System Analysis and Design

Unit 9

Unit 9

System Analysis II

Structure:
9.1
Introduction
9.2
File Organisation
Serial organisation
Sequential organisation
Indexed sequential organisation
Inverted list organisation
Random file organisation
9.3
System Testing
9.4
Test Plan and Test Data
Test plan
Test data
9.5
Types of System Test
Unit testing
Integration testing
System testing
9.6
Summary
9.7
Glossary
9.8
Terminal Questions
9.9
Answers
9.10 References

9.1 Introduction
In the previous unit, you studied information gathering tools like interviews,
questionnaire, etc. Also you came to know about different tools of structured
analysis like data flow diagram (DFD), data dictionary, etc.
In this unit, we will study the concept of file organisation and system testing.
You will study various methods of organising files like sequential, indexed
sequential, etc. Also, you will understand the concept of test plan and test
data. You will study various types of system test which include unit testing,
integration testing, etc.
You can define file organisation as a process of accumulating data in a file.
There are a various methods of organising files which are discussed in this
unit. System testing is defined as a process of carrying out various tests on
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a system to discover functionality or to recognise the problems occurring in

the system.
Objectives:
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
describe various methods used for organising files like sequential,
indexed sequential, etc.
explain the concept of system testing
describe test plan and test data
discuss the various types of system test used for testing.

9.2 File Organisation

A file can be defined as a collection of associated records collected at a
common place making the data easy to retrieve and store with day-to-day
basis. You can limit the size of a file by the size of memory or the storage
medium. Activity and volatility are the two characteristics that determine how
files are organised.
File activity is used to identify the actual records percentage processed in a
single run. At any specified time, if less proportion of records is accessed,
then the file organisation takes place on disk for direct access. On the
contrary, if a large percentage of records are affected on a regular basis,
then organising the file on tape would be more efficient and less expensive.
File volatility is used to address the properties of record changes. File
volatility is a measure of the number of records added or deleted as
compared to the original number of records. File records with considerable
changes are extremely volatile. This signifies that the disk design would be
more efficient than tape.
For example, consider airline reservation system and the high volatility in
the course of cancellations, additions, and other transactions, in comparison
to traditional payroll which is comparatively inactive. Disk design will be
more striking if the volatility is higher.
File organisation is performed to make sure that records are obtainable for
processing. It should be designed in order with the activity and volatility of
the information and the nature of the storage media.

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Other considerations are:

Cost of file media
Requirements for enquiry
File confidentiality, integrity, safety and privacy.
There are various methods of organising files (See figure 9.1)

Figure 9.1: Types of File Organisation

Now, let us discuss these methods in detail.

9.2.1 Serial organisation
Serial organisation is defined as the process of storing records serially
without any logical order i.e., as and when a record is received, it is stored in
the next available position.
In table 9.1, we have demonstrated an example of file in serial organisation
where the order no. 0755 can be accommodated after order no. 8302. Thus,
the records are not required to be stored in ascending or descending order
of any field. You can add the record only at the end of a file. You can
retrieve a particular record only by reading its previous records from the
beginning of file as shown in figure 9.2.
Table 9.1: An Example of File with Serial Organisation
Order No.

Sup. No.

Supplier Name

1149

S01

Calder, James

8302

S04

Brand, Matt

0755

S02

Teff, Sam

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Figure 9.2: A Serial File

Advantages of serial organisation: The simplest method of file

organisation is the Serial Organisation. We generally use serial organisation
method for accumulating the transaction data of those applications where
records are accessed in their storage order.
Disadvantages of serial organisation: The disadvantages of files that are
organised in a serial manner are:
In serially organised files, the process of records retrieval is very slow.
It is difficult and time consuming to delete and modify a particular record.
9.2.2 Sequential organisation
Sequential file organisation is defined as the process of arranging the
records sequentially in a predetermined order. In table 9.2, we have shown
an example of file with sequential organisation where the record with Order
No. 8302 will appear after the record with Order No. 0755.
In Sequential file organisation, you can store and arrange the records in
continuous blocks on tape or disk. The records are arranged in ascending or
descending manner in each block. This is done to make the logic simpler for
accessing the data. Sequential organisation is shown in figure 9.3.
Table 9.2: An Example of File with Sequential Organisation
Order No.

Sup. No.

Title of Book

0755

S02

Teff, Sam

1149

S01

Calder James

8302

S04

Brand, Mat

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Figure 9.3: A Sequential File

Advantages of sequential organisation: The sequential file organisation

is a traditional and very commonly used method of data storage because of
following reasons:
Sequential file organisation method is appropriate for applications that
use batch processing.
You can store the sequential files on magnetic tapes which are the least
costly storage devices.
Disadvantages of sequential organisation: The disadvantages of
sequential files are as follows:
When the number of records is high, the sequential files are not efficient.
This is because, on an average, one-half of the records have to be
processed when looking for a particular record.
The processing turns out to be time-consuming when there is a need to
modify or delete a less number of records. This is because the magnetic
tapes do not allow a record to be updated at similar location. You should
read the whole file first and then rewrite it on another tape.
9.2.3 Indexed sequential organisation
As the name suggests, Indexed sequential files are based on the concept of
an index of the contents. For example, a book contains different topics
which are organised in some sequence and it also includes an index at the
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end. You can search the page number of any topic by just going through this
index. Likewise, in Indexed Sequential Organisation, the records are
accumulated in sequence on a data file. However, a second file (known as
Index File) also appears which allows accessing any record directly.
Thus, you can access the records of indexed sequential files sequentially as
well as directly. Direct Access Storage Device (DASD) is used to store the
files for indexed sequential organisation. The floppy and hard disks are
generally considered as direct access storage devices.
Let us first discuss the different areas of disk storage to recognise the
indexed sequential organisation. The three areas of storage where data is
stored are:

Prime Area: When an indexed sequential file is formed initially, the

records are written on an area, known as prime area. This area includes
the records accumulated in logical sequence of key field. The prime area
and sequential file are considered to be similar.

Overflow Area: Overflow area includes those records which can be

added afterwards and cannot be accumulated in prime area.

Index Area: The values of key fields of records and their storage
locations on the disk are included in an index area.

Let us see an example to understand the indexed sequential organisation.

Suppose a database file contains the fieldsEmployee No. and Name. In
table 9.3, we have shown that the records of this file are accumulated in
different area of storage.
In case of prime area, block 1 contains the employee no. 01, 04 and 10 and
block 2 contains employee no. 11, 15 and 20. Every record points to the
address of main location and the address of overflow location. The address
of main location and the address of overflow location are known as record
pointer and overflow pointer, respectively. The employee number (key field)
and the address of its main location for every record are contained in an
index area. The overflow area includes employee number, employee name
and its overflow address for every record which is incorporated afterwards.
You can see that employee no. 01 points to record pointer 1002 and
overflow pointer 2000 in prime area. In case of index area, employee no. 01
is indicated by index value 1002. Thus, this record can be read from prime
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area by looking for its index value. The new record with employee no. 02,
when incorporated afterwards, is accumulated in overflow area and its
overflow pointer value will be 2000. So, this new record is stored logically in
ascending sequence of Employee no. but physically accumulated on
another storage area.
Advantages of indexed sequential files: The advantages of indexed
sequential files are as follows:
The indexed sequential files offer a very powerful tool to the user. Apart
from processing the files sequentially, they can also be processed
randomly.
In these files, the searching is very quick since the file management
system processes the data records in line with its index value. This
method is known as the Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM).
You can also call these files as ISAM files.
Unlike sequential files, when records are updated or inserted, rewriting
the entire file is not required.
Table 9.3: An Example of Indexed Sequential File displaying
Areas of Storage Prime Area
Employee No.

Employee Name

Record Pointer

Overflow Pointer

01

PreetiArora

1002

2000

04

Dr.Suchitra

1006

2010

10

Gaurav

1010

2020

11

Dr.Surendra Kumar

1202

3000

15

Sweety

1206

3090

20

Dr.SudhirKhetrapal

1210

3020

Index Area
Employee No.

Record Pointer

202

S01

199

S02

198

S04

200

S03

201

S02

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Overflow Area
Employee No.

Employee Name

Overflow Pointer

02

Mrs.Lajwanti

2000

12

BaldevArora

3000

05

Anita Arora

2010

Disadvantages of index sequential files: The disadvantages of indexed

sequential files are as follows:
These files must be accumulated on a direct access storage device like
floppy disk, hard disk, etc. and cannot be accumulated on magnetic
tapes.
These files need regular preservation or else the records added in end
overflow area are not included into the main file.
9.2.4 Inverted list organisation
The inverted list organisation is used to maintain an index similar to the
indexed sequential method. The two methods vary, however, in the index
level and record storage. A single index is contained in the inverted list
method for each key type whereas the indexed sequential method includes
a multiple index for a specified key. In an inverted list, it is not necessary to
accumulate the records in a particular sequence. The records are located in
the data storage area. However, you can update the indexes for the record
keys and location.
Example: let us take an example of airline Air India. The flight number, flight
departure time and flight description are all defined as keys, and an
independent index is kept for each. Now let us assume that a passenger
asks information about the Kolkata flight. The agent asks for the record with
the flight description Kolkata flight." The DBMS then interprets the singlelevel index sequentially till it discovers the key value for the Kolkata flight.
This value has two records linked with it: A2 and A8. The DBMS basically
tells the agent that flight No.1070 is starting at 10:10 A.M. (A2) and flight
No.1269 is departing at 8:15 A.M.
Now, let us look at inverted-list organisation in a different manner, let us
assume the passenger requests information for a Kolkata flight that leaves
at 8:15. The DBMS in the beginning looks for the flight description index for
the value of the Kolkata flight. It finds A2 and A8. After that, it looks for the
flight departure index for these values. It. finds that the A2 value leaves at
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10:10, but the A8 value leaves at 8:15. The record at position A8 in the data
location area is exhibited for follow up.
Advantages of inverted list organisation: The Inverted List Organisation
includes the following advantages:
The inverted lists are best suitable for applications that demand
particular data on numerous keys.
They are perfect for static files as additions and deletions leads to costly
pointer updating.
9.2.5 Random file organisation
The file organisation where records are organised at random and are not
required to be in sequence is called Random or Direct File Organisation.
In direct access or random file organisation, records or files are positioned
at random. There is no need for records to be in sequence since you can
update the records directly and rewrite them back in the similar location.
Based on software commands, new records are added at the end of the file
or inserted in desired locations.
Records are obtained by addresses that state their disk locations. You need
an address for locating a record, for connecting records or for setting up
relationships.
There are two types of addresses, that is, absolute or relative. An absolute
address signifies the physical location of the record. It is generally specified
in the format of sector/track/record number. For example, 4/13/5 signifies,
go to sector 4, track 13 of that sector and the fifth record of the track.
One difficulty that occurs with absolute address is that they turn out to be
invalid when the file including the records is repositioned on the disk. One
approach to avoid this is to use pointers for the updated record.
A relative address offers a record location in relation to the starting of the
file. Fixed length records must be there for reference. A record can also be
located by the number of bytes it is from the starting of the file. Dissimilar to
absolute addressing, if the file is moved, pointers are not required to be
updated. This is because the relative location of the record is the same as
before.

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The address of a record can be determined by transforming the record key

value into an arithmetic formula. This is known as hashing technique. Under
this process, each record is stored at a location whose Storage Record
Address (SRA) is computed as some mathematical function called hash
function.
Advantages of random file organisation: The advantages of random file
organisation are as follows:
In Random File Organisation, the records are provided with the fastest
direct access.
Random File Organisation is appropriate for applications that need
online enquiry and updating like air Ticket Bookings and Bank Account
Statements Program.
Disadvantages of random file organisation: Even though, random file
organisation is appropriate for online application, it also includes some
limitations. The main difficulty with hashing technique in random file
organisation is the occurrence of synonymous SRA. Hashing can generate
the same storage location (SRAs) for two dissimilar records. These record
keys are known as synonyms.
Self Assessment Questions
1. File organisation depends on two characteristics, that is, activity and
____________________.
2. Serial Organisation method is used to store the records serially without
any logical order. (True/False)
3. Organising the records sequentially in a predetermined order is known
as ___________________ file organisation.
4. Direct Access Storage Device (DASD) is used to store the files for
sequential organisation. (True/False)
5. ________________ File Organisation includes organising the records
randomly and there is no need for the records to be in sequence.

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Activity 1
Visit a nearby organisation and find out the method of file organisation
used and the reason for the use of that particular method. Also, find out
the activity and volatility of their files. Is the method used, efficient for the
kind of business or trade the organisation deals in?

9.3 System Testing

Testing is considered as the most time-consuming, but an important phase
of a system project. Testing is essentialfor the achievement of an effective
system.
However, in development phase, programmers also perform testing of their
programs, but they usually do not perform testing in a methodical manner.
They mainly focus on eliminating syntax and some logical errors of
programs.

Figure 9.4: System Testing

After coding, each program unit must be tested to ensure that it works in a
correct manner. Afterwards, programs are tested in groups, and lastly the
entire system is tested by the development team. The first step is to compile
the program. This is done by means of a CASE tool or a language compiler.
This procedure identifies syntax errors, which are known as language
grammar errors. The errors are corrected by the programmer until the
execution of a program correctly.

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Then, the program is checked by the programmer desk. Desk checking is

the procedure of analysing the program code to detect logic errors, which
generate erroneous outcomes. This procedure can be carried out by the
person who wrote the program or by other programmers. A process where
desk checking is performed more formally is known as a structured
walkthrough, or code review. This process is needed by various
organisations.
Besides examining or analysing logic and program code, the project team
also carries out a meeting with users known as a design walkthrough. This
is done to review the system and have a discussion with people who will
work with the new system and make sure that all essential features have
been incorporated. This is a continuance of the modelling and prototyping
attempt that started early in the systems development process.
In integration testing, individual software modules are combined and tested
as a group after the unit testing is completed as opposed to system testing
where complete system is configured in a controlled environment and
tested. Integration testing takes as its input modules that have been unit
tested, groups them in larger aggregates, applies tests defined in an
integration test plan to those aggregates, and delivers as its output the
integrated system ready for system testing. System testing, integration
testing and unit testing are explained in detail later in the chapter. The
applications of system testing can be understood better with the following
figure 9.5.

Figure 9.5: Application of System Testing

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Now let us understand the concept of test plan and test data which plays an
important role in testing. These are discussed in the following section.
Self Assessment Questions
6. _______________ of a program is done by means of a CASE tool or a
language compiler.
7. When the project team holds a meeting with users, this process is
known as a structured walkthrough. (True/False)

9.4 Test Plan and Test Data

Now let us study in detail about test plan and test data.
9.4.1 Test plan
A Test Plan is considered as a document that demonstrates the systematic
approach for system testing. It illustrates the scope, strategy, resources and
schedule of projected test activities. It recognises test items; the features
that are to be tested; the tasks relating to testing; who will perform each
task; and any risks that require emergency planning.
Purpose of preparing a test plan: The major reason of a Test Plan
preparation is that everyone related with the project are aware of the scope,
responsibilities, targets and deliverables for the project. This shows that
reviews are very significant as it implies that everyone knows about the
contents of the test plan. It also assists in case of any argument in the
course of the project (particularly among the developers and the testers).
9.4.2 Test data
A System is programmed with the help of its data. If data is poor, functional
testing can suffer, and if data is good, it can enhance functional testing.
Structuring good test data can boost understanding and testability. Its
contents, rightly picked, can decrease maintenance efforts and permit
flexibility.
Test data should however, be prepared which represents usual transactions
of business. Real user names or contact details should not be utilised for
such tests. An exclusive reference number is provided to each separate test
toidentify the Business Process being recorded, the persons concerned with
the testing process and the date the test was performed. Thus, the
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monitoring and testing reports will be developed with the help of the reviews
received.
You should be clear regarding the methodology used for the test. You can
design better test cases by making the plan more formal. You must
recognise the limits inbuilt in the tests themselves. You must have a steady
schedule for testing. Performing a particular set of tests at suitable points in
the process is more significant than running the tests at a particular time.
Roles of data in functional testing: A large amount of data is consumed
and produced by testing. Data is influenced, extrapolated, summed up and
referenced by the functionality under test, which lastly sends out more data
to be checked against expectations.
Data is an essential part of most functional testing. Testing can be improved
by a cautious selection of input data. The various factors are described
below.
1. A system is programmed by its data: Many current systems permit
incredible flexibility in the manner their fundamental functionality can be
used. Configuration data can state control flow, data handling,
presentation and user interface. A system can be configured to fit
numerous business models, work (almost) flawlessly with various
cooperative systems and offer modified experiences to a host of
dissimilar users.
2. Functional testing suffers if data is poor: Tests having poor data may
not illustrate the business model efficiently. They may be tough to
preserve, or need lengthy and complicated setup. They may obscure
difficulties or avoid them on the whole. Poor data is likely to effect in
poor tests that take much time to perform.
3. Good data is vital to reliable test results:The main objective of
functional testing is to permit the test to be repeated with the similar
result, and varied to permit analysis. Without this, it is hard to converse
problems to programmers, and it can turn out to be complicated to have
assurance in the QA(Quality Assurance) team's outcomes, whether they
are good or bad. Good data permits analysis, effective reporting, and
permits tests to be repeated with assurance.

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4. Good data can help testing stay on schedule: A simply logical and
well-understood dataset is a tool used to assist communication. Good
data can to a great extent help in quick analysis and quick re-testing.
Regression testing (Regression testing is type oftesting that seeks to
uncover new software bugs, or regressions, in existing functional and
non-functional areas of a system after changes have been made to
them) and computerised test maintenance can be made faster and
simpler by means of good data, while an elegantly selected dataset can
frequently permit new tests without the overhead of new data. A
document that offers and keeps a record of significant information
regarding a test project is considered as a formal test plan.
Self Assessment Questions
8. A Test Plan is a helpful method to plan through the attempts required to
____________________ the acceptability of a system product.
9. Tests having poor data can describe the business model efficiently.
(True/False)

9.5 Types of System Test

The major types of system tests used to perform testing include unit testing,
integration testing, and system testing. These are shown in figure 9.6 as
below.

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Figure 9.6: Types of System Tests

The first step in testing is unit testing, followed by integration testing, and
then system testing. Now, let us discuss these different types of system
tests.
9.5.1 Unit testing
Unit testing is defined as the testing of an individual program or module. The
purpose is to recognise and remove execution errors that could make the
program to terminate unusually, and logic errors that could have been
overlooked throughout desk checking.
Test data should enclose both accurate data and erroneous data and should
test all probable situations that could take place. For example, for a field that
permits a range of numeric values, the test data should enclose minimum
values, maximum values, values outside the suitable range, and
alphanumeric characters. Throughout testing, programmers can make use

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of software tools to find out the location and possible causes of program
errors.
In unit testing, programmers test theprograms that interrelate with other
programs and files independently, before they are incorporated into the
system. This needs a technique known as stub testing.
In stub testing, the programmer simulates each program conclusion or
result and exhibits a message to specify whether or not the program is
executed in a successful manner. Each stub displays an entry or exit point
that will be linked afterwards to another program or data file.
9.5.2 Integration testing
Integration testing is defined as a testing of two or more programs that rely
on each other. It is also known as link testing. For example, consider a
system with a program that verifies and confirms client credit status, and a
different program that updates data in the client master file. The output from
the validation program turns out to be input to the master file update
program. Testing the programs separately does not assure that the data
passed among them is accurate.
Only by carrying out integration testing for this pair of programs can you
confirm that the programs work jointly in a proper manner. Figure 9.6 display
integration testing for numerous groups of programs. Remember, that a
program can contain membership in two or more groups.
Systems analysts typically produce the data that they utilise in integration
testing. Similar to the case with all types of testing, integration test data
takes into account both usual and unusual circumstances. For example,
integration testing might comprise passing typical records among two
programs, followed by blank records, to simulate an abnormal event or an
operational problem.
You should make use of test data that simulates real conditions since you
are testing the interface that connects the programs. A testing series should
not progress towards the integration test phase unless it has been carried
out properly in all unit tests.

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9.5.3 System testing

After the completion of integration testing, you must carry out system
testing, which includes the whole information system, as displayed in figure
9.6. A system test involves all usual processing situations and is projected
to guarantee users, developers, and managers that the program fulfils all
specifications and that all essential features have been incorporated.
Throughout a system test, users enter data, as well as samples of actual, or
live data, execute queries, and generate reports to reproduce actual
operating conditions. Users and the IT project development team confirm all
processing choices and outputs to make sure that the system functions
accurately.
Commercial systems must experience system testing similar to that of inhouse developed systems, even though unit and integration testing typically
are not performed. Irrespective of the way the system was generated,
system testing includes the following main objectives:
Execute a final test of all programs.
Verify that the system will manage all input data correctly, both valid and
invalid.
Make sure that the IT staffs have the documentation and instructions
required to operate the system in a proper manner and that backup and
restart competencies of the system are sufficient.
Show that users can interrelate with the system productively.
Verify that all system components are incorporated properly and that
real processing situations will be managed correctly.
Confirm that the information system can manage expected volumes of
data in a timely and competent manner.
Successful achievement of system testing is the key to user and
organisations permission, which is why system tests at times are known as
acceptance tests.
Final acceptance tests, though, are carried out throughout systems
installation and evaluation.
How much testing is required? The answer relies on the condition and
needs good decision and input from other IT employees, users, and
management.
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Unfortunately, IT project managers frequently are forced to complete testing

quickly and hand over the system to users.
Common reasons for untimely or quick testing are demands from users,
tight systems development budgets, and demands from top organisation to
complete projects before time. Those pressures delay the testing process
and frequently have harmful effects on the finalproduct.
You should consider detailed testing as a cost-effective means of offering a
quality product. Every error trapped throughout testing removes potential
expenses and operational difficulties. No system, however, is 100% errorfree. Frequently, errors go unnoticed until the system turns out to be
operational. Errors that affect the reliability or correctness of data must be
corrected instantly. Small errors, like typographical errors in screen titles,
can be corrected afterward.
Some users prefer a system that is a totally finished product, whereas
others realise that small changes can be considered as maintenance items
after the system is prepared.
In the final analysis, you must make a decision whether or not to delay
system installation if problems are exposed. If contradictory views occur,
management will make a decision whether or not to install the system after
a complete discussion of the choices.
Self Assessment Questions
10. In _________________ testing, the programmer simulates each
program result and displays a message to specify whether the program
is executed successfully or not.
11. Testing of two or more programs depending on each other is known as
link testing. (True/ False)
12. Throughout systems installation and evaluation, final ______________
tests are carried out.
Activity 2
Visit an organisation and talk to the programmer team. Analyse the steps
taken to test a system and list the errors observed. Also, conduct a stubtesting for any of their programs and make a report.
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9.6 Summary
Let us recapitulate the important concepts discussed in this unit:
File organisation depends on two characteristics, that is, activity and
volatility.
Serial Organisation is defined as the process of storing records serially
without any logical order.
Sequential file organisation is defined as the process of arranging the
records sequentially in a predetermined order.
In Indexed Sequential Organisation, the records are accumulated
sequentially on a data file where a second file (known as Index File) also
appears which allows accessing any record directly.
The inverted list organisation is used to maintain an index similar to the
indexed sequential method.
In direct access or random file organisation, records are positioned at
random all through the file.
System testing performs different types of tests in a system and
identifies the errors occurring in the system.
A Test Plan is considered as a document that illustrates the scope,
strategy, resources and schedule of projected test activities.
The purpose of unit testing is to recognise and remove execution errors
that could make the program to terminate unusually, and logic errors
that could have been overlooked throughout desk checking.
Integration testing is defined as a testing of two or more programs that
rely on each other.
During a system test, users enter data, as well as samples of actual, or
live, data, execute queries, and generate reports to reproduce actual
operating conditions.

9.7 Glossary

Indexed sequential organisation: Indexed sequential files are based

on the concept of an index.

Integration testing: It is defined as a testing of two or more programs

that rely on each other.

Inverted list organisation: It is used to maintain an index similar to the

indexed sequential method.

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Random file organisation: It is a file organisation where records are

positioned at random all through the file.

Sequential file organisation: It is a file organisation where the records

are arranged sequentially in a predetermined order.

Serial organisation: It is a file organisation where the records are

stored one after another without any logical order.

System testing: It performs different types of tests in a system and

identifies the errors occurring in the system.

Test plan: A Test Plan is considered as a document that illustrates the

scope, strategy, resources and schedule of projected test activities.

Unit testing: Unit testing is defined as the testing of an individual

program or module.

9.8 Terminal Questions

1. What is file organisation? List out different methods used for organising
files.
2. Explain the organisation of a sequential file with a suitable example.
Also describe the advantages and disadvantages of a sequential file
organisation.
3. Explain the concept of indexed sequential file organisation with example.
Describe its advantages and disadvantages.
4. Explain the concept of test plan and test data used in testing.
5. What is system testing? Make distinction between unit testing and
integration testing.

9.9 Answers
Self
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Assessment Questions
Volatility
True
Sequential
False
Random or Direct
Compilation
False

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System Analysis and Design

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Unit 9

Authenticate
False
Stub
True
Acceptance

Terminal Questions
1. File organisation is performed to make sure that records are obtainable
for processing. Various methods of organising files are:

Serial Organisation

Sequential Organisation

Indexed Sequential Organisation

Inverted List Organisation

Random File Organisation

Refer section 9.2.
2. Sequential file organisation is defined as the process of arranging the
records sequentially in a predetermined order. One of the advantages of
sequential file organisation is that you can store the sequential files on
magnetic tapes which are the least costly storage devices. One of the
disadvantages of sequential file organisation is that the processing turns
out to be time-consuming when there is a need to modify or delete a
less number of records. Refer section 9.2.
3. Indexed sequential files are based on the concept of an index. In
Indexed Sequential Organisation, the records are accumulated in
sequence on a data file. A second file (known as Index File) also
appears which allows accessing any record directly. One of the
advantages of indexed sequential file organisation is that the searching
is very quick since the file management system processes the data
records in line with its index value. One of the disadvantages of indexed
sequential file organisation is that these files need regular preservation
or else the records added in end overflow area are not included into the
main file. Refer section 9.2.
4. A Test Plan is considered as a document that illustrates the scope,
strategy, resources and schedule of projected test activities. The major
reason of a Test Plan preparation is that everybody related with the
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System Analysis and Design

Unit 9

project are aware of the scope, responsibilities, targets and deliverables

for the project. A System is programmed by means of its data. If data is
poor, functional testing can suffer, and if a data is good, it can assist in
enhancing functional testing. Refer section 9.4.
5. System testing is a process that performs different types of tests in a
system and identifies the errors occurring in the system. Unit testing is
defined as the testing of an individual program or module. On the other
hand, Integration testing is defined as a testing of two or more programs
that rely on each other. It is also known as link testing. Refer section
9.3and 9.5.

9.10 References

Dorothy, J. Tudor; Ian J. Tudor., System Analysis and Design: A

Comparison of Structured Methods, 1995, NCC Blackwell

Leonard, Fertuck., System Analysis and Design, 1994, McGraw-Hill

Higher Education

John, W. Satzinger, Jackson, Burd., System Analysis & Design, 2006,

Thomson Learning

E-references:

http://instructional1.calstatela.edu/dgadish/CIS%20520/CIS520_CH10.
pdf, 21-03-12

http://www.exforsys.com/tutorials/testing/system-testingwhywhathow.html, 21-03-12

http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk

http://www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk

http://www.kabinfo.net/kabinfol_SystemTesting.asp

http://books.google.co.in/books?id=xZVJKFtYrlsC&printsec=frontcover#
v=onepage&q=chapter11&f=false

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