Information Systems

College of Business Administration
University of Missouri - St. Louis

Information Systems Analysis
Midterm Exam

Answer each question clearly and neatly. Type (wordprocess) the answer to each question. Answers to individual questions may be no more than 2 pages each, double spaced with 1" margins. Staple the pages of the exam together in the upper left corner.

If I cannot read your answer or understand your grammar, or if you provide multiple (conflicting) answers, the answer will be wrong.

You may have notes, books or other reference materials that you desire. However, you must do the exam alone. This exam is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, April 4.


1. Consider the following situation: The Controller wants to develop a new automated system for reviewing and approving customer orders. When the system is complete, the Controller plans to reassign or remove the clerks and let the automated system perform the functions. Currently, the entire process is handled manually and over a dozen order processing clerks have developed schemes of their own for assuring that an order matches the requirements set forth by the company. You have been asked to gather the requirements for the system.

Describe an appropriate requirement gathering strategy for this situation. WHY is your strategy appropriate? (25 points)


2. Arch Ives, a newly hired systems analyst, has come to you with an idea that he assures you will save the team time and money. Arch proposes that rather than doing time- consuming interviews, that the team rely upon archival data. "They've kept everything. They even have their old reports from earlier systems projects. We don't have to talk with anyone, we can access the material all day, without seeing a soul."

List the merits and problems with what Arch proposes. Would you take his advice? Why or why not? (25 points)


3. Comment on the following statement (25 points):

A good management information system should provide the manager with as much information as possible and that information should be provided in no more than five seconds after it is requested.


4. Consider your use of the Internet. (25 points)

a. List the tangible benefits of your use of the Internet. Based on this list, does your use of the Internet seem to be beneficial? Why or why not?

b. List the intangible benefits from Internet use. Does this analysis support or contradict your previous analysis? Explain.


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