The Systems Life Cycle: Evaluation (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT)
Revision Note
Evaluate the Solution
How do you evaluate a solution?
To evaluate a system you must assess:
The efficiency of the solution
The ease of use of the solution
The appropriateness of the solution
After successfully evaluating the system you will be able to identify limitations and propose improvements
Efficiency of the solution
Evaluate the system's performance in terms of:
Resource usage
Time
Cost
Consider whether the system is operating optimally or if improvements could be made to its efficiency
Provide examples of specific aspects that contribute to the system's efficiency
Identify areas that may be consuming excessive resources or time, and suggest ways to optimise them
Questions to ask:
Does it operate quicker than the previous system?
Does it operate by reducing staff time in using the system?
Does it operate by reducing staff costs?
The ease of use
Examine how user-friendly and accessible the solution is for its intended audience
Assess whether the system is easy to learn and use, and if users can accomplish their tasks without difficulty
Describe the user interface and how it facilitates interaction with the system
Mention any feedback from users regarding their experience with the system, and address any issues they encountered
Questions to ask:
Are all the users able to use the system and make bookings easily?
Are all the users able to change and cancel bookings easily?
Can all staff understand how to use the system with minimal training?
The appropriateness of the solution
Compare the implemented solution with the original task requirements and evaluate how well it meets the intended purpose
Outline the initial objectives of the system and discuss how the solution addresses each one
Highlight any requirements that may not have been fully met and discuss possible reasons for this
Collect users' responses to the results of testing the system
Feedback can provide insights into potential issues and improvements, and help determine overall user satisfaction
Summarise the testing process, including test data, expected outcomes, and actual outcomes
Discuss users' reactions to the system, addressing any concerns or suggestions they may have
Questions to ask:
Is the system suitable for each of the departments?
Does it meet the needs of the customers?
Does it meet the needs of the staff?
Does the solution match the original requirements?
Identify limitations and propose improvements
Based on the analysis of efficiency, ease of use, appropriateness, and user feedback you should now be able to:
List the limitations and provide explanations for each one
Recommend specific changes or enhancements that could address these limitations and improve the system
Worked Example
Evaluation is a part of the systems life cycle. Describe two evaluation strategies.
[2]
Answer
Two from:
Compare the final solution with the user requirements
Identify any limitations of the new system
Identify any further improvements to the new system
Analyse feedback from users of the new system
Compare test results from the new system with the old system
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