Informatics System Analysis and Design (C798)

Correct Answer

C. System

Explanation

System software is a collection of programs that manage hardware operations and provide a platform for running application software. It includes operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers, which ensure that hardware and software components function together efficiently.

Why other options are wrong

A. Application

Application software is designed for end-users to perform specific tasks, such as document editing or web browsing. It does not control hardware directly but instead operates within the framework provided by system software.

B. Transitory

"Transitory software" is not a recognized category of software. While software may have temporary or short-lived processes, the term "transitory software" does not specifically refer to a type of software that manages hardware operations.

D. Open source

Open source refers to the licensing model of software rather than a specific type of software. System software can be open source (e.g., Linux) or proprietary (e.g., Windows), but "open source" itself is not the type of software that controls hardware operations.

E. Peripheral

Peripheral devices are external hardware components such as printers, keyboards, and external storage devices. The term "peripheral software" is not commonly used to describe system software, which manages the core operations of computer hardware.

Correct Answer

e. Selecting which projects to approve

Explanation

A systems analyst is responsible for understanding business needs, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes. They must also be able to communicate the need for change and act as a facilitator for transformation. However, selecting which projects to approve is typically the responsibility of senior management, project sponsors, or a steering committee, not the systems analyst.

Why other options are wrong

a. Understanding what to change

A systems analyst must analyze business processes and identify inefficiencies or areas for enhancement. Without understanding what needs to change, they cannot effectively propose solutions.

b. Knowing how to change it

A key responsibility of a systems analyst is designing and implementing solutions. They must know how to transition from the current state to the desired future state using technology and process improvements.

c. Convincing others of the need to change

Change management is an essential skill for a systems analyst. They must be able to communicate the benefits of change to stakeholders and gain their support.

d. Serving as a change agent

A systems analyst plays a crucial role in driving change within an organization. They help implement new technologies and processes, ensuring that stakeholders adopt them effectively.

Correct Answer

B. A prescribed sequence of work steps

Explanation

A business process is a structured sequence of work steps that an organization follows to achieve a specific goal. It defines how tasks are performed, who is responsible for them, and in what order they should be executed. Business processes help ensure efficiency, consistency, and accountability in operations. Examples include order fulfillment, payroll processing, and customer service workflows.

Why other options are wrong

A. A type of business software

Business software can support business processes (e.g., enterprise resource planning software), but a business process itself is not software—it is a structured workflow or sequence of tasks.

C. An accounting technique

Accounting techniques are specific methods used within business processes, but a business process is a broader concept that applies to various organizational functions beyond accounting.

D. A business objective

A business objective is a goal that a company aims to achieve, whereas a business process is the structured way in which tasks are performed to achieve that objective.

Correct Answer

a. A high-level function that is responsible for the overall management of data resources in organizations; maintaining corporate-wide definitions and standards.

Explanation

Data administration refers to the strategic, organization-wide management of data resources. It involves establishing data policies, ensuring data consistency, and defining corporate standards for data management. This function ensures that data is used effectively across all departments.

Why other options are wrong

b. A technical function responsible for physical database design and for dealing with technical issues such as security enforcement, database performance, backup, and recovery.

This describes the role of a database administrator (DBA), which is a more technical function focused on the maintenance and security of databases rather than the high-level governance of data resources.

c. The function of managing and maintaining database management systems software.

While database management system (DBMS) maintenance is important, data administration focuses on broader issues, such as data integrity, policies, and governance, rather than just maintaining the software that supports databases.

Correct Answer

b. To manage and process data from daily business transactions

Explanation

A transaction processing system (TPS) is designed to handle and process business transactions efficiently and accurately. These systems ensure that daily operations, such as sales, inventory updates, and financial transactions, are recorded in real time. TPS is essential for businesses to maintain up-to-date records and streamline workflows without interruptions.

Why other options are wrong

a. To analyze market trends and generate reports

Transaction processing systems do not focus on analyzing market trends; instead, they handle real-time business transactions. Market analysis is typically performed using decision support systems (DSS) or business intelligence tools that aggregate and interpret data.

c. To develop software applications for business use

Developing software applications is not the function of a transaction processing system. Software development falls under the domain of application development frameworks and integrated development environments (IDEs), while TPS is primarily for executing business transactions.

d. To provide customer support and service management

While transaction processing systems may be used in customer service processes, their primary role is not customer support. Customer relationship management (CRM) systems are specifically designed for handling customer interactions, service requests, and support management.

Correct Answer

B. Return on investment

Explanation

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. It is calculated as:

$ROI=\frac{Total Benefits-Total Costs}{Total C\mathrm{os}ts}$

This formula helps businesses assess whether an investment is worthwhile by determining how much profit is gained relative to the costs incurred. A higher ROI indicates a more profitable investment.

Why other options are wrong

A. Cash flow

Cash flow refers to the movement of money into and out of a business over a specific period. It does not involve the comparison of total benefits and costs in the way ROI does.

C. Break-even point

The break-even point is the point at which total revenues equal total costs, meaning there is no profit or loss. It does not involve dividing net benefits by total costs.

D. Net present value

Net Present Value (NPV) measures the value of future cash flows discounted to present-day values. It helps determine whether an investment will be profitable over time. Ramya’s calculation does not involve discounting future cash flows.

E. Internal rate of return

The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is the discount rate that makes the NPV of an investment equal to zero. It requires iterative calculations and is not the same as the ROI formula.

Correct Answer

a. To manage hardware resources and facilitate communication between hardware and application software

Explanation

System software serves as an intermediary between the hardware and application software, ensuring that hardware components function properly and interact seamlessly with higher-level applications. It includes the operating system, drivers, and utilities that manage system processes, allocate resources, and enable smooth operation of software applications.

Why other options are wrong

b. To create user interfaces for end-users

While some system software, such as operating systems, provide graphical user interfaces (GUI), the primary function of system software is not UI creation but rather managing hardware resources and software communication. User interface design is primarily handled by application software.

c. To develop business applications for specific tasks

System software does not create business applications; rather, it provides the environment in which applications can run. Business applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, are developed using programming tools and frameworks, which rely on system software for execution.

d. To provide security features for data protection

While system software includes security features such as firewalls, access controls, and encryption, security is not its primary function. The main role of system software is managing hardware resources and providing a foundation for application software to operate efficiently.

Correct Answer

e. Rapid Application Development

Explanation

RAD stands for Rapid Application Development, a software development methodology that focuses on quick prototyping, iterative development, and user feedback. It aims to deliver high-quality applications in a shorter time frame by emphasizing collaboration and flexibility. RAD typically uses tools like graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and reusable components to speed up development.

Why other options are wrong

a. Real Application Development

This phrase does not represent the standard meaning of RAD. The methodology is centered on rapidity and efficiency, not just real-world applications.

b. Rapid Application Design

While design is a crucial part of RAD, the methodology focuses on the entire development cycle, not just design. It incorporates prototyping, iterative improvements, and user involvement.

c. Rapid Authentic Development

This phrase is not a recognized term in software development. "Authentic" does not describe the RAD methodology accurately.

d. Real Autonomous Development

RAD is not focused on autonomous development. Instead, it involves close collaboration between developers and users to refine software through iterative processes.

Correct Answer

B. To ensure the development of effective and efficient information systems.

Explanation

The primary goal of system analysis and design is to develop well-structured, efficient, and effective information systems that meet business and user requirements. This process involves understanding user needs, designing system components, and ensuring the system operates optimally to improve organizational processes.

Why other options are wrong

A. To create marketing strategies for businesses.

Marketing strategies involve planning and promoting products or services, which is unrelated to system analysis and design. While information systems can support marketing efforts, the purpose of system analysis and design is to build functional systems, not develop marketing strategies.

C. To manage human resources within an organization.

Human resource management deals with personnel-related activities like hiring, payroll, and performance evaluations. While information systems can aid HR operations, system analysis and design focus on creating systems for a variety of purposes, not just HR.

D. To conduct financial audits and assessments.

Financial audits assess financial records for compliance and accuracy, which is different from system analysis and design. Although information systems can support auditing, their primary purpose is broader and involves developing technology solutions for business needs.