Software Engineering: A Methodical Approach (2014)

PART F. Final Preparations

This short division has two objectives:

· To help you to review and assimilate the concepts and principles covered in the course so that you will be able to apply them to real situations

· To help you prepare for final examinations

The division consists of a final chapter that includes sample exercises and examination questions for your use.

Chapter 20. Sample Exercises and Examination Questions

This final chapter consists of the following:

· Introduction

· Sample Assignment 1A

· Sample Assignment 2

· Sample Assignment 3A

· Sample Assignment 4A

· Sample Assignment 5A

· Sample Assignment 6A

· Sample Assignment 7A

· Sample Assignment 8A

· Sample Interim Examination 1A

· Sample Interim Examination 2B

· Sample Final Examination A

· Sample Final Examination B

20.1 Introduction

This chapter provides you with some sample examination questions and exercises, designed to help you solidify in your mind, the concepts and principles covered in the course. The problems are arranged in assignments and examinations. The intent is to facilitate teachers of the course, who may be using the text, as to assignments that may be given to students (of course, the teacher may make his/her own adjustments). The intent is also to enlighten students using the text, as to the type of problems they are likely to be asked to solve.

Generally speaking, assignment questions are more demanding than examination questions, and require more time. You will also observe that most of the examination questions are drawn from actual assignments. You should therefore do the assignments before attempting the examinations. The suggested weight (in points) for each question is indicated immediately following the question in curly brackets.

No solution is provided for the problems posed in this chapter, for the following reasons:

· The problems are intended to test your understanding of the materials covered. If you find that you are struggling with the solution to a problem, then you need to review the relevant sections before continuing.

· In some cases, there may be more than one solutions to the problem(s) posed. This in typical in software engineering, where you analyze alternate solutions to a problem, and choose the most prudent one.

· If you are using this book as a prescribed text for a course in software engineering, your professor will want to have a say in what questions you ought to focus on.

20.2 Assignment 1A

Question 1

1a. Develop an organization chart for your college/university, or any other organization with which you are familiar. {20}

1b. By examining the chart, propose a set of component information systems that could part of an integrated information system for the organization. {06}

Question 2

2a. Develop a job description for software engineer in a software engineering firm. {20}

2b. Propose an organization chart for the firm. {16}

Question 3

What category (or categories) of software would be best suited for the following scenarios? {13}

3a. An organization’s financial management {03}

3b. Diagnosing certain respiratory and viral diseases {01}

3c. Aiding the development of other software {03}

3d. Preparation of technical documents {02}

3e. Assisting a senior business executive to make the right decisions {02}

3f. Transmitting data over a network {01}

3g. Building a company database {01}

Question 4

Suppose that you were on a project team to develop an integrated information system for your college or alma mater.

4a. Propose coding systems for the following:

· Student Identification {02}

· Employee Identification {02}

· Department Code {01}

· Course Code {02}

· Academic Program Code {01}

4b. Also propose your revision of the institution’s student application form. {10}

Question 5

5a. Give four examples of software development tools. Give four advantages of these products. {08}

ba. Discuss three system life cycle models, citing the advantages, disadvantages and the situation(s) that would warrant each approach. {18}

20.3 Assignment 2

Question 1

Pay-back is defined as the time required for recovering the expenditure on a project, assuming that interest rate remains constant.

1a. Suppose that a feasibility study reveals that your institution can be fully computerized in 18 months at a cost of $4M. It is further estimated that once fully automated, the college will save $50,000.00 per month. How long will it take to recover the initial monetary outlay, assuming that interest rates are kept constant? {04}

1b. Suppose that the interest rate over the next fifteen years is projected at 10% per annum. By using the payback period as a guide, conduct a NPV analysis to determine whether the project would be economically viable. What would you advise? What would be your recommendation? {08}

Question 2

Zealot Industries is a manufacturing and distribution firm that currently faces severe competition. It is fast loosing once loyal customers to its competitors. At a management retreat, it was determined that the main reason for the company’s fate is due to Zealot’s outdated information infrastructure. Further, the managers agreed that the company needed to acquire a comprehensive integrated system that spans all critical aspects of the firm’s operation. The problem is, due to Zealot’s uniqueness (which the company wants to preserve), there is no readily available software product that would meet the company’s needs. The following alternatives were identified:

As Zealot’s lead software engineer on the project, construct an evaluation grid that will facilitate objective and thorough analysis of each alternative and determination of the most prudent one. Explain how you would proceed with the analysis and determination. {16}

Hint You have two alternate approaches:

Alternative 1: Remember your quality factors and your feasibility factors (use two evaluation grids or a grid that merges both sets of factors).

Alternative 2: Remember your PDM, TELOS and MURRE factors (use one evaluation grid).

Question 3

3a. What are the methodologies for obtaining information that are available to the software engineer? {06}

3b. A survey is required to determine the symptoms of certain categories of diseases: sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), viral diseases, respiratory diseases. Twelve doctors are to be consulted.

Would you use interview or questionnaire? Defend your choice. {02}

3c. Develop a questionnaire or interview question list (depending on your answer to the previous question) to capture the information required. {12}

Question 4

The manager of an auto-shop wants to be at least 90% certain that there is a bug in the current stock management module of his inventory system, before considering to replace it. He contracts an analyst to advise him. After sampling thirty (30) items of the same unit of measure, the analyst runs each through the system and obtains a closing stock. He summarizes his findings as follows:

Sample Size ............ 30

Margin of error … +/- 1 unit

Standard deviation … 2.795

Mean closing stock … 10 units

Should the manager replace the suspicious module? Show your reasoning. {04}

Note 95% => Z = 1.96 99% => Z = 2.58

Question 5

5a. What is the first deliverable of a software engineering project? State and briefly clarify its contents. {20}

5b. What is the second deliverable of a software engineering project? State and briefly clarify its contents. {24}

5c. Describe a methodology for evaluating and selecting project alternatives. {12}

5d. What are the essential issues to consider in a feasibility study? {12}

Question 6

Suppose that you were the lead software engineer on a project to design and develop a software system to facilitate on-line registration of students of your college/university.

6a. By conducting a set of brain-storming sessions or otherwise, construct a preliminary list of object types (information entities) that you would expect to be represented in this system. For each entity, provide a brief description of the type of data that it will host, and the operations to be defined on it. {40}

6b. Propose an information topology chart that represents your on-line registration system. {12}

6c. Propose a user interface topology chart that represents your on-line registration system. {20}

6d. One important object type that must be in your model is the Student object type. Propose a finite state machine for Student, showing the different states that a Student instance may be in. {08}

20.4 Assignment 3A

Question 1

1a. When would you use a HIPO chart as opposed to a process oriented flowchart (POF)? {04}

1b. State the main use of the procedure analysis chart. {02}

1c. Compare the process oriented flow chart with the DFD, identifying the main difference(s) and similarity(ies). {06}

1d. A variety store manager wishes to computerize its operation. The main issues to address are as follows:

· Purchases from external vendors, signaled by invoices.

· Purchases affect the purchase log, as well as accounts payable and the inventory logs.

· Inventory management as affected by purchases and sales.

· Every inventory item belongs to a category.

· Sale of goods to customers (credit sales) as well as cash sales. Sales affect the sales log, as well as the inventory log.

From the information given, develop a POF or a DFD of a proposed system. {10}

Question 2

ABC Inc. is a software engineering firm offering accredited training in Information technology (in various specific areas) to the public. The company is currently computerizing its training program. The following table shows some information and processes to be managed.

Figure 20-1. ABC Process Plan

2a. From the information given, develop a POF for the system (the chart should indicate what the "Application Detail Files" might be). {12}

2b. Identify some possible outputs that may be obtained from the system and include them on the chart. {08}

Question 3

BDF inventory management includes the following key operations:

· Purchase orders are sent to company suppliers whenever raw materials are needed. These are logged in the purchase order file.

· Purchases from suppliers, signaled by purchase invoices.

· Purchases (made from company suppliers) affect the purchase invoice log (file), as well as Accounts payable (file) and the inventory file.

· Inventory management as affected by purchases and sales.

· Every inventory item belongs to a category.

· Large customers periodically send sale orders in, requesting certain furniture pieces. These are logged in the sale order file.

· Sale of goods to customers (credit sales) as well as cash sales. Sales affect the sales invoice log (file), the accounts receivable file, and the inventory file.

3a. From the information given, identify all inputs and information entities in the system. {13}

3b. Use the information to develop a POF or a DFD of the Inventory Management System. {14}

3c. Propose an information topology chart for the system. {10}

Question 4

Suppose that the Student entity is part of a college information system. A Student instance may be in a state of applied, accepted, oriented, registered, on-probation, on-leave, or graduated. Additionally, in given state, the instance may be modified. Propose an FSM for the Studententity. {16}

20.5 Assignment 4A

Question 1

1a. Clearly outline the steps involved in conducting a PERT-CPM analysis. {08}

1b. Explain how a PERT diagram and a Gantt chart may be used to assist in the management of a software engineering project. {04}

Question 2

A project involving the installation of a computer system consists of eight activities as shown in the activity table below:

Figure 20-2. Sample Project A

2a. Draw the PERT network for this project. {14}

2b. Identify the critical path. {02}

2c. What is the expected completion time for the project? {02}

2d. Identify three activities that can be delayed and for each, determine the slack. {03}

Question 3

LMX Software considering developing a new software system. The project activities identified so far are shown below:

Figure 20-3. Sample Project B

3a. Develop a PERT network for the project. {14}

3b. Identify the critical path. {02}

3c. Determine the total project duration. {02}

3d. Identify three activities that can be delayed and for each, determine the slack. {03}

20.6 Assignment 5A

Question 1

1a. Compare OOD to FOD showing the major points of divergence. {04}

1b. Give four advantages of OOD over FOD. {04}

1c. Describe in your own words, four approaches to architectural design and cite a situation that would warrant each approach. {16}

Question 2

2a. Why are software standards important (give six reasons)? {06}

2b. State ten issues to be addressed in software standards. {10}

Question 3

3a. State six major problems that are likely to occur from poor database design. {06}

3b. The following is an excerpt from the requirements for a college academic administration system:

· Courses are offered by various departments without any overlap (a department offers anywhere between 5 and 30 courses).

· The courses make up academic programs, in some instances a course may occur in more than one program. Academic programs are offered by departments (no overlap allowed).

· A faculty typically consists of several departments.

· A lecturer is scheduled to lecture at least two courses. Each course is lectured in a specific lecture room.

· A student may register for several courses; typically a course is pursued by a minimum of fifteen students.

· Each student is registered to one department only.

From the information given, develop an ERD. {14}

Question 4

4a. Explain how you would proceed to categorize operations to be developed for a software system. {05}

4b. How important is operations specification? If you were in charge of operations specification on a software engineering project, what methodology would you use, and what detail would you specify for each operation? {15}

Question 5

The Student entity (object type) of the question 3 contains the following attributes: IdNbr, Name, Gender, DateOfBirth, Major and DeptNbr. Each student has a unique identification number (IdNbr). The department (DeptNbr) to which a student is assigned must previously exist in the Department entity. Also, the student’s major must reside in the Academic Program entity. Gender must be male or female and DateOfBirth must be a valid date in the 20^th or 21^st century.

Propose an EOS for the operation to allow addition of valid student records (your outline may include either a Warnier-Orr diagram or pseudo code). {20}

20.7 Assignment 6A

Question 1

The Inventory Management Information System (IMIS) of a marketing company has the following database specification:

· The company has several warehouses, each storing certain inventory items without overlap.

· The company has a cadre of suppliers, each supplying various items of inventory, with possible overlap.

· The company purchases items by first sending a purchase order to a supplier (of course, the supplier could receive several orders). Each purchase order details the items required. In responding to the purchase order, the supplier submits an invoice, detailing the items supplied, along with other relevant information.

· The company may also sell items from its inventory. In such a case, a sale-invoice is submitted to the customer, which details the items sold, along with other relevant information.

· A sale-invoice is usually with respect to a sale-order, received from a customer. A sale-order is essentially a purchase order, coming into the company, from one of its customers.

· Each inventory item belongs to a category.

· A department may make a requisition for inventory items. In response, inventory items may be issued to department(s).

1a. From this information, develop an ERD. {30}

1b. By conducting a brainstorming session (or otherwise), and using your E-R diagram as well as guidelines in Figure 10-8 of Chapter 10, construct an initial Entity Specification Grid (ESG) for the IMIS project. {100}

1c. Propose an EOS for an operation to inquire on inventory items in the system. {20}

Question 2

2a. Briefly describe the three alternatives to structuring the help system of contemporary software. {06}

2b. Briefly describe two approaches to managing messages that a software product might send to the end-user. {04}

2c. Briefly describe the six stages in the design of real-time systems. {12}

3. During the requirements specification of an integrated MIS for a hotel, the following information was documented:

Figure 20-4. Hotel Management System Overview

3a. Assuming that the information given describe object types (or entities) in each sub-division, and that details are readily available, show how you would proceed to design a menu driven user interface, using principles of OOD (do not attempt to add any new entity). {14}

3b. What enhancement(s) would you make to your basic design in order to accommodate experienced users as well as novices? {04}

20.8 Assignment 7A

Question 1

1a. Outline a procedure for maintaining excellent software quality. {05}

1b. State and briefly clarify the software quality factors. {12}

1c. Apart from software quality, state three other issues that are important during the development of a software system. {03}

Question 2

2a. Why is human resource management important in a software engineering project? {04}

2b. From a software engineering perspective, choose your four favorite management styles. For each, briefly describe the approach, then state the advantages and disadvantages. {24}

Question 3

3a. If you were the lead software engineer for a software engineering firm, and you had the opportunity of hiring programmers and junior software engineers, what precautions would you follow to ensure the selection of the best candidates? {05}

3b. State and briefly clarify five criteria that you would use to assess the candidates. {05}

Question 4

4a. Summarize three imperatives that a software engineer should pursue in creating a desirable working environment. {06}

4b. Summarize the steps involved in creating and preserving accountability during a software engineering project. {04}

4c. “Succession planning is naive and foolish. Why should you train someone else to relieve you of your job?” Discuss this moot. {04}

20.9 Assignment 8A

Question 1

1a. What is the difference between software cost and software price? {02}

1b. What factors affect software engineering cost? {04}

1c. What factors affect software price? {06}

Question 2

2a. What factors affect software value? {03}

2b. Summarize three approaches for assessing software productivity. {12}

2c. Provide an overview of one popular software estimation model. {10}

Question 3

3a. State and briefly clarify six critical issues to be addressed during the implementation of a software system. {12}

3b. Suppose that you were in charge of implementing a comprehensive software system for your institution or alma mater. Your new system actually replaces several splinter systems that were used; these systems were independent and not integrated. Your new system is integrated, involving various aspects of the college operation.

By carefully assessing each implementation factor (as stated in the previous question), explain how you would proceed with the implementation. {18}

Question 4

4a. State and briefly clarify six factors that are likely to affect the cost of maintaining a software system. {06}

4b. State four reasons legacy systems are prevalent in the business community. Also describe three approaches for treating such systems. {07}

4c. State and briefly clarify five activities that are likely to take place during software re-engineering. {05}

4d. Describe a scenario that would warrant the use of software integration techniques. {02}

20.10 Sample Interim Examination 1A

Answer all four questions

Question 1

1a. What is software engineering and how does it relate to the management of an organization? {03}

1b. Propose a job description for a software engineer in a software engineering firm. {14}

1c. Name three of the key organizational divisions you would expect in such a firm. {03}

Question 2

2a. Suppose that you were on a project team to develop an integrated information system for your institution. Propose coding systems for the following:

· Student Identification {02}

· Employee Identification {02}

· Department Code {02}

· Course Code {02}

2b. A Software Engineering firm is offering to the public, accredited training in IT. It is desirable to design an application form for would be trainees. The information provided on the form is to be keyed into the computer and stored in the company's database. Using established principles of forms design, sketch what your application form might look like.

Your application form should capture the following information: name, address, telephone number, name and address of next of kin, educational record and qualification, course preference(s), marital status, sex, dexterity, date of birth, height, weight, Employment history, current job, career ambition, references (three), and criminal record. {12}

Question 3

3a. What is the purpose of a feasibility study? Briefly elaborate on the essential issues to be considered in a feasibility study. {13}

3b. How would you proceed to evaluate system alternatives and recommend the most prudent alternative? {04}

3c. State three essential elements to be considered when evaluating system cost? {03}

Question 4

4a. “Problem definition is not critical to the success of a software engineering venture; what is required is smart programming.” Discuss this moot. {05}

4b. What is the first deliverable in a software engineering project? Briefly discuss the main components of this deliverable. {15}

20.11 Sample Interim Examination 2B

Answer all four questions.

Question 1

1a. State four (4) alternate approaches to information gathering that are available to the software engineer, citing a situation that would warrant each approach. {04}

1b. A survey is required to determine the symptoms of certain categories of diseases — sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), viral diseases, respiratory diseases. Twelve doctors are to be consulted.

State four (4) alternate approaches to information gathering that are available to the software engineer, citing a situation that would warrant each approach. {04}

1c. Develop a questionnaire or interview question list (depending on your answer to the previous question) to capture the information required. {14}

Question 2

BDF inventory management includes the following key operations:

· Purchase orders are sent to company suppliers whenever raw materials are needed. These are logged in the purchase order file.

· Purchases from suppliers, signaled by purchase invoices.

· Purchases (made from company suppliers) affect the Purchase Invoice Log (file), as well as accounts payable (file) and the inventory file.

· Inventory management as affected by purchases and sales.

· Every inventory item belongs to a category.

· Large customers periodically send sale orders in, requesting certain furniture pieces. These are logged in the sale order file.

· Sale of goods to customers (credit sales) as well as cash sales. Sales affect the Sales Invoice Log (file), the Accounts Receivable file, and the Inventory file.

2a. From the information given, identify all inputs and information entities in the system. {13}

2b. Use the information to develop a POF or a DFD of the Inventory Management System. {14}

2c. Propose an information topology chart for the system. {10}

Question 3

3a. In structured decision systems, what occasion(s) would warrant the use of the following?

· Structured English {02}

· Decision Table {02}

· Decision Tree   {02}

3b. When would you use an extended-entry decision table as opposed to a simple decision table? {04}

3c. Reduce the following decision table to the minimum number of rules. {10}

Figure 20-5. Decision Table for Sale of Products

Question 4

LMX Software considering developing a new software system. The project activities identified so far are shown below:

Figure 20-6. LMX Software Project

4a. Develop a PERT network for the project. {14}

4b. Identify the critical path. {02}

4c. Determine the total project duration. {02}

4d. Identify three activities that can be delayed and for each, determine the slack. {03}

20.12 Sample Final Examination A

This examination consists of four (4) sections. You are required to do all questions in Section A and one question from each of the other three sections.

Section A: Answer all questions from this section.

1.1 What is software engineering, and how does it relate to management of an organization? {03}

1.2 State four (4) categories of computer software to which you have been exposed. {04}

1.3 Examine a software life cycle model: state the basic concept, identify two advantages, two disadvantages, and a situation that would warrant the use of such a model. {07}

1.4 If you were in charge of building a comprehensive information system for your institution, which life cycle model would you use and why? {02}

1.5 Suppose that you were on a project team to develop an integrated software system for your institution. Propose coding systems for the following: {04}

· Employee Identification

· Course Code

2.1 State the first, and three other deliverables of a software project. Mention four important ingredients of the first deliverable. {08}

2.2 Describe one method of evaluating system alternatives. Be sure to mention the evaluation criteria used in your methodology. {12}

Section B: Answer one question from this section.

3.1 When would you use a HIPO chart as opposed to a POF? {04}

3.2 Compare the process-oriented flow chart with the DFD, identifying three similarities and three differences. {06}

3.3 A variety store manager wishes to computerize its operation. The main issues to address are as follows:

· Purchases from external vendors, signaled by invoices.

· Purchases affect the Purchase Log (file), the Accounts Payable (AP) file, and the Inventory file.

· Inventory Management as affected by purchases and sales.

· Every inventory item belongs to a category.

· Sale of goods to customers affects the Sales Log file, the Accounts Receivable file, and the Inventory file.

From the information given, develop POF or a DFD of a proposed system. {10}

4.1 In structured decision systems, what occasion(s) would warrant the use of the following?

a. Structured English {02}

b. Decision Table {02}

c. Decision Tree {02}

4.2 When would you use an extended-entry decision table as opposed to a simple decision table? {04}

4.3 Reduce the following decision table to the minimum number of rules. {10}

Figure 20-7. Decision Table for Sale of Products

Section C: Answer one question from this section.

5.0 LMX Software considering developing a new software system. The project activities identified so far are shown below:

Figure 20-8. LMX Software Project

5.1 Develop a PERT network for the project. {14}

5.2 Identify the critical path. {02}

5.3 Determine the total project duration. {01}

5.4 Identify two activities that can be delayed and for each, determine the slack. {03}

6.0 The following is an excerpt from the requirements for a college Academic Administration System:

Figure 20-9. Sample Database Requirements for Academic Administration System

6.1 From this information, develop an ERD. {14}

6.2 State two products that could be used to implement the database for this system. {02}

6.3 State four problems that are likely to occur if the database is not correctly designed. {04}

Section D: Answer one question from this section.

7.1 Contrast object-oriented design (OOD) with function-oriented design (FOD), showing the main areas of divergence. {04}

7.2 Give four advantages of OOD over FOD. {04}

7.3 During the requirements specification of an integrated MIS for a hotel, the following information was documented:

Figure 20-10. Hotel Management System Overview

Assuming that the information given describe object types (or entities) in each sub-division, and that details are readily available, show how you would proceed to design a menu driven user interface, using principles of OOD (do not attempt to add any new entity). {12}

8.1 Give four advantages of software standards. {04}

8.2 State four key issues that software standards should address. {04}

8.3 How do standards relate to quality assurance during software development. {08}

8.4 Apart from standards and quality assurance, what other issues/challenges must be resolved during software development? {04}

9.0 LMX Software Inc. has developed comprehensive information system to take care of various aspects of administration of a college/university. The company is preparing to implement the system at Knox College. Knox College currently relies on a system that was developed in the early 1980s; it is highly unreliable and incomprehensive.

9.1 What operating environment would you recommend for the system? Justify your answer. {03}

9.2 In LMX Software’s implementation plan, who should train the senior administrators and the clerical staff respectively? Defend your answer. {03}

9.3 What other issues should LMX Software pay close attention to? State these issues, and for each, provide some guidelines for the LMX Software Team. {10}

9.4 The existing system at Knox College is an example of a legacy system. Provide two reasons such systems are prevalent. Also briefly describe two other alternatives (not mentioned in the case) for dealing with such systems. {04}

20.13 Sample Final Examination B

This examination consists of four (4) sections. You are required to do all questions in Section A and one question from each of the other three sections.

Section A: Answer all questions from this section.

1.1 What is software engineering? {02}

1.2 For each of the following scenarios, state what category (or categories) of software would be best suited. {06}

a. Diagnosing certain respiratory and viral disease:

b. Aiding the development of other software:

c. Preparation of technical documents:

d. Assisting a senior business executive to make the right decisions:

e. Transmitting data over a network:

f. Building a company database:

1.3 State six primary functions, and two critical roles of the software engineer. {08}

Functions:

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

Roles:

a.

b.

1.4 State four software life cycle models. {04}

a.

b.

c.

d.

2.1 State four important deliverables of a new software engineering project. {04}

a.

b.

c.

d.

2.2 “Problem definition is not critical to the success of a software engineering venture; what is required is smart programming.” Briefly discuss this moot. {04}

3.0 Below are two lists of terms. Each term in list 1 describes an aspect of software engineering, and has at least two terms in list 2 that directly relate to it. However, not all the terms in list 2 directly relate to terms in list 1. For each term in list 1, indicate the terms in list2 that directly relate to it. {12}

Figure 20-11. Software Engineering Puzzle

Section B: Answer one question from this section.

4.1 What is the main objective of a feasibility study? {01}

4.2 State three methods of information gathering that are available to the software engineer. {03}

4.3 Zealot Industries is a manufacturing and distribution firm that currently faces severe competition. It is fast loosing once loyal customers to its competitors. At a senior management retreat, it was determined that the main reason for the company’s fate is due to Zealot’s outdated information infrastructure. Further, the managers agreed that the company needs to acquire a comprehensive integrated software system that spans all critical aspects of the firm’s operation. The problem is, due to Zealot’s uniqueness (which the company wants to preserve), there is no readily available software product that would meet the company’s needs. The following alternatives were identified:

· As Zealot’s lead software engineer on the project, construct an evaluation grid that will facilitate objective and thorough analysis of each alternative and determination of the most prudent one. Explain how you would proceed with the analysis and determination. {16}

Hint You have two alternate approaches:

Alternative 1: Remember your quality factors and your cost factors (use two evaluation grids).

Alternative 2: Remember your PDM, TELOS and MURRE factors (use one evaluation grid).

5.0 ABC Inc. is a software engineering firm offering accredited training in information technology (in various specific areas) to the public. The company is currently computerizing its training program, developing a Training Information Management System (TIMS). The figure below shows some user functions to be managed. Use the information provided in the figure to answer the following questions:

Figure 20-12. Summary of Some Operations of the TIMS, ABC Inc.

5.1 Develop a process POF for the system (the chart should indicate what the “Application Detail Files” might be). {12}

5.2 Include on the chart, some possible outputs that may be obtained from the system. {08}

Section C: Answer one question from this section.

One central data entity (or object type) in any computerized Human Resource Management System (HRMS) is the Employee entity. All other entities revolve around it. For instance:

· An employee may have several dependents.

· Each employee is assigned a classification, a department, and a job description. Of course, a classification, department, or job description may apply to several employees.

· Each employee has an employee history, an academic history and professional qualifications.

· Each employee has a work log, as well as a payment log.

6.1 From the information given, develop an ERD for the HRMS. {14}

6.2 Propose a Warnier-Orr diagram or pseudo-code for adding employees to the company database. To do this, you may assume that your algorithm will include a sub-routine for validating non-key attributes of the employee record (you do not need to show this sub-routine). Also assume that there are sub-routines (which you do not need to write) for adding other records (in respective entities) which are related to the employee record. {06}

7.0 A project involving the installation of a computer system consists of eight activities as shown in the activity table below:

Figure 20-13. Final Examination B Sample Project

7.1 Draw the PERT network for this project. {14}

7.2 Identify the critical path. {02}

7.3 What is the expected completion time for the project? {02}

7.4 Identify three activities that can be delayed and for each, determine the slack. {03}

Section D: Answer one question from this section.

8.1 Briefly describe two alternatives to structuring the help system of contemporary software. {04}

8.2 Briefly describe two approaches to managing messages that a software product might send to the end users. {04}

8.3 Briefly describe the six stages in the design of real-time systems. {12}

9.1 Give four advantages of software standards. {04}

9.2 State four key issues that software standards should address. {04}

9.3 How do standards relate to quality assurance during software development? {08}

9.4 Apart from standards and quality assurance, what other issues/challenges must be resolved during software development? {04}

10.0 Suppose that Amigo Software Inc. has been contracted to computerize the operation of your institution, and you are the lead software engineer on the team:

10.1 Describe the operating environment you would prescribe for the institution. Should it be distributed or centralized? Defend your answer. {04}

10.2 Your software system is to replace two legacy systems called Quo-Data and White-Horse respectively. Do you anticipate conducting code conversions? Defend your answer. How would you proceed? {04}

10.3 What strategy would you use for changing from the old systems to the new system? Defend your answer and explain how you would proceed. {04}

10.4 Who would you assign the responsibility of training the department heads, the secretaries, faculty members (who are not department heads), and student workers respectively? {04}

10.5 Identify four (4) aspects of the system that you would strongly recommend for subsequent Web accessibility. {04}