UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2018/2019
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF BUSINESS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BBIT207 SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT METHODOLOGY
FULL TIME/PART TIME/DISTANCE LEARNING
DATE: DECEMBER, 2018 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (Compulsory)
a) Discuss the key drivers of knowledge management (6 Marks)
b) Describe the approaches to addressing competitive effectiveness using IS/IT (6 Marks)
c) Describe the potential benefits and the potential blocks to problem cognition when using
techniques in system development (2 Marks)
d) Describe THREE barriers to a new business entering an established market according to
Michael Porter. (6 Marks)
e) Explain what is meant by “iterative prototyping” in the context of systems analysis and
design (2 Marks)
f) Define the term information systems development (2 Marks)
g) The Human Resources and Finance departments of an organization both use the payroll
system. Employees can access the system to look at their pay details and to change their
home address. In this context, explain the importance of the qualities of: (6 Marks)
i) accessibility
ii) privacy
iii) security
QUESTION TWO
a) Compare and contrast any two of the following systems development methodologies based
on advantages, disadvantages and phases (provide relevant methodology for each
classification ) (14 Marks)
i. Blended methodologies
ii. Object oriented methodologies
iii. People oriented methodologies
iv. Organisation oriented methodologies
b) Discuss the view that modern life cycle models with their emphasis on prototyping,
create systems that are often fragmented and difficult to integrate; of unsatisfactory
reliability, performance, and functionality; and of limited longevity. (6 Marks)
QUESTION THREE
a) Describe a methodology which can be considered to reflect the “science” paradigm and a
methodology which can be considered to reflect the “systems” paradigm. Refer to the main
objectives, phases/activities, and deliverables of the methodology in your description.
Justify your classification of the methodologies. (10 Marks)
b) A systematic approach to practice, should be used by the ISD professional when
developing information systems.
i) List and explain THREE overall objectives that should form the framework for
systematic practice in the development of an information system. (6 Marks)
ii) Briefly explain TWO areas where lack of focus by the ISD professional might have
undesirable effects on the development of an information system. (4 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR
Explain and compare the implications of choosing Object Oriented Systems Development, as
opposed to Structured Systems Development, for the following challenges in developing
software. Your answer should include discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each
approach for each challenge.
a) Designing the software. (5 Marks)
b) Producing the software code. (5 Marks)
c) Testing the software product. (5 Marks)
d) Documenting the software process. (5 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE
A company has over the years used software development methods that rely on documented
specifications and designs. Agile methods are being considered seriously in the pursuit of growth
and internationalisation of the business.
a) Explain the agile principles for rapid software development and justify its appropriateness as a
method for adoption. (12 Marks)
b) Discuss the view that modern life cycle models with their emphasis on prototyping, create
systems that are often fragmented and difficult to integrate; of unsatisfactory reliability,
performance, and functionality; and of limited longevity. (8 Marks)
