Deck 19: Ais Development Strategies

Question 1

The approaches to evaluating proposals that do not incorporate dollar estimates of costs and benefits is known as

A)benchmark problem and point scoring.
B)point scoring and requirement costing.
C)requirement costing and point scoring.
D)All methods mentioned above include dollar estimates.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A company should carefully evaluate proposals submitted by software vendors.What is the first step a company should take in the proposal evaluation process?

A)Carefully compare proposals against the proposed AIS requirements.
B)Determine how much of a given proposal meets the desired AIS requirements.
C)Eliminate proposals that are missing important information or fail to meet minimum requirements.
D)Invite vendors to demonstrate their systems.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

A request for proposal sent to software vendors is an important tool since it can reduce errors.Which statement below supports this reason?

A)All responses are in the same format and based on the same information.
B)Both parties possess the same expectations and pertinent information is captured in writing.
C)The chances of overlooking important factors are reduced.
D)The same information is provided to all vendors.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

The costly and labor-intensive approach to systems acquisition is

A)canned software.
B)custom software.
C)modified software.
D)turnkey software.

Question 5

The reasons for __________ are to simplify the decision-making process,reduce errors,provide timesavings,and avoid potential disagreements.

A)leasing
B)outsourcing
C)prototyping
D)sending out a request for a proposal

Question 6

Among the methods a company can use to help it evaluate software and hardware systems from vendors,one way is to calculate and compare the processing times of different AIS to compare system performance.This is the __________ method.

A)benchmark problem
B)mandatory requirements
C)point scoring
D)requirements costing

Question 7

It is important for a company to be selective in choosing a software vendor.When a company buys a large or complex system,it may request that a software vendor submit a specific proposal for a system by a specified date.What acronym is used to identify such a request?

A)ASP
B)EIS
C)ISP
D)RFP

Question 8

When canned software is used for systems acquisition,the conceptual design phase of the SDLC

A)involves a make-or-buy decision.
B)is combined with the physical design phase.
C)is eliminated.
D)is the same.

Question 9

When canned software is used for systems acquisition,the implementation and conversion phase of the SDLC

A)does not involve the documentation step.
B)does not require the company to have trained IS personnel.
C)does not require the develop and test software step.
D)both A and C above

Question 10

What is a major problem with "canned software"?

A)A commercial software development company has developed it.
B)Canned software is sold on the open market to a broad range of users with similar requirements.
C)Canned software may not meet all of a company's information or data processing needs.
D)Canned software may offer easy availability and lower costs.

Question 11

The approach that evaluates vendors' systems based on the weighted score of criteria and points totaled is called

A)benchmark problem.
B)point scoring.
C)prototyping.
D)requirements costing.

Question 12

Information given to vendors should include

A)a budget for software and hardware.
B)detailed specifications for the AIS.
C)timeframe required for completion of the project.
D)None of the above are correct.

Question 13

When canned software is used for systems acquisition,the physical design phase of the SDLC

A)does not involve designing and coding although modifications may be made.
B)is combined with the conceptual design phase.
C)is eliminated.
D)is the same.

Question 14

When canned software is used for systems acquisition,the maintenance aspect of the operations and maintenance phase of the SDLC

A)is more costly.
B)is not necessary and is eliminated.
C)is usually the responsibility of the vendor.
D)requires trained personnel.

Question 15

Which statement below regarding the development of an AIS is false?

A)A newly designed AIS always meets user needs for a time period.
B)Changes to the AIS are often difficult to make after requirements have been frozen into specifications.
C)The development process can take so long that the system no longer meets company needs.
D)Users are unable to specify their needs adequately.

Question 16

Software development companies write commercial software that can be used by a variety of organizations.Sometimes these companies combine both software and hardware together to sell as one package.Such a package is commonly referred to as

A)a turnkey system.
B)a value-added system.
C)an application service package.
D)canned software.

Question 17

In which approach to systems acquisition is "inexpensive updates" considered an advantage?

A)canned software
B)custom software
C)modified software
D)turnkey software and systems

Question 18

Which statement is true regarding canned software and the SDLC?

A)Canned software cannot be modified to meet unique user needs.
B)Companies that buy rather than develop AIS software can still follow the SDLC process.
C)Most canned software meets all of a company's information or data processing needs.
D)The SDLC process does not apply to canned software.

Question 19

What is a drawback to using the requirements costing method of software and hardware evaluation?

A)Dollar estimates of costs and benefits are not included.
B)Intangible factors such as reliability and vendor support are overlooked.
C)The weights and points used are assigned subjectively.
D)There is no drawback to using the requirements costing method.

Question 20

Total costs are usually lower and less time is required for vendor preparation and company evaluation when requests for proposal are solicited based on

A)exact equipment needs.
B)generalized software needs.
C)specific hardware and software specifications.
D)None of the above are correct.

Question 21

The practice of hiring an outside company to handle all or part of the organization's data processing activities is called

A)outsourcing.
B)prototyping.
C)reengineering.
D)turnkey system.

Question 22

What is a disadvantage of an organization's outsourcing of information systems?

A)Many outsourcing goals and benefits are never realized.
B)Outsourcing may result in faster and more efficient systems development.
C)Outsourcing provides access to greater expertise.
D)Outsourcing provides access to more advanced technology.

Question 23

A company that has outsourced its AIS function can lose a fundamental understanding of its AIS needs and the strategic uses of AIS with the passing of time.What is this risk called?

A)locked-in system
B)loss of control
C)reduced competitive advantage
D)unfulfilled goals

Question 24

What is the basic function of a help desk?

A)develop and implement standards and control data
B)provide hot line assistance and serve as a clearinghouse of information
C)train end users and assist with application development
D)All of the above are basic functions of a help desk.

Question 25

Despite the fact that many good canned software packages are available to organizations today; many organizations develop their own software.What is a reason for such in-house development?

A)an organization may have unique requirements
B)canned software packages are often less expensive than software developed in house
C)the organization's size and complexity necessitates the in-house development of software
D)A and C above are correct.

Question 26

A company must carefully evaluate each alternative of developing in-house software,buying canned software,or using an outside third party when planning an AIS.Which statement below is true regarding such a decision?

A)Generally the best overall decision is to buy a canned software and hardware system.
B)The most efficient and effective systems are the ones developed in house.
C)Using an outside third party to develop a system always gives the organization a significant competitive advantage.
D)There is no single right answer to the build-or-buy decision.

Question 27

How does outsourcing improve an organization's utilization of assets?

A)by allowing a company to completely eliminate its IS department,which will reduce its payroll costs
B)by allowing the company to sell assets to outsourcers and improve their cash position
C)by eliminating the expense of keeping up with the latest technology and,thus,eliminate the drain on cash reserves
D)Both B and C above are correct.

Question 28

Which business process reengineering principle is applied when the traditional approvals for routine purchases are removed and replaced by users placing the orders themselves?

A)have output users perform the process
B)have those who produce the information process it
C)integration of parallel activities
D)organize around outcomes,not tasks

Question 29

Since the introduction of the computer,there has been an astronomical demand for information systems.Such demand has resulted in many users becoming involved in the hands-on development,control,and employment of information systems.What term is used to refer to this phenomenon?

A)amateur user computing (AUC)
B)competitive intra-organization systems development approach (CIOSDA)
C)end-user computing (EUC)
D)novice information systems development (NISD)

Question 30

What is an important risk to be considered when allowing end users to develop a system?

A)IS resources are freed up for other tasks
B)systems are implemented that have not been adequately tested
C)systems are usually easy to use and modify
D)users control development process and decide what systems are created and implemented

Question 31

There are certain risks associated with outsourcing.One possible risk is the exposure of the sharing of confidential data with unauthorized parties.This risk can be placed into the category of

A)a locked-in system.
B)a loss of control.
C)a reduced competitive advantage.
D)inflexibility.

Question 32

Which of the following statements about reengineering is inaccurate?

A)The data should be centralized and then dispersed throughout the company.
B)The information should be processed by those who use it.
C)The organization should be based on the different tasks that make up the processes.
D)The processes should be performed by output users.

Question 33

A help desk can encourage,support,coordinate,and control end-user activities.A help desk department may be organized with front-line and second-line analysts and technicians.What would be one duty of second-line help desk personnel?

A)handling complicated queries requiring research
B)provide callers with scripted answers
C)using expert systems to quickly find answers
D)None of the duties listed above pertain to second-line help desk personnel.

Question 34

Which of the following is not a benefit of outsourcing?

A)access to greater expertise and more advanced technology
B)greater control
C)improved development time
D)lower costs

Question 35

End-user development is inappropriate for some types of systems.What is an example of a system that end users should not be allowed to develop?

A)a payroll processing program
B)a program that performs "what-if" statistical modeling
C)developing an application using prewritten software such as a spreadsheet or database system
D)preparing a schedule or list such as a depreciation schedule

Question 36

Which of the following is not appropriate for end user development?

A)performing statistical analyses
B)preparing schedules and lists
C)retrieving information from databases
D)updating database records

Question 37

The least costly approach to systems acquisition is

A)canned software.
B)custom software.
C)modified software.
D)prototyping.

Question 38

What is an important benefit to be considered when allowing end users to develop a system?

A)systems are developed when they are needed
B)systems are more likely to be incompatible with other systems within the organization
C)systems are more likely to be inefficient
D)systems are often poorly controlled and documented

Question 39

Another alternative to buying a canned system or in-house development is to have a third-party vendor develop a custom system.Which guideline below should not be used by the organization to select an outside developer for a custom system?

A)The outside developer should have an in-depth understanding of how the company conducts its business.
B)The outside developer should have experience in the company's industry.
C)The outside developer should possess a good understanding of business in general.
D)The outside developer that charges the least for the system should be chosen over others.

Question 40

The success of large corporations that use outsourcing for their information system requirements has motivated other organizations to consider outsourcing.Which advantage of outsourcing,given below,may tend to cause resistance on the part of in-house IS staff and other organization employees?

A)Outsourcing allows a company to better use its assets and scarce resources.
B)Outsourcing can lower a company's overall IS costs.
C)Outsourcing facilitates downsizing.
D)Outsourcing helps eliminate the peaks and valleys of system usage.

Question 41

What is the emphasis of the first step involved in developing a prototype?

A)develop a good prototype into a fully functional system
B)speed and low cost rather than efficiency of operation
C)users identify changes to be made in an iterative process
D)what output should be produced rather than how it should be produced

Question 42

What is an advantage of prototyping?

A)It is a less efficient use of system resources.
B)It may be inadequately tested and documented systems.
C)The developer need not maintain or update the system.
D)There are negative behavioral reactions.

Question 43

The basic premise of __________ is that it is easier for people to express what they like or dislike about an existing system than to imagine what they would like in a system.

A)modified software
B)outsourcing agreements
C)prototyping
D)turnkey systems

Question 44

Business process reengineering (BPR)can be a challenging venture for all involved.Many reengineering efforts fail or fall short of the goals to be achieved in the process.Which statement below applies to the BPR obstacle of controls?

A)Nonbelievers and cynics who say a BPR cannot be done should be controlled during all phases of the effort.
B)Reengineering efforts should not eliminate the separation of duties without implementing compensating controls.
C)Throughout the process managers must continually reassure,persuade,and control those affected by the BPR so that the necessary changes will work.
D)None of the statements apply to the BPR principle of controls.

Question 45

A prototype that is turned into a fully functional system is referred to as a(n)

A)disappearing prototype.
B)nonoperational prototype.
C)operational prototype.
D)throwaway prototype.

Question 46

Computer-aided software (or systems)engineering is another tool used for improving the development process.What is one thing that CASE tools were not designed to do in assisting in the software and systems development process?

A)automate important aspects of the software development process
B)enhance the efforts of managers in understanding information needs
C)plan,analyze,design,program,and maintain an information system
D)replace skilled designers

Question 47

Which of the following would not be considered a challenge when implementing business process reengineering efforts?

A)availability of mainframe computer hardware and software
B)cost
C)tradition
D)skepticism

Question 48

There are four steps involved in developing a prototype.Which step emphasizes speed and low cost rather than efficiency of operation?

A)first
B)second
C)third
D)fourth

Question 49

Which statement below regarding prototyping is false?

A)A prototype is considered a "first draft," which is quickly and expensively built for testing purposes.
B)Developers who use prototyping still go through the SDLC.
C)It is easier for people to express what they like or dislike about a prototype than to imagine what they want in a system.
D)Prototyping allows developers to condense and speed up parts of the analysis and design phases.

Question 50

There are seven major principles of business process reengineering (BPR).One principle states that whenever possible,one person should be given responsibility for the entire process.What is the name given to this principle?

A)capture data once,at its source
B)centralize and disperse data
C)integrate parallel activities
D)organize around outcomes,not tasks

Question 51

What factor underlies the seven principles of reengineering?

A)advances in management practices
B)efficient and effective use of information technology
C)global competition
D)the work flow software

Question 52

One of the principles of business process reengineering is to centralize and disperse data.How is this principle defined?

A)certain processes can be performed in parallel and integrated at the end
B)data is entered once in an on line database and made available to all who need it
C)existing job descriptions and departmental boundaries are eliminated
D)information technology can maintain a centralized database,while telecommunications technology can disburse data to necessary locations

Question 53

Which is not a problem with CASE technology?

A)cost
B)incompatibility
C)lack of system documentation
D)unmet expectations

Question 54

What is a disadvantage to prototyping?

A)developers may shortchange the testing and documentation process
B)errors are likely to be detected and eliminated early in the development process
C)prototyping may be less costly than other approaches
D)prototyping usually produces a better definition of user needs than other approaches

Question 55

A sobering fact is that even though a trillion-plus-dollars has been spent on information technology in the last decade,productivity has not increased significantly.One change suggested to improve performance dramatically is to analyze thoroughly and completely redesign business processes and information systems.What is such a change called?

A)a CSC Index
B)business process reengineering
C)end-user development
D)information system outsourcing

Question 56

What is an advantage of using CASE?

A)incompatibility
B)replacement of skilled designers
C)simplified documentation
D)unmet expectations

Question 57

Developing and putting teams in charge of products is an application of which business process reengineering principle?

A)have output users perform the process
B)have those who produce the information process it
C)integration of parallel activities
D)organize around outcomes,not tasks

Question 58

CASE stands for

A)computer-aided software engineering.
B)computer-aided systems engineering.
C)both A and B
D)none of the above

Question 59

What is a disadvantage of using CASE?

A)cost savings
B)improved control procedures
C)improved program quality
D)incompatibility

Question 60

The development of which type of system listed below would not benefit from the creation of a prototype?

A)decision support systems
B)executive information systems
C)expert systems
D)systems that cross a number of organizational boundaries

Question 61

Benathir Donathat,director of the project committee,has received approval from management for implementation of a new accounting information system.After putting out an RFP,the committee settled on a vendor that will provide an industry standard software package and post-sale technical support.Their decision is to go with

A)canned software.
B)a turnkey system.
C)an outsourced system.
D)an end-user developed system.

Question 62

As part of the development process for a new job bidding software system for Halide Construction,LLC,Jon Chelide prepared and distributed diagrams that represent input and output screenshots.The diagrams are an example of a(an)

A)application of CASE technology.
B)operational prototype.
C)RFP.
D)nonoperational prototype.

Question 63

Firms should consider developing custom software only if

A)it will be used for critical functions like accounts receivable.
B)it will contribute to development of a significant competitive advantage.
C)the firm has the necessary expertise available in-house.
D)the available canned software is very expensive.

Question 64

Which of the following is a technique for comparing alternative sources for an accounting information system with a specified set of features?

A)Point scoring
B)Resource clearing
C)Requirements costing
D)Multi-objective optimization.

Question 65

What is a benchmark problem?

A)A difficulty encountered when attempting to bring an accounting information system up to industry best practices.
B)A method used to compare the efficiency of alternative accounting information systems.
C)The cost-benefit tradeoff defined by the relationship between increased costs and increased benefits from a system.
D)A method used to test the compatibility of a new accounting information system with existing hardware and software.

Question 66

Benathir Donathat,director of the project committee,has received approval from management for implementation of a new accounting information system.After putting out an RFP,the committee settled on a Web-based application service provider that will manage all hardware and software required by the system,with fees based on usage.Their decision is to go with

A)canned software.
B)a turnkey system.
C)an outsourced system.
D)an end-user developed system.

Question 67

Which of the following is an advantage of CASE technology?

A)It exhibits a high degree of cross-system compatibility.
B)It is an inexpensive technology that is accessible to small businesses.
C)Documentation is generated automatically.
D)It enhances the congruence between user expectations and the final system.

Question 68

As part of the development process for a new job bidding software system for Halide Construction,LLC,Jon Chelide prepared and distributed functional programs that simulate the system's input and output interface.These programs are an example of a(an)

A)application of CASE technology.
B)operational prototype.
C)RFP.
D)nonoperational prototype.

Question 69

Where is the responsibility for the development of end-user computing applications typically placed?

A)End users
B)Help desk
C)Information Technology Services Department
D)Programmers

Question 70

Benathir Donathat,director of the project committee,has received approval from management for implementation of a new accounting information system.After putting out an RFP,the committee settled on a vendor that will deliver all hardware and software required on a lease basis.Their decision is to go with

A)canned software.
B)a turnkey system.
C)an outsourced system.
D)an end-user developed system.

Question 71

Software that automates aspects of the software development cycle is called

A)SDLC.
B)RFP.
C)ASP.
D)CASE.

Question 72

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the software

A)will be used for a critical function like accounts receivable.
B)automates an unstructured or semi-structured task.
C)can be produced using expertise available in-house.
D)is available as a canned package.

Question 73

A formal invitation to vendors to submit a bid for preparation of a system is called a(an)

A)SDLC.
B)RFP.
C)ASP.
D)CASE.

Question 74

Which of the following is an advantage of end-user computing? It is likely to result in a(an)

A)well tested system.
B)well documented system.
C)rapidly developed system.
D)efficient system.

Question 75

In which of the following cases is outsourcing likely to be the best solution to the firm's data processing needs?

A)Sad Clown Pajamas produces and wholesales clothing products to retailers worldwide.Eighty percent of its sales orders are taken during the months of October and November.Sad Clown requires a system that will manage online ordering and fulfillment.
B)Modest Expectations Investment Services manages highly diverse portfolios and provides personal services to high income investors worldwide.The firm needs a system that will pull together selected investment data from a large variety of sources and allow account managers to prepare customized reports for customers.
C)J)D.Yacht is in the business of buying businesses,managing them for no more than two years,and then selling them at a profit.The firm requires a flexible system that will allow them to effectively manage the various types of businesses it controls.
D)Halide Construction,LLC,manages the design and construction of desalinization plants and requires a system that will allow it to manage the process from bid to billing.

Question 76

A vendor that offers Web-based software services is called a(an)

A)SDLC.
B)RFP.
C)ASP.
D)CASE.

Question 77

Firms should consider preparing a software prototype if the software

A)will be used for a critical function like inventory management.
B)automates a structured task.
C)can be produced using outside developers.
D)inputs and outputs are not clearly defined..

Question 78

Software as a Service (SaaS)refers to Web-based computing services provided by a(an)

A)application service provider (ASP.)
B)Internet service provider (ISP.)
C)end-user system (EUS.)
D)help desk.

Question 79

Which of the following is a method for comparing alternative vendor proposals for development of an accounting information system when the vendors differ with regard to their ability to meet the project criteria?

A)Point scoring
B)Resource clearing
C)Requirements costing
D)Multi-objective optimization.

Question 80

Callow Youth Clothing (CYC)declared bankruptcy in 2007 and has since closed 27 stores,which amounts to over half of its retail outlets.One of the conditions specified for emergence from bankruptcy is a reduction in the cost of operating the firm's accounting information system.Which of the following behavior is most likely to be recommended?

A)Replace the existing system with one of a smaller scale.
B)Customize the existing system.
C)Outsource system operations.
D)Purchase a canned software system.