Investigate Requirements for Software Solutions

Transcription

1 Unit 29: Investigate Requirements for Software Solutions Learning Outcomes A candidate following a programme of learning leading to this unit will be able to: Gather and analyse appropriate and relevant information to meet the defined needs of the customer Produce a report defining the customer requirements Construct logical data models from information system descriptions Produce a physical design specification Identify implementation and maintenance procedures. Links to the Level 4 and 5 for IT Professionals A course of study leading to this unit will provide the candidate with the underpinning knowledge and understanding requirements and also the practical skills needed to support the achievement of the following NVQ units: NVQ Unit Level Customer care 4, 5 Interpersonal and written communication 4 Investigating and defining requirements 4 System management 4, 5 Working with ICT hardware and equipment 4 Entry Restrictions There are no prohibited combinations of entry. 206 OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for IT Professionals

2 Unit Content: Investigate Requirements for Software Solutions 1 Gather and analyse appropriate and relevant information to meet the defined needs of the customer a Identify the scope and objectives of investigations and analysis Research & define the differing methodologies and identify the benefits and limitations of using each approach: classical Waterfall prototyping RAD SSADM Identify and explain the differing approaches to system development including: Top Down Bottom Up Integrated Identify and describe the stages undertaken in the system development methodology: Initial/feasibility study Analysis Design Implementation Maintenance Identify the importance of the Feasibility stage and define the constraints which must be considered. List the alternative software solutions which should be considered when selecting the appropriate software for the customer: Off the shelf Bespoke COTS Upgrade List the output document associated with each stage and list the contents Explain why QA procedures are important at the end of each stage of the life cycle and identify which methods are most appropriate for each stage. Describe the contents of the Terms of Reference and explain why this is important. OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for IT Professionals 207

3 b Select appropriate methods to identify customer requirements Identify and explain the differing methods of investigation, identifying the benefits & limitations of each method, including: Interviews Observations Shadowing Questionnaires Document Analysis Record Inspections Identify and select an appropriate method of managing a project including: PERT GANTT Define the benefits and limitations of the chosen method of project management. Use the chosen project management method to produce a plan for the project. 2 Produce a report defining the customer requirements Use appropriate methods to obtain information on: Inputs Outputs Processes HCI structure Identify the constraint which may be imposed on the system: Functional Requirements Non-functional Requirements Process Constraints Obtain customer approval conforming to industry standard QA procedures. 3 Construct logical data models from information system descriptions a Identify Logical Functional and Data Requirements b Create a Data Dictionary Identify, for each data element, the data dictionary entry to include: Data type Unique identifier/name Format Description Domain/range Size 208 OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for IT Professionals

4 c Select the most appropriate diagrammatical representations for data modelling and produce appropriate diagrams d Use decision trees/tables/structured English/flow charts to identify the processing of data/information in the system e Obtain customer approval conforming to industry standard QA procedures 4 Produce a physical design specification a Produce a hardware specification b Produce a software specification Define the limitation and benefits of: DFD (data flow diagram) Context & Level 1 ERD (entity relationship diagram) STD (state transition diagram) State the appropriateness of each technique based upon the category of the system being developed including: Real-time Batch Produce appropriate diagrams using the above methodologies Describe the uses, benefits and limitations of these types of techniques Develop decision tables/trees, where appropriate, for the customer Define the rules defined in the system in structured English/CASE Develop flowcharts to show the flow of the system Produce a hardware specification for the customer including: Memory capacity Storage devices Peripheral specifications Data capture equipment Communication equipment Produce a software specification for the customer including: Outline program specs System flowcharts File organisation Access method/s Error messages Screen, report layouts For each choice, full justifications should be made with alternatives if required OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for IT Professionals 209

5 c Produce input and output data specifications d Specify security details e Obtain customer approval conforming to industry standard QA procedures 5 Identify implementation and maintenance procedures a Identify the differing methods available for the implementation of a new system b Identify the training needs c Describe the purpose of testing new systems Produce an input/output data spec to include: Document description and layout Input media Output media Controls Validation Explain why it is important to validate data and select the most appropriate method for the customer s system Explain why security is important and identify the security measures which are available. Identify the most appropriate measure/s for the customer s system. These may include: Password Backup Physical security Firewalls Identify the differing methods, explain the advantages and limitations of each method: Parallel Pilot Phased Direct/Big Bang Identify the most appropriate method for the customer giving reasons for the choice Identify the stages which should be followed when implementing a new system Describe the training methods available and identify the most appropriate for the customer: On-the-job Formal external training Vendor training Describe why testing of a new system is important. Identify with reasons which testing method is appropriate for the customer 210 OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for IT Professionals

6 d Describe the documentation which is passed to the customer on completion of the implementation process e Identify the process of maintenance f Obtain customer approval conforming to industry standard QA procedures Describe the contents of the implementation documentation including: Detailed program spec Operating procedures User manuals Security methodology Recovery procedures Test plans, data and logs Version Control Assessment Form of Assessment This unit will be assessed through the use of an externally set assignment. This assignment will be externally assessed. OCR Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for IT Professionals 211