1.

Tangible Investments Corporation

1. Explain the main purpose of prototyping. Prototype is an early, rapidly constructed working version of the proposed information system. Prototyping is used to test a model that represents system inputs, outputs and processes. After the prototyping users can approve it or request changes. In this case it is the same. 2. Explain why a prototype might or might not evolve into the final version of the system. The end product of system prototyping is a full-featured, working model of the information system, ready for implementation. Systems analysts use prototyping to verify user requirements. In case that prototype satisfies all of them, it might evolve to the final version of the system. There is an approach which is called design prototyping, or throwaway prototyping, in which case the prototyping objectives are more limited, but no less important. The end product of design prototyping is a user-approved design prototype that documents the features of the finished system. Design prototyping makes it possible to capture user input and approval while continuing to develop outputs, inputs, and user interfaces. After that the prototype is discarded. 3. Describe the tools typically used in developing prototypes. Most prototyping is done using CASE tools, application generators, report generators, screen generators, and fourth-generation languages (4GLs). In combination, these tools provide a framework for rapid, efficient software development called a fourthgeneration environment. Systems analysts use CASE tools to create a series of diagrams and definitions, which generate a data dictionary automatically. Application generators can help develop computer programs rapidly by translating a logical model directly into fourth-generation language (4GL) code. Report generators can be used to design formatted reports rapidly and create mock-up reports that users can review before final decisions are made. Screen generators can help you design a custom interface, create screen forms, and handle data entry format and procedures. 4GL languages include Microsoft Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Visual J++. These languages are called event driven (because a programmer specifies the actions that the program must perform when certain events occur) and nonprocedural (because the programmer does not write a series of instructions that the program follows from start to finish) 4. List three advantages and three disadvantages of prototyping. Advantages: System developers can create accurate specifications for the finished system based on the prototype which helps to avoid misunderstandings between them and users. Prototyping reduces the risk and potential financial exposure that occur when a finished system fails to support business needs. Systems analysts can use a prototype to develop testing and training procedures before the finished system is available. Disadvantages:

In very complex systems, the prototype becomes unwieldy and difficult to manage. The rapid pace of development can create quality problems, which are not discovered until the finished system is operational. Other system requirements, such as reliability and maintainability, cannot adequately be tested using a prototype.

2. Albatross Airfreight
Situation: Albatross Airfreight specializes in shipping cargo via air across North America. In an effort to modernize, the company has begun to computerize manual business processes. The new IT infrastructure includes a computer system that tracks cargo from departure point to destination. At this point, the new system is ready for implementation. Systems analysts are modularizing the system, and programmers are ready to start coding the first modules.

1. What issues should systems analysts and programmers discuss before they proceed with the project? Systems analyst must provide programmers with clear instructions and specifications for coding and testing, they should develop program design and documentation DFDs, class diagrams, object models, process descriptions and anything else that would help a programmer understand how a program must function and its relationship to other programs and modules, together. 2. As a systems analyst on this project, how would you describe your primary responsibilities, and how could you contribute to the quality of the finished product? Analysts responsibilities would be to develop the schedule, estimate the costs involved for this phase, keep users and managers informed of the progress of the implementation, conduct meetings, and write reports, and documentation to support the system. Analyst would also design an initial test plan, with testing steps and test data for integration and systems testing. 3. As a programmer, how would you describe your primary responsibilities, and how could you contribute to the quality of the finished product? Programmers primary responsibilities are to design and write the code. Programmers also perform code review, and unit testing during application development. Programmers are also responsible for program flowcharts and pseudocode, as well as program documentation. 4. Will the use of structure charts be beneficial during this stage of development? Discuss the advantages of structure charts compared with flowcharts and pseudocode. Structure charts will be very beneficial at this stage. They show specific relationships among the program modules, which is not indicated in program flowcharts or pseudocode.