Which of the following BEST explains why computerized information systems frequently fail to meet the needs
of users?
A.
Inadequate quality assurance (QA) tools.
B.
Constantly changing user needs.
C.
Inadequate user participation in defining the system’s requirements.
D.
Inadequate project management.
Explanation:
The most important stages of developing computerized information systems (or any other system or software)
are the early requirement gathering and design phases. If the needs of the users are not correctly determined,
the system will not meet those needs. As end users will be the people using the system, they are will have the
most valuable input into the system requirements definition. Inadequate user participation in defining the
system’s requirements can lead to a system design that does not meet the requirements of the users.
Incorrect Answers:
A: This question is asking for the BEST answer. Inadequate quality assurance (QA) tools may result in poor QA
tests so floors in the system aren’t recognized. However, defining the system’s requirements is the most
important stage of the project. If this is not done correctly, then QA testing will have no effect on the suitability ofthe new system.
B: Constantly changing user needs can be a hazard in a development project. However, this only has an effect
if the users are involved in the design of the system.
D: Inadequate project management generally leads to late or over-budget projects. Incorrectly determining the
system requirements could be due to inadequate project management. However, Answer C is more specific to
the cause of the problem.