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.
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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].
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
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
