Chapter 6 Object Modeling

Object
- represents a person, a place, an event, or a transaction that is significant to
the information system.
Attributes
- characteristics that describe the object.
Methods
- which are tasks or functions that the object performs when it receives a
message
Message
- a command that tells an object to perform a certain meth
Instance
- is a specific member of a class
State
- Objects can have a specific attribute
Polymorphism
- The concept that a message gives different meanings to a different object
Encapsulation
- means that all data and methods are self-contained.
- allows objects to be used as modular components anywhere in the system
Class
- An object belongs to a group or category
- identified by a rectangle with the name inside.
Subclasses
- Objects within a class can be grouped into which are more specific categories
within a class.
Superclass
- A class can belong to a more general category
Relationships
- enable objects to communicate and interact as they perform business
functions and transactions required by the system.
Inheritance
- The strongest relationship
Child
- An object
Parent
- To derive one or more of its attributes from another object
Use Case
- represents the steps in a specific business function or process
- visual summary of several related use cases within a system or subsystem
System Boundary
- shows what is included in the system (inside the rectangle) and what is not
included in the system (outside the rectangle)
Class diagram
- shows the object classes and relationships involved in a use case
Cardinality
- describes how instances of one class relate to instances of another class.
Sequence diagram
- is a dynamic model of a use case, showing the interaction among classes
during a specified time period
Lifeline
- represents the time during which the object above it is able to interact with the
other objects in the use case
- identified by a dashed line
- X marks the end of the lifeline.
Focus
- indicates when an object sends or receives a message.
- identified by a narrow vertical shape
State transition diagram
- shows how an object changes from one state to another, depending on events
that affect the object.
- appear as rounded rectangles
Initial state
- point where the object first interacts with the system
Final state
- circle at the right with a hollow border
Activity diagram
- resembles a horizontal flowchart that shows the actions and events as they
occur
Dynamic modeling tools
- Sequence diagrams
- State transition diagrams
- Activity diagrams
Key Terms
activity diagram A diagram that resembles a horizontal flowchart that shows the
actions and events as they occur. Activity diagrams show the order in which actions
take place and identify the outcome.
attribute A single characteristic or fact about an entity. An attribute, or field, is the
smallest piece of data that has meaning within an information system
cardinality A concept that describes how instances of one entity relate to instances of
another entity.
child In inheritance, a child is the object that derives one or more attributes from
another object, called the parent.
class diagram A detailed view of a single use case, showing the classes that
participate in the use case and documenting the relationship among the classes.
encapsulation The idea that all data and methods are self-contained, as in a black
box. focus In a sequence diagram, a focus indicates when an object sends or
receives a message. It is indicated by a narrow vertical rectangle that covers the
lifeline.
inheritance A type of object relationship. Inheritance enables an object to derive one
or more of its attributes from another object
lifeline In a sequence diagram, a lifeline is used to represent the time during which
the object above it is able to interact with the other objects in the use case. An X
marks the end of a lifeline.
message An object-oriented command that tells an object to perform a certain
method.
method Defines specific tasks that an object must perform. Describes what and how
an object does something.
object model Describes objects, which combine data and processes. Object models
are the end product of object-oriented analysis.
parent In inheritance, a parent is the object from which the other object, the child,
derives one or more attributes.
polymorphism The concept that a message gives different meanings to different
objects
relationships Enable objects to communicate and interact as they perform the
business functions and transactions required by a system.
state An adjective that describes an object’s current
state transition diagram Shows how an object changes from one state to another,
depending on the events that affect the object.
subclass A further division of objects in a class. Subclasses are more specific
categories within a class.
superclass A more generalized category to which objects may belong (e.g., a NOVEL
class might belong to a superclass called BOOK).
system boundary Shows what is included and excluded from a system. Depicted by
a shaded rectangle in use case diagrams.
use case Represents the steps in a specific business function or process in UML.
use case description A description in UML that documents the name of the use case,
the actor, a description of the use case, a step-by-step list of the tasks required for
successful completion, and other key descriptions and assumptions

Chapter 7 Development Strategies

Software as a Service (SaaS)

- This model still accounts for most software acquisition, a new model
- a model of software deployment in which an application is hosted as a service
provided to customers over the Internet.
Development typically follows one of three main paths:
- in-house development,
- purchase of a software package with possible modification, or
- use of outside consultants
Middleware
- Web-based software usually requires additional layers to communicate with
existing software and legacy systems
Cloud computing
 - as, “a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access
to a shared pool of configurable computing resources
Outsourcing
- is the transfer of information systems development, operation, or maintenance
to an outside firm that provides these services, for a fee, on a temporary or
long-term basis.
business process outsourcing (BPO)
- or handling a company’s entire IT function.
Service provider
- A firm that offers outsourcing solutions
Two popular outsourcing:
- application service providers
- Internet business services.
Application service provider (ASP)
- is a firm that delivers a software application, or access to an application, by
charging a usage or subscription fee.
Internet business services (IBS)
- which provide powerful web-based support for transactions such as order
processing, billing, and customer relationship management.
Fixed fee model
- uses a set fee based on a specified level of service and user support.
Subscription model
- has a variable fee based on the number of users or workstations that have
access to the application
Usage model or transaction model
- charges a variable fee based on the volume of transactions or operations
performed by the application
Offshore outsourcing, or global outsourcing
- refers to the practice of shifting IT development, support, and operations to
other countries
make or buy, or build or buy, decision
- The choice between developing versus purchasing software often
software package
 - is obtained from a vendor or application service provider
software vendors
- Companies that develop software for sale
value-added reseller (VAR)
- A firm that enhances a commercial package by adding custom features and
configuring it for a particular industry
horizontal application
- A software package that can be used by many different types of organizations
Vertical application
- a software package
developed to handle
information requirements
for a specific type of
business

Service desk or information center (IC)

- within the IT department is responsible for providing user support.
Screen generators and report generators
- allow users to design their own data entry forms and reports.
The primary objective of the evaluation and selection team is to eliminate system
alternatives
Payback analysis
- determines how long it takes an information system to pay for itself through
reduced costs and increased benefits
Return on investment (ROI)
- is a percentage rate that compares the total net benefits (the return) received
from a project to the total costs (the investment) of the project.
Net present value (nPV)
- is the total value of the benefits minus the total value of the costs, with both
costs and benefits adjusted to reflect the point in time at which they occur
Steps in Evaluating the Information System Requirements:
- Identify Key Features
- Consider network and web-related issues
- Estimate volume and future growth
 - Specify hardware, software, or personnel constraints
- Prepare a request for proposal or quotation
Request for proposal (RFP)
- is a document that describes the company, lists the IT services or products
needed, and specifies the features required.
Evaluation model
- is a technique that uses a common yardstick to measure and compare vendor
ratings.
Request for quotation (RFQ)
- is more specific than an RFP
Steps in Evaluating the Alternatives (Obtain Information from)
- Existing users
- Application Testing
- Benchmarking
Benchmark
- measures the time a package takes to process a certain number of
transactions.
Software license
- is being bought that gives the purchaser the right to use the software under
certain terms and conditions.
Maintenance agreement
- which offers additional support and assistance from the vendor
System requirements document, or Software requirements specification
- contains the requirements for the new system, describes the alternatives that
were considered, and makes a specific recommendation to management.
Logical design
- defines what must take place, not how it will be accomplished
physical design
- is like a set of blueprints for the actual construction of a building.

Key Terms
application service provider (ASP) A firm that delivers a software application, or
access to an application, by charging a usage or subscription fee.
benchmark A measure of the time a package takes to process a certain number of
transactions.
build or buy A choice between developing in-house software and purchasing
software, often called a build or buy, or make or buy, decision.
business process outsourcing (BPO) The outsourcing of a basic business process.
Outsourcing
cloud computing An online software and data environment in which applications and
services are accessed and used through an Internet connection rather than on a
local computer; refers to the cloud symbol for the Internet.
evaluation and selection team A group of people involved in selecting hardware and
software. The group includes systems analysts and users. A team approach ensures
that critical factors are not overlooked and that a sound choice is made.
evaluation model A technique that uses a common yardstick to measure and
compare vendor ratings.
fixed fee model A service model that charges a set fee based on a specified level of
service and user support.
forum An online discussion on a particular topic, where people meet, offer support,
and exchange ideas.
global outsourcing The practice of shifting IT development, support, and operations
to other countries.
horizontal application A software package that can be used by many different types
of organizations.
in-house software An information center or help desk within the IT department
responsible for providing user support and offering services such as hotline
assistance, training, and guidance to users who need technical help.
information center (IC) A facility that supports users by training them on application
software. User support specialists answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and
serve as a clearinghouse for user
problems and solutions. Also known as service desk or help desk.
Internet business services (IBS) Services that provide powerful web-based support
for transactions such as order processing, billing, and customer relationship
management.
logical design The definition of an information system’s functions and features, and
the relationships among its components.
maintenance agreement A specification of the conditions, charges, and time frame
for users to contact the vendor for assistance when they have system problems or
questions.
make or buy The choice between developing in-house software and purchasing
software often is called a make or buy, or build or buy, decision.
managed hosting An operation is managed by the outside firm, or host. Another term
for Internet business services (IBS).
middleware Software that connects dissimilar applications and enables them to
communicate and exchange data.
mobile devices Smartphones, tablets, and other computing devices that are not
permanently tethered to a. They connect to the network wirelessly.
net present value (nPV) The total value of the benefits minus the total value of the
costs, with both the costs and benefits being adjusted to reflect the point in time at
which they occur.
newsgroup An online discussion on a particular topic, where people meet, offer
support, and exchange ideas. The electronic equivalent of the physical bulletin
board. Also called a forum.
offshore outsourcing The practice of shifting IT development, support, and operations
to other countries.
outsourcing The transfer of information systems development, operation, or
maintenance to an outside firm that provides these services, for a fee, on a
temporary or long-term basis.
payback analysis A determination of how long it takes an information system to pay
for itself through reduced costs and increased benefits.
physical design A plan for the actual implementation of the system.
report generator A tool for designing formatted reports rapidly. Also called a report
writer.
request for proposal (RFP) A written list of features and specifications given to
prospective vendors before a specific product or package has been selected.
request for quotation (RFQ) Used to obtain a price quotation or bid on a specific
product or package.
return on investment (ROI) A percentage rate that measures profitability by
comparing the total net benefits (the return) received from a project to the total costs
(the investment) of the project.
ROI = (total benefits − total costs) / total costs.
screen generator An interactive tool that helps design a custom interface, create
screen forms, and handle data entry format and procedures. Also called a form
painter.
service desk A centralized resource staffed by IT professionals that provides users
with the support they need to do their jobs. Also called help desk.
service-oriented architecture (SOA) A way of engineering systems in which reusable
business functionality is provided by services through well-defined interfaces.
service provider A firm that offers outsourcing solutions. Two popular outsourcing
options involve application service providers and firms that offer Internet business
services.
Software as a Service (SaaS) A model of software delivery in which functionality is
delivered on demand as a network-accessible service
software license A legal agreement that gives users the right to use the software
under certain terms and conditions.
software package Software that is purchased or leased from another firm.
software requirements specification A document that contains the requirements for
the new system, describes the alternatives that were considered
software vendor Company that develops software for sale.
subscription model A service model that charges a variable fee for an application
based on the number of users or workstations that have access to the application.
transaction model A service model that charges a variable fee for an application
based on the volume of transactions or operations performed by the application. Also
called a usage model.
user application Programs that utilize standard business software, such as Microsoft
Office, which has been configured in a specific manner to enhance user productivity.
user interface Includes screens, commands, controls, and features that enable users
to interact more effectively with an application.
value-added reseller (VAR) A firm that enhances a commercial package by adding
custom features and configuring it for a particular industry.
vertical application A software package that has been developed to handle
information requirements for a specific type of business.
Web 2.0 A second generation of the web that enables people to collaborate, interact,
and share information much more dynamically, based on continuously available user
applications rather than static HTML webpages.