Reference no: EM132174123
Review Questions
Describe and compare the various sources of software.
How can you decide among various off-the-shelf software options? What criteria should you use?
What is an RFP, and how do analysts use one to gather information on hardware and system software?
What methods can a systems analyst employ to verify vendor claims about a software package?
What are ERP systems? What are the benefits and disadvantages of such systems as a design strategy?
Explain reuse and its advantages and disadvantages.
Compare and contrast the four approaches to reuse.
Problems and Exercises
Research how to prepare an RFP.
(Not from textbook) Use Table 2-2 to summarize the six alternative sources for software and how to choose among them for specific software needs. How can this table serve as the basis for a discussion of the make-versus-buy decision and can be expanded to include the “not invented here” syndrome.
Field Exercises
Obtain copies of actual (close to actual) RFPs used for information systems developments and/or purchases. If possible, obtain RFPs from public and private organizations (or the internet). Find out how they are used. What are the major components of these proposals? Do these proposals seem to be useful? Why or why not? How and why do RFPs from public and private organizations differ?