SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN November 2022

2920/301 SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN November 2022 Time: 3 hours

THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE II
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of EIGHT questions.
Answer any FIVE questions in the answer booklet provided.
All questions carry equal marks.
Candidates are required to answer the questions in English.

This paper consists of 4 printed pages.
Candidates should check the question paper to ensure that all the pages are printed as indicated and that no questions are missing.

© 2022 The Kenya National Examinations Council.
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  1. (a) Outline two roles of a system owner in system development.
    ANSWER:

    • Defining the system’s objectives.
    • Allocating resources for the system’s development.

    (b) Describe three components of an expert system.
    ANSWER:

    • Knowledge base: Stores facts and rules about the domain.
    • Inference engine: Processes the knowledge base to draw conclusions.
    • User interface: Allows interaction between the user and the system.

    (c) With the aid of a diagram, describe an open system.
    [Skip]

    (d) Differentiate between agile and lean system testing.
    ANSWER:

    • Agile testing focuses on flexibility and quick delivery of quality products, whereas lean testing emphasizes waste reduction and efficiency throughout the testing process.

    (e) Kenya Company implemented a Management Information System (MIS). Explain three benefits the company could accrue from its use.
    ANSWER:

    • Improved decision-making through accurate and timely information.
    • Enhanced efficiency and productivity by automating routine tasks.
    • Better data organization and reporting capabilities for strategic planning.
  2. (a) Define the term Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) where each of the following is a deliverable:
    (i) Terms of Reference (TOR):
    ANSWER:

    • A document that outlines the scope, objectives, and participants in a project or system development process.

    (ii) Feasibility Report:
    ANSWER:

    • A document that evaluates the viability of a proposed project, including technical, financial, and operational considerations.

    (iii) Project Initiation Document:
    ANSWER:

    • A document that formalizes the start of a project and includes the project’s goals, scope, and stakeholders.

    (b) Differentiate between form and command user interfaces as used in data input.
    ANSWER:

    • Form interfaces allow users to enter data in predefined fields, while command interfaces require users to input text commands for data entry and processing.

    (c) Tindimala Institute intends to start storing student records in a new system. Describe three benefits the institute would enjoy from such an approach.
    ANSWER:

    • Easier access and retrieval of student records.
    • Reduced storage space compared to physical records.
    • Enhanced data security through encryption and access controls.

    (d) A bicycle spare shop at a downtown market could be identified by its unique number, name, and location. A vehicle’s registration number is different from others to facilitate identification. A vehicle can carry spare parts. Draw an Entity Relationship Diagram to represent this logic.
    [Skip]

  3. (a) Outline three limitations of a Gantt chart as used in project management.
    ANSWER:

    • Cannot depict task dependencies clearly.
    • Becomes complex to manage in large projects with many tasks.
    • Does not effectively display the critical path.

    (b) Explain three advantages of using Structured English in a systems design process.
    ANSWER:

    • Reduces ambiguity through simple, clear language.
    • Facilitates understanding among users and developers.
    • Helps in documenting complex logic in a readable format.

    (c) Mary used spiral methodology to develop a system. Outline four features of this methodology.
    ANSWER:

    • Iterative process that involves repeated refinements.
    • Emphasizes risk analysis at every phase.
    • Combines both waterfall and prototyping approaches.
    • Focuses on user feedback throughout the development cycle.
  4. (a) Outline four characteristics of a good system documentation.
    ANSWER:

    • Accuracy and clarity.
    • Up-to-date information.
    • Easy to navigate and understand.
    • Comprehensive coverage of all system aspects.

    (b) Differentiate between purchased and custom-made systems in terms of cost benefit.
    ANSWER:

    • Purchased systems tend to be less expensive upfront, but may require customization, whereas custom-made systems are more expensive initially but tailored specifically to organizational needs.

    (c) Outline four objectives of prototyping methodology used in systems development.
    ANSWER:

    • To clarify user requirements through a working model.
    • To identify potential system issues early in development.
    • To improve user involvement and satisfaction.
    • To accelerate the development process by refining prototypes.
  5. (a) Explain each of the following terms as used in systems development:
    (i) Perfective maintenance:
    ANSWER:

    • Enhancing or improving the system’s functionality after deployment.

    (ii) Structural walkthrough:
    ANSWER:

    • A review process where developers guide others through the system design or code.

    (b) Tery Company developed a prototype for a new system. Explain three benefits of using this method.
    ANSWER:

    • Allows users to give feedback early in the development process.
    • Helps in identifying design flaws or missing requirements.
    • Reduces the overall time and cost of system development.

    (c) Draw a Data Flow Diagram representing the following process: A student logs into a college’s network using a password. The system verifies the password. If the verification is correct, the system allows access to the student portal; otherwise, it denies access.
    [Skip]

  6. (a) Outline three characteristics of an open-source software.
    ANSWER:

    • Freely available for use and modification.
    • Supported by a community of developers.
    • Source code is accessible and can be altered.

    (b) A student intends to undertake an ICT project. Explain three constraints that the student could face.
    ANSWER:

    • Limited time to complete the project.
    • Budget restrictions affecting the scope and resources.
    • Lack of access to necessary tools or technology.

    (c) Differentiate between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).
    ANSWER:

    • A LAN covers a small geographical area, like a building, while a WAN spans large distances, connecting multiple LANs across cities or countries.

This is the end of the transcription from the image provided.

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