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250 part 3 • the analysis proCess

Keywords and Phrases

action decision tree
action rule minispecs
condition process specifications
condition alternative structured decision
decision table structured English

Review Questions
1. List three reasons for producing process specifications.
2. Define what is meant by a structured decision.
3. What four elements must be known for a systems analyst to design systems for structured decisions?
4. What are the two building blocks of structured English?
5. List five conventions that should be followed when using structured English.
6. What is the advantage of using structured English to communicate with people in an organization?
7. Which quadrant of the decision table is used for conditions? Which is used for condition alternatives?
8 What is the first step to take in developing a decision table?
9. List the four main problems that can occur in developing decision tables.
10. What is one of the major advantages of decision tables over other methods of decision analysis?
11. What are the main uses of decision trees in systems analysis?
12. List the four major steps in building decision trees.
13. What three advantages do decision trees have over decision tables?
14. In which two situations should you use structured English?
15. In which two situations do decision tables work best?
16. In which two situations are decision trees preferable?

Problems

1. Clyde Clerk is reviewing his firm’s expense reimbursement policies with the new salesperson, Trav
Farr. “Our reimbursement policies depend on the situation. You see, first we determine if it is a local
trip. If it is, we only pay mileage of 18.5 cents a mile. If the trip was a one-day trip, we pay mileage
and then check the times of departure and return. To be reimbursed for breakfast, you must leave by
7:00 a.m., lunch by 11:00 a.m., and have dinner by 5:00 p.m. To receive reimbursement for breakfast,
you must return later than 10:00 a.m., lunch later than 2:00 p.m., and have dinner by 7:00 p.m. On a trip
lasting more than one day, we allow hotel, taxi, and airfare, as well as meal allowances. The same times
apply for meal expenses.” Write structured English for Clyde’s narrative of the reimbursement policies.
2. Draw a decision tree depicting the reimbursement policy in Problem 1.
3. Draw a decision table for the reimbursement policy in Problem 1.
4. A computer supplies firm called True Disk has set up accounts for countless businesses in Dosville.
True Disk sends out invoices monthly and will give discounts if payments are made within 10 days.
The discounting policy is as follows: If the amount of the order for computer supplies is greater
than $1,000, subtract 4 percent for the order; if the amount is between $500 and $1,000, subtract a 2
percent discount; if the amount is less than $500, do not apply any discount. All orders made via the
Web automatically receive an extra 5 percent discount. Any special order (computer furniture, for
example) is exempt from all discounting.
Develop a decision table for True Disk discounting decisions, for which the condition alternatives
are limited to Y and N.
5. Develop an extended-entry decision table for the True Disk company discount policy described in
Problem 4.
6. Develop a decision tree for the True Disk company discount policy in Problem 4.
7. Write structured English to solve the True Disk company situation in Problem 4.
8. Premium Airlines has recently offered to settle claims for a class-action suit, which was originated
for alleged price fixing of tickets. The proposed settlement is stated as follows:
Initially, Premium Airlines will make available to the settlement class a main fund of $25 million
in coupons. If the number of valid claims submitted is 1.25 million or fewer, the value of each
claim will be the result obtained by dividing $25 million by the total number of valid claims sub-
mitted. For example, if there are 500,000 valid claims, each person submitting a valid claim will
receive a coupon with a value of $50.