Question

In the preliminary investigation phase of the systems life cycle, which one of the following tasks would not be included?

A. Briefly defining the problem
B. Suggesting alternative solutions
C. Gathering the data
D. Preparing a short report

Answer 1

The task not included in the preliminary investigation phase is suggesting alternative solutions, as this phase focuses on broadly defining the problem, gathering data, and preparing a report.

Step-by-step explanation:

The task that would not be included in the preliminary investigation phase of the systems life cycle is B. Suggesting alternative solutions. In the preliminary investigation phase, the focus is on understanding the problem at a high level, which includes broadly defining the problem, gathering the data, and preparing a short report on findings. The phase of suggesting alternative solutions generally comes after the preliminary investigation when more information has been collected and analyzed.

Suggesting alternative solutions involves brainstorming a variety of ideas, which is typically done once the exact nature of the problem has been ascertained and stakeholders' requirements are fully understood. This activity corresponds more with the later stages of the systems development life cycle, such as during the system analysis or design phases where a deeper dive into potential options and their feasibility is conducted.