Output Design and Prototyping Answer Key

Output Design and Prototyping True/False Questions 1. Internal outputs are intended for the internal system owners and system users within an organization. They only rarely find their way outside the organization. Answer: True 2. Some detailed reports are historical. Answer: True 3. Some detailed reports are regulatory, that is, required by the government. Answer: True 4. Summary reports categorize information for managers who do not want to wade through details. The data for summary reports are typically categorized and summarized to indicate trends and potential problems. Answer: True 5. Exception reports filter data before it is presented to the manager as information. Exception reports only include exceptions to some condition or standard. Answer: True 6. External reports leave the organization. They are intended for customers, suppliers, partners, and regulatory agencies. They usually conclude or report on business transactions. Answer: True 7. Summary reports present information with little or no filtering or restrictions. Answer: False Rationale: Detailed reports present information with little or no filtering or restrictions. Output Design and Prototyping 8. Detailed reports categorize information for managers who do not want to wade through summaries. The data for detailed reports are typically categorized to indicate trends and potential problems. Answer: False Rationale: Summary reports categorize information for managers who do not want to wade through details. The data for summary reports are typically categorized and summarized to indicate trends and potential problems. 9. Detailed reports filter data before it is presented to the manager as information. Detailed reports only include exceptions to some condition or standard. Answer: False Rationale: Exception reports filter data before it is presented to the managers as information. Exception reports only include exceptions to some condition or standard. 10. Internal reports are intended for customers, suppliers, partners, and regulatory agencies. They usually conclude or report on business transactions. Answer: False Rationale: External reports are intended for customers, suppliers, partners, and regulatory agencies. They usually conclude or report on business transactions. 11. Exception reports are those external outputs that eventually reenter the system as inputs. Answer: False Rationale: Turnaround outputs are those external outputs that eventually reenter the system as inputs. Exception reports filter data before it is presented to the manager as information. Exception reports only include exceptions to some condition or standard. 12. The paperless office is finally and quickly becoming a reality. Answer: False Rationale: Although the paperless office has been predicted for many years, it has not yet become a reality. 13. The most common medium for computer outputs is paper. Answer: True Output Design and Prototyping 14. Tabular output presents information as columns of text and numbers. Answer: True 15. Zoned output places text and numbers into designated areas or boxes of a form or screen. Answer: True 16. Zoned output presents information as columns of text and numbers. Answer: False Rationale: Tabular output presents information as columns of text and numbers. Zoned output places text and numbers into designated area or boxes of a form or screen. 17. Tabular output places text and numbers into designated areas or boxes of a form or screen. Answer: False Rationale: Tabular output presents information as columns of text and numbers. Zoned output places text and numbers into designated area or boxes of a form or screen. 18. Graphic output is the use of a pictorial chart to convey information in ways that demonstrate trends and relationships not easily seen in tabular output. Answer: True 19. Zoned output is the use of a pictorial chart to convey information in ways that demonstrate trends and relationships in zones of data not easily seen in tabular output. Answer: False Rationale: Graphic output is the use of a pictorial chart to convey information in ways that demonstrate trends and relationships not easily seen in tabular output. 20. Point of sale terminals are both input and output devices that are used in retail and consumer transactions. Answer: True Output Design and Prototyping 21. Multimedia is a term coined to collectively describe any information presented in a format other than traditional numbers, codes and words. This includes graphics, sound, pictures, and animation. Answer: True 22. Multimedia output is not dependent on screen display technology. Sound, in the form of telephone touch-tone-based systems, can be used to implement an interesting output alternative. Answer: True 23. E-mail has transformed communications in modern business. Answer: True 24. New information systems are expected to be message-enabled, that is, to have an interface with electronic mail. Answer: True 25. Many outputs are now web-enabled with hyperlinks. Answer: True 26. To overcome the storage problem of paper, many businesses use microfilm or microfiche as an output medium. Answer: True 27. Spreadsheets are ideally suited to the creation of tabular output prototypes. Answer: True 28. The most commonly used automated tool for output design is the PC-database application development environment. Answer: True Output Design and Prototyping 29. Computer outputs should be simple to read and interpret. Answer: True 30. Computer outputs should be complex so that they can present as much information as possible to management. Answer: False Rationale: Computer outputs should be simple to read and interpret. 31. Output requirements should have been defined during requirements analysis. Answer: True 32. Line charts show one or more series of data over a period of time. Answer: True 33. Column charts are similar to bar charts except that the bars are vertical. A series of column charts may be used to compare the same categories at different times or time intervals. Each vertical bar represents one series or category of data. Answer: True 34. Pie charts show the relationship of parts to a whole. Answer: True 35. Donut charts are similar to pie charts, except that they can show multiple series or categories of data, each as its own concentric ring. Within each ring, a slice of that ring represents one item in that series of data. Answer: True 36. Line charts show one or more areas of data under lines to summarize and show the change in data over time. Answer: False Rationale: Area charts show one or more areas of data under lines to summarize and show the change in data over time. Line charts show one or more series of data over a period of time. They are useful for summarizing and showing data at regular intervals. Each line represents one series or category of data. Output Design and Prototyping 37. Area charts are useful for comparing series or categories of data, where each horizontal bar represents the area of one series or category of data. Answer: False Rationale: Area charts are similar to line charts except that the focus is on the area under the line. Bar charts are useful for comparing series or categories of data. Each horizontal bar represents one series or category of data. 38. Pie charts are useful for showing the relationship between two or more series or categories of data measured at uneven intervals of time. Each series is represented by data points using different colors or bullets. Answer: False Rationale: Pie charts show the relationship of parts to a whole. They are useful for summarizing percentages of a whole within a single series of data. Each slice represents one item in that series of data. Scatter charts are useful for showing the relationship between two or more series or categories of data measured at uneven intervals of time. Each series is represented by data points using either different colors or bullets. 39. Scatter charts are similar to pie charts except that they can show multiple series or categories of data, each as its own concentric ring scattered around the center of a pie chart. Within each ring, a slice of that ring represents one item in that series of data. The colors of the series are represented by patterns such as diamonds or bullets. Answer: False Rationale: Scatter charts are useful for showing the relationship between two or more series or categories of data measured at uneven intervals of time. Each series is represented by data points using either different colors or bullets. Donut charts are similar to pie charts except that they can show multiple series or categories of data, each as its own concentric ring. Within each ring, a slice of that ring represents one item in that series of data. 40. An automated teller machine (ATM) is an example of a Point-of-Sale Terminal. Answer: True 41. Multimedia output can only be done with a computer monitor. Answer: False Rationale: Multimedia output is not dependent on screen display technology. Sound, in the form of telephone touch-tone-based systems, can be used to implement an interesting output alternative. Output Design and Prototyping 42. E-mail is primarily used for external outputs, such as order fulfillment e-mails from an e-commerce website. Answer: False Rationale: Internal outputs may also be e-mail-enhanced. For example, a system can push notification of the availability of new reports. 43. Physical data flow diagrams are a good starting point for output design. Answer: True 44. Pie charts are useful for summarizing percentages of a whole within a single series of data. Each slice represents one item in that series of data. Answer: True 45. You should avoid abbreviations in column headings. Answer: True Multiple Choice Questions 46. Output that is presented as columns of text and numbers is known as: A) zoned B) graphic C) bar D) tabular E) none of these Answer: D 47. Output that places text and numbers into designated areas or boxes of a form or screen is known as: A) zoned B) graphic C) scattered D) tabular E) none of these Answer: A Output Design and Prototyping 48. The use of pictorial charts to convey information in ways that demonstrate trends and relationships not easily seen in tabular output is known as: A) zoned output B) scattered output C) pie charts D) graphic output E) none of these Answer: D 49. Many of today's retail and consumer transactions are enabled or enhanced by: A) printed output B) display screens C) point of sale terminals D) tabular terminals E) none of these Answer: C 50. A term coined to collectively describe any information presented in a format other than traditional numbers, codes and words; including: graphics, sound, pictures and animation, is: A) multimodal B) graphical C) zoned D) multimedia E) none of these Answer: D 51. Which kind of chart shows one or more series of data over a period of time? It is useful for summarizing and showing data at regular intervals. Each line represents one series or category of data. A) area B) bar C) column D) line E) none of these Answer: D Output Design and Prototyping 52. Which kind of chart is similar to a line chart except that the focus is on the area under the line? It is useful for summarizing and showing the change in data over time. Each line represents one series or category of data. A) area B) bar C) column D) donut E) none of these Answer: A 53. Which kind of chart is useful for comparing series or categories of data? Each horizontal bar represents one series or category of data. A) area B) bar C) column D) donut E) none of these Answer: B 54. Which kind of chart is similar to bar charts except that the bars are vertical? Also, a series of charts may be used to compare the same categories at different times or time intervals. Each bar represents one category of data. A) area B) radar C) column D) donut E) none of these Answer: C 55. Which kind of chart shows the relationship of parts to a whole? It is useful for summarizing percentages of a whole within a single series of data. A) area B) radar C) pie D) scatter E) none of these Answer: C Output Design and Prototyping 56. Which kind of chart is similar to pie charts except that they can show multiple series or categories of data, each in its own concentric ring? A) area B) radar C) scatter D) donut E) none of these Answer: D 57. Which kind of chart is useful for comparing different aspects of more than one series of data? Each data series is represented as a geometric shape around a central point. Multiple series are overlaid so that they can be compared. A) area B) radar C) scatter D) donut E) none of these Answer: B 58. Which kind of chart is useful for showing the relationship between two or more series or categories of data measured at uneven intervals of time? Each series is represented by data points using either different colors or bullets. A) area B) radar C) scatter D) donut E) none of these Answer: C 59. Paper is bulky and requires considerable storage space. To overcome the storage problem, many businesses use what other output medium? A) hyperlinks B) microfilm C) microfish D) multimedia E) B and C Answer: B Output Design and Prototyping 60. Computer outputs should be simple to read and interpret. Which of the following is a guideline that applies to this principle? A) every output should have a title B) every output should be dated and time stamped C) only required information should be printed or displayed D) information should never have to be manually edited to become usable E) all of these Answer: E 61. Which of the following is a general principle for output design? A) The timing of computer outputs is important. Output information must reach recipients while the information is pertinent to transactions or decisions. B) The distribution of (or access to) computer outputs must be sufficient to assist all relevant users. C) The computer outputs must be acceptable to the system users. D) Computer outputs should be simple to read and interpret. E) all of these Answer: E 62. Which of the following is a design issue related to output design? A) How frequently is the output generated? B) How many pages or sheets of output will be generated for a single copy of a printed output? C) Does the output require multiple copies? If so, how many? D) Have the distribution controls been finalized? E) all of these Answer: E 63. Which of the following is a design issue related to preprinted forms? A) Should the form be designed for mailing? If so, address locations become important based on whether or not windowed envelopes will be used. B) How many forms will be required for printing each day? Week? Month? Year? C) What preprinted information must appear on the form? This includes contact information, headings, labels and other common information to appear on all copies of the form. D) What legends, policies and instructions need to be printed on the form (both front and back)? E) all of these Answer: E Output Design and Prototyping 64. Which of the following can be used as an output prototyping tool? A) a spreadsheet B) Microsoft Access C) CASE tools D) A and B E) all of these Answer: E 65. Which of the following reports presents information with little or no filtering or restrictions? A) summary B) exception C) external D) detailed E) none of these Answer: D 66. Which of the following reports categorizes information for managers who do not want to wade through the details? A) summary B) exception C) external D) detailed E) none of these Answer: A 67. Which of the following reports filter data before it is presented to the manager as information, and only includes information about records that are out of the ordinary or not according to some standard? A) summary B) exception C) external D) detailed E) none of these Answer: B Output Design and Prototyping 68. Which of the following reports leave the organization, and are intended for customers, suppliers, partners and regulatory agencies? A) internal B) exception C) detailed D) external E) none of these Answer: D 69. Which of the following reports are external outputs that reenter the system as inputs? A) exception B) detailed C) summary D) turnaround E) none of these Answer: D 70. If you wanted to graph the height of a growing child over time, which of the following kinds of charts would be best? A) line B) pie C) donut D) radar E) time Answer: A 71. A list of the names all students currently earning a D or lower would be an example of a(n): A) summary report B) exception report C) external report D) detailed report E) none of these Answer: B Output Design and Prototyping 72. A count of the number of students enrolled in each major would be an example of a(n): A) summary report B) exception report C) external report D) detailed report E) none of these Answer: A 73. A count of the number of students enrolled in each major would be an example of a(n): A) summary report B) exception report C) external report D) detailed report E) none of these Answer: A 74. A listing of the names of all students enrolled at a university would be an example of a(n): A) summary report B) exception report C) external report D) detailed report E) none of these Answer: D 75. The most common medium for computer outputs is: A) microfilm B) microfiche C) electronic mail D) Internet E) none of these Answer: E Output Design and Prototyping Fill in the Blank Questions 76. The most common medium for computer outputs is _____________________. Answer: Paper 77. Internal outputs are typically printed on __________________ paper. Answer: blank or stock 78. External outputs and turnaround documents are usually printed on _______________________ forms. Answer: preprinted 79. _____________________ output presents information as columns of text and numbers. Answer: tabular 80. ___________________ output places text and numbers into designated areas or boxes of a form or screen. Answer: Zoned 81. ____________________ output is most suited to the pace of today's economy that requires information on demand. Answer: screen 82. Many of today's retail and consumer transactions are enabled or enhanced by ________________________________. Examples include cashier machines and ATMs. Answer: point of sale terminals (POS) 83. _______________________ is a term coined to collectively describe any information presented in a format other than traditional numbers, codes and words. This includes graphics, sound, pictures and animation. Answer: multimedia Output Design and Prototyping 84. The most commonly used automated tool for output design is the ___________________________________. Answer: PC-based database application development environment or Access 85. One way to classify outputs is according to their distribution. List three distribution destinations for outputs. Answer: (a) internal, (b) external, (c) turnaround 86. What are the three sub-classes of internal outputs? Answer: (a) detailed, (b) summary, (c) exception 87. Identify three types of tools that can be used to prototype computer outputs. Answer: (1) layout tools, (2) prototyping tools, (3) code generating tools 88. Which output medium is most suited to providing information on demand? Answer: screen 89. List and briefly describe at least five types of charts that can be used for graphical outputs. Answer: (1) line, (2) area, (3) bar, (4) column, (5) pie, (6) donut, (7) radar, (8) scatter 90. Explain how e-mail and hyperlinks can be used for designing outputs. Answer: E-mail is typically used to confirm or report on e-commerce transactions generated on the Internet. It is also used to solicit customer feedback. Hyperlinks are used to allow users to browse information on demand. It is also used for designing consolidated reports as a report archival system. Chapter 15 Output Design and Prototyping 91. Identify four general principles for output design. Answer: (1) computer outputs should be simple and easy to read; (2) the timing of outputs is important, the recipients should receive the reports in time to make pertinent decisions; (3) the distribution of or access to computer outputs must be sufficient to assist all relevant system users; (4) the computer outputs must be acceptable to the system users who will receive them 92. Identify the steps for output design. Answer: (1) Identify system outputs and review logical requirements. (2) Specify physical output requirements. (3) As necessary, design any preprinted external forms. (4) Design, validate and test outputs using some combination of (a) layout tools, (b) prototyping tools, (c) code generating tools. 93. The _______________________________ for a data flow specifies the attributes or fields to be included in the output. If those requirements are specified in algebraic notation, you can quickly determine which fields repeat, and which fields have optional values. Answer: data structure 94. Identify at least five principles associated with tabular report design. Answer: (1) page size, (2) page orientation, (3) page headings, (4) report legends, (5) column headings, (6) heading alignments, (7) column spacing, (8) row headings, (9) formatting, (10) control breaks, (11) end of report 95. Identify at least four principles associated with screen output design. Answer: (1) size, (2) scrolling, (3) navigation, (4) partitioning, (5) information hiding, (6) highlighting, (7) printing 96. ________________________ outputs are those external outputs that eventually reenter the system as inputs. Answer: Turnaround 97. _____________________ outputs are intended for the system owners and users within an organization. They only rarely find their way outside the organization. Answer: Internal Output Design and Prototyping 98. _______________________ reports are internal outputs that present information with little or no filtering or restrictions. Answer: detailed 99. ________________________ reports are internal reports that categorize information for managers who do not want to wade through details. Answer: Summary 100. _______________________ reports are internal reports that filter data before it is presented to the manager as information. They report on out of the ordinary conditions or conditions that vary from a standard. Answer: Exception 101. _______________________ outputs leave the organization. They are intended for customers, suppliers, partners and regulatory agencies. Answer: External