Question

Conversion is the process of switching from the old (computer or manual) system to the new Information System. There are four conversion methods.

· Parallel conversion. Where you run both the new and the old for a time before switching off the old.

· Pilot conversion. Where you implement and test the new system, on a small scale in one business unit, then you expand the conversion to include all of the other business units.

· Phased conversion. Where over time you gradually use more of the new and less of the old until you are completely converted.

· Direct (Plunge in diagram) conversion. Where you switch off the old and switch on the new at the same time.

1. Explain which of the conversion methods would be suitable for the following. Justify your choice:

• Upgrading the software for an Automatic Banking Machine (ABM/ATM)
• Adding a new inventory system along with new computerized cash registers in a supermarket
• Implementing a student course management system in a university

2. List four reasons why your participation as a user of an information system is critical during the systems development life cycle, linking the concepts of user involvement and change management in a software implementation project.

3. Why is it so important to understand how a business process works when trying to develop a new information system?

Answer 1

• a) ATM/ABM can use phased conversion because users gets gradually comfortable with the new banking software while for the sake of convenience old system is also in play.
  b) This system can use direct conversion because the number of persons that are going to use the system are limited and can easily adapt to the new system.
  c) This system can use Parallel conversion system as students has option to use both new as well as old course management system and the university can switch to newer system whenever the students are comfortable with the newer system.
• a) As a user, the feedback is the most valuable thing which helps the business unit keep their product according to need of the market.
  b) User also plays important role in testing the application.
  c) User helps in providing necessary features that are missing from the application.
  d) User plays a key role in UI/UX design phase. It helps he developers to build the look and feel of the software.
• The developers should focus on the business model of the application as it is the only thing which is going to generate revenue for the team. Business process also lets the team know the clients requirement. A good knowledge of business process helps in better design of the workflow of the application.