Here are the explanations for each question, assuming a 7-mark grading

scale:

Q1. What is Structured Analysis? And what are the new goals specified by the
structure analysis and what are primary steps in structure analysis and what
are the attributes of structured analysis?

* Structured Analysis (SA) is a top-down approach to analyzing and

designing information systems. It breaks down a complex system into
smaller, more manageable components.

* Goals of SA:

* To understand the current system's functionalities.

* To identify areas for improvement or optimization.

* To design a new or improved system that meets specific requirements.

* Primary Steps in SA:

* Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs): Visualize the flow of data through the
system.

* Data Dictionary: Define data elements and their relationships.

* Process Specifications: Describe the logic of each process in detail.

* Attributes of SA:

* Modularization: Breaking the system into smaller modules.

* Top-down design: Starting with a high-level overview and then refining

details.

* Focus on data: Data is the central element of the system.

Q2. What are the tools of structured analysis discuss each in briefly

* Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs): Visual representations of the flow of data

within a system. They show processes, data flows, data stores, and external
entities.

* Data Dictionary: A repository of information about data elements, their

attributes, and their relationships.

* Process Specifications: Detailed descriptions of the logic and steps

involved in each process.
* Decision Tables: Tabular representations of complex decision-making logic.

* Decision Trees: Tree-like diagrams illustrating decision-making processes.

* Structured English: A formal language used to describe processes in a

structured manner.

Q3. Describe the concept and procedures used in constructing a DFD

illustrate with example.

* DFDs are visual representations of the flow of data within a system. They
consist of four main symbols:

* Processes: Rectangles representing actions or transformations on data.

* Data Flows: Arrows indicating the movement of data between processes

or data stores.

* Data Stores: Open-ended rectangles representing data at rest.

* External Entities: Rectangles with rounded corners representing entities

outside the system.

* Steps to Construct a DFD:

* Identify the system boundaries: Determine what is included and excluded

from the system.

* Identify the processes: Break down the system into smaller processes.

* Identify the data flows: Determine how data moves between processes
and data stores.

* Identify the data stores: Identify where data is stored.

* Identify the external entities: Determine who or what interacts with the
system.

* Example: Consider an online shopping system. The DFD might show

processes like "Customer Places Order," "System Processes Order," and
"System Updates Inventory." Data flows might include "Customer
Information," "Product Information," and "Order Confirmation." Data stores
could be "Customer Database," "Product Database," and "Order Database."

Q4. What basic rules are relevant to construct a DFD using an example
explain how detail a did should be

* Basic Rules for DFDs:

 * Each process should have at least one input and one output.

* Data flows should be labeled with the data being transmitted.

* Data stores should be labeled with the type of data stored.

* External entities should be labeled with their names.

* Level of Detail: The level of detail in a DFD depends on the purpose of the
diagram. High-level DFDs show the overall flow of data, while low-level DFDs
show the details of individual processes.

Q5. Define the following terms:

* Data Set: A collection of related data items.

* Aggregates: Groups of related data elements within a data set.

* Segments: Subsets of data elements within an aggregate.

* Data Structure: The organization of data elements within a data set.

Q6. Illustrate how data elements and processes are described.

* Data Elements: Described in the data dictionary using attributes like name,
type, size, and description.

* Processes: Described in process specifications using structured English,

decision tables, or decision trees.

Q7. In what ways a decision tree and dataflow diagram is related and what
about the decision tree and structured English?

* Decision trees can be used to represent the logic of a process within a

DFD. They show the different conditions and their corresponding actions.

* Structured English can be used to describe the details of a process in a

more natural language format. It can be used in conjunction with decision
trees to provide a more complete description of the process.

Q8. (Mind Blowing) Consider the following scenario:

* A. Draw a decision tree based on the statement.

* B. Develop a decision table for the statement.

Q9. What cost elements are considered in cost-benefit analysis which

element do you think is the most difficult to estimate and why?

* Cost Elements in Cost-Benefit Analysis:

 * Development costs

* Operational costs

* Maintenance costs

* Training costs

* Intangible costs (e.g., loss of productivity, customer dissatisfaction)

* Most Difficult to Estimate: Intangible benefits are often the most difficult to
estimate because they are subjective and difficult to quantify.

Q10. Define and explain the procedure for cost-benefit determination.

* Cost-Benefit Analysis is a technique used to evaluate the financial

feasibility of a project. It involves identifying costs and benefits, estimating
them, and calculating the Net Present Value (NPV) to make informed
decisions.

* Procedure:

* Identify all relevant costs and benefits.

* Estimate the magnitude of each cost and benefit.

* Assign appropriate discount rates to future cash flows.

* Calculate the NPV of the project.

* Compare the NPV to a predetermined threshold to make a decision.

Q11. Distinguish between the following:

* Opportunity cost vs. Sunk cost

* Opportunity cost: The value of the next best alternative forgone.

* Sunk cost: A cost that has already been incurred and cannot be
recovered.

* Direct cost vs. Indirect cost

* Direct cost: A cost that can be directly traced to a specific product or

activity.

* Indirect cost: A cost that cannot be directly traced to a specific product or

activity.

* Fixed cost vs. Tangible cost

 * Fixed cost: A cost that remains constant regardless of the level of activity.

* Tangible cost: A cost that can be measured in monetary terms.

* Tangible benefit vs. Intangible benefit

* Tangible benefit: A benefit that can be measured in monetary terms.

* Intangible benefit: A benefit that is difficult to measure in monetary

terms.

Q12. What are the pros and cons of the following evaluation methods:

* Payback Method:

* Pros: Simple to understand and calculate.

* Cons: Ignores the time value of money and cash flows after the payback
period.

* Cash Flow Analysis:

* Pros: Considers the timing of cash flows and the time value of money.

* Cons: Can be complex to calculate and interpret.

* Break-Even Analysis:

* Pros: Helps determine the point at which a project becomes profitable.

* Cons: Does not consider the time value of money and assumes constant
costs and revenues.