Production of Process Specification
Process specification is a description of the steps taken in order to achieve a particular task in any business activity as portrayed in on models such a data flow diagram. It is also known as miniature specification in other fields. In short, it stipulates the procedures that are followed in order to transform inputs into outputs. Examples of process specifications include decision tables, flow charts and Nassi- Shneiderman diagram e.t.c.
First process specification is used in many manufacturing industries with intentions of ensuring accurate and standardized conclusion of projects enabling reproduction of the same goods with ease. This is achieved even without the input of an expert in that field so long as the steps are adequately followed. Therefore process specifications is said to produced so as to allow for replication and reproduction of the same end result enabling consistencies,
It is also produced so as to create clear cut, understandable and executable instructions that can be easily followed and lead to completion of the same task with minimal experience needed. That is, even with basic training or experience on is able to complete complicated tasks with the help of process specification. Hence it is said with the help of process specification one can efficiently complete tasks.
The same is also produced so as to reduce errors and omissions in the completion of the various tasks done. This is because the procedures stipulated give an end result that is sure to be successful when followed accurately.
Process specifications ease the completion of tasks give as the best avenues to end results that are achieved with minimal effort and are reduced errors. They are considered recipes for success as they have always worked before.
Decision tables, which are composed of four parts, are often put into good use when modeling complex programming logic. Decision table is “a table that represents the exhaustive set of mutually exclusive conditional statements within a pre-specified problem area” . They make it easy for one to be able to visualize all probable combinations of conditions whenever one is dealing with complex programming logic. The decision tables are normally composed of four parts namely: conditions, actions, condition alternatives and actions for the rules.
The process of developing decision tables involves six stages. The first stage of developing a decision table involves identifying the conditions and their alternative values. The subsequent steps are: computing the maximum number of rules needed, identifying the probable actions to be taken, defining each of the actions to be taken given the rules, confirming that each of the actions given correctly apply to the corresponding rule and lastly simplifying the decision table.
After drawing the quadrants of the table, one then lists the conditions that are believed to be salient in the evaluation of choice alternative. One then comes up with combinations of condition determining avenues define significant conditions for the experts answers.
The next step to be taken in indentifying and their alternative values is the definition of condition states in order to evaluate the conditions logically, be it limited or extended entries.
In conclusion, an expert needs to bear in mind that conditions are to distinct, realistic and pertinent. The expert needs to make the decision table exhaustive and exclusive without recurrence of conditions or their alternative values so as to have a good decision table.
Main Uses of Decision Trees in System Analysis
A decision tree is a decision support mechanism that employs the use of tree-like graphs that indicate the decisions made, their consequences and utilities in order to help one make a decision about an event or course of action. Given the nature of the decision trees it is important in system analysis as it helps the system analyst to develop and draw conclusions about a system with ease given the fact that he is able to identify and relate to the foreseeable consequences.
The decision tree plays an important role for a system analyst when they are evaluating the feasibility of a project by knowing of the consequence implicated whether it is economically, socially or technologically viable. This tree helps the system analyst to decide on whether to continue or stop the project given the end results. It therefore clearly gives the system analyst an overview of the challenges to be faced giving room for countenance.
The decision tree is also used to calculate the probability of an event occurring given a certain course of action. This helps the system analyst determine how to go about the project so as to avoid the possibility of an unwarranted event from occurring.
It allows for the analysis of possible consequences of a particular decision by the analyst therefore giving room for the analyst to study the course of actions to be taken. This aspect makes it easy for the analyst to choose from the array of possibilities ahead.
Finally, the decision trees help the analyst to make the best ultimate decisions on the basis of existing information and best guesses. This is because they give the best platform for one to visualize and conclude their projects actualization.
Decision trees are used in almost all projects in the modern world and they give us the chance to see the feasibility of these projects as the give us a foresight into the consequences the various decisions the analyst will arrive at.
References
Deng, H., Runger, G., & Tuv, E. (2011). Bias of importance measures for multi-valued attributed and solution. The 21st International Conference on Artificial Neural Netwroks (pp. 1-9). Tempe: Intel Corporation.
Fisher, D. L. (1996, January). Data Documentation and Decision Tables. Comm ACM , 9(1), 26-31.
