CIS 2321

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I am not sure what values to put in the Excel templates for Assignment 7.

For each system acquisition alternative (in house development versus vertical package) and each type of cost benefit analysis (ROI versus NPV versus Payback Analysis), you will generate a spreadsheet, which means you will create six total spreadsheets.  Let’s consider each cost benefit analysis in turn.

ROI:  In cell B8, you will fill in the cost of the system for the first year.  For in house development, you will spend more initially on the consultant.  For the vertical package, the cost of the system is spread across the first several years.  There are other costs involved for both systems during the first year, which should be included in the total in B8.  In B9, you need to fill in the cost of the system paid by the client during the second year, and so on.  In similar fashion, you will fill in the benefit received by the client from the system during the first year in D8.  For example, what cost savings can the client expect during the first year, if the system is implemented?  In D9, you will fill in cost benefits for the second year, and so on.

NPV:  In cells B10 to H10, you will record the same values for benefits discussed under ROI above.  Likewise, in cells B14 to H14, you will record values for costs by year as you did for the ROI analysis.  In cells B11 through H11 and B15 through H15, you can use the appropriate adjustment factors listed in the table on page 612.  For Year 0, use an adjustment factor of 1.0.

Payback Analysis:   In cells B8 to B13, you will fill in costs by year for the system under consideration.  In cells D8 to D13, you will fill in benefits by year for the system.

I have read the chapter on DFDs, but could use an overview of the process to better understand how to create them.

Below are some great resources on YouTube.  Check out these video links for a brief overview of the process of creating DFDs to visualize how data flows through the system you are describing.

For the chapter 2 assignment, where do I find the Systems Analyst’s Toolkit?

The Systems Analyst’s Toolkit Part A begins on page 562 of the textbook.

I cannot find the sample report mentioned in question 4 for the chapter 2 assignment.

I also do not see a sample report.  I believe they are referring to the typical sections listed on page 74.

All I have is Visio.  I’m not sure how to use it.

This YouTube video shows you how to create diagrams in Visio 2013.

Some of these questions seem a little subjective.  I’m not always sure exactly what they want.

Generally speaking, there is not one correct answer for any of the assignments in this class.  Think about solving a complex math problem.  None of us likely would take the same path to the solution, but if each of our steps are sound along the way, we will arrive at viable solutions.  Although each student’s approach in this class will be unique, hopefully, everyone will accomplish the goal of making the clinic’s operations more efficient through the automation of current business processes.

What is the difference between vertical and horizontal system packages?

Say we are considering solutions for a real estate firm rather than a clinic.  To keep track of accounting at the firm, we might use software like Quickbooks, which would be a horizontal package solution that could work for many different types of companies.  However, for a real estate firm, it might be helpful if our financial software also kept track of depreciation information.  In that case, we might check to see if a vertical accounting package exists for the real estate industry, which would keep track of depreciation as well.

Paul Wetmore, a CIS 2321 student, found a great link listing some vertical solutions for accounting in the medical field.  Thanks, Paul!

 

Textbook

Do we need the access code when we buy the book new or could we buy a used book and save some money?

You do not need the access code.  You can buy a used book or rent one.  Just make sure you get the 10th edition and that it is not an international version.  In the past, students have had issues with international versions having different questions.  Also, questions do vary between the 9th and 10th editions.

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