A business’s computer system needs to be updated.
The new system is now ready for implementation.
Outline one reason testing should take place at every stage of the development process.
-
Testing is important (at every stage) to make sure the system operates in line with user requirements/as intended
1 mark - To prevent the end user being dissatisfied with the final system
1 mark
- To prevent the end user being dissatisfied with the final system
-
Testing is important to enable early discovery of errors
1 mark - To reduce time delay/ using more resources / avoid higher cost
1 mark
- To reduce time delay/ using more resources / avoid higher cost
Award [2 max]
Identify one stakeholder to be considered when planning the new system.
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End users:
- employees
- customers
- community members
- media
- suppliers
-
Business owners:
- managers
- shareholders
- investors
Award [1 max]
Outline one consequence of not including all stakeholders in the design of the new system.
User dissatisfaction: because the system does not meet user requirements
Developers not being paid for the final product: as the business owner requests are not evident in the final product/or outside of the project's scope
Unsuccessful final product: The developed system may either solve a different problem/is not user friendly as compared to the existing system
Award [2 max].
Note
Describe two appropriate techniques to gather the information needed to find a suitable solution for the updated system.
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Examining current systems (using interviews/surveys/direct observation)
1 mark - To compare the existing system against possible requirements to identify missing features
1 mark
- To compare the existing system against possible requirements to identify missing features
-
Examining competing products
1 mark - To compare own system with competitors to enable decisions on features to add
1 mark
- To compare own system with competitors to enable decisions on features to add
-
Review of organizational capabilities
1 mark - To determine how well the organization manages resources to gain an advantage over competitors
1 mark
- To determine how well the organization manages resources to gain an advantage over competitors
-
Literature searches
1 mark - To research current methods and to help inform development choices
1 mark
- To research current methods and to help inform development choices
Note
Evaluate two methods the business could use to implement the new system. Include the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Parallel running:
- The old and new systems run together, so if a problem is found with the new system, it can be repaired/the old system can take over.
1 mark - This is expensive as duplicate systems and staff are needed
1 mark
Pilot running:
- The new system is only implemented in one branch of the organization so disruption is kept to a minimum
1 mark - It can take a long time for the new system to be fully implemented / two systems are still in operation within the organization, leading to duplication and possible errors
1 mark
Direct changeover:
- The new system is implemented overnight so the changes happen very quickly
1 mark - If the new system fails, the company has no working system to fall back on
1 mark
Phased conversion:
- Only one area/department/part of the system is updated at a time, so the disruption is kept to a minimum
1 mark - Multiple systems which may not be compatible with each other will be running at the same time
1 mark
Note
Note
Note
