Course Project

Week 3 Problems/Exercises Chapters 5 & 6

Chapter 5

1:  One of the potential problems mentioned in this chapter with gathering information requirements by observing potential system users is that people may change their behavior when observed. What could you do to overcome this potentially confounding factor in accurately determining information requirements?

The analyst could conduct observations in such a manner that the effect on the users’ behavior is minimized. This could be done using a confederate or by a hidden camera. The analyst could also ensure that they are using only open ended questions. The analysts could also perform multiple observations over time. This would tend to minimize the effects of aberrant behaviors. Alternatively, the analysts could supplement their requirements determination with additional data collection methods.

3: Suppose you were asked to lead a JAD session. List ten guidelines you would follow in playing the proper role of a JAD session leader.

* Hold the meeting off site

* Set an agenda and keep the session on track

* Remain neutral on issues

* Identify and address critical political and organizational issues early

* Establish the executive sponsor as the tiebreaker

* Require that attendance and participation are mandatory

* Stress that all participants are equal regardless of job code

* Make sure the facilitator is fully trained and prepared

* Maintain order

* Respond to ideas, not people

Chapter 6

8:  Consider the DFD in Figure 6-20. List three errors (rule violations) on this DFD.

* Process P1 only has inputs not outputs. Black hole

* Data cannot move directly from an outside source to a data store.

* Data cannot move directly from a source to a sink.

9:  Consider the three DFDs in Figure 6-21. List three errors (rule violations) on these DFDs.

* The inputs to a process are different from the outputs of that process Level 0 DF3 Input DF3 Output