Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World 7th Edition By John Satzinger - Test Bank

Systems Analysis and Design in a Changing World 7th Edition By John Satzinger – Test Bank

 

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Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

Chapter 5 – Data and Process Modeling

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. In data and process modeling, a(n) ____ model shows what the system must do, regardless of how it will be implemented physically.

a.	operational	c.	logical
b.	physical	d.	relational

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   178

 

2. DFD symbols are referenced by using all ____ letters for the symbol name.

a.	capital	c.	italicized
b.	lowercase	d.	boldfaced

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   180

 

3. A DFD shows ____.

a.	how data are related
b.	what key fields are stored in the system
c.	how a system transforms input data into useful information
d.	what data is stored in the system

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   180

 

4. In a DFD, the Gane and Sarson symbol for a process is a ____.

a.	rectangle with rounded corners
b.	line with a single or double arrowhead
c.	flat rectangle that is open on the right side and closed on the left side
d.	rectangle, which may be shaded to make it look three-dimensional

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

5. In a DFD, the Gane and Sarson symbol for a data flow is a ____.

a.	rectangle with rounded corners
b.	line with a single or double arrowhead
c.	flat rectangle that is open on the right side and closed on the left side
d.	rectangle, which may be shaded to make it look three-dimensional

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   182

 

6. A spontaneous generation process is a process that has ____.

a.	no input
b.	at least one output and one input, but the output obviously is insufficient to generate the input shown
c.	no output
d.	at least one input and one output, but the input obviously is insufficient to generate the output shown

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   183

 

7. A black hole is a process that has ____.

a.	no input
b.	at least one output and one input, but the output obviously is insufficient to generate the input shown
c.	no output
d.	at least one input and one output, but the input obviously is insufficient to generate the output shown

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   183

 

8. A gray hole is a process that has ____.

a.	no input
b.	at least one output and one input, but the output obviously is insufficient to generate the input shown
c.	no output
d.	at least one input and one output, but the input obviously is insufficient to generate the output shown

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   183

 

9. ____ is/are logically impossible in a DFD because a process must act on input, shown by an incoming data flow, and produce output, represented by an outgoing data flow.

a.	Spontaneous combustion	c.	Black holes
b.	Gray matter	d.	Black boxes

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   183

 

10. In a DFD, the Gane and Sarson symbol for a data store is a ____.

a.	rectangle with rounded corners
b.	line with a single or double arrowhead
c.	flat rectangle that is open on the right side and closed on the left side
d.	rectangle, which may be shaded to make it look three-dimensional

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   184

 

11. In a DFD, the Gane and Sarson symbol for an entity is a ____.

a.	rectangle with rounded corners
b.	line with a single or double arrowhead
c.	flat rectangle that is open on the right side and closed on the left side
d.	rectangle, which may be shaded to make it look three-dimensional

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   185

 

12. If processes must be performed in a specific sequence, you document the information in the ____.

a.	leveling guide	c.	data dictionary
b.	process descriptions	d.	DFD

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   191

 

13. Because diagram 0 is a(n) ____ version of process 0, it shows considerably more detail than a context diagram.

a.	contracted	c.	condensed
b.	exploded	d.	extrapolated

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   191

 

14. Leveling ____.

a.	uses a series of increasingly detailed DFDs to describe an information system
b.	ensures that the input and output data flows of the parent DFD are maintained on the child DFD
c.	uses a series of increasingly sketchy DFDs to describe an information system
d.	ensures that the input and output data flows of the child DFD are maintained on the parent DFD

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   192

 

15. ____ is the process of drawing a series of increasingly detailed DFDs, until all functional primitives are identified.

a.	Leveling	c.	Indexing
b.	Balancing	d.	Exploding

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   192

 

16. ____ maintains consistency among DFDs by ensuring that input and output data flows align properly.

a.	Balancing	c.	Leveling
b.	Indexing	d.	Exploding

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   192

 

17. Using ____, an analyst starts with an overall view, which is a context diagram with a single process symbol, and then the analyst creates diagram 0, which shows more detail.

a.	balancing	c.	exploding
b.	indexing	d.	leveling

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   192

 

18. Balancing ____.

a.	uses a series of increasingly detailed DFDs to describe an information system
b.	ensures that the input and output data flows of the parent DFD are maintained on the child DFD
c.	uses a series of increasingly sketchy DFDs to describe an information system
d.	ensures that the input and output data flows of the child DFD are maintained on the parent DFD

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   194

 

19. A data ____ is a central storehouse of information about a system’s data.

a.	glossary	c.	content bank
b.	knowledgebase	d.	repository

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   197

 

20. In a data dictionary, a(n) ____ is the smallest piece of data that has meaning within an information system.

a.	field	c.	record
b.	index	d.	pixel

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   197

 

21. In a data dictionary, data elements are combined into ____, which are meaningful combinations of data elements that are included in data flows or retained in data stores.

a.	fields	c.	records
b.	columns	d.	decimals

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   197

 

22. The data dictionary usually records and describes a default value, which is the ____.

a.	specification of the set of values permitted for the data element
b.	identification of the user(s) responsible for changing values for the data element
c.	specification for the origination point for the data element’s value
d.	value for the data element if a value otherwise is not entered for it

 

 

ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   199

 

23. In a data dictionary, any name other than the standard data element name is called a(n) ____.

a.	clone	c.	alias
b.	cipher	d.	index

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   199

 

24. In a data dictionary, ____ refers to whether the data element contains numeric, alphabetic, or character values.

a.	value	c.	valence
b.	type	d.	domain

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   199

 

25. In a data dictionary, ____ is the maximum number of characters for an alphabetic or character data element or the maximum number of digits and number of decimal positions for a numeric data element.

a.	domain	c.	length
b.	valence	d.	index

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   199

 

26. A data dictionary specifies a data element’s ____, which is the set of values permitted for the data element.

a.	range	c.	array
b.	domain	d.	any of the above

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   200

 

27. In a data dictionary, some data elements have ____ rules, such as an employee’s salary must be within the range defined for the employee’s job classification.

a.	domain	c.	validity
b.	range	d.	mastered

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   200

 

 

28. ____ is based on combinations of the three logical structures, or control structures (one of which is shown in the accompanying figure), which serve as building blocks for the process.

a.	Modular design	c.	Global design
b.	General design	d.	Total design

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

29. In the accompanying figure, the sequence structure is the completion of ____.

a.	one or more process steps based on the results of a test or condition
b.	steps in a chronological order, one after another
c.	a process step that is repeated until a specific condition changes
d.	a specific condition that is repeated until a process changes

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

30. The selection structure is the completion of ____.

a.	one or more process steps based on the results of a test or condition
b.	steps in a chronological order, one after another
c.	a process step that is repeated until a specific condition changes
d.	a specific condition that is repeated until a process changes

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

31. Typical process description tools include ____.

a.	context diagrams	c.	pseudocode
b.	decision trees	d.	database tables

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

32. A ____ description documents the details of a functional primitive, which represents a specific set of processing steps and business logic.

a.	logic	c.	process
b.	primitive	d.	function-based

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

33. The iteration structure is the completion of ____.

a.	one or more process steps based on the results of a test or condition
b.	steps in a chronological order, one after another
c.	a process step that is repeated until a specific condition changes
d.	a specific condition that is repeated until a process changes

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   205

 

34. Structured English might look familiar to programming students because it resembles ____, which is used in program design.

a.	pseudocode	c.	iterative code
b.	a decision tree	d.	decision code

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   205

 

35. ____ also is called looping.

a.	Sequence	c.	Iteration
b.	Selection	d.	Process description

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   205

 

36. A ____ table shows a logical structure, with all possible combinations of conditions and resulting actions.

a.	pseudo	c.	decision
b.	logic	d.	validity

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   206

 

37. Decision trees show the logic structure in a ____.

a.	vertical form that resembles a tree with the roots at the bottom and the branches at the top
b.	horizontal form that resembles a tree with the roots at the left and the branches to the right
c.	vertical form that resembles a tree with the roots at the top and the branches at the bottom
d.	horizontal form that resembles a tree with the roots at the right and the branches to the left

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   210

 

38. A decision ____ is a graphical representation of the conditions, actions, and rules found in a decision table.

a.	base	c.	icon
b.	tree	d.	index

 

 

ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   210

 

39. The major benefit of ____ is that it gives a clear picture of current system functions before any modifications or improvements are made.

a.	the four-model approach	c.	leveling
b.	balancing	d.	looping

 

 

ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   211

 

40. The disadvantage of the four-model approach is ____.

a.	it gives an unclear picture of the current system functions before any modifications or improvements are made
b.	the requirements of a new information system always are different from the current information system
c.	the added time and cost needed to develop a logical and physical model of the current system
d.	it results in unhappy users

 

 

ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   211

 

MULTIPLE RESPONSE

 

Modified Multiple Choice

 

1. When DFDs are drawn, which of the following conventions should be followed?

a.	each context diagram must fit on one page
b.	use the same names within each set of symbols
c.	do not cross lines
d.	use a unique reference number for each process symbol

 

 

ANS:  A, C, D           PTS:   1                    REF:   186-187

 

2. Leveling also is called ____.

a.	exploding	c.	decomposing
b.	partitioning	d.	indexing

 

 

ANS:  A, B, C           PTS:   1                    REF:   193

 

3. Many valuable reports can be obtained from a data dictionary, including a(n) ____.

a.	alphabetized list of all data elements by name
b.	report by user departments of data elements that must be updated by each department
c.	report of all data flows that use a particular data element
d.	detailed report showing all characteristics of data elements

 

 

ANS:  A, B, C, D       PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

4. An auto parts store inventory record might include ____.

a.	part number	c.	description
b.	supplier code	d.	minimum stock levels

 

 

ANS:  A, B, C, D       PTS:   1                    REF:   197

 

5. When structured English is used, which of the following rules must be conformed to?

a.	use only the three building blocks of sequence, selection, and iteration
b.	use indentation for readability
c.	use a limited vocabulary
d.	avoid standard terms used in the data dictionary

 

 

ANS:  A, B, C           PTS:   1                    REF:   205

 

MODIFIED TRUE/FALSE

 

1. Later in the systems design phase, you build a logical model that describes how a system will be constructed. _________________________

 

ANS:  F, physical

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   178

 

2. Using Gane and Sarson symbols, a DFD represents processes as rectangles with rounded corners. _________________________

 

ANS:  T                                                     PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

3. The primary purpose of pseudocode is to describe the underlying business logic of code. _________________________

 

ANS:  F, structured English

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   205

 

4. Systems analysts call an entity that supplies data to the system a sink. _________________________

 

ANS:  F, source

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   185

 

5. A decision tree is read from left to right, with the conditions along the various branches and the actions at the far left. _________________________

 

ANS:  F, right

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   210

 

TRUE/FALSE

 

1. In a DFD, processes contain the business logic, also called business rules, that transform the data and produce the required results.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

2. A DFD shows the structure and detailed contents of a data flow.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   182

 

3. In a DFD, a process symbol can have only one outgoing data flow.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   182

 

4. In a DFD, a data flow must have a process symbol on at least one end.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   183

 

5. Two data stores can be connected by a data flow without an intervening process.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   184

 

6. A DFD does not show the external entities that provide data to the system or receive output from the system.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   185

 

7. Systems analysts call an entity that receives data from the system a source.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   185

 

8. Data stores are shown in a context diagram because data stores are external to the system.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   188

 

9. What makes one system more complex than another is the number of components, the number of levels, and the degree of interaction among its processes, entities, data stores, and data flows.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   189

 

10. When a context diagram is expanded into DFD diagram 0, all the connections that flow into and out of process 0 must be retained.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   189

 

11. Deciding whether to explode a process further or determine that it is a functional primitive is a matter of experience, judgment, and interaction with programmers who must translate the logical design into code.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   191

 

12. When a DFD is exploded, the higher-level diagram is called the child diagram, and the lower-level diagram is referred to as the parent diagram.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   191

 

13. More complex systems have fewer processes, and analysts need only work through very few levels to identify the functional primitives.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   193

 

14. When drawing DFDs, a data store is shown only when two or more processes use that data store.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   193-194

 

15. Two DFDs are leveled, for example, if the child diagram at the bottom has the same input and output flows as the parent process at the top of the diagram.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   194

 

16. DFDs are balanced if each internal process is numbered to show that it is a child of the parent process.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   196

 

17. In most data dictionaries, records are defined together with the data flows and data stores.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   200

 

18. When documenting a process, the documentation includes a description of the process’s characteristics and, for functional primitives, a process description, which is a model that documents the processing steps and business logic.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   202

 

19. In addition to describing each data element, data flow, data store, record, entity, and process, the data dictionary documents the relationships among these components.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   203-204

 

20. In modular design, each logical structure must have multiple entry and exit points.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

21. In modular design, a rectangle represents a condition or decision, a diamond shape represents a step or a process, and the logic follows the lines in the direction indicated by the arrows.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   204

 

22. Whether to use a decision table or a decision tree often is a matter of personal preference.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   210

 

23. During the systems design phase, a physical model of the new information system is created that follows from the logical model and involves operational tasks and techniques.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   211

 

24. Many systems analysts create a physical model of the current system and then develop a logical model of the current system before tackling a logical model of the new system.

 

ANS:  T                    PTS:   1                    REF:   211

 

25. A disadvantage of the four-model approach is that the requirements of a new information system always are quite different from the current information system, especially when the proposal is based on new computer technology rather than a large number of new requirements.

 

ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   211

 

COMPLETION

 

1. Analysts use ____________________ modeling techniques to show how a system transforms data into useful information.

 

ANS:  data and process

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   178

 

2. A(n) ____________________ uses various symbols to show how the system transforms input data into useful information.

 

ANS:

data flow diagram

DFD

data flow diagram (DFD)

DFD (data flow diagram)

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   180

 

3. In addition to the Gane and Sarson symbol set, another popular symbol set is ____________________.

 

ANS:  Yourdon

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   180

 

4. In DFDs, a process resembles a(n) ____________________, where the inputs, outputs, and general functions of the process are known, but the underlying details are not shown.

 

ANS:  black box

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

5. In a typical company, ____________________ might include calculating sales trends, filing online insurance claims, ordering inventory from a supplier’s system, or verifying e-mail addresses for Web customers.

 

ANS:  processes

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

6. Another term for business logic is business ____________________.

 

ANS:  rules

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

7. In the Gane and Sarson symbol set, the symbol for a(n) ____________________ is a rectangle with rounded corners.

 

ANS:  process

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

8. By showing processes as ____________________, an analyst can create DFDs that show how the system functions, but avoid unnecessary detail and clutter.

 

ANS:  black boxes

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

 

9. Among the symbols in the accompanying figure, a(n) ____________________ receives input data and produces output that has a different content, form, or both.

 

ANS:  process

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

10. The accompanying figure illustrates symbols used in a(n) ____________________, which shows how data moves through an information system but does not show program logic or processing steps.

 

ANS:

data flow diagram

DFD

data flow diagram (DFD)

DFD (data flow diagram)

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   181

 

11. Among the symbols in the accompanying figure, a(n) ____________________ is a path for data to move from one part of the information system to another.

 

ANS:  data flow

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   182

 

12. Among the symbols in the accompanying figure, a(n) ____________________ is used to represent data that a system stores because one or more processes need to use the data at a later time.

 

ANS:  data store

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   183

 

13. DFD entities also are called ____________________, because they are data origins or final data destinations.

 

ANS:  terminators

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   185

 

14. The first step in constructing a set of DFDs is to draw a(n) ____________________, which is a top-level view of an information system that shows the system’s boundaries and scope.

 

ANS:  context diagram

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   188

 

15. To draw a context diagram, you start by placing a single process symbol in the center of the page, which you identify as ____________________.

 

ANS:  process 0

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   188

 

16. To show the detail inside a black box, create DFD ____________________, which zooms in on the system and shows major processes, data flows, and data stores.

 

ANS:  diagram 0

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   189

 

17. A(n) ____________________ is a data flow in which the same data travels to two or more different locations.

 

ANS:  diverging data flow

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   191

 

18. When a set of DFDs is created for a system, a(n) ____________________ is a process that consists of a single function that is not exploded further.

 

ANS:  functional primitive

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   191

 

19. ____________________ is a subset of standard English that describes logical processes clearly and accurately.

 

ANS:  Structured English

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   205

 

20. Many analysts follow a(n) ____________________, which means that they develop a physical model of the current system, a logical model of the current system, a logical model of the new system, and a physical model of the new system.

 

ANS:  four-model approach

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   211

 

MATCHING

 

Identify the letter of the choice that best matches the phrase or definition.

a.	balancing	f.	data dictionary
b.	structured analysis	g.	decision table
c.	leveling	h.	logical
d.	DFD	i.	data flow
e.	physical	j.	record

 

 

1. Model that describes how a system will be constructed.

 

2. Model that shows what the system must do, regardless of how it will be implemented.

 

3. Shows how a system transforms input data into useful information.

 

4. DFD component that represents one or more data items.

 

5. A data structure that contains a set of related data elements that are stored and processed together.

 

6. Ensures that the input and output data flows of the parent DFD are maintained on the child DFD.

 

7. With this, an analyst starts with an overall view, which is a context diagram with a single process symbol.

 

8. In addition to documenting each data element, all data flows must be documented here.

 

9. A set of DFDs produces a logical model of the system, but the details within those DFDs are documented separately in a data dictionary, which is the second component of this.

 

10. In addition to multiple conditions, this can have more than two possible outcomes.

 

1. ANS:  E                    PTS:   1                    REF:   178

 

2. ANS:  H                    PTS:   1                    REF:   178

 

3. ANS:  D                    PTS:   1                    REF:   180

 

4. ANS:  I                     PTS:   1                    REF:   182

 

5. ANS:  J                     PTS:   1                    REF:   197

 

6. ANS:  A                    PTS:   1                    REF:   194

 

7. ANS:  C                    PTS:   1                    REF:   192

 

8. ANS:  F                    PTS:   1                    REF:   200

 

9. ANS:  B                    PTS:   1                    REF:   197

 

10. ANS:  G                    PTS:   1                    REF:   208

 

ESSAY

 

1. What are the guidelines to follow when you draw a context diagram and other DFDs?

 

ANS:

• Draw the context diagram so it fits on one page.
• Use the name of the information system as the process name in the context diagram.
• Use unique names within each set of symbols.
• Do not cross lines. One way to achieve that goal is to restrict the number of symbols in any DFD. On lower-level diagrams with multiple processes, you should not have more than nine process symbols. Including more than nine symbols usually is a signal that your diagram is too complex and that you should reconsider your analysis. Another way to avoid crossing lines is to duplicate an entity or data store. When duplicating a symbol on a diagram, make sure to document the duplication to avoid possible confusion. A special notation, such as an asterisk, next to the symbol name and inside the duplicated symbols signifies that they are duplicated on the diagram.
• Provide a unique name and reference number for each process. Because it is the highest-level DFD, the context diagram contains process 0, which represents the entire information system, but does not show the internal workings. To describe the next level of detail inside process 0, you must create a DFD named diagram 0, which will reveal additional processes that must be named and numbered. As you continue to create lower-level DFDs, you assign unique names and reference numbers to all processes, until you complete the logical model.
• Obtain as much user input and feedback as possible. Your main objective is to ensure that the model is accurate, easy to understand, and meets the needs of its users.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   186-187         TOP:   Critical Thinking

 

2. Explain what a data dictionary is, making sure to include definitions of the terms data element and record in your explanation. Provide examples of each of these terms as you include them.

 

ANS:

A data dictionary, or data repository, is a central storehouse of information about the system’s data. An analyst uses the data dictionary to collect, document, and organize specific facts about the system, including the contents of data flows, data stores, entities, and processes. The data dictionary also defines and describes all data elements and meaningful combinations of data elements. A data element, also called a data item or field, is the smallest piece of data that has meaning within an information system. Examples of data elements are student grade, salary, Social Security number, account balance, and company name. Data elements are combined into records, also called data structures. A record is a meaningful combination of related data elements that is included in a data flow or retained in a data store. For example, an auto parts store inventory record might include part number, description, supplier code, minimum and maximum stock levels, cost, and list price.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   197                TOP:   Critical Thinking

 

3. On what structure(s) is modular design based? Briefly define each of the structure types.

 

ANS:

Modular design is based on combinations of three logical structures, sometimes called control structures, which serve as building blocks for the process. Each logical structure must have a single entry and exit point. The three structures are called sequence, selection, and iteration. A rectangle represents a step or process, a diamond shape represents a condition or decision, and the logic follows the lines in the direction indicated by the arrows.

 

1. Sequence. The completion of steps in sequential order, one after another. One or more of the steps might represent a subprocess that contains additional logical structures.
2. Selection. The completion of one of two or more process steps based on the results of a test or condition.
3. Iteration. The completion of a process step that is repeated until a specific condition changes. An example of iteration is a process that continues to print paychecks until it reaches the end of the payroll file. Iteration also is called looping.

 

Sequence, selection, and iteration structures can be combined in various ways to describe processing logic.

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   204-205         TOP:   Critical Thinking

 

CASE

 

Critical Thinking Questions

Case 5-1

 

Evan is an expert on all of the different kinds of process description tools, so when his colleagues have questions, they know where to turn.

 

1. One of the firm’s beginner analysts is working on a financial process that will continue to print vendor payments until it reaches the end of the file. Which of the following processes will Evan suggest that the analyst use?

a.	sequence
b.	selection
c.	concatenation
d.	iteration

 

 

ANS:

D

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   205                TOP:   Critical Thinking

 

2. Another of the firm’s analysts has been pounding his head against his desk for 10 minutes because he cannot figure out what is wrong with some structured English he has been using to describe the processing logic. Evan walks over and spots the problem in an instant. Which of the following can be what Evan identifies as the problem?

a.	The structured English is indented.
b.	The structured English is not using a sequence, selection, or iteration structure.
c.	The structured English uses a limited vocabulary.
d.	The structured English is used as a shorthand notation for actual code by programmers

 

 

ANS:

B

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   205                TOP:   Critical Thinking

 

Critical Thinking Questions

Case 5-2

 

The analysts at Novel Systems Worldwide are considering the four-model approach to system development for a new client.

 

3. Which of the following will NOT be developed if they decide to use the four-model approach?

a.	A physical model of the current system.
b.	A logical model of the current system.
c.	A teleological model of the current system.
d.	A physical model of the new system.

 

 

ANS:

C

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   211                TOP:   Critical Thinking

 

4. If they pursue the four-model approach, which of the following is a likely outcome?

a.	Users will be unhappy.
b.	Costs may be high.
c.	It will not be possible to get a clear picture of the current system functions before modifications are made.
d.	Costs may be low.

 

 

ANS:

B

 

PTS:   1                    REF:   211                TOP:   Critical Thinking