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Essentials of MIS, 12e (Laudon)
Chapter 12 Building Information Systems and Managing Projects
1) According to the chapter case, what was the primary problem facing the Girl Scouts regarding
their supply chain problems?
A) There were high error rates in ordering and fulfillment.
B) It required too much time of volunteers.
C) The paper-based system was outdated.
D) There was no integration with suppliers.
E) The ordering process was inefficient for a large volume of orders.
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
2) Which is the first step in developing a new information system?
A) Defining the problem
B) Gathering information requirements
C) Programming
D) Developing alternative solutions
E) Feasibility study
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
3) Which is the last step in developing a new information system?
A) Training and documentation
B) Conversion
C) Maintenance
D) Change management
E) Implementing the system
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
2
4) Which process develops a detailed description of the functions that a new information system
must perform?
A) Feasibility study
B) Systems design
C) Test plan development
D) PERT chart
E) Requirements analysis
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
5) Developing an information system has been compared to the problem-solving process. Which
one of the following problem-solving steps is not a part of systems analysis?
A) Implement the solution
B) Choose the best solution
C) Develop alternative solutions
D) Define and understand the problem
E) Evaluating feedback
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
6) The entire system-building effort is driven by:
A) senior managers.
B) the CIO.
C) executive information requirements.
D) end-user user information requirements.
E) the project management team.
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
7) The systems design step comes before:
A) implementation.
B) conversion.
C) systems analysis.
D) a feasibility study.
E) requirements analysis.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
3
8) Transferring data from a legacy system to the new system would be defined by which system
design specification category?
A) Input
B) Database
C) Manual procedures
D) Conversion
E) Software development and programming
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
9) Each program in a new information system is tested separately in:
A) application testing.
B) acceptance testing.
C) unit testing.
D) user testing.
E) system testing.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
10) System testing:
A) includes all the preparations for the series of tests to be performed on the system.
B) tests the functioning of the system as a whole.
C) tests each program separately.
D) provides the final certification that the system is ready to be used in a production setting.
E) rolls system tests out to separate business divisions for independent results.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
11) Acceptance testing:
A) includes all the preparations for the trials.
B) tests the functioning of the system as a whole.
C) tests each program separately.
D) provides the final certification that the system is ready to be used in a production setting.
E) rolls system tests out to separate business divisions for independent results.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
4
12) In a parallel conversion strategy, the new system:
A) is tested by an outsourced company.
B) replaces the old one at an appointed time.
C) and the old are run together.
D) is introduced in stages.
E) is run in at least two separate divisions in order to compare results.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
13) In a direct cutover conversion strategy, the new system:
A) is tested by an outsourced company.
B) replaces the old one at an appointed time.
C) and the old are run together.
D) is introduced in stages.
E) is run in at least two separate divisions in order to compare results.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
14) According to the chapter case, the Girl Scouts’ conversion strategy of first introducing the
modules for ordering cookies and then introducing the modules for transmitting orders and
instructions to the cookie factory and shipper is called a(n) ________ strategy.
A) direct cutover
B) indirect cutover
C) incremental conversion
D) parallel
E) phased approach
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
15) Changes in hardware, software, documentation, or production to a production system to
correct errors, meet new requirements, or improve processing efficiencies are termed:
A) compliance.
B) production.
C) maintenance.
D) acceptance.
E) conversion.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
5
16) A systems analysis includes a ________ that is used to determine whether the solution is
achievable from a financial, technical, and organizational standpoint.
A) test plan
B) conversion plan
C) feasibility study
D) risk analysis
E) GANTT chart
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
17) Documentation reveals how well the system has met its original objectives.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
18) A new information system is not considered in production until conversion is complete.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
19) According to the chapter case, one objective of the new Girl Scouts’ information systems was
to allow greater centralization and control of profits and delivery.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
20) The first step in the problem solving process is to develop alternative solutions.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
21) A test plan includes all the preparations for the series of tests to be performed on the system.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
6
22) What is the purpose of systems analysis? Explain in detail what is involved in the process of
systems analysis.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge; Written and Oral Communication
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
23) You work for the IT department of a startup and it is your job to set up the testing processes
for a new enterprise system the company will be hosting. Describe the processes you will
recommend. What unique considerations will you have?
AACSB: Analytical Thinking; Written and Oral Communication
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
7
24) You have been hired as a consultant to make recommendations for Smarty’s, a healthy fast-
food chain that is undergoing major expansion. Smarty’s needs to create an enterprise resource
planning system. However, Smarty’s needs to have this system up and running as quickly as
possible or it is likely they will begin losing business. What do you recommend?
AACSB: Analytical Thinking; Written and Oral Communication
LO: 12.1: What are the core problem-solving steps for developing new information systems?
25) In a data flow diagram, external entities are represented by:
A) rounded boxes.
B) square boxes.
C) circles.
D) open rectangles.
E) triangles.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
26) Which of the following is not one of the unique considerations in developing applications for
a mobile platform?
A) Reduced screen space
B) Keyboard configuration
C) User gestures
D) Bandwidth constraints
E) Multiple mobile platforms
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
8
27) The oldest method for building information systems is:
A) JAD.
B) prototyping.
C) object-oriented development.
D) the systems development lifecycle.
E) RAD.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
28) In the traditional systems development lifecycle, end users:
A) contribute heavily throughout development.
B) have no input.
C) contribute only during testing.
D) are important only during the conversion phase.
E) are limited to providing information requirements and reviewing the technical staff’s work.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
29) As a technical project manager you have decided to propose implementing a prototyping
methodology for a small web-based design project. What is the first step you will follow in this
project?
A) Use the existing prototype.
B) Identify user requirements.
C) Conduct a feasibility study.
D) Identify different solutions.
E) Develop an initial prototype.
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
30) Which of the following is the biggest risk in using end-user development to create a new
information system?
A) The software used may create inaccurate information.
B) The system doesn’t adequately reflect user needs.
C) Hardware is unable to support the new system.
D) The system may not be able to scale up to handle larger amounts of data.
E) End users are overly taxed and become reluctant to use the system.
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
9
31) Of the following, which is the most important reason for creating a mobile version of a
business’s website?
A) Mobile devices provide access from anywhere.
B) Mobile devices use touch interfaces.
C) Mobile devices use lower bandwidth.
D) Mobile devices use different platforms.
E) Mobile websites use different programming than traditional websites.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
32) Management can control the development of end-user applications in part by:
A) developing a formal development methodology.
B) requiring cost justification for end-user IS projects.
C) establishing standards for project requirements.
D) requiring Gantt charts.
E) implementing a systems development life cycle.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
33) If an organization’s requirements conflict with the software package chosen and the package
cannot be customized, the organization should:
A) select a different package.
B) outsource the development of the system.
C) redesign the RFP.
D) change the evaluation process.
E) change its procedures.
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
34) “Hidden costs,” such as ________ costs, can easily undercut anticipated benefits from
outsourcing.
A) hardware
B) software
C) employee salary
D) communications costs
E) vendor selection
AACSB: Application of Knowledge
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
10
35) The process of creating workable information systems in a very short period of time is
called:
A) RAD.
B) JAD.
C) prototyping.
D) end-user development.
E) SDLC.
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
36) Which of the following types of systems development is characterized by significantly
speeding the generation of information requirements and involving users at an intense level in
the systems design?
A) RAD
B) JAD
C) Prototyping
D) End-user development
E) SDLC
AACSB: Information Technology
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?
37) You are an IT project manager for an advertising firm. The firm wishes to create an online
survey tool that will be used to survey focus group reactions to products in development. The
most important consideration for the firm is being able to offer the tool as soon as possible as a
new corporate service. However, you know that many of the senior managers that are business
owners of this project have difficulty in understanding technical or software development issues,
and are likely to change their requirements during the course of development. What development
method would be most successful for this project?
A) RAD
B) JAD
C) End-user development
D) Prototyping
E) SDLC
AACSB: Analytical Thinking
LO: 12.2: What are the alternative methods for building information systems?