Management Information Systems - Final Exam

What is a relational data model?

A database consisting of a set of interrelated tables used to store data, analyze it, and make decisions

Define a one-to-one relationship

1:1

Each instance of entity a relates to exactly one instance of entity b

Define a one-to-many relationship

1:M

One instance of entity a is responsible for many instances of entity b, but each b is assigned to only one a

Define a many-to-many relationship

M:N

Many instances of entity a can relate to many instances of entity b

How do you implement a 1:1 relationship in a database?

Take the primary key of one table and insert it as a foreign key into the other table

How do you implement a 1:M relationship in a database?

Take the primary key of the “parent” table and insert into the “child” table

How do you implement a M:N relationship in a database?

Create a new “link” or “timetable” table that combines that primary keys of both entities

What is In-house (insourcing)e development?

Building a system from scratch using your own internal IT professionals

Benefit of In-house development?

Provides a perfect fit with your specific business logic and full control over processing

What is outsourcing?

Signing a contract for an external party or “cloud” provider to build and manage the system for you

Disadvantage of outsourcing?

High costs, loss of control, and potential control, and potential confidentially or trust issues

What is the buy-and-adapt approach?

Buying an existing system and modifying it to fit your needs

Main disadvantage of Buy-and-Adapt?

Costly adaption if the system doesn’t fit well, may require business process reengineering (BPR)

What are the 4 phases for System Development?

1. Planning

2. Analysis

3. Design

4. Implementation

What is included in a “system request”?

Sponsor name, business problems, set goals, expected future functions, and expected value/benefits

What are the three types of feasibility analysis?

1. Technical (can we build it?)

2. Economic (do we have the budget?)

3. Organizational (will people use it?)

What is the technology acceptance model (TAM)?

A model used to predict if users will adopt a system based on current culture, values, and norms

Difference between AS-IS and TO-BE?

AS-IS analyzes the existing process

TO-BE builds the logic for the improved future process (BPA/BPI)

What is a data flow diagram (DFD)?

A tool used to document and visualize the logic and flow of data through a process or system

What is pseudo-code?

Informal, high-level language used to write the logic of functions

Ex: read, compute, update, end

Define “non-functional requirements”

Descriptions of how a system operates (performance, security, capacity, multi-lingual) rather than what it does

What is unit testing?

Testing each individual module or “unit” one by one to ensure it works perfectly

What is integration testing?

Testing to ensure that data flows correctly between all different modules of the system

What is system testing?

Testing to ensure data flows perfectly between the internal system and external systems

Ex: Walmart to supplier

What is “Conversion” in implementations?

The process of moving existing data from the old system into the new system

What is the difference between BPA and BPI?

BPA (business process automation) - automating existing tasks

BPI (business process improvement) - changing the process to make it more efficient

Define tangible benefits (planning phase)

Quantifiable gains, such as a “reduce expense by 30% or increase students by 35%

Define intangible benefits (planning phase)

Non-quantifiable gains, such as improved communication, brand enhancement, or better efficiency

What is the difference between Operational and Development budgets?

Operational - money to make sure the system runs every day

Development - money for building the system itself

What is the most important part of the GUI?

Communication between the user and the machine (what people see/interact with)

What are the three post-coding steps in implementation?

1. Convert (move data)

2. Install (download/setup)

3. Use and maintain (upgrades/add modules)

Why is testing often a failure point in projects?

People often “cheat” here by not allocating sufficient time to test the system thoroughly

What is the primary purpose of a “primary key”?

A unique identifier (like student ID) that cannot be assigned to more than one person and links tables

In a DFD, what does “AS-IS” represent vs. “TO-BE”?

AS-IS - the current logic of a manual or old process

Ex: cheque deposit

TO-BE - the new logic for a digital process

Ex: mobile deposit