Chapter 13: Using a solution- testing, evaluating and maintaining

--> ACTIVITIES
     Remember
System Analyst: Is involved in design of information system, chiefly what their role is- go between technical designers and the users and participants of the system.
E.G. School wants a website built, the web designer knows how to build it, someone in the middle who talks to both parties, is the system's analyst. Sits down and talks, and works out what they really need and then goes and talks to the designer, work out needs of users and conveys it to the designers.

1. The six ethical issues a system analyst should consider includes:
(1) Safety
(2) Security
(3) Privacy
(4) Theft, including plagiarism
(5) Reliability of data
(6) Euqity
(7) Copyright

2. The four social issues a system analyst should consider:
(1) Ergonomomics
(2) Work practices
(3) Changing Nature of Work
(4) Relationships between participants
(5) Psychological factors
(6) Design
(7) Increased ease of communication and access to knowledge

3. The Characteristics of people-centered systems are:
- focus is on the problem, not the tool
- are easily understood
-provide templates and assistants
-work reliably
- are user- friendly and intuitive
- are placed in a suitable environment
- are safe
- are ergonomically sound
- take advantage of the users' skills
-look appealing
-are efficient
-relieve users of repetitive and boring tasks
-enhance relationships with interaction with fellow workers
- provide equitable access for all

Think
4. Ways that people are like machines are that both can understand the big picture as well as the detail.
 Ways people are different from machines are they:
- get tired and bored
- make mistakes
- are slow to handle data
- can forget
- behave intuitively
- can think about the nature of the work
- can create new ideas and associations
- need training and retraining
- work best when work is meaningful
- can recognise a nonsensical output

5. The major advances in the desktop computer since the earliest models are:
- More attention to the needs of users
- The ports ( points for connection of cables) are put at the side instead in the rear.
- In terms of physical appearance- more dynamic design away from the "beige box" of the past.

6. I predict the home computer system in a decade's time will be obviously far more advanced than it already is. In order to make the computer do something, commands will be given verbally. Keyboards may only be part of some computers, touch screens will dominate. There is no doubt that technology will change dramatically as the years go past, and the development of the home computer system over the years have proven this.
How  have computers changed?
- dial up connection- wireless
- monitors were different, big "boxy ones"- 15 inch, - LCD 22 inch
- machines slower ( 400 MHZ)- much faster ( 4 times), about 2.5 GHZ. Speed has increased exponentially.
- Floppy Disks loaded operating system
-  RAM then (32 million kilo bytes)    RAM now ( 4 million kilo bytes))
- No hard drive
- Only could have a program running one at a time  - NOW multitasking computers


Respond using identify
7.  The major social impacts that information technology has had on our society in the past 20 years:
- Information technology is widely accessible but to others, this is not the case.
- In many countries poor schools are unable to provide the access to information than other wealthier schools can provide.
- Access being equitable, then the level of technology can enhance and liberate the individual
- Access not being equitable, then there is an increase of the gap between the information poor rich and poor.
- Access to information meant access to power and control, then we are effectively creating a class in society who are powerless and thereby unable to share equally what others have.


Investigate
8.  Research the below, on its causes, treatment and system design features that would reduce it impact on operators.
                                                                RSI ( Repetitive Strain Injury)
Causes: 
-Poor posture, or badly organised work area that is not ergonomically sound
- Holding same posture for a long period of time. 
- Long periods of work without a break
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Overuse of muscles, on a " continuous, repetitive basis
Treatment:
- Painkillers 
-Heat and cold packs
-Orthopedic hand braces
- Soft tissue therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Massage
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Tai Che
- Acupuncture
- Surgery
System Design Features: 
- Ensure workstation is ergonomically sound
- Retain a good posture, don't slouch
- Ergonomic equipment
- Learn all keyboard shortcuts
- Don't grip mouse too forcefully
- Position mouse at comfortable distance, don't position it too far from computer, as then you would have to stretch far.


                                                                Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Causes:
- Repetition in movement
-  High forces
-  Awkward joint posture
-  Direct pressure
-  Vibration
- " prolonged constrained " pressure 
-   Using a non- ergonomic keyboard


Treatment:
- Rest from any positions or movements which make symptoms worse
- Physiotherapy
- Wearing a wrist splint ( at night mostly)
- Cortisone injections or even tablets to reduce inflammation
- Fluid tablets to reduce swelling
- Surgery


System Design Features:
- Adjustable chair height
- Ergonomic equipment
- Such as keyboard/mouse tray system 


                                                                     Tenosynovitis 
Causes:
Mostly to do with other diseases or
- infection
- injury 
- overuse
- strain


Treatment:
- Main objective- to relieve pain and inflammation
- Resting
- Keeping affected tendons still
- Using a splint or brace to help "immobilize" tendons
- Applying hot or cold to affected area
- Anti- inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation
- Surgery


System Design Features
- Ergonomic equipment
-  Frequent breaks
-  Move around wrist, fingers