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Infrequent but Essential System Use

publish date: 2026/06/24 21:07:16.881744 UTC

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A university uses a student registration system only once a year, at the start of the academic year. Why would it be a mistake to assume this system automatically has low business value just because it is used infrequently?

Because annual systems cannot be assessed for business value under any circumstances

Because infrequent systems always have higher technical quality than frequently used ones

Because all systems used less than daily are required by law to be replaced

Because infrequent use does not necessarily mean low importance; the system may be essential despite being used only occasionally

Correct Answer

Because infrequent use does not necessarily mean low importance; the system may be essential despite being used only occasionally

Explanation

You have to be careful about occasional but important system use. A student registration system used only at the start of each academic year is still essential and has high business value, even though usage is infrequent. Frequency alone is not a reliable indicator of business value.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Legacy System Assessment - Business Value and the Four Clusters