IT systems in organization

Question 1

Incidents can involve ___ as well as ____.

Answer 1

technical problems
security issues

eg. denial of service attack and virus infection

Question 2

technical failures, such as __ ___ ___ can result in data loss if no precautionary measures were taken

Answer 2

hard disk crashes.

Question 3

unexpectedly high network traffic can result in ___ ___

Answer 3

network overload

Question 4

___ ___ tries to resolve these problems without disturbing the general operation of the organization

Answer 4

incident management.

Question 5

incident management refers to a ___ __ ___

Answer 5

disaster recovery plan

Question 6

this is occurs when an organization’s normal operations cannot continue due to an unexpected incident.

Answer 6

incident detection.

Question 7

the incident is allocated to an established category.
is the incident a hardware problem?
or is it a software-related issue?
is the incident the result of a security breach?
a proper classification is necessary in order for the incident to be dealt with properly.

Answer 7

incident classfication

Question 8

the cause of the incident are now investigated and the incident is analysed

Answer 8

incident diagnosis.

Question 9

at this point, the team tries to tackle the roots of the problem
the team is not only concerned with fixing the symptoms but also with treating the underlying causes of the problem.

Answer 9

incident resolution

Question 10

after the system resumes normal operations, it may be necessary to perform final tests to check whether the problem has indeed been resolved.

Answer 10

closure

Question 11

the incident must be documented.
this helps build knowledge in the organization so that should a similar incident occur in the future, it can be resolved more quickly

Answer 11

tracking

Question 12

in some cases, the incident is so severe or the consequences of the incident so far-reaching that the designated people are not capable of handling the problem. this is known as ?

Answer 12

escalation

Question 13

a ___ ___ is an information system that is still in active use even though there are more modern alternatives available

Answer 13

legacy system

Question 14

the existing system may be too expensive to replace.

include training cost, cost of the adapting the organization’s processes to the new software and the cost of replacement

Answer 14

replacement too expensive.

Question 15

an alternative, off-the-shelf software program may simply not exist.
this may be the case if the legacy software was developed specifically for the needs of a particular company

Answer 15

no alternatives available

Question 16

the legacy system may still fulfill the organization’s requirements.
the legacy system works, does its job and so there is no need to replace the system

Answer 16

meets requirements

Question 17

the legacy system has been well tested and has proven its reliability.
the transition to a new system would be too risky.
the space shuttle, for example still uses some 1970s technology for the IT systems.

Answer 17

proven reliability

Question 18

an organization’s software may be tightly integrated with the organization’s operations.
so any new software systems may require restructuring of the organization.

Answer 18

integration into the organization

Question 19

IT systems help in the planning of budgets and in administering the money spent and earned by the organization. Statistics help the organization’s management to maintain an overview of its financial situation.

Answer 19

Administration of finances

Question 20

Companies can use IT to predict the effect of changing competition, as well as changing economic situations.

Answer 20

Prediction and forecasting of trends

Question 21

Databases are used to store and maintain the stock of warehouses. When the stock level drops to a critical value, the IT system will automatically reorder that product.

Answer 21

Stock management of products

Question 22

Industrial and consumer Products can now be designed directly on the computer using CAD (computer-aided design). Manufacturing organizations may employ IT to control manufacturing machines (such as robots).

Answer 22

Product design and manufacturing

Question 23

IT can improve an organization’s internal organizations communication, as well as communication with its customers and the public, irrespective of its geographic location. Potential customers requesting specific product information can now obtain this information over the company’s website.

Answer 23

Customer contact:

Question 24

IT systems can store and maintain large amounts of data. Electronic files can replace paper-based files. Electronic files require no physical space and have the large advantage of being searchable. Organizations use electronic files to store technical documentation, billing information and customer data.

Answer 24

Storage of large amounts of data:

Question 25

The boom in IT has resulted in the emergence of new services and products. For example, Web design firms help companies that do not yet have a Web presence to get online. Consultancy firms offer advice on how IT systems can be most effectively implemented in a company.

Answer 25

Many organizations offer services that are related directly to IT

Question 26

This policy outlines how the staff members of an organization may or may not use the resources of the Internet. An organization may restrict Internet usage in order to ensure that staff members do not spend too much time surfing the Web or writing private e-mail messages. Restricting the use of the Web also increases the security of the organization’s Intranet by reducing the chance of viruses and malware being installed on the computers.

Answer 26

Internet usage polic

Question 27

This policy regulates who is responsible for installing and maintaining the software on an organization’s Intranet. A company may absolutely prohibit the installation of software by its staff members. This is to prevent software piracy problems and to reduce the problems of malware and spyware being introduced into the company’s network.

Answer 27

Software installation policy

Question 28

Companies may store large amounts of data about its staff members, customers and suppliers. A company’s privacy policy outlines the types of data that the company collects and the measures taken to protect this data from unauthorized access. The privacy policy also provides some comfort to the people whose data is stored, reassuring them that data security standards are in place.

Answer 28

privacy policy

Question 29

This policy regulates which staff members are authorized to access the different data stored on the organization’s servers. Such restrictions help improve the security and privacy of the data. The accessibility policy may also outline the Web standards that are to be used when designing an organization’s website. The government websites of many countries must follow accessibility standards to ensure that people with disabilities can access the data without problems.

Answer 29

accessibility policy

Question 30

The IS manager of an organization is responsible for the planning and coordinating of all of an organization’s computer-related activities. The IS manager is continuously communicating with the organization’s management about IT strategy planning and the measures needed to realize these goals. The IS manager, therefore, has to maintain a good overview of many IT-related issues. However, the IS manager is not necessarily responsible for actually implementing the necessary changes. For example, it is not the task of the IS manager to physically install new IT systems. This is the task of the support staff

Answer 30

Information system (IS) manager

Question 31

The support staff are responsible for the handson technical maintenance work of the computer systems. They are given certain rights and permissions to install software programs and to set up computer systems.

Answer 31

support staff

Question 32

A network manager is responsible for installing, maintaining and operating an organization’s LAN. They must also manage the support staff team that maintains the network. Additionally, the network manager must ensure that the network is secure and that the appropriate measures are implemented to prevent data loss in case of a network crash. The network manager needs to communicate with the IS manager to provide the necessary information on the status of the current system. The IS manager will then use this information for planning the organization’s IT strategy.

Answer 32

network manager.

Question 33

The database administrator is responsible for managing an organization’s database management system (DBMS), More specifically, a database administrator must design, implement, operate and repair the organization’s database. The database administrator has to rely on a functioning network (which is provided by the network manager and his/her team). The database administrator may also be in charge of support staff, for assistance.

Answer 33

data administrator

Question 34

: In smaller organizations, such as a school, a single person may be responsible for the different IT-related tasks. This person is often referred to as the ‘system administrator’ or the ‘sysadmin’

Answer 34

system administrator

Question 35

The manager is responsible for overseeing the different software development projects that are undertaken by the organization. The manager must ensure that the different project teams have the necessary resources to complete their work. It is possible that the different software development projects are interlinked and dependent on one another. In this case, the manager must ensure that these projects are Coordinated appropriately so that one project team does not have to wait for another team’s results.

Answer 35

manager

Question 36

: The programmers are responsible for the creation of the computer software program. Although they do not work completely independently they must strictly adhere to the guidelines laid out by the project manager. The Programmers have to follow good programming practice in Order to create software that is easily maintained and free of bugs. They must also write technical documentation about the new software so that future programmers are able to maintain the software program easily.

Answer 36

programmer

Question 37

The analyst assesses the current situation and Prepares the specifications and requirements that must be met by the new software. The software analyst liaises between the programmer/developer and the end-user. The analyst is responsible for communicating the needs of the end-users and the requirements of the organization to the software developers

Answer 37

analyst

Question 38

The project manager coordinates and manages a particular software project. Unlike the manager, the project manager overlooks the development of only a particular section of the software project.

Answer 38

project manager.

Question 39

list the stage in SDLC

Answer 39

1. requirements analysis
2. project design
3. product design
4. product development.
5. testing
6. operations and maintenance

Question 40

list the names of the stage of the waterfall model of SDLC

Answer 40

1. requirements analysis
2. design
3. implementation
4. testing
5. maintenance.

Question 41

the purpose of a project is to bridge a gap between the currently existing situation and the preferred future state. Why is the current situation unsatisfactory? What are the problems that the client is faced with? During this project initiation phase, it becomes evident that something needs to be done to improve a certain situation, either for an external client or internally for the company itself. At this stage, company management decides that a project team must be established to solve the problem.

Answer 41

1. Requirements analysis: Analysis of the current situation

Question 42

1. Once the decision has been taken to proceed with the project, the organizational requirements need to be analysed. What are the client’s/company’s needs and what should the new product achieve? The organizational requirements address the needs of the organization. At this stage we are not yet concerned with the actual product but rather with the gap between the current situation and the desired future situation.

Answer 42

Requirements analysis: Organizational requirements

Question 43

The feasibility study analyses whether the project can be afforded. Developing a new product consumes human and financial resources. How much will it cost to carry out the project? How much restructuring of the organization is necessary? The feasibility study should not only consider the actual costs of product development but also the follow-up expenses. Staff members may need to be trained and there may be a temporary reduction in productivity while they adjust to the new system. The feasibility study also assesses if the benefits are worth the investment.

Answer 43

1. Requirements analysis: Feasibility study

Question 44

The organization tries to identify several possible solutions that meet the organizational requirements and feasibility constraints. Some solutions may be very cost-effective but may not meet the requirements of the organization. Other solutions may be simply too expensive, The advantages and disadvantages of the different IT solutions must be compared first before a choice is made.

Answer 44

1. Requirements analysis: Identification ofpossible

Question 45

1. During this stage, the project team comes up with a detailed specification of what the final product should be able to achieve. The requirements specification is a detailed list that describes the characteristics of the product. What features should the product have? What features are unnecessary? The requirements of the product must fulfil the requirements of the organization.

Answer 45

Requirements analysis: Requirements specification

Question 46

The organization decides which one ofthe possible IT solutions should be followed. The choice of the IT solution must best suit the organizational requirements and feasibility of the product. The project team must then propose the chosen IT solution to company management, which is then responsible for supplying the necessary financial and human resources to proceed with the project.

Answer 46

1. Requirements analysis: Justification ofpreferred

IT solution

Question 47

Even before the product can be designed, the project team must devise a project plan. This project plan contains a breakdown of who is responsible for what part of the project. The project plan contains a detailed list of human resources available, as well as the responsibilities and duties of each of the staff members.

Answer 47

1. Project design: Project plan (the who, why, what, when and how part of the project)

Question 48

Constraints are those factors that limit the project in some way. Constraint management manages these problems. During this stage, the project team discusses issues, such as financial and technical limits, that can be encountered during the project. What should be done when there are not enough resources available to continue the project? What are the risks of the project? How can the communication and information flow between the different team members and the client be maintained? This stage is not too concerned with the actual development of the product since it must first be confirmed that the project is viable. This stage also includes procurement planning, which refers to the obtaining of resources to keep the project going.

Answer 48

1. Project design: Constraint management and project goals

Question 49

The project planning stages are completed by writing a project initiation document. This document summarizes the findings of the previous stages. The project initiation document contains details on the project goals and the scope of the project. Additionally, the document mentions how the project is organized and how the constraints are to be managed by the project team.

Answer 49

1. Project design: Project initiation document

Question 50

At this point the development team investigates different design options. The product is now designed from a logical perspective. What are the different parts of the new software? What alternatives are there? The design team does not worry about how the product should be made from a technical

Answer 50

1. Product design: Design considerations

Question 51

At this stage the project team finally concentrates on the technical realization of the features of the previous stage. How should the data be stored? How should the user interface be designed? One should not forget that the team is still planning the product. So far, a working example of the product (i.e. a prototype) does not yet exist. The final product is still an idea. Notice the strict separation between the design considerations (step 10) and the technical design (this step) ofthe product. It makes no sense to worry about the technical aspects ifit has not yet been decided what the product should actually be like

Answer 51

. product design: Design of inputs, data structure, processes, outputs and user interface

Question 52

prototyping refers to the development of a first version of the IT solution. In the case of software development, it can refer to the user interface of the program, even if the remaining program does not work yet. This stage allows for the product to be tested and to ensure that the product meets the expectations of the users and the requirements. It is during this stage that any adjustments are made before the complete IT solution is developed.

Answer 52

. Product design: Prototyping

Question 53

Development of the ITsolution Once testing of the prototype and final adjustments are completed, the IT solution is implemented and put into practice. The project team develops the IT solution and prepares it for testing. The product developers base the design on the technical specifications outlined during step 11.

Answer 53

13, Product development

Question 54

The product is then tested by people who were not part Of the product development. This can be the end-users or an independent test team. The product does not leave the Organization but is tested at the site of the developer. This type of testing is referred to as alpha testing. The purpose

Answer 54

14 Testing: Initial testing, alpha testing

Question 55

Towards the end of the PDLC, traditional product design methods are used to test the product. Ifthe product meets the criteria, then the product is accepted and delivered to the client. More modern design approaches integrate testing and quality assurance into every stage of product development and not just at the end.

Answer 55

Testing: Quality assurance and quality control

Question 56

Implementation After extensive testing, the product is then shipped to the client. The software needs to be installed and the hardware must be set up appropriately. The client starts to use the

Answer 56

Operations and maintenance

Question 57

: During this method, the operation of the old system is stopped abruptly and the new system is put into
operation at full scale. the advantage of this method are that the staff can concentrate exclusively on the new system and that the old system does not have to be maintained anymore, which saves costs. The disadvantage is that the transition can be risky because the new system may not operate flawlessly from day one. Furthermore, direct transition does not allow for much testing and the system must work reliably from the beginning

Answer 57

direct changeover

Question 58

During this implementation method the old system is gradually phased out of operation while the new one is slowly introduced. Although this method reduces the risk should the new system not operate as expected, it requires the company to have two software systems in operation for a period of time. It is also necessary to gradually place more emphasis on the new system and this transition must be managed properly.

Answer 58

Phased changeover

Question 59

Here the two systems operate in parallel for a certain period of time. This approach is less risky because if the new system does not work well, the old system is still available. This approach is expensive, however. As two systems must run at the same time, more staff and resources are required.

Answer 59

parallel running changeover.

Question 60

Staff training and support should not only take place immediately after the new system is introduced but should also accompany the new system throughout its period of operation. Some companies invest enormous sums of money into a new system and then ignore the importance of end-user training. As a consequence, there may be a dramatic decrease in staff productivity once the new software is introduced. This is because the staff must get used to the new system and require more time correcting their mistakes. Therefore, the company should also provide staff support and other help for the company’s end-users.

Answer 60

Operations and maintenance: Training and support

Question 61

Throughout the development of the new system, the project team writes many technical documents. These documents are intended for communication within the project team and with the management of the organization. These documents are often not directly useful for supporting the end-users and the staff members who are responsible for system maintenance. All thf rough product development someone should be responsible or establishing end-user documentation, such as tutorials and help systems. If the documentation is written at the very end, then much unnecessary time may have been lost

Answer 61

. Operations and maintenance: Documentation to support the new ITsystem

Question 62

Beta testing refers to the testing of the product at the site of the end-users. The software is placed into operation under realistic working conditions. Bugs and errors must be communicated to the development team, who then use the feedback to improve the software.

Answer 62

Operations and maintenance: Beta testing

Question 63

is the removal of faults and the installation of updates after the software’s delivery to the clients. Maintenance also improves the performance of the system and, depending on the maintenance contract, can also include extra features. The duration and type of service provided is outlined in the service level agreement (SLA) between the client and the provider of the maintenance service.

Answer 63

Operations and maintenance: Maintenance Maintenance

Question 64

The product phase out is the end of the life of the product. It occurs when the product is put out of operation. The phase out also has to be managed properly. Obsolete software and data has to be properly unzinstalled and deleted so that no unauthorized people have access to the data. In many cases, the phase out occurs with the introduction of a new system. The transition to the new system, including data export and import, must be performed in an organized manner.

Answer 64

Phase out

Question 65

The scope includes the goals and objectives of the project. What is the nature of the product to be realized?

Answer 65

scope

Question 66

Every project has a limited time span. The customers are waiting for the finished product.

Answer 66

Time

Question 67

If the project becomes too expensive, then the organization will not be able to generate much profit

Answer 67

Budget

Question 68

The waterfall model breaks the project into distinct stages that can be managed separately. One team may
be responsible for the requirements analysis while another team can then proceed with the design and implementation of the product.

Answer 68

Distinct stages

Question 69

The clear, linear approach makes it easy to plan for human resources and the amount of time required.

Answer 69

Easy project planning:

Question 70

Potential problems must be identified early in the project. This can prevent unnecessary problems later on.

Answer 70

Early problem identification:

Question 71

The waterfall model requires the team members to write detailed documentations. The team members refer to this documentation throughout the project.

Answer 71

Documentation is enforced:

Question 72

____is a software design methodology that tries to overcome the rigidity of the waterfall model. Agile deVelopment is an iterative methodology

Answer 72

agile development

Question 73

Agile development includes fast feedback cycles with the client. Developer—client interaction occurs frequently and the developing team can respond quickly to the needs of the clients.

Answer 73

client interaction

Question 74

Frequent contact and communication with the client minimizes the possibility that the product does not meet the requirements.

Answer 74

meeting of client’s needs

Question 75

The fast feedback cycles make faster product development possible. The waterfall model, in contrast, requires extensive initial planning before the actual product is made, which takes more time.

Answer 75

faster product development

Question 76

Team members communicate with each other more directly and not as much through written documentation.

Answer 76

teamwork

Question 77

Development of the product proceeds with minimal planning. Product development can therefore be quite unstructured because the product’s specifications are not clear at the beginning.

Answer 77

lack of structure.

and little documentation because of face to face communication with clients.

Question 78

The development process flows through a series Of stages. Once a stage has been completed, it is not easily possible to go back.

Answer 78

linear

¥ Progress is measured based on the documents produced at each stage.

Question 79

The project is planned out from the very beginning. The project team assumes that the client already knows the requirements from the very beginning. This is, however, often not the case.

Answer 79

predictive

Question 80

: Feedback cycles are introduced. This permits the project management team to continually adapt the product to the client’s needs.

Answer 80

iterative

Progress is measured based on meeting the client’s needs and the goals of the company.

Question 81

Long-term plans do not exist. Rather, the team tries to continually respond to the client’s changing needs. The client becomes aware of their needs and requirements as the roduct is develo ed.

Answer 81

adaptive

Question 82

PRINCE2

Answer 82

Projects IN Controlled Environments version 2

Question 83

____is a standardized project management method. It is the second version of this method (hence, the 2 in the term).

Answer 83

PRINCE2

The objective of PRINCE2 is to ensure the quality of projects. PRINCE2 addresses the following issues.

Question 84

Which people are needed when and where in a project? Are some people overworked while others have nothing to do?

Answer 84

coordination of people

Question 85

Are there certain activities in the project that depend on other ctivities? For example, the software programmers are unable to start their work unless the specifications have been completed.

Answer 85

coordination of activities

Question 86

: What is the overall structure of the project like? What are the project’s relevant milestones and their deadlines?

Answer 86

project design

Question 87

Who monitors and controls the project?

Who is accountable and what measures can be taken?

Answer 87

project supervision

Question 88

If there are unexpected changes in the project, how can it be adjusted? Should the client’s requirements change during the project, what measures can be taken to make the appropriate adjustments?

Answer 88

project adjustment

Question 89

): The project management team is responsible for directing the project. This process happens throughout the project, from start to finish.

Answer 89

DP: directing the project

Question 90

This is the first process during which the groundwork for all future project steps is prepared. This process ensures that all the relevant information is available for the future project events. It is during this stage that the project management team is put together and the project initiation plan is prepared.

Answer 90

SU: starting up the project

Question 91

During the initiation phase, the project team must answer several relevant questions, including
¥ Should we proceed with the project? Is there enough

justification for the project?
¥ How should the project be managed? Who has what responsibilities and duties?
¥ Does the company have enough resources for the project? Can the company afford the project?
¥ What are the risks involved? What happens if the project fails? Can we take the risk?
The initiation phase must answer the question of whether the project should be started in the first place. At this stage a project initiation document is written, which describes the goals and objectives of the project.

Answer 91

IP: initiation of the project

Question 92

): This involves the project manager controlling the actual work that must be done during the different project stages. Who has to do what work? Who is responsible for the requirements analysis? Who is responsible for manufacturing the product and for testing the product? What work must be done during the different project stages? What should be done if there are unexpected problems?

Answer 92

CS: controlling a stage.

Question 93

This process focuses on the production of the product. How is the product manufactured? Who is responsible for making the product? Does the product meet the client’s expectations? What is the product’s level of quality?

Answer 93

MP: Managing product delivery

Question 94

The project manager will close the project when the product is finished or even if the project must be closed prematurely. This is a time for evaluation. How well was the project executed? What are the lessons learned? During this process the finished product is handed over to the client and company management is informed that the project is now finished.

Answer 94

closing the project.

Question 95

Advantage of PRINCE2

Answer 95

1. Consistency
2. Controlled and organized
3. regular reviews.
4. flexibility
5. involvement and communication
6. learning

Question 96

requirements for PRINCE2 and disadvantages

Answer 96

Require:
- effort, written documentation of the project processes.

disadvantage:
- not for small projects.

Question 97

SSADM

Answer 97

systems analysis and design method

Question 98

3 phase in SSADM

Answer 98

• feasibility study phase
• the systems analysis and design phase
• implementation phase

Question 99

Feasibility study: The feasibility study addresses four critical areas: technical, financial, ethical and manufacturing. The technical feasibility study investigates from a technical standpoint whether a product can be manufactured in the first place. Financial feasibility investigates the costs of product development; that is, can the company afford to make the product? Ethical feasibility addresses the issue of whether the product is socially acceptable. Maybe the product will result in negative social and environmental consequences? Finally, the manufacturing of the product must be compatible with current practices in the organization. This aspect is investigated in the organizational feasibility study. we can see here that feasibility foes beyond mere financial considerations; it also attempts to take social and organizational matters into account.

Answer 99

stage 0

Feasibility study phase

Question 100

Investigation of the current environment: The systems analyst tries to learn as much as possible about the existing system by interviewing employees or using questionnaires. One should not forget that the existing system may represent the basis on which to build the new one. By investigating the current environment, it is also possible to identify any inadequacies and needs for improvement.

Answer 100

Systems analysis and design phase

stage 1

Question 101

After conducting an analysis of the current environment, the analyst brainstorms a list of possible options for constructing a new system. At this time a cost—benefit analysis of each option needs to be carried out and the impact made by the different options on the organization must also be taken into consideration. Together with the users and management, the analyst chooses one of the options.

Answer 101

Systems analysis and design phase
stage 2
Business system options:

Question 102

The specification is a detailed logical description of the chosen option. At this point, we are not really concerned about how the system will work but more focused on what the system will be able to do. Entity relationship diagrams (ERD) help the analyst to describe the functions and the logical structure of the new system.

Answer 102

Systems analysis and design phase
stage 3
Requirements specification

Question 103

At this stage the implementation ofthe new system starts. The technical aspects of the new system need to be considered at this point, such as the hardware architectures that can be used, implementation costs and the space requirements of the new system.

Answer 103

Systems analysis and design phase
stage 4
technical system options

Question 104

At this stage the analysts focus on the user interface, especially the menu structure and the dialogues. The logical functionality of the product is the central issue here

Answer 104

Systems analysis and design phase
stage 5
logical design

Question 105

This stage looks in detail at how the product is to be designed physically, based on the logical description of stage 5. management, irrespective of the area to which it is being applied.

Answer 105

Implementation phase
stage 6
physical design

Question 106

PMBOK

Answer 106

project management body of knowledge

Question 107

_____is a book that summarizes the fundamentals ofproject management. An objective of this book is to enforce a common language within project management so that it becomes easier to share and discuss project management concepts

Answer 107

PMBOK

Question 108

The Guide addresses five process groups that characterize projects:____ ___ ___ ___ and ___

Answer 108

initiating 
-planning
-executing
monitoring
controling 
closing

Question 109

CMMI

Answer 109

Capability maturity model integration

Question 110

____) is a collection of best practices that help an organization to improve its performance. The CMMI model does not replace other project management methods. Rather, it can be applied to an existing project and even to whole organizations

Answer 110

CMMI

Question 111

How should an organization develop its products and services?

Answer 111

CMMI for development

Question 112

How should products and services be managed and delivered to the customer?

Answer 112

CMMI for services.

Question 113

How should the organization obtain products and services from other sources? If the organization needs to outsource and obtain external help, how should this be achieved?

Answer 113

CMMI for acquisition

Question 114

At this elementary stage, the processes of the project are controlled poorly. The outcome of the project is rather unpredictable and the product’s quality can be expected to be low.

Answer 114

Level 1

initial

Question 115

At this level, projects are managed at a basic level. Projects are planned, monitored and controlled by the management but there is no standardization. The management has a reactive attitude and responds to external disturbances (such as human resource problems, financial problems etc). Yet, there are no organization-wide standardS on how to deal with these issues.

Answer 115

Level 2

Managed

Question 116

An organization-wide standard exists on how projects are to be conducted. Processes and projects draw upon these standards. Management does not simply react but acts proactively.

Answer 116

Level 3

Defined

Question 117

The project management team has introduced means with which to measure the progress of the process

Answer 117

Level 4

Quantitatively managed

Question 118

This level focuses on the continual improvement of processes

Answer 118

Level 5

Optimizing

Question 119

____of product design has the significant disadvantage in that it can be difficult to make adjustments in response to unexpected changes in the middle of the project.

Answer 119

Linear waterfall model

Question 120

Iteration: SDLC cyclic diagram

Answer 120

Analysis
Design
Implementation
Testing
Maintenance

Question 121

PERT

Answer 121

Project evaluation and review technique

Question 122

Identification of milestones and activities: During this step, the project management team must identify all the relevant project stages and the activities necessary to complete these stages.

Answer 122

Step 1 :

Identification of milestones and activities

Question 123

: Project management must now determine the order in which the different activities and milestones are to occur. In many cases, the very nature of the milestone determines its position. For example, it is clear that the testing of a product can only take place after the product has been developed. It should also be clarified when an activity is not dependent on the outcome of another.

Answer 123

Step 2

Sequencing of milestones and activities

Question 124

The milestones and activities are now arranged into a network. The milestones are represented by circles and the activities by arrows connecting these circles. Nowadays, computer programs can assist with this step. If done by hand, much rearrangement may be necessary to construct a chart that gives a good overview.

Answer 124

Step 3

Constructing the PERT chart

Question 125

The time to complete each activity must be estimated. This time is written above or below the corresponding arrow. The project management team can choose between several different times. The optimistic time is the time required if there are no unexpected delays or problems. The pessimistic time represents a scenario in which there are multiple that need to be managed. Alternatively, the management can choose an expected time that is located somewhere
between these extremes.

Answer 125

Step 4

- Estimating activity time:

Question 126

Once the estimated completion times have been assigned to the different activities, the team can use the PERT chart to calculate the total duration of the project (which nowadays can be done with the help of a software program). In order to do this, it is necessary to add up the times of all the paths from start to finish. For more complex PERT charts, several hundred, if not thousands, of different paths are possible. The critical path is the path with the shortest total time. It is not possible to complete the project before this time.

Answer 126

Step 5 -

Critical path analysis:

Question 127

It is possible that the activity completion times change during the project. There may be delays or some activities may be completed more quickly than expected. The PERT chart therefore needs to be constantly updated and a new critical path analysis subsequently performed. Thus, the PERT chart does not only serve as a tool for planning the future but also as an actual representation of the project’s history.

Answer 127

Step 6 —

Updating the chart: