The Systems Life Cycle: Evaluation (Cambridge International IGCSE ICT)

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