system requirements in a better way. Data dictionary is referred to at the System Design stage for improvements. Elements in Data dictionary Logical description of Data :

Data Elements: They are the building blocks of the data in the system, independently and individually

they are meaningless. For eg: Invoice data could have data elements as-invoice no., date, vendor name, vendor address, items purchased, etc. Information about data elements: Their different name. Usage characteristics, such as values or the frequency of use. Those that have a specific value; for example, Fashion Technology departments in an institute may be coded 100. Control information Physical location record file or data base. Data Structures which could be data flow or data stores: It is described by collection of related data elements. For eg: Student data structure may contain:. Student data: NAME + ADD.1 + CITY + STATE + PIN CODE + [STUDENT NO./SOCIAL SECURITY NO.] + {COURSE NO. + COURSE NAME + CREDITS + TIME + DATE + INSTRUCTOR} + TERM + YEAR

Major symbols used in data dictionary: 1. 2. 3. 4. = equivalent to + And [ ] Either/or ( ) Optional entry

Three rules followed while constructing a data dictionary

1. Variable names used in the files are not taken while defining data elements, it is the meaningful names that explain the data flow or processes that are used in the data dictionary. 2. We can not have two different definitions of the same element at different places in the dictionary 3. Aliases and synonyms are allowed when two or more entries show the same meaning. Example vendor name can be referred as customer name in the data dictionary

Importance of Data Dictionary:

1. To manage details in a large system or a business organisation. It is used for documentation purpose. used as reference manual in any organisation. 2. Helps in user/analyst communication by establishing consistent definitions of various elements, terms and procedures. 3. Used for coding coding during implementation. It also helps in eliminating errors and omissions in a system. 4. Important step while building a database management system.

Q.3

What do you understand by Benchmark testing?

Ans 3

Benchmark is a sample programme designed to evaluate the performance of computers and software. Benchmark Testing is a technique which is used to evaluate the performance of the system. They test for: 1. speed of the central processor when it executes some set of instructions in a package. 2. multiple jobs it can handle simultaneously in a multiprogramming environment. 3. Response time of sending and receiving data. 4. Volume of data it can handle 5. Performance of the software in the environment in which the application is required to run. On the basis of the results of the test mentioned above the Vendor gives the certification. What is a HIPO diagram? HIPO is a forms-driven technique used in the System Design Stage where standard forms are used to document the information. This design aid was used for the first time by IBM. It helps in structured design in a top down manner where the functions of a system can be understood clearly. HIPO diagram has two components : hierarchy structure of functions of the system. visual description of input to be used and output to be produced for each level of the diagram. HIPO clearly shows the transformation of input to output. The main concept on which HIPO is based is the highly structured modular design. It does not address one issue in the system but gives a clear picture of the entire system in the modular form like an organisational structure without missing any links.

Q.4

Q.5

What do you understand by modular approach? Design Methodology has changed over time, it has become modular in nature. Modular approach partitions a program into small and independent modules which are more manageable. It helps in reducing complexity of the problem. This is called modularization or decomposition. Each module has a single entry and a single exit subroutine. Modules are arranged in a hierarchy. The primary advantages of this design are: 1. Critical interfaces are tested first. 2. Early versions of the design also defines the structure of the final programme. 3. Structuring the design gives better control. 4. The order of processing is clearly defined. Structure chart is a structured design tool that is used to represent the system in a hierarchy of modules. It has three elements: The module is represented by a rectangle with a name

The connection is represented by a vector linking two modules. One module calls another module. Module A calls module B; it also calls module C.

The couple is represented by an arrow with a circular tail.

Q.6

Why is maintenance important for Software.

Last stage of SDLC after the installation of newly designed software is System maintenance. Maintenance means restoring something to its original state. Maintenance addresses issues related to making changes in the system to improve systems performance, correct problems, enhance security or changing user requirement. Therefore, modifications may be required in the system without disrupting operations. There are three types of maintenances: 1. Corrective maintenances: Maintenance activities related to fixing of errors fall under corrective maintenance. This involves repairing and other changes in the system after its implementation. This involves alterations in the system due to the ill-defined problems. The problems encountered from time to time are corrected to streamline the system. 2. Adaptive Maintenance: sometime there are requirements identified that are not spotted during requirement analysis phase. There might also be changes in the input data, the system environment and output formats. All these require modification of the software. The maintenance activities related to such modification fall under adaptive maintenance. 3. Perfective maintenance: Improvements and enhancements in the system are made due to the changes in user requirements over time. Enhancements may also occur due to technological changes. This contributes to the Perfective maintenance. During the perfective maintenance the code is re-developed and modifies to support user changes. More time and money is spent on perfective maintenance than adaptive and corrective put together.

Q.7

Explain the various Conversion Methods?

Conversion methods Conversion is the process of changing from the old system to the new one. The aim is to achieve the conversion in shortest possible time span without disturbing the the existing system. It should be properly planned and executed. Conversion i.e. replacing the old system with the new one involves following steps: 1. Site preparation: This involves preparation for activities such as electrical and airconditioning, networking. This should be completed before the arrival of the equipments. 2. File and data conversion : This takes up large proportion of time. This captures the data and files and ensures compatibility of file formats. The data and other files converted are now in a position to be accepted in the new system. Analyst ensures accurate data conversion using controls such as record count, hash totals and other financial controls. Such kind of file comparison program ensure accuracy of data while the file are converted. There are 4 methods of conversions which are common in use: 1. Parallel systems : this is a secure method of conversion where the old system and the new system are made to operate simultaneously. In case of problems with the new system one has a system to fallback on, therefore it is a safe method of conversion. Disadvantage: doubles operating cost and time. 2. Direct conversion : this method of conversion is an abrupt shift from the old system to the new one. Requires minute planning before the conversion as there is no system to fallback on as there are no parallel activities involved. 3. Pilot system : Here the system is made to run in a selected part of the organization to test its viability. This method is normally used when there is a drastic change in the system or techniques in operation. Changes are made in the system based on the feedback received. Only then it is introduced to the rest of the departments in an organization. 4. Systems phase in. This method involves staggered implementation of the new system in various departments over a span of weeks / months. The conversion is not done all at once as in Direct method nor it is parallel. This is followed also because the implementation of a new system is a complex method involving activities like training , conversion of files etc. Q.8 Ans.

Explain various Design Tools? Various tools used during system design process are: 1. DFDs which gives a Graphic representation of the system using data flow and processes. It is a data-flow-based methodology 2. Structure chart : Making of DFD is followed by Structure chart, where programme modules and their relationships are defined in a hierarchical manner. 3. Data dictionary for system documentation. 4. HIPO - Form driven Methodology for Structured Design. 5. IPO Charts input output charts.

Section: B
Differentiate between any two of the following:
Q.1.

Direct and Indirect Cost and Benefit. Direct costs and benefits can be directly associated in a project. They are applied directly to the operation in a system. Eaxample of Direct Cost: purchase of computer or printer or other peripherals for operations in a project. Example of Indirect Cost:: New system can handle 25 percent more transactions per day Indirect costs are the results of operations that are not directly associated with a given system or activity. They are often referred to as overhead. Reducing overhead increases savings whereas increasing it incurs additional cost. Example of Indirect Cost: Insurance, maintenance, protection of the computer center, heat, light, and air conditioning are all tangible costs, but it is difficult to determine the proportion for a specific activity such as a report generation. Indirect benefits are realized as by-product of another activity or system. For example, Benefits in the form of increased sales due to advertising which is another activity.

Q.2

Online Transaction Processing and Batch Processing. Transaction Processing Systems handles routine data entry jobs where no decision making is required. Examples of transaction processing system are: Inventory Control, Railway reservation, banking etc. They are of two types depending upon the processing technique on the data: Batch Processing: here requests are collected over a period of time and is then processed in a batch as a single job. Ex: Payslip generation of a Daily wage employee, Telephone or electricity bill generation where batches of data are processed together at the end of certain period. Online Transaction Processing: here data is processed instantly by the CPU. Unlike Batch Processing each request is handled separately. There is no waiting and you get immediate results. Database need to be secure from failures. Huge

data is created through OLTP. Therefore, backup procedure shd be available to avoid loss of data during critical operations in organisations such as Banking etc. They are more popular today in most of the organizations. Ex: OLTP systems are used in Railway reservation, banking etc. Q3. Ans Q4. Ans Structured English and Decision Table. Ref to ppt 3B Structured system analysis Logical Design and Physical Design. Ref to ppt 6 Structured system design

Section: C

Question Number 1 is compulsory Q1(a) A company makes three products which are codified as class A, class B, class C. On class A items for purchase above Rs 5,000, 10% discount is given. For class B for purchase above Rs.8000, a discount of 5% is given. On class C on a purchase of Rs.10,000 and above 40% discount is given. Write structured English for the above problem. Ans Select item code for the purchase item IF item code is Class A AND IF Amount > Rs 5000 THEN Discount is 10% ELSE no discount is allowed ELSE IF item code is Class B AND IF Amount > Rs 8000 THEN Discount is 5% ELSE no discount is allowed ELSE IF item code is Class C AND IF Amount > = Rs 10,000 THEN Discount is 40% ELSE no discount is allowed

1 (b)

A Garment house provides a trade discount of35% if a customer is an individual and buys 6 or more pair of jeans. For orders from shop,

15%discount is allowed on order of 6-1 0 pair of jeans, 20% on order... Ans Q2 Ans
Last stage of SDLC after the installation of newly designed software is System maintenance. Maintenance means restoring something to its original state. Maintenance addresses issues related to making changes in the system to improve systems performance, correct problems, enhance security or changing user requirement. Therefore, modifications may be required in the system without disrupting operations. 1. Corrective maintenances: Maintenance activities related to fixing of errors fall under corrective maintenance. This involves repairing and other changes in the system after its implementation. This involves alterations in the system due to the ill-defined problems. The problems encountered from time to time are corrected to streamline the system. 2. Adaptive Maintenance: sometime there are requirements identified that are not spotted during requirement analysis phase. There might also be changes in the input data, the system environment and output formats. All these require modification of the software. The maintenance activities related to such modification fall under adaptive maintenance. 3. Perfective maintenance: Improvements and enhancements in the system are made due to the changes in user requirements over time. Enhancements may also occur due to technological changes. This contributes to the Perfective maintenance. During the perfective maintenance the code is re-developed and modifies to support user changes. More time and money is spent on perfective maintenance than adaptive and corrective put together. Apart from the above maintenance includes activities such as: updating documentation and test data upgrading user support

Ref to ppt 3B Structured system analysis What are the different types of Systems Maintenance? Explain.

Q.3 Q.4 Ans.

Files and Database design is NOT part of SSAD syllabus What do you understand by Testing? Explain the various levels of Testing.
Testing stage is required for detection of error and its correction in the newly developed system. System development takes place under constraints such as : communication problems between user and system analysts, time constraints and programmer negligence. Tests are performed to correct syntactical error (code) and the logical (functional) error.

1. Unit Testing 2. sequential or series testing 3. system testing a. stress testing b. Volume testing c. Recovery and security d. Usability test e. Test for backup f. On-line response 4. user acceptance testing 1. Unit testing: Testing individual modules and programs. Unit testing can be performed from the bottom up, starting from smallest and lowest level module and proceeding one module at a time. Interaction between the modules is ignored at this stage. Example: A hotel information system can consists of services such as reservations; guest check in check out; restaurant, room services; accounts billing system etc. Each of these modules should provide ability to enter, delete, modify data and print appropriate reports. These are tested in Unit Testing 2. sequential or series testing: this involves checking the logic of one or more related programs in the candidate system particularly where the output of one program effects the processing done by another program. We have seen that the modules do not exist independently; they are invariably related to each other. Before the whole system is tested the dependent modules are tested. This is also called string testing. 3. System Testing : This is tested to uncover weaknesses in the system after subjecting it to forced errors. Only after the validation of the system in operation is the new system going to replace the old one. The forced errors can be in any forms such as changes in the logic of the program. The system may be checked for recovery after a forced system failure. This is to ensure that no data are lost due to system failure. System could also tested for handling volumes of transactions. There are different types of system testing: a. Stress testing: This involves monitoring behavior of the software under heavy loads and to ensure software does not corrupt data or crash unexpectedly or cause any damage to hardware or software itself. It is a test of the system under load which is more than expected load. It checks the running of the system when there are insufficient computational resources such as memory or disk space or CPU time. b. Volume testing: This is a test to check the working of the hardware and software under the circumstances when we are working with the same number of records as when the system will be actually running. The user is asked to provide the test data for volume testing. c. Recovery and security: under forced system failures the systems are tested for file integrity. The checks are made for security of data, i.e. the data being unavailable to the unauthorized user. Inaccurate data is entered to see the response of the system. d. Usability test : tests are done to ensure user friendliness of the system while it is in use by the user. These tests are meant for the personnel of the candidate system. During system testing factors such as lighting, noise, air conditioning and other environment factors are evaluated keeping the user in mind. The design of chair and other hardware computer peripherals is tested for human comfort. This is referred to as ergonomics which plays an extremely important role in system development. e. Test for backup and security: the systems are tested for backup plans in case is

f.

down. The system is also checked for file protection in case of natural calamity of fire, flood etc. On-line response: In on-line systems the users are made to input queries in as many terminals as possible to see the response time. This establishes the true performance of the system. On-line systems are also tested for turnaround time i.e. the time elapsed between receipt of query and the availability of its output.

4 User Acceptance Testing: is done by running the system with live data by the user. The objective is to see the reliability and validity of the system. It verifies that the results produced are as per the system specifications. It checks for the system integrity with live data.

Q.5 Ans

Prepare a physical and logical DFD for getting a ticket reserved for a train journey. Physical DFD- Should have the mention of the railway reservation form submitted by the customer, counter where the form is accepted, person who accepts the form, access of centralised server during updation and verification of the train data, place where the reservation is done, printer which finally prints the ticket etc. Logical DFD should have a mention of only the processes, and the data in flow and at rest. 1. Processes : accept filled-up form, check and verify reservation details, book-ticket, print ticket. 2. Data stores which are referred to : Train-data, Train-Booking-data 3. Data Flow: filled-up reservation form, ticket-issue, ticket-book 4. Data source and Sink : customer