ICT Grade 11 - Systems Analysis and Design & Programming and Languages

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapters 12 and 13.

System

A collection of activities and elements organized to accomplish a goal.

Information System

A collection of hardware, software, people, procedures, data, and the Internet, which provides information essential to running an organization.

Systems Analysis and Design

A six-phase problem-solving procedure for examining and improving an information system.

Systems Life Cycle

The six phases that make up the systems analysis and design process: Preliminary Investigation, Systems Analysis, Systems Design, Systems Development, Systems Implementation, and Systems Maintenance.

Systems Analyst

Computer professionals who study an organization's systems to determine what actions to take and how to use computer technology to assist them.

Preliminary Investigation

The first phase of the systems life cycle, where the organization's problems or needs are identified.

Systems Analysis

The second phase of the systems life cycle, where the present system is studied in depth and new requirements are specified and documented.

Systems Design

The third phase of the systems life cycle, where a new or alternative information system is designed, and a design report is created.

Systems Development

The fourth phase of the systems life cycle, where new hardware and software are acquired, developed, and tested.

Systems Implementation

The fifth phase of the systems life cycle, where the new information system is installed, and people are trained to use it.

Systems Maintenance

The sixth phase of the systems life cycle, where the system is periodically evaluated and updated as needed.

Top-Down Analysis Method

A method used to identify the top-level components of a complex system, and then break it down into smaller components.

Grid Charts

Charts that show the relationship between input and output documents.

System Flowcharts

Charts that show the flow of input data to processing and to output, or distribution of information.

Data Flow Diagrams

Diagrams that show the data or information flow within an information system.

Automated Design Tools

Software packages that evaluate hardware and software alternatives according to requirements given by the systems analyst; also called computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools.

Economic Feasibility

Assessment of whether the costs of the new system will be justified by the benefits it promises.

Technical Feasibility

Assessment of whether reliable hardware, software, and training are available to make the system work.

Operational Feasibility

Assessment of whether the system can actually be made to operate in the organization, or if people will resist it.

Direct Approach

A conversion approach where the old system is abandoned, and the new one is started up immediately.

Parallel Approach

A conversion approach where old and new systems are operated side by side until the new one proves to be reliable.

Pilot Approach

A conversion approach where the new system is tried out in only one part of the organization.

Phased Approach

A conversion approach where the new system is implemented gradually over a period of time.

Systems Audit

An evaluation process where the system's performance is compared to the original design specifications.

Prototyping

An alternative approach to the systems life cycle where a model or prototype is built and modified based on user feedback.

Rapid Applications Development (RAD)

An alternative approach to the systems life cycle that involves the use of powerful development software, small, specialized teams, and highly trained personnel.

Program

A list of instructions for the computer to follow to accomplish the task of processing data into information.

Programming

Also known as software development, typically follows a six-step procedure known as the software development life cycle (SDLC).

Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

A six-step procedure which contains: Program specification, program design, program code, program test, program documentation, and program maintenance