Your Systems Analysis Team Is Close To Completing A System ✓ Solved

Your systems analysis team is close to completing a system

Part A: Respond to each of the three steps in the proposed test schedule.

Part B: a) Explain to Mr. Schnieder about problems that can occur when a system is not evaluated systematically. b) Devise a checklist or form that helps Mr. Schnieder’s employees evaluate the utilities of the new information system. Suggest a second way to evaluate the information system, if any.

Problem II: a) Construct a PERT diagram for her and identify the critical path. b) If Cherry could find a way to save time on the “write use cases” phase, how would it help?

Problem III: As a systems analyst, would you approve the proposed intranet solution? Explain the reasons why you support or do not support this proposal and offer modifications to improve it.

Problem IV: 1. Draw an ER diagram that captures the preceding information. Identify any constraints not captured by the ER diagram. 2. Explain how your design would change if each medication must be sold at a fixed price by the pharmacies. 3. Explain how your design would change if several prescriptions for the same medication had to be stored.

Problem V: Perform the normalization process on the un-normalized STUDENT table to convert it to 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF, showing all work and identifying primary keys.

Paper For Above Instructions

Systems analysis is crucial for the effective implementation of information systems. In the first problem set, we will address the testing strategies proposed by the junior team members at Meecham Feeds. The first suggestion is to skip desk checking because similar programs were previously checked. This approach can pose significant risks; even if programs are similar, it does not guarantee that the current implementation is free of errors. Desk checking allows for a close examination of the program logic and can uncover flaws missed by prior checks. Therefore, I strongly advise against skipping this crucial step.

The second suggestion involves performing link testing with large amounts of data to assess system performance. While link testing is essential and should be conducted, it is critical to ensure that this is done methodically. Testing with appropriate data volumes can reveal weaknesses in system integration and data handling, thus I agree with this suggestion, but only if conducted following comprehensive preliminary testing.

The final recommendation is to conduct full systems testing with actual live data. This is a necessary step to validate the entire system’s functioning under realistic conditions. However, it is imperative to first complete desk checks and link testing before fully committing to this phase to ensure system readiness. In summary, while testing is crucial, a stepwise approach that includes all phases is necessary to mitigate risks and assure system integrity.

Moving on to Part B regarding Mr. Bruce Schnieder’s dilemma at A&A Office Supplies Company, it is vital to inform him about the potential issues stemming from a lack of systematic evaluation of the new information system. Without systematically evaluating the system, Mr. Schnieder may encounter overlapping problems, such as inefficiencies in workflow, potential data inaccuracies, and a lack of alignment with user needs. This lack of evaluation can lead to frustration among employees, possibly resulting in reduced productivity, maintenance issues, and failure to achieve the company’s objectives.

To assist Mr. Schnieder, I recommend the following checklist for employees to evaluate the utilities of the new information system:

• Does the system streamline inventory management tasks?
• Are data inputs intuitive and user-friendly?
• Is the output data clear and actionable?
• Have all employees received adequate training on the new system?
• Is there a feedback mechanism in place for ongoing issues?
• Are predefined KPIs being met with the new system?
• Is system downtime affecting operations?
• Do employees feel confident using the system?
• Have past complaints been addressed?
• Are system updates being communicated effectively?

A second evaluation method could involve holding focus group sessions with employees to gain qualitative insights into their experiences with the system. This method would encourage open dialogue about the system's advantages and shortcomings, allowing for required adjustments to enhance user satisfaction and performance.

In Problem II, we aim to construct a PERT diagram for Cherry’s homeopathic medicine company, Faithhealers. To do this effectively, we outline the tasks as defined in the problem statement. Task A (Interview Executives) and Task B (Interview staff in orders fulfillment) exist parallel to one another before transitioning to a series of dependent tasks, ultimately culminating in the staff training phase.

The critical path in this PERT diagram will involve identifying the longest stretch of dependent tasks that dictate the minimum project duration. The essence of discussing time savings in the “write use cases” phase involves recognizing that it can lead to an earlier overall project completion date. Such efficiencies can result in quicker system deployment, ultimately benefiting the company through enhanced service delivery.

In Problem III, evaluating the proposal for creating an intranet that connects U.S. distributors with European headquarters from a systems analyst perspective is essential. This proposal merits approval as it emphasizes connectivity and collaboration, addressing order processing challenges. However, it would be wise to also include additional features such as real-time analytics and user-friendly interfaces that can significantly improve the distribution process and operational efficiency.

In Problem IV, the design of a database for All Pets Clinic Pharmacy requires the construction of an ER diagram to model essential relationships among pets, veterinarians, medications, and pharmacies. Constraints such as ensuring that each pet is associated with unique identifiers and managing many-to-many relationships among pharmaceuticals and pharmacies are critical considerations.

If the policy changes to mandate fixed pricing for medications, the database schema would need to adjust to ensure that price data remain consistent across pharmacies. Such a shift would promote easier comparison for consumers. Furthermore, if the design needed to accommodate multiple prescriptions by the same veterinarian for the same pet, the schema would evolve to allow multiple entries for the same medication, retaining essential prescription information to handle various treatment cycles.

Finally, in Problem V, normalization of the un-normalized STUDENT table must be conducted meticulously. The first step involves ensuring that every record has a unique identifier, transitioning the table into first normal form (1NF) by eliminating repeating groups. The subsequent phases would involve identifying functional dependencies to achieve second normal form (2NF) and final normalization into third normal form (3NF), ensuring all non-key attributes remain dependent on the primary key.

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