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96 Part 1 • SyStemS analySiS FundamentalS

a. In two paragraphs, provide your suggestions for systems projects. Make any realistic assumptions
necessary.
b. Are there any problems or opportunities discussed in Problem 1 that are not suitable? Explain
your response.
4. Create a problem definition for Williwonk’s, as described in Problem 1. Estimate the weights of
importance. Include at least one requirement and one constraint.
5. Create a list of user requirements for the problem definition created in Problem 4.
6. Delicato, Inc., a manufacturer of precise measuring instruments for scientific purposes, has presented
you with a list of attributes that its managers think are probably important in selecting a vendor for
computer hardware and software, or a cloud service provider. The criteria are listed here, but not in
order of importance:
1. Low price
2. Precisely written software for engineering applications
3. Vendor performs routine maintenance on hardware
4. Training for Delicato employees
a. Critique the list of attributes in a paragraph.
b. Using its initial input, help Delicato, Inc., draw up a more suitable list of criteria for selecting
computer hardware and software vendors to purchase from.
c. Using its initial input, help Delicato, Inc., draw up a more suitable list of criteria for selecting
cloud vendors who could provide HaaS and SaaS.
d. In a paragraph, state how the list of attributes for selecting a computer hardware vendor to pur-
chase from should differ from the list of attributes for selecting a cloud provider for HaaS.
e. In a paragraph, state how the list of attributes for selecting a computer software vendor to pur-
chase applications from should differ from the list of attributes for selecting a cloud provider
for SaaS.
7. SoftWear Silhouettes is a rapidly growing mail-order house specializing in all-cotton clothing.
Management would like to expand sales to the Web by creating an ecommerce site. The company
has two full-time systems analysts and one programmer. Company offices are located in a small,
isolated New England town, and the employees who handle the traditional mail-order business have
little computer training.
a. Considering the company’s situation, draw up a list of software attributes that SoftWear
Silhouettes should emphasize in its choice of software to create a website and integrate the mail-
order business with business from the website.
b. Would you recommend COTS software, custom software, or outsourcing to a SaaS provider?
State your choice and defend it in a paragraph.
c. List the variables that contributed to your response in part b.
8. The following is 12 years’ demand for Viking Village, a game now available for handhelds and
smartphones:

Year Demand
2001 20,123
2002 18,999
2003 20,900
2004 31,200
2005 38,000
2006 41,200
2007 49,700
2008 46,400
2009 50,200
2010 52,300
2011 49,200
2012 57,600

a. Graph the demand data for Viking Village.
b. Determine the linear trend for Viking Village, using a three-year moving average.
9. Do the data for Viking Village appear to have a cyclical variation? Explain.
10. Interglobal Paper Company has asked for your help in comparing its present computer system with a
new one its board of directors would like to see implemented. The proposed system costs and present
system costs are as follows: