5. Testing, Evaluating and Maintaining

Testing Phase



After the new system is fully implemented, participants expect the system to be working correctly. 

  • The successful operation of a system involves the information technology working correctly and the participants using it effectively. 
  • People responsible for operation of the system include computer operators and managers. 
    • Computer operators perform tasks on computer equipment, such as starting up, monitoring performance, running jobs and backing up. 
      • The operations manual is used to specify tasks to be completed on a regular basis. 
      • If there are problems and the system breaks down, it must be diagnosed and corrected immediately. 
      • The computer operator attempts to identify the problem and if necessary liaises with a technician to rectify the problem. 
    • The managers are responsible for the effective use of the system. 
      • They oversee the computer operation and ensure that participants and machines work efficiently (see Figure 3.11). There are many different types of managers with slightly different roles. An information systems manager plans and oversees all the information resources in the organisation. After the new system has been in operation for a number of months, it must be tested and evaluated.

Testing and evaluating

Testing a solution ensures that it works. 

  • It is carried out throughout the system development cycle. 
  • In this stage the performance of the system is tested and then evaluated. 
The evaluation determines whether the system is working as expected or if changes are required. 
  • It occurs after the new system is established and minor problems have been fixed. 
  • The systems analyst often completes an evaluation in consultation with participants. 
  • It is based on interviews, surveys, observations and measurements. 
  • The results of the new system are compared to the initial aims and objectives outlined in the requirement report. 
  • Evaluation is ongoing. 
  • If the new system is not performing, changes need to be made. 
  • If a major upgrade is required, the system development cycle starts again. 
  • The results of the evaluation are the basis for understanding the problem in the next cycle. 
  • Systems are involved in a constant process of evaluation, analysis and development to improve their efficiency. 
  • The evaluation is also used to improve the processes involved in the system development cycle. 
  • In some situations the evaluation results in the system undergoing maintenance.

Maintenance

Maintenance is the modification of the system by making minor improvements. 

  • During the operation of the system, participants may discover deficiencies and suggest improvements. 
    • For example, a secretary may suggest a change in the format of an input screen. 
  • Maintenance may also involve installing new hardware and upgrading software packages. 
  • The longer the system has been operational, the more difficult it is to change. 
  • However, good documentation makes it easier to complete maintenance without causing problems elsewhere. Simple changes in a large information system are often complex and require retesting of other parts of the system. 
  • This often results in starting the system development cycle again. 
  • The tasks in this stage are ongoing and continue until the system is terminated or another system is developed.  

Student Activity
1 List the tasks performed by a computer operator.

2 Why should a new system be evaluated?

3 How is the requirement report used in an evaluation?

4 What happens if a major upgrade is required?

5 What is maintenance?

6 List two tasks that may be performed during maintenance?

7 Describe the new system designed for A1 Designs.

8 List some of the tasks completed by the systems analyst in setting up the new computer system for A1 Designs.

9 How was the new system for A1 Designs implemented?








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