IT 460 Week 9 Assignment

Conversion, Testing, and More 

Unit outcomes practiced in this assignment:

·         Describe data conversion and changeover methods.

·         Evaluate system testing methods.

·         Develop IT security policies. 

Course outcomes practiced in this assignment:

·         IT460-6: Design systems implementation. 

Purpose 

The systems analyst job carries into and beyond the implementation stage. Often, this is a confusing time for the client, who may not understand the complexities of these final steps. You need to explain major types of conversion and choose one for a specific client, and will also explain some testing that you intend to perform. 

In addition to research and presentation of ideas, this assignment will test your ability to explain technology concepts to non-technical clients. It is to be prepared using PowerPoint. Since your work is largely based on research, APA citation/referencing is required.  Assistance with APA is available in the Writing Center. 

Assignment Instructions and Requirements

Scenario: Friday Building Materials has been in operation for 20 years. Their system was never adequate for their needs, and it became hopelessly outdated. As the systems analyst, you fully redesigned it and major changes are being implemented.

Unfortunately, Friday's CEO thinks that you can "flick a switch" and simply start using the new system without issue. He also thinks that testing should be a simple one-time task. You feel that direct conversion is not in the best interest of the company since they have a lot of data and this is a major change. You also see the need to explain that testing is not really one simple task. 

Research

You will need at least two appropriately academic sources. 

Documentation

Prepare a PowerPoint with the following requirements. 

Slide 1: Cover slide

Include the name of your client (Friday Building Materials), your name, and the date 

For Slides 2-5, describe the following conversion methods. For each slide, write in your own words and use APA in-text citation to identify the source of the information. Each slide must have a minimum of 40 words. Do not include images. Use the names below as slide titles.

·         Slide 2: Direct Conversion

·         Slide 3: Parallel Conversion

·         Slide 4: Phased (Modular) Conversion

·         Slide 5: Pilot Conversion 

Slide 6: Recommendation

Provide a conversion recommendation for your client (not direct conversion) and explain why it is the best for the situation. Minimum wording: 25 words. 

For Slides 7-9, describe any three systems testing methods; include how they would help the client's situation and especially how testing relates to security of their data. For each slide, write in your own words and use APA in-text citation to identify the source of information. Each slide must have a minimum of 35 words. Do not include images.

·         Slide 7: Method (use the name of the method as your slide title)

·         Slide 8: Method (use the name of the method as your slide title)

·         Slide 9: Method (use the name of the method as your slide title)

Slide 10: References

·         Provide full entries in APA style

Additional parameters:

·         Do not quote from sources; all of the presentation must be in your own words.

·         Design:

·         Use a design theme.

·         Ensure good readability (consider color, text size, etc.)

·         Do not use animation or transitions.

·         Do not include content in the notes area.

·         Do not have more than 10 slides.

Review all instructions above and the rubric below before submitting to the assignment dropbox.