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System Analysis Methods Overview

The document discusses different software development life cycle models including waterfall and spiral models. It provides details about each stage in the waterfall model and asks questions about which model would be best for a large, complex website project. The waterfall model involves sequential stages of analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation with little feedback between stages. The spiral model allows for more client feedback through prototyping. For the website project, the spiral model would be recommended over the waterfall due to the complex requirements and need for client input.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
81 views3 pages

System Analysis Methods Overview

The document discusses different software development life cycle models including waterfall and spiral models. It provides details about each stage in the waterfall model and asks questions about which model would be best for a large, complex website project. The waterfall model involves sequential stages of analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation with little feedback between stages. The spiral model allows for more client feedback through prototyping. For the website project, the spiral model would be recommended over the waterfall due to the complex requirements and need for client input.

Uploaded by

hannahfridge
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Homework 1 System analysis methods

Unit 3 Software development

1. The software development life cycle is often shown in graphical form as shown below:

(a) Why is it shown as a never-ending cycle? [1]


Because once the system has been operating for a while you may need to update it or bring out
a new product so the cycle reapeats again.

(b) Fill in the table to show at which stage each of the following steps occurs.
The first one has been done for you. [5]

Stage
The systems analyst interviews people who will use
1 Analysis
the software

2 A description of how the data will be processed is drawn up design

3 User and technical documentation is written Implementation

The user tests the system to make sure it does what it is


4 Evaluation
supposed to do
Users fill in questionnaires about what they think the problems Evaluation
5
are with the current way of doing things ANALYSIS

6 A test plan is drawn up Design

The software is modified to allow a new method of


7 Maintainence
inputting data
Evaluation
8 The systems analyst observes how the current system works
ANALYSIS
A new menu item is added to the software because of a
9 Maintainence
change in user requirements over time
A programming language or software package to be used for
10 Design
implementing the system is chosen

11 The software is coded and tested Implimentation

1
Homework 1 System analysis methods
Unit 3 Software development

2 Mark each of the following statements as TRUE or FALSE. [4]

Statement True or false?

1 The Waterfall software development life cycle uses prototyping FALSE

A prototype can either be a throw-away or can be refined


2 TRUE
through several cycles

3 The Spiral model is suitable for small projects FALSE

A lifecycle model which uses prototypes is more likely to result


4 TRUE
in what the customer actually wants
Pseudocode and flowcharts are used in the Analysis stage of TRUE
5
the software development life cycle FALSE
A model using prototypes is time-consuming because of the
6 process of getting feedback, and is therefore more costly than TRUE
other types of model
The Agile model is developed in rapid incremental cycles, with
7 TRUE
each version building on the previous one
In the Agile model, customers, developers and testers
8 TRUE
frequently interact with each other

3. A software company, TOPS, has been asked to build a large complex website for a rapidly
expanding company, Acme Electronics Ltd. Acme feels they have outgrown their current
website and they want to have a completely new website built, with a new design and much
more functionality. TOPS has been recommended to them because it has a team of very
experienced designers and programmers.
Describe the waterfall and spiral software development models. Discuss the advantages
and disadvantages of each.
State which you would recommend for this project, giving reasons for your answer.
In this question you will be marked on your ability to use good English, to organise
information clearly and to use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. [10]

In the waterfall software development model a series of steps are followed in a chronological
cycle. The first stage is the analysis where the problem is identified and the company will
interview their client to see what the client wants and what the product will need to include.
The users may also be involved in this stage by filling out a questionare to see what they
want to be included in the final product. The system analysis then observes how the system
works. The next stage is the design stage where the developer will then see how they weill
go about the implimenation stage. This includes producing flow diagrams and using
psudocode. A test plan is drawn up to allow the programmers to prepare how they will go
about developing the product. In the implimentation stage the plan is used and code is
created and tested using normal errrorous and boundary testing once completed and any
eroors wil be corrected. Once this is done the product is evaluated and feedback is given by
the client. A disadvantage of this model compare dto the spiral model is that there is little to
no communication with the client during the product being create, meaning that it may not
be as accurate to what the client would have wanted.

4/10

2
Homework 1 System analysis methods
Unit 3 Software development

Total 20 marks

Common questions

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For developing a large, complex website, the Spiral model may be more suitable than the Waterfall model because it accommodates ongoing client feedback and iterative improvements. This flexibility is essential for complex projects that may encounter changing requirements or technological challenges during development. The iterative nature of the Spiral model helps in incorporating new features and addressing issues promptly, leading to a more refined and client-aligned end product .

The software development life cycle is shown as a never-ending cycle because after a system has been operating for a while, it may need updates or a new product may be necessary, causing the cycle to repeat .

Ongoing client feedback is crucial in the Spiral model because it allows developers to continuously refine and adjust the product to better meet the client's evolving needs and preferences. This iterative process enhances the likelihood of delivering a final product that aligns closely with client expectations .

The Waterfall model follows a strict, linear sequence of stages, from analysis to maintenance, with little client interaction during development. This can lead to a product that may not meet client needs if requirements change. The Spiral model, however, is more iterative and involves ongoing client feedback, allowing for adjustments as the project develops. The Spiral model might be preferred for large, complex projects requiring flexibility, while the Waterfall model could suit projects with clearly defined requirements from the start .

Involving users during the Analysis stage is crucial because it helps ensure that the system requirements align with user needs. By understanding the problems users face with current systems and what improvements they desire, developers can design solutions that are more likely to satisfy actual user requirements and expectations .

The Maintenance stage contributes to the software development lifecycle being classified as a cycle because it involves ongoing updates and modifications to the software to address new user requirements or to improve functionality. These continual changes ensure the software remains relevant and effective, thus repeating the cycle of development and maintenance .

A potential drawback of using a prototype-based lifecycle model is that it can be time-consuming and costly. The process involves creating multiple iterations of the prototype, gathering feedback, and making adjustments, which requires significant resources and can extend the development timeline compared to linear models like Waterfall .

The Agile model differs from traditional models like Waterfall by being iterative and collaborative, involving frequent interactions between customers, developers, and testers. Unlike the sequential Waterfall model, Agile focuses on rapid incremental development, allowing for adjustments based on continual feedback. This approach can lead to a product that better meets user needs and adapts to changing requirements .

The Spiral model might not be suitable for small projects because it involves a complex iterative process with multiple cycles of prototyping, testing, and redesign. This can be resource-intensive and may not be cost-effective or necessary for small-scale projects with straightforward requirements .

Pseudocode and flowcharts play a critical role in the Design stage by providing a clear, step-by-step representation of how the software will function. They help developers plan the logic and structure of the software, facilitating the transition to the implementation stage where the code is written .

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