chapter 07

File: ch07, Chapter 7: Moving Into DesignMultiple ChoiceIn what SDLC stage do we determine the business needs for an information systems project?The design phaseThe analysis phaseThe dissection stageThe installation stageThe big bang stage

Ans: bResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

System design is the determination of the overall system architecture-consisting of a set of physical processing components, _______________, and the communication among them-that will satisfy the systems essential requirements.WorkmanshipOrder entry methods, HR feedbackHardware, Software, PeopleEngineering data plans, fiber optic specificationsNone of the above

Ans: cResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

In the initial stage of design, what are business requirements converted into?System RequirementsWork Order SummaryComputer Qualifications ChecklistVanilla System Hardware Blueprint

Ans: aResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

During the design stage, the team must create a(n) _________ by specifying access restrictions and by identifying the need for ________, authentication and virus control.System, integrationSecurity breach, emergency accessSecure system, encryptionAutomated program, constant testingPecking order, governmental access

Ans: cResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Easy

Where are the decisions stored that are made regarding the hardware and software that will be purchased to support the new system?Order ManifestHardware Sales ReceiptSuppliers Computer SystemPresidents OfficeHardware and Software Specification

Ans: eResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Easy

The system inputs and outputs will be designed along with a plan or__________ of the way the systems features will be navigated.BlueprintCompassInstructional GuideRoadmapFAQ

Ans: dResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

_______ repository entries are updated to reflect specific technology decisions as they are made.DFDSequentialCASEHardwareNone of the above

Ans: cResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

Which of the following lists indicates the correct ordering of deliverables in a system specification document?System Acquisition Weighted Alternative Matrix, Interface Design, Physical Data Model Data Storage DesignData Storage Design, Interface Design, Architecture Design, Updated Crud MatrixHardware and Software Specifications, Interface Design, Data Storage Design, Architecture DesignProgram Design Specifications, Physical Data Model, Data Storage Design, Architecture DesignUpdate CASE Repository Entries, Update CRUD Matrix, Interface Design, Architecture Design

Ans: aResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

If on a limited time budget, the best way to be sure you remain efficient and effective in designing a system is to utilize the ____________.Porters 5 Forces ModelOutsourcing ModelRAD and Timeboxing TechniquesHire/Fire Motivational TheoryNot Attempt the Project

Ans: cResponse: See Avoiding Classic Design MistakesDifficulty: Medium

The system specification contains what?Design documents, hardware and software specificationPhysical process models, interface designPhysical data modelArchitecture designAll of the above

Ans: eResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

How many ways does the text suggest one can approach the creation of a new system?12347

Ans: cResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

What skills are necessary when undertaking a custom software design?TechnicalFunctionalProject ManagementA and CA, B, and C

Ans: eResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

For efficiency purposes, it is wise to___________ when there is a basic software need to be satisfied.Implement a company-wide project team to handle a custom software scriptingPurchase a packaged systemDesign a blueprint and contract an outside vendor to develop a programMake do with the current software packageUtilize a professional consultant to develop a system of servers7

Ans: bResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Easy

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems are:All-encompassing systemsDifficult to install and can result in serious problems for a companyCheaper since they are created by a third partyA and BB and C

Ans: dResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Hard

Workarounds are:Not supported by a vendor who supplied the softwareDesigned by the vendorCreated to interface two software packages that are compatible with each otherEnterprise Wide Software Packages that are designed for satellite useNone of the above

Ans: aResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Hard

Systems Integration refers to:The process of synching all computers to the mainframeThe delivery of systems to the final destination officeCombining packaged software, the legacy system and new softwareAdding the original hard drives to a newer systemCreating a new software to monitor power consumption

Ans: cResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

What makes systems integration so difficult?Finding the original data to install on the new serverCreating a ghost drive to house the old informationInstalling new software packages on older machinesBringing legacy system data and new data togetherNone of the above

Ans: dResponse: See Transition System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

Another name for custom development might be:

Offshore outsourcingIn-house developmentVendor supplied in-house consultingCASE toolsPackage software

Ans: bResponse: see Custom DevelopmentDifficulty: easy

Which might NOT be a good package software solution?

Payroll at Cloverfarms dairyAccounts receivable at StaplesRocket control software for NASACourse management system at the University of NebraskaScanning software for Kroger grocery stores

Ans: cResponse: see Packaged SoftwareDifficulty: easy

Which is probably true about packaged software

In most cases, the software is a perfect fit for the companies needPackaged software works best where the company has a unique needThe time frame is flexible to longThe business need is commonThe project has a highly skills project manager who has been with the company for many years and has an excellent relationship with both business users and the IT development staff

Ans: dResponse: see Packaged SoftwareDifficulty: easy

Outsourcing can include:Hiring an external vendorHiring an external developerHiring an external service providerA and CA, B and C

Ans: eResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: easy

Outsourcing firms called _____________ supply software applications and/or software related services through the Internet.Application Service Providers (ASPs)Enterprise Resource Providers (ERPs)System Development Life Cycle Companies (SDLCs)Information Technology Developers (ITDs)None of the above

Ans: aResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: Medium

A time and arrangements deal is considered:Very flexibleVery rigidCheaper than any other optionUseless when considering a systems designAlways the best option for any project


Fixed-price contracts are considered:Very flexibleVery rigidAlways cheaper than any other optionUseless when considering a systems designAlways the best option for any project

Ans: bResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: Medium

Value-added projects are:When the outsourcer earns a percentage of the completed systems benefitsNot a feasible option for any project at any timeGaining popularityA and CNone of the above

Ans: dResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: Medium

Custom development is used when:The business need is uniqueThe business need is not core to the businessThe project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor effortsThe time frame is shortThe skills are not strategic


Packaged systems are used when:The business need is not core to the businessThere is a desire to build in-house skillsThe time frame is flexibleThe project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor effortsThe decision to outsource is strategic

Ans: dResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: Medium

Application service providers might be best associated with:

In-house developmentPackaged softwareUnique and strategic systemsOutsourcingInternet Service Providers

Ans: dResponse: see OutsourcingDifficulty: easy

Matt is an analyst for the Pauxtis Media Company. He is in his office at 5:00 a.m. every Tuesday morning for a project update videoconference. He is probably involved in:

In-house developmentWorking with vendors on an RFPCustomizing a package to fit Pauxtis Working with his regional Ernst and Young consulting teamOffshore outsourcing

Ans: eResponse: see OutsourcingDifficulty: medium

Outsourcing is used when:The project has a project manager who can coordinate vendor effortsThere is a desire to build in-house skillsIn-house functional and technical skills existThe business need is not core to the businessNone of the above

Ans: dResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: med

What can push a project off track?FundingStaffingBusiness usersA and BA, B and C

Ans: eResponse: Project ManagementDifficulty: hard

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) serve what purpose?Integrate systems with one anotherCreate synergy amongst staff membersSolicit information from providersEngage mobile computers with mainframe technologyDevelop morale amongst managers

Ans: cResponse: Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: hard

Becky is preparing a document that has detailed description of needs, special technical factors, evaluation criteria, timetable and more. She is probably working on a(n):

CRUD matrixAlternative MatrixRFPERPDFD

Ans: cResponse: see Selecting an Acquisition strategyDifficulty: medium

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) should containDetailed description of needsSpecial technical needsEvaluation criteriaA and BA, B and C

Ans: eResponse: Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: hard

When only a price is needed from a vendor, the following will likely be requested from the possible vendors:Request for Proposal (RFP)Request for Information (RFI)Request for Quote (RFQ)Request for Efficient Information Distribution (REID)More Optimal Desires (MOD)

Ans: cResponse: Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: medium

The following document is utilized with possible vendors on projects with smaller budgets, instead of sending a lengthy document to all possible vendors:Request for Proposal (RFP)Request for Information (RFI)Request for Quote (RFQ)Request for Efficient Information Distribution (REID)More Optimal Desires (MOD)

Ans: bResponse: Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: medium

A Request for Information (RFI) is used with vendors when there is a need for ________?PricingData AnalysisInformationNetwork Associate Password HelpNone of the above

Ans: cResponse: Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: easy

The score column in the Alternative Matrix represents what?How expensive the install will beHow easy the install will beHow well the criteria are met by the alternativeHow long the coded page will beA and D

Ans: cResponse: Alternative MatrixDifficulty: hard

The design phase of the SDLC:

Produces a users manual, does users training and creates online documentation for the new systemInvolves writing of code (generally in an object oriented language)Uses the output of JAD sessions to create logical use cases and DFDsInvolves interviewing of users to determine requirementsUses the requirements that were gathered during analysis to create a blueprint for the future system

Ans: eResponse: see IntroductionDifficulty: easy

CRUD matrix can be used in the design phase to work with tables and possible user interaction with those tables. The letter C in CRUD stands for:

ComputerCreateCommunicateCompleteConstant

Ans: bResponse: see Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

The letter R in CRUD matrix (for tables and user involvement) stands for:

ReplaceReplicateRelationshipReadRead-only

Ans: dResponse: see Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

The letter D in CRUD matrix stands for:

DeleteDeny useDeliverDocumentDenormalize

Ans: aResponse: see Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: easy

Which of the following is normally NOT done in the design phase of the SDLC?

Decisions for hardware and software purchases are madeUser interactions are planned out (inputs, outputs, user interfaces)Cost / Benefits of the new system are carefully calculatedLogical DFDs and ERDs are converted into physical DFDs and ERDsThe physical data model is created

Ans: cResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

Which is NOT a part of the System Specification document?

Use CasesPhysical Data ModelUpdated CRUD matrixArchitecture DesignSystem Acquisition Weighted alternative Matrix

Ans: aResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

Which of the following is NOT a system acquisition strategy as presented in the book?

Custom developmentOutsourcing to a regional consultant (like IBM)Use a JAD session to acquire the systemUsing the companys programming staff to write the code (aka in-house development)Buying a pre-written software package

Ans: cResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: medium

If (a) the business need is unique, (b) there is a desire to build in-house skills; (c) the time frame is flexible, it might be best to:

Do in-house / custom developmentBuy an ERP systemOutsource to IndiaPurchase a software packageHire a consultant

Ans: aResponse: See Business Need (especially figure 7-4)Difficulty: medium

If (a) the business need is common; (b) the skills needed are not strategic; (c) the time frame is short; it might be best to:

Use in-house / custom developmentHire a vendor to write the code for youOutsource to IndiaPurchase a software packageHire a consultant

Ans: dResponse: See Business Need (especially figure 7-4)Difficulty: medium

If (a) the business need is not core to the business; (b) the project has a highly skilled project manager; (c) in-house functional or technical experience does not exist; it might be best to:

Use in-house / custom developmentBuy an ERP systemOutsource to a company specializing in that technologyPurchase a software packageHire a consultant

Ans: cResponse: See Business Need (especially figure 7-4)Difficulty: medium

One problem with using packages software systems is:

It takes a very long time to get the system and get it installedThe company has to accept the functionality that is provided with the systemMany common software packages have been written and tested and are readily availableThere are many good software packages that are reasonable in priceMost software packages allow for some customization

Ans: bResponse: See Business Need (especially figure 7-4)Difficulty: medium

An advantage of custom development might be:

You get a system that is tailored to the current business and meets specific needsThe rapid development of custom systemsThe low cost (as compared to buying a package)The low risk factorThe ability for in-house developers to work on systems that are in new programming languages and in technologies that are unknown to them prior to the development

Ans: aResponse: see Custom DevelopmentDifficulty: medium

Which is NOT true of outsourcing?

It can be done offshoreIt can be done by an ASPThere can be a low cost of entryIt requires a large in-house staffIt can reduce internal IT costs

Ans: dResponse: See OutsourcingDifficulty: easy

Which is NOT one of the primary contract types made with outsourcing?

Time and arrangementsFixed-price contractDistance and confluence contractValue-added contractPaying for the expenses and time to get the job done

Ans: cResponse: see OutsourcingDifficulty: medium

Which is NOT a recommended guideline for managing outsourcing?

Define and stabilize requirements before signing a contractDont outsource what you dont understandEmphasize rigid expectations and short-term relationshipsSelect the vendor, developer or service provider carefullyKeep the lines of communication open between you and your outsourcer

Ans: cResponse: see OutsourcingDifficulty: medium

Which is NOT a factor in choosing a development option?

Data base normalizationIn-house experienceTime frameProject skillsProject management

Ans: aResponse: see Business NeedDifficulty: easy

What percentage of companies on the InformationWeek 500 list of business technology innovators say they engage in offshore IT outsourcing?

0 to 10%10% to 25%25% to 40%40% to 60%Over 60%

Ans: eResponse: see Business NeedDifficulty: medium

In terms of project management, which option might require excellent project management skills and a proven methodology?

Outsourcing to NebraskaOutsourcing to IndiaBuying a packaged solutionDoing custom developmentBuying an ERP system

Ans: dResponse: see Project ManagementDifficulty: hard

RFP is an acronym for:

Reason for ProgrammingRequest for ProposalRational Forensics PlatformRelationship with Foreign ProvidersReal Forecast Project

Ans: bResponse: see Selecting an acquisition StrategyDifficulty: easy

Which of the following will probably NOT be part of a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

Certain key facts that the vendor requiresSpecial technical needsProcedures to followProject timetableUse case diagrams

Ans: eResponse: see Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: easy

A Request for Proposal (RFP) will result in a:

Vendor proposal that is a binding offer to accomplish the tasks described in the RFPGentlemans agreement on the offerSubstantially more expensive projectCustom developmentReduction in in-house programming effort

Ans: aResponse: see Selecting a Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: medium

A table that can be used to look at various design options is a(n):

RFPCRUDGantt ChartAlternative MatrixSQL query

Ans: dResponse: see Alternative MatrixDifficulty: easy

When using an alternative matrix, frequently analysts will assign ____________ to certain factors to signify the importance of the factor in the decision.

ProbabilitiesReluctance factorsWeightsProject sponsorsData stores

Ans: cResponse: see Alternative MatrixDifficulty: easy

An outsourcing arrangement where you pay no more than what was expected is known as a(n):

Time and arrangements contractFixed-price contractValue-added contractDistance and time contractBilling operational contract

Ans: bResponse: See OutsourcingDifficulty: easy

True FalseSystem requirements are communicated through a collection of design documents and physical processes and data models.Ans: True

Response: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

Business requirements are communicated through a collection of design documents and physical processes and data models.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

The decision to make, to buy, or to outsource influences the design tasks that are performed throughout the rest of the design phase.

Ans: TrueResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Easy

There is no need to determine the reliability or performance of a new system due to the inherent dangers all technologies pose.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Easy

CASE repository entries are updated to reflect specific technology decisions as they are made.

Ans: TrueResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

Prototyping is the interface design step that often uncovers additional information that is needed in the system, leading to a revision of the physical DFDs or ERPs.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition From Requirements to DesignDifficulty: Medium

There is absolutely no need for designing a custom system since there are already so many pre-packaged systems available to any company regardless of its size.

Ans: FalseResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Easy

Building a system in-house builds technical skills and functional knowledge that one may not want to allow to walk out of the door.

Ans: TrueResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Easy

Highly skilled IS Professionals are easy to hire and retain.

Ans: FalseResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Easy

In a custom software case, all parts of the system need to be completely customized and scripted to the companys specifications including ancillary software to the current system.

Ans: FalseResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

Letting technology drive a business can be dangerous.

Ans: TrueResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

A workaround is a custom-built add-on program that interfaces with packaged applications to handle specific needs.

Ans: TrueResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

The key challenge in systems integration is avoiding a system wide crash upon installation of legacy software.

Ans: FalseResponse: See System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: Medium

Outsourcing requires the least in-house resources.

Ans: TrueResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: Easy

Outsourcing firms called Application Software Providers (ASPs) supply software applications and/or software related services through the Internet.


Application Software Providers (ASPs) should be utilized when considering non-core programming and/custom needs.

Ans: TrueResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: Medium

Time and arrangements deals are potentially more expensive if the service provider requires unforeseen resources to complete the project on time.


If the business need is core to the business then it is best to outsource the system development.

Ans: FalseResponse: OutsourcingDifficulty: hard

A common need to the business should be satisfied by contracting with an Application Service Provider (ASP).


Custom development that can be achieved by the in-house team and core business practices are both examples of times when outsourcing is not an option.


The only skills that are applied during systems projects are technical.

Ans: FalseResponse: Project SkillsDifficulty: easy

The only skills that are applied during systems projects are functional.

Ans: FalseResponse: Project SkillsDifficulty: easy

The score column in the Alternative Matrix represents how easily specific criteria are met by the alternative.

Ans: TrueResponse: Alternative MatrixDifficulty: easy

An IT department has just received its newest onslaught of system maintenance requests from the finance, marketing and accounting divisions and has added them to the growing list of fixes needed. Tomorrow, there will be a request placed by the CTO that there is to be a new processing system put into place that will take the place of the current MS Word system. The best alternative is to utilize a custom program that will replace the original program.

Ans: FalseResponse: Influences on Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: easy

A department head is apprehensive as to what implementation system he should employ. The best method of ensuring a successful and efficient installation of the new systems would be to utilize an alternative matrix.

Ans: TrueResponse: Alternative MatrixDifficulty: easy

The Design phase of the SDLC uses the requirements that were gathered during analysis to actually build (and code if necessary) the final system.

Ans: FalseResponse: See IntroductionDifficulty: Medium

The Design phase of the SDLC builds on the logical designs from the analysis phase (like logical ERDs and logical DFDs)

Ans: TrueResponse: See IntroductionDifficulty: medium

The design phase decides how the new system will operate.

Ans: TrueResponse: See introductionDifficulty: easy

During the initial part of design, the project team converts the business requirements for the system into system requirements.

Ans: TrueResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: easy

During the design phase, physical aspects of the system (like physical DFDs and physical ERDs) are converted and rebuilt into logical aspects.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: easy

One systems development option is to build a system from scratch.

Ans: TrueResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: easy

One systems development option is to have a system developed by using an outsourcing strategy.

Ans: TrueResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

One systems development option is to let users build their own system using tools like Excel and Access, with support from the Microsoft help desk.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

CRUD stands for Create, Redesign, Update and Deploy and is a matrix of table functions in databases.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition from Requirements to Design (actually first defined in chapter 6)Difficulty: hard

During the design phase, the project team carefully considers the nonfunctional business requirements (such as performance, cultural and political aspects).

Ans: TrueResponse: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

In the analysis phase, architecture decisions are made and written up in the hardware and software specifications.

Ans: FalseResponse: See Transition from Requirements to Design (it is the design phase!!)Difficulty: medium

EssaayAt the end of the design phase, there is a document named the system specification that describes the different design documents and their uses. What is the consolidated purpose of this deliverable and why is it important?

Ans: The system specifications document contains the: physical process models, physical data model, architecture design, hardware and software specification, interface design and program design. These elements represent the blueprint for the physical system layout inclusive of server configurations, cable connectivity and any ancillary devices that will be a part of the overall system. Additionally, the documents contain software, hardware and technical specifications that will enable programmers and service personnel to operate the machinery as well as to prescribe the proper workaround, patches, fixes and software additions and upgrades to the physical system.

This is an important consolidation of documents because it provides the creator, end user and maintenance engineers with a written model of the system they are about to implement which will minimize errors as well as allow for timely and effective corrective measures.Response: See Transition from Requirements to DesignDifficulty: medium

What types of influences are there on determining the type of installation to pursue with relation to resources and the acquisition of a new system?

Ans: When considering a new system, there are five different items to consider.

First, one must consider the business need. Is it unique? Is it able to be solved with simple packaged software? Is the need core to our system? This will influence the project strategy as a whole and determine the overall expense of the project.

Second, in-house experience will determine whether or not there is enough skill located within the current set of employees to manufacture the desired outcome.

Third, project skills: do we have the ability to learn this with our programmers or will we need to outsource programmers to assist us?

Fourth, project management, can we complete the task with our current management team or will we need consultants to assist us in completing the task?

Fifth, how much time do we have? Will we be able to complete the project quickly or are we on a tight time budget? Will we need additional manpower to push the project through?

Response: See Business Need (and figure 7-4)Difficulty: mediumWhat is an alternative matrix? What does it do?

Ans: An alternative matrix is a chart that compares the pros and cons of a projects attributes based on a grading scheme across the multitude of acquisition methods. The purpose of the chart is to help the IT acquisition team in determining the best alternative for their specific need. Without performing this analysis, it is difficult to determine the ultimate implementation plan based on an objective comparison system.Response: see Alternative MatrixDifficulty: mediumWhat are the three acquisition strategies? Describe them.

Ans: Custom development, packaged software and outsourcing are the three acquisition strategies.

Custom development utilizes the project teams skills in creating a ground-up software solution. This is often the most time consuming and demanding on in-house resources. This is a great alternative if the nature of the project is conducive to the skills already present in-house and the need is core to the business itself.

Packaged software is by far the fastest of the implementation strategies. This option is when the acquisition team installs a pre-written packaged software solution into its current IT configuration. Often times workarounds are required to intertwine the systems; however, this takes the bulk of the programming out of the equation and doesnt completely remove the programmers from their everyday tasks for as long as a custom development strategy.

Outsourcing utilizes external programmers and engineers. This is often expensive if the terms of the contract are not laid out clearly and accurately in the beginning. In an ideal situation, external programmers can be brought in-house so they may educate the current team for future projects. If this is not an alternative and time is of the essence, exporting the responsibilities to an external vendor can expedite the process of programming. A significant downside to outsourcing is that your system is exposed to the outside vendors staff, which can be a security concern if the system data and/or processes are mission-critical or of a sensitive nature.Response: see System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: medium

There are three request systems utilized by system acquisition teams. What are they and what are their differences?

Ans: The three request systems utilized by IT acquisition teams are commonly known as RFP, RFI, and RFQ.

RFP is a request for proposal that is submitted to a vendor when the in-house team needs the specifications, time-frame, system description and how the system proposed will fit their needs.

RFI is a request for information that is submitted by the acquisition team to a vendor for general information; it is usually targeted to a wider vendor audience to gather basic information about possible solutions. Its use is often followed with a targeted RFP to the most possible vendors.

RFQ is a request for quote. This is the final step after the list of equipment needed is determined and complete. All that is required is a vendors price to complete the job. Response: see Selecting an Acquisition StrategyDifficulty: medium

Jeff is an analyst. The human resources department is very unhappy with their payroll package. They want the information systems department to write them a new package as they think they have unique needs that cant be meet with a packaged solution. What should Jeff do?

Ans: Payroll is a very common application and there are many good payroll programs on the market. Jeff really needs to understand what the problems with the current package are. Is it old (i.e. only runs on a mainframe system)? What functions does HR want to do that the package does not support? In that payroll information must be reported to state and federal officials for tax reasons, it probably dont not make sense to write a complete package but to find one that meets HR needs. After a detailed investigation, it may be best to create either an RPI or RPQ to get additional information and bids from potential vendors.Response: see System Acquisition StrategiesDifficulty: medium

NewTechSystems has contracted with a well-known regional consulting company (RCC). In the original contract, the agreement was for time-and-arrangements, but lately it seems like there are excessive time amounts and excessive arrangements. Sometimes what seems minor to NewTechSystems with an estimated time of under 2 hours takes RCC 20 hours. What discussions need to take place?

Ans: It would seem like RCC either has (a) slow, inept people handling this account; (b) found errors that escaped NewTechSystems view; (c) is milking NewTechSystems for more money and being unethical. NewTechSystems needs to fully review the arrangement with RCC and review the work that is billed. Is the work needed and legitimate? A high-level meeting with NewTechSystems and Regional Consulting Company is needed now. Response: See OutsourcingDifficulty: medium

NewTechSystems has contracted some subsystem development to Indian Technology Group from Bangalore India. Paul is managing the account for NewTechSystems. When he asks for a status report, he seems to get a vague answer. When he calls to talk to the manager who was in charge when the contract was negotiated, that person is always out of the office or unavailable and never returns phone calls. The subsystem is needed next month for incorporation into the updated system. What should Paul do?

Ans: (will vary) It seems like maybe there is a communication problem. Paul needs to find another manager to talk to or to find out an exact time to call the original manager. It might be that all is going fine, but it might also be that there are problems.Response: See OutsourcingDifficulty: hard

chapter 07

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