Homework 1
Unit 3 Software development
Homework 1: Systems analysis methods
1. The software development life cycle is often shown in graphical form as shown
below:
Analysis
Maintenanc
Design
e
Implementati
Evaluation
on
(a) Why is it shown as a never-ending cycle? [1]
(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
A description of how the data will be processed is
2
drawn up
3 User and technical documentation is written
The user tests the system to make sure it does what it
4
is supposed to do
Users fill in questionnaires about what they think the
5
problems are with the current way of doing things
6 A test plan is drawn up
The software is modified to allow a new method of
7
inputting data
The systems analyst observes how the current system
8
works
A new menu item is added to the software because of
9
a change in user requirements over time
A programming language or software package to be
10
used for implementing the system is chosen
11 The software is coded and tested
1
Homework 1
Unit 3 Software development
2
Homework 1
Unit 3 Software development
2 Mark each of the following statements as TRUE or FALSE. [4]
True or
Statement
false?
The Waterfall software development life cycle uses
1
prototyping
A prototype can either be a throw-away or can be
2
refined through several cycles
3 The Spiral model is suitable for small projects
A lifecycle model which uses prototypes is more likely
4
to result in what the customer actually wants
Pseudocode and flowcharts are used in the Analysis
5
stage of the software development life cycle
A model using prototypes is time-consuming because
6 of the process of getting feedback, and is therefore
more costly than other types of model
The Agile model is developed in rapid incremental
7
cycles, with each version building on the previous one
In the Agile model, customers, developers and testers
8
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]
Total 20 marks