CS206 Systems Analysis and Design

Answers of Assignment 5:
1. The Motion Manufacturing Company assembles bicycles, tricycles, scooters,
rollerblades and other outdoor sports equipment. Each outdoor product is built
using many parts, which vary from product to product. Interviews with the
head parts clerk have resulted in a list of elements for the Product-Part Listing,
showing which parts are used in the manufacture of each product. A prototype
of the Product-Part Listing is illustrated in Figure 1.
Create a data structure dictionary entry for the Product-Part Listing. The head parts clerk
has informed us that there are never more than 50 different parts for each product.

The data structure would be:

Product-Part Listing = Current Date +

Page Number +
{Product Information} +
Total Number Of Products

Product Information = Product Number +

Product Description +
Creation Date +
Product Cost +
Number Of Parts +

Part Detail = Part Number +

Part Description +
Part Quantity +
Warehouse Location

2. Define the term data dictionary.

The data dictionary is a reference work of data about data (metadata) compiled by
systems analysts to guide them through analysis and design. It collects, coordinates, and
confirms what a specific data term means to different people in the organization.

3. What are the main benefits of using a data dictionary?

A data dictionary can be used to:

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CS206 Systems Analysis and Design

a) Save systems analysts’ time and effort in the project.

b) Facilitate communication between the systems analysts and users, and users
to each other.
c) Help users with better understanding of the system.
d) Provide effective systems documentation.
e) Create reports, screens and forms.
f) Generate computer program source code.
g) Analyze the system design for completion and to detect design flaws.
4. What is one of the major advantages of decision tables over other methods of
decision analysis?
One of the major advantages of using decision tables over other methods is that
decision tables help analysts ensure completeness. It is also easy to check for possible
errors, such as impossible situations, contradictions, and redundancy.
5. What are the main uses of decision trees in systems analysis?
Systems analysts can use decision trees when complex branching occurs in a structured
decision process. Decision trees are also useful when it is essential to keep a string of
decisions in a particular sequence.

6. A computer supplies firm called True Disk has set up accounts for countless
business in Hong Kong. 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. Any special order (computer furniture, for example) is exempt from
all discounting.
Develop (a) a Decision Table, (b) a Decision Tree, and (c) Structured English for True
Disk discounting decisions, where the conditions alternatives are limited to Y and N.
a)
Conditions and Actions 1 2 3 4
Payment less than or equal 10 days N Y Y N
Payment greater than 10 days Y N Y N
Order amount greater than $1,000 N Y N Y
Order amount between $500 and $1,000 Y N N Y
Order amount less than $500 Y Y N N
4% discount X X X
2% discount X X X
b)

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CS206 Systems Analysis and Design

Calculate the discount amount.

IF payments are made within ten days
THEN IF order amount is greater than $1,000
THEN 4% discount
ELSE IF the order amount is between $500 and $1,000
THEN 2% discount
ELSE IF the order amount is less than $500
THEN No discount
ELSE No discount
ENDIF

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