Architecture Design: Exercises

In large and complex systems, it is sometimes necessary to begin designing the system architecture before the requirements specification is fully complete. Which of the following are valid reasons why this is the case? Select ALL that apply.

You are preparing a presentation to a non-technical manager to justify hiring a dedicated system architect for a new project. Which of the following bullet points would belong in such a presentation? Select ALL that apply.

A system has both high availability and high security as its most important non-functional requirements. Explain why these requirements create an architectural conflict.

Consider an automated ticket-issuing system used by passengers at a railway station. The system accepts payment, checks seat availability, and prints tickets. Which of the following correctly describes what a conceptual view and a process view of this system would show?

For a large system, you would normally use several architectural patterns rather than a single pattern throughout. Which of the following best explains why?

An online music distribution system (similar to iTunes) needs to sell and distribute music over the Internet. It must handle a large catalogue of music, manage user accounts and purchases, stream or download audio files, and process payments. Which combination of architectural patterns forms the most appropriate base architecture, and why?

You need to design an architecture for a system that accepts natural language commands from users and translates them into SQL database queries. The system must parse the natural language input, identify the entities and relationships, and generate a valid SQL statement. Which of the following architectural patterns is most appropriate as the primary pattern, and which components would it include?

Using the generic four-layer model of an information system, suggest which components would be part of an information system that allows users to view information about flights arriving and departing from a particular airport. Classify each proposed component into the correct layer.

Using the generic four-layer model of an information system, suggest which components would be part of an information system that allows users to view information about flights arriving and departing from a particular airport. Classify each proposed component into the correct layer.

Consider the proposal that 'software architect' should be a separate profession, where an independent architect designs the system architecture and a separate company implements it. Which of the following correctly identify difficulties with establishing such a profession? Select ALL that apply.

A computer-controlled video conferencing system allows video, audio, and computer data to be shared simultaneously among several participants. Which architectural view would be MOST useful for analysing whether the system can meet its real-time performance and synchronisation requirements?

A robot floor cleaner must clean relatively clear spaces such as corridors. It must sense walls and obstructions, navigate autonomously, and avoid getting stuck. If safety is the most critical non-functional requirement (to avoid damaging the environment or injuring people), what architectural strategy should be applied?