IS403 Systems Analysis & Design

Divine Word University

Tutorial 3: Analyst as a Project Manager

1. Why is project management important in systems development projects?

Effective project management will allow effective and efficient use of scarce
resources and guide the project team in performing the SDLC phases and
activities of the project accordingly as specified in the project schedule, which
will then result in the completion of project on time, within the specified
budget and scope of the project.

2. Why is it important to define the problem statement of any project?

It is important to define the problem so that the project team understands the
business problem and determine the scope of the new system.

3. Explain the activities of the project planning phase.

a. Define the problem Review business needs, identify systems
capabilities

b. produce the project schedule Develop a work break down structure,

resource planning requirements and staffing plan.

c. confirm project feasibility

d. staff the project

e. launch the project

4. Briefly discuss the components of a systems scope document

The first activity of the planning phase is to define the problem. The outputs
of this activity are problem description, business benefits and the system
capabilities. It is a document containing description, business benefits, and
system capabilities to help define the scope of a new system.

5. What is the purpose of a context diagram.

A data flow diagram (DFD) shows the scope of a system. It shows the
primary users of the system and the information that is exchanged
between them and the system
6. Why is it important for a project manager to know the critical path?
A project manager must watch the tasks on the critical path carefully,
because if one of them gets behind, the entire project is delayed.

7. Why is a resource plan developed during the planning phase?

Resources are required to perform scheduled project tasks. Sometimes, not
all resources are available at the time the project is started. Developing a
resource plan will help ensure that resources are available at the time project
tasks are started to ensure that tasks are performed as scheduled.

8. Given the following narrative, make a list of system capabilities.

The new direct sales and accounting system for Especially for You Jewelers
is an important element in the future growth and success of the jewelry
company. The direct sales portion of the system needs to track every sale
and be able to link to the inventory system for cost data to provide a daily
profit and loss report. The customer database needs to be able to produce
purchase histories to assist management in preparing special mailings and
special sales to existing customers. Detailed credit balances and ages
accounts for each customer would help solve the problem with the high
balance of accounts receivables. Special notice letters and credit history
reports would help management reduce accounts receivable.