Trent University

COIS 1620H

Answer to Your Turn 2-1: To Select or Not to Select Student answers will vary based on knowledge and experience. The response will more than likely describe a project that, though it would seem to be a perfect choice, did not fit into the organizational portfolio of projects. This is an appropriate time to discuss the topic of budgets which organizations must live within. Answer to Your Turn 2-2: Selecting a Methodology Throwaway prototyping would be a good choice for this scenario for a number of reasons. First, this is a brand new idea, so there may be some ambiguity or confusion as to the functionality of the system. Second, there are technical issues associated with integrating existing hardware and software due to the diversity at different locations around the world. Third, the time frame to delivery is one year. The time frame would allow for an in-depth analysis to gather information and develop ideas for the system before the design phase. Once the initial requirements were documented, a series of design prototypes can be created, distributed and tested to determine whether issues dealing with functionality or technical problems have been addressed. Once the issues have been resolved, the project can move into design and implementation. Direct students to FIGURE 2-9 as it allows students to compare and contrast the methodologies with the selection criteria discussed in the chapter. Answer to Your Turn 2-3: Communication Complexity 1. For a six member team, there are 15 communication channels. 2-1 Chapter 2 Project Selection and Management For an eight member team, there are 28 channels. A good formula for figuring out how many channels there are is: [N * (N-1)] / 2, where N is the number of team members. 2. Answers will vary, but the larger the team the larger number of communication channels and the more complex communications will be. Answer to Your Turn 2-4: CASE Tool Analysis Student responses will vary based on the CASE tool selected. As a rule, CASE tools used during the analysis phase for creating integrated diagrams of the system and to store information regarding system components are referred to as upper CASE, whereas CASE tools used during the design phase to create diagrams and associated code for system functionality and databases are referred to as lower CASE. Answer to Concepts in Action 2-A: Project Portfolio Management Just a note that it is an excellent idea to discuss the sheer size of the number of proposals and funded projects that a large organization fields on an annual basis. This stresses the importance of quality work with the System Request Form and that analysts must be adequately prepared in such a competitive area. Answer to Concepts in Action 2-B, 2-C: Interview with CIO Having your university or college CIO be a guest in class to answer questions from the students would be a great idea. Putting a name and a face on this very important position is an excellent thing to do. Answer to Concepts in Action 2-D: Agile Development at Travelers 1. The projects certainly could be done with JAD sessions or with having the users review the project on a weekly basis. However, the success of an agile development depends upon the cohesiveness of the team, typically accomplished by having users meet and devote all their time to the project so that they are able to communicate ideas, comments, suggestions, and providing feedback immediately. 2. In order to work on an agile development project, an analyst needs to be highly motivated, dedicated to the project, able to communicate effectively, and work well in a high-paced team environment. Answer to Concepts in Action 2-E: Where Agile Works and Does Not Work Chances are the agile methodology discussion is growing rapidly on your university or college. You may already have curriculum dedicated to Agile. Changing corporate