Question: What are the three basic steps of the analysis process? Which step is sometimes skipped or done in a cursory fashion? Why?
Answer:
Usually, there are three essential steps in every process of Analysis.
Step 1: Understanding the as-is system
Step 2: Identifying Improvements
Step 3: Developing requirements for the to-be system.
In Analysis process, there is a possibility of skipping first step (Understanding as-is system). This happens when there is no existence of current system or if the existed system process are nothing to do with the future system. However, if RAD and agile or object oriented methodologies are used in the project, team spend most of the time on second and third, and very little focus on first step.
Question: Compare and contrast the business goals of BPA, BPI, and BPR.
Answer:
Business Process Automation (BPA) emphasizes more on making the company more efficient but it has very less effect on business. BPA focuses on working with the current system rather than concentrating on improving the system and future requirements of the system. Business Process Improvement (BPI) is as name suggests, Improving both efficiency as well as effectiveness of the organization by making moderate operational changes of the company. The changes may include utilizing the latest technologies in the market or following the competitor’s techniques who are in the same class of business. The primary focus of BPI on understanding the as-is system to improve the business and future system requirements. Business Process Reengineering (BPR) is utilizing the latest technology by integrating with new ideas done by making major changes in the business process. BPR projects focuses mostly on new ideas and new techniques of doing business and spend very little time on understanding current system. BPR upgrades the business process to take the organization in to next level.
Question: Compare and contrast problem analysis and root-cause analysis. Under what conditions would you use problem analysis? Under what conditions would you use root-cause analysis?
Answer:
Problem Analysis is the process of gathering information from users and managers with existing system (as-is) to identify the problem and fix them in future system (to-be). Most of the information helpful in solving the problems but minor improvements are often small. Problem analysis comes into view whenever the system need to be improved in efficiency and ease of use.
Root Cause Analysis is all about focusing on problems rather than solutions. Analysis starts with listing out all the problems accordingly with importance and trace back the path of most important problem till the root causes of identified. Root cause analysis usually required whenever the solutions address the set of causes of the problem and identifying the root cause becomes very difficult.
Exercise : Suppose you are going to build a new system that auto-mates or improves the interview process for the career services department of your school. Develop a requirements definition for the new system. Include both functional and nonfunctional system requirements.
Answer:
Non Functional Requirements
1. Operational Requirement
1.1. System will be platform independent.
1.2.System should be able to work in any web browser and operating environment.
1.3.System should automatically back up end of each day.
2. Performance Requirements
2.1. The System will store new appointment as quickly as possible like 2sec.
2.2.The System will retrieve appointment details in within 2sec.
2.3.The System will be available in all business days.
3. Security Requirements
3.1. Only recruiter has authorized to set the availability.
3.2.Only manager can manage the schedules.
3.3.Manager and Recruiter can access candidate details.
4. Cultural and Political Requirements
4.1. The system should be able to distinguish the language depending upon location of the candidate.
Functional Requirements
1. Manage Interview
1.1. Candidate can upload resume.
1.2.Candidate can update profile.
1.3.Candidate can request for flexible interview date.
2. Produce Schedule
2.1. Recruiter manage appointments.
2.2.Manager select the eligible candidates for interview.
2.3.Recruiter sends the interview dates to eligible candidates.
3. Report Interview Process
3.1.Recruiter hires the candidates.