Chapter 9

Question 1

Process specifications

Answer 1

• Sometimes called minispecs

- Created for primitive processes and for some higher level processes on DFD

Question 2

Goals of producing process specifications

Answer 2

• Reduce process ambiguity
• Obtain precise description of what is accomplished
• Validate system design

Question 3

What are processes specifications NOT created for?

Answer 3

• Processes that represent physical input and\or output
• Processes that represent simple validation
• Processes that use prewritten code

Question 4

Process specification format information

Answer 4

Process number
Process name
Description of what process accomplishes
List of input data flow

Question 5

Types of processes

Answer 5

1. Batch
   - Large volumes of transactions executed periodically
   - Print student exam results
2. Online
   - Require screen design or web pages
   - Lower to high volumes
3. Manual
   - Should have well defined procedures for employees performing the
   process tasks

Question 6

Common business rule formats

Answer 6

• Definitions of business terms
• Business conditions and actions
• Data integrity constraints
• Mathematical and functional derivations
• Logical inferences
• Process sequences (NB)
• Relationships among facts about the business

Question 7

Logic method reference

Answer 7

• If there is not enough room for a complete structured English description
• Include a reference to the structured English description, decision tree or tree
  depicting the logic

Question 8

Structured English

Answer 8

• Used when process involves formulas or iteration or when structured decisions are not complex
• Based on structured logic and simple English statements o Add
  o Multiply
  o Move
• Informal
• Conveying the logic and decision making on a low level is what must be achieved

Question 9

Advantages of structured English

Answer 9

• Clarifying logic and relationships found in human languages
  Effective communication tool

Question 10

Selecting a structured decision analysis technique:

When to use Structured English?

Answer 10

• Too many repetitious actions

- Communication to end users is important

Question 11

Selecting a structured decision analysis technique:

When to use Decision Tables?

Answer 11

• Complex combination of conditions, actions and rules are found
• Require a method that effectively avoids impossible situations,
  redundancies and contradictions
• Sequence of conditions and actions is critical