55501 Information Systems for Managers June 1997
Please answer all five questions. Each question is worth 20 marks

Q1. The degree of structure in a decision environment has led to the development of psychological models to explain the different styles of decision making. Consider the following decision making models, explain what they are, and whether or not these have any relation to the decision environments defined in the information hierarchy:

• Rational model
• Bounded Rationality model
• Satisficing model
• Incremental model

Q2. The System Development Life Cycle is an attempt to categories and formalise the various stages that are (or have been) phases in the traditional development of an information system from Feasibility to Maintenance.

In what ways have each of the different Application Development Methodologies either supported or not supported this view of system development?

Q3. The partial or complete outsourcing of Information Systems operations has probably affected to some extent the issues of security and control. Discuss in what ways this may be correct, and also why an organisation may choose outsourcing as a means of system development.

Q4. Modelling is a technique used in conditions of uncertainty. Discuss the likelihood of failure of this technique in terms of information hierarchy, sensitivity analysis, internal / external data, reliability, validity, etc.

Q5. As a manager, what do you consider are the main risks that End User Computing may pose to your organisation, and can these be controlled in any way. Is the main benefit of EUC dependent on some degree of control being exercised on user activities, or is absence of control an essential framework for EUC?

25 April 1998a, Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: 25 April 1998
Duration: 3 hours

Instructions

This is a CLOSED BOOK examination.

Students are allowed to write on the examination paper during perusal time.

There are eight (8) questions on this paper. Answer any five (5) questions.

Please write your answer for each question on a fresh page of the answer booklet.

All questions are of equal value

Total possible marks for this paper = 100

If you are unsure regarding the interpretations or wording of any questions, you should write down your assumptions at the start of the question.

Answer 5 out of the 8 questions. Each question carries 20 marks.

Question 1
Various individual decision making models such as the:

(a) Rational model
(b) Satisficing (bounded rationality) model
(c) "Muddling through" model
(d) Incremental model

have been developed to explain the different styles of decision making.

Briefly explain your understanding of the above models, and describe the extent to which information systems may be able to support the use of each of these models. State any assumptions clearly.

Question 2
One model used to describe decision making uses decision levels, such as operational level, knowledge level, tactical level and strategic levels.

Describe with suitable examples what kind of decisions occurs at each level and the kind of information systems processing that may be applicable at each of these levels.

Question 3
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of choosing in-house development or the purchase of an application package as a means of acquiring a critical information system. Include in your discussion what issues you would consider when choosing an Application package.

Question 4
Information has been described as a corporate resource for modern organisations. Extensive literature has been written about the "learning organisation", the "virtual organisation", the "knowledge worker" and the "knowledge economy".

Discuss the usefulness and relevance of such concepts in your organisation, in particular amongst the senior executives including information systems executives.

Does the existence of an information architecture (IA) and the use of a database management system (DBMS) indicate that information is being managed as a resource? State clearly any use of terminology and assumptions.

Question 5
Small organisations may have limited options in the acquisition and deployment of information systems. On the other hand, it has also been said that small organisations are more flexible and adaptive to changes in the business and operating environment.

Discuss with reasons, if the above statements are peculiar only to small organisations and whether larger organisations face similar or different problems. State any assumption clearly.

Question 6
The modern workforce is said to be more information technology literate than their predecessor are. At the same time more and more software development tools are made more accessible to the average user, for example in the Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, UNIX and Internet environments.

Discuss, giving reasons or examples, if this means that end-user computing activities will increase above their present levels. Would outsourcing have any impact on end-user computing activities? Include in your discussion comments on some of the problems that management needs to be aware of in both end user computing and in outsourcing.

Question 7
Comment on the following issues affecting managers

(a) Application packages purchased without source code
(b) Information Centre monitoring of end user systems development
(c) TPS using on-line mode vs batch mode processing
(d) Year 2000 millennium problem
(e) Electronic commerce

Question 8
Information systems are increasingly taking on a more international dimension such as in the use of information technology infrastructure, and operating standards and procedures. This give rise to the term "international information systems".

With respect to your organisation and/or your functional area in your organisation. discuss the likely issues arising in the use of such information systems? Give reasons.

Sep 1998b, SG - (Local Set) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers
Examiner: T. Yeap, Moderator: A. Cavaye

Date: Sep 1998
Duration: 3 hours

Special Instructions:
- This is an OPEN BOOK examination.

- Any relevant written or printed material may be taken into the examination arena.

- Usage of notebook or laptop is permissible, however modem, handphone or pager are strictly disallowed.

- Attempt Question 1 and THREE other questions.

- Question One is worth 40 marks, while the other questions carry 20 marks each.

- There are a total of five questions and five pages (including this page).

- Students are permitted to write on the Question paper during perusal time.

- Students may retain the Question paper.

Question 1
This question refers to the paper that was given during the class, titled "Towards An Australian Strategy for the Information Economy".

(a) Identify and explain four business opportunities in the paper which is applicable for Singapore [8]

(b) For each of the opportunity identified in 1(a), list one primary technological enabler for that to happen. [4]

(c) On Pg 6, the paper mentioned 10 comparative strengths inherent in the Australia economy. Identify two additional strengths in the Singapore for an Information Economy. [4]

(d) In your own words, what are the four principles in pursing the mission of "To ensure that the lives and work of Australians are enriched, jobs are created and the national wealth enhanced, through the participation of all Australians in the growing information economy for Australians in the information age." [8]

(e) Pg 9 gave a listing of visions for Australia in the Information Economy. In your own words, list/guess four Singapore IT2000 vision that are common. [4]

(f) Some School of Thoughts insist that the cashless society is a necessary evil. What are the potential security hazards that a cashless society brings? [6]

(g) In another paper titled "The Global information Economy - The Way Ahead" by The Information Industries Taskforce, 1997, the seven key challenges towards a global information economy faced by Australians are:

o recognising the size, impact and strategic importance of the Information industries, and the need for a National Information Industries Strategy;
o national leadership;
o proactive investment attraction;
o going global - exporting information and communication technology to the world;
o enabling and empowering users across the economy;
o enhancing skills formation, education and training; and
o enhanching research, development and innovation.

Based on your knowledge gained in the ISM class, pick any four key challenges and briefly describe how IS can help tackle these challenges. [10]

Question 2
Many business systems still operate on fundamental principles developed in the middle-ages and toward the end of the industrial revolution. Over recent years information technology has experienced an unprecedented degree of change, enabling the transformation of the basic mechanisms of business. This transformation is accelerating, supported by new computer based applications to facilitate business processes, new systems to capture information on customers (enabling a better understanding of customers) and new methods of communication - within and between organisations and their customers/suppliers.

(a) Assess the opportunities on conducting business over the Internet in an industry of your choice. [18]

(b) What are the different alternatives available for shoppers to pay electronically? [2]

Question 3
The viability of a virtual corporation depends on the technological infrastructure as well as the human infrastructure which facilitates effective communication via the mediating technologies. Neither of them is less important: deployment of advanced information technologies needs to be informed by the advanced thinking on the issues of organizational control.

(a) Describe the attributes of a virtual corporation. [15]

(b) Briefly describe the various aspects of the technological infrastructure needed to support a virtual corporation. [5]

Question 4
Business Intelligence encompasses terminology including:

Executive Information Systems
Decision Support Systems
Enterprise Information Systems
Management Support Systems
OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing)

as well as newer technologies such as:

Data Mining
Text Mining
Data Visualisation
Geographic Information Systems

It also includes the enabling technologies of Data Warehousing and Middleware that are critical components of many Business Intelligence Systems.

(a) Describe and explain how a Business Intelligence System will benefit your organisation [15]

(b) Identify the organisational and technological challenges involved. [5]

Question 5
Perhaps the most crucial contemporary issue of information management is whether to outsource all or some of the information technologies to specialized-services firms. The issue is not a transient phenomenon; the shift from company-management computing to outsourcing is accelerating. Understanding where, when and how to successfully outsource is proving to be one of the most difficult and important business skills needed for your company's future.

(a) What are the reasons for outsourcing? [8]

(b) How do you outsource? [6]

(c) Based on your industry exposure, give a case of outsourcing which you are familiar with. [6]

Nov 1998c (AU) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: November 1998
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. Each question carries 20 marks.

Question 1
For each of the three levels of the information hierarchy, explain the differences in (a) type of decisions and tasks, (b) type of information required and used, (c) software tools appropriate for each level. Explain the differences and give example.

Question 2
Modelling is a technique often used in planning where a degree of uncertainty exists. Explain the nature of this uncertainty and discuss how modeling can be an aid to the decision-making process.

Question 3
The 'rational' model of decision-making may appear to be very effective because it provides procedures and guidance to cover all of the decision-making activities. Discuss the rational model of decision-making and explain why this model is not universally adopted.

Question 4
Many organisations have turned towards the partial or complete outsourcing of information systems operations. Explain why an organisation may choose to outsource applications development. Also discuss the risks involved in outsourcing.

Question 5
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of End User Computing. In your answer consider whether the disadvantages of EUC can be controlled or overcome.

1999 (SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: September 1999
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. Each question carries 20 marks.

Question 1
For each of the following acronyms, explain what the abbreviation stands for and write a paragraph (4-6 lines) about each topic:

(a) TPS       (2 marks)
(b) ES         (3 marks)
(c) ESS       (3 marks)
(d) LAN       (3 marks)
(e) GDSS   (3 marks)
(f) KWS       (3 marks)
(g) ISP        (3 marks)

Question 2
A major role for information systems is to provide support for managerial decision-making.

(a) Explain what activities are performed during each of the three phases of the decision-making process (intelligence, design, and choice). (6 marks)

(b) Identify what information and what IS tools can be used to support each phase of the decision-making process. (4 marks)

(c) Discuss the problems associated with decision-making in groups and explain how information systems can support decision-making in groups. (10 marks)

Question 3
The Internet is a widely used medium for business communication of all kinds. Managers have to be familiar with main Internet concepts. Use about 100 words to answer each of the following:

(a) What is an Intranet; how is it used by organisations? (5 marks)

(b) What is an Extranet; how is it used by organisations? (5 marks)

(c) Discuss the differences between business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce. (10 marks)

Question 4
(a) Name and describe 5 different types of threats to computerised IS. (4 marks)

(b) Use about 100 words to explain why information systems are vulnerable. (4 marks)

(c) Management is responsible for developing an appropriate control environment. Use 150-200 words to discuss the types of controls that can be put in place to safeguard data and systems. (12 marks)

Question 5
Traditionally organisations used to have large IS departments responsible for the development of in-house applications. However, organisations increasingly make use of alternative system building methods. Two much-used methods are end-user development and outsourcing.

(a) Describe and discuss end-user development. (In you answer address the following issues: 'What is end-user development?' 'What are the advantages/benefits of end-user development?' 'What are the disadvantages/risks of end-user development?') (10 marks)

(b) Describe and discuss outsourcing. (In your answer address the following issues: 'What is outsourcing?' 'What are the advantages/benefits of outsourcing?' 'What are the disadvantages/risks of outsourcing?') (10 marks)    

2000 (Mar & Jun-A, SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: 27 March 1999 & 5 June 2000
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. 

Question 1
A major role for information system is to provide support for managerial decision-making.

a. Define and describe the capabilities of an executive support system. (4 marks)

b. What are the benefits of executive support systems? How do these systems enhance managerial decision making? (4 marks)

c. Discuss the problems associated with decision-making in groups and explain how information systems can support decision-making in groups. (8 marks)

Question 2
a. Define enterprise networking. List three of its characteristics. How is it related to internetworking? (6 marks)

b. Describe four business models for electronic commerce on the Internet. (6 marks)

c. Describe some obstacles to electronic commerce on the Internet. (4 marks)

Question 3
a. What is the significance of telecommunications deregulation for managers and organisations? (4 marks)

b. Name the four types of telecommunications transmission media and compare them in terms of speed and cost. (4 marks)

c. Compare TCP/IP, OSI and SNA as solutions to network connectivity problems. (4 marks)

d. Name and describe three telecommunications applications that can provide strategic benefits to business. (3 marks)

e. List and discuss five important factors to consider when implementing a telecommunications system? (8 marks)

Question 4
a. Name and describe five different types of threats to computerised IS. (5 marks)

b. Explain why information systems are vulnerable. (4 marks)

c. Management is responsible for developing an appropriate control environment. Discuss the types of controls that can be put in place to safeguard data and systems. (8 marks)

Question 5
Traditionally organisations used to have large IS departments responsible for the development of in-house applications. However, organisations increasingly make use of alternative system building methods. Two much-used methods are end-user development and outsourcing.

a. Describe and discuss end-user development. ( In your answer address the following issues : " What is end-user development?" What are the advantages / benefits of end-user development? "What are the disadvantages / risks of end-user development?”) (6 marks)

b Describe and discuss outsourcing. (In your answer address the following issues: " What is  outsourcing?" "What are the advantages / benefits of outsourcing?" " What are the 
disadvantages / risks of outsourcing? (6 marks)

Question 6
a. What is object-oriented programming? How does it differ from conventional software development? (4 marks)

b. Describe multiprogramming, virtual storage, time sharing and multiprocessing. Why are they important for the operation of an information system? (4 marks)

c. What is a distributed database, and how does it differ from distributed data processing? (4 marks)

d. What is a normalisation? How is it related to the features of a well-designed relational database? (4 marks)

2000 (Jun-B, SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: 26 June 2000
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. 

Question 1
(a) Identify and briefly describe the components of a Decision Support System. (4 marks)

(b) What are the benefits of executive support systems? How do these systems enhance managerial decision making? (4 marks)

(c) Identify four ways that GDSS can enhance decision making. (4 marks)

Question 2
(a) Briefly discuss the three dimensions of an information system. (6 marks)

(b) Define enterprise networking. List three of its characteristics. How is it related to internetworking? (6 marks)

(c) Describe three benefits and three barriers to electronic commerce on the Internet. (6 marks)

(d) Explain the difference between intranet and extranets and discuss two benefits for each type of these networks. (4 marks)

Question 3
(a) Define TCP/IP, list its five layers and discuss some of the reasons why a layered approach is used in telecommunications protocols. (6 marks) 

(b) What is the significance of telecommunications deregulation for managers and organisations? (4 marks) 

(c) Name the four types of telecommunications transmission media and compare them in terms of speed and cost. (4 marks)

(d) Name and describe three telecommunications applications that can provide strategic benefits to business. (3 marks)

(e) List and discuss five important factors to consider when implementing a telecommunications system. (8 marks)

Question 4
(a) Computerised Information Systems are vulnerable to many internal and external threats. Explain why IS have become more vulnerable in recent times and discuss ways that could be used to minimise the risks to modern Information Systems. (8 marks)

(b) Describe the role of encryption in the protection of modern Information Systems. Address both the issues of secrecy and authentication. (6 marks) 

Question 5
Traditionally organisations used to have large IS departments responsible for the development of in-house applications. However, organisations increasingly make use of alternative system building methods. Two much-used methods are end-user development and outsourcing.

a. Describe and discuss end-user development. (In your answer address the following issues : " What is end-user development?" What are the advantages / benefits of end-user development? "What are the disadvantages / risks of end-user development?”) (5 marks)

b Describe and discuss outsourcing. (In your answer address the following issues: " What is  outsourcing?" "What are the advantages / benefits of outsourcing?" " What are the disadvantages / risks of outsourcing? (5 marks)

Question 6
a. What is object-oriented programming? How does it differ from conventional software development? (3 marks)

b. Describe multiprogramming, virtual storage, time sharing and multiprocessing. Why are they important for the operation of an information system? (6 marks)

c. What is a distributed database, and how does it differ from distributed data processing? (5 marks)

d. What is a normalisation? How is it related to the features of a well-designed relational database? (3 marks)

2001 (Feb, SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: February 2001
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. 

Question 1

To explain the strategic role of information systems, Laudon & Laudon (1998) use two (2) diagrams.

1.      Draw the pyramid diagram showing the four (4) kinds of information systems and the groups they serve. (8 marks)

2.      Name and provide an example of each of the six (6) major types of information systems.    (12 marks)

Question 2

Each of the major types of information systems are valuable for helping organizations solve an important problem. In the last few decades, some of these systems and the knowledge that can be derived from them have become especially critical to the firm's long term prosperity and survival. Explain the meaning and relevance of the following terms:

      1. Strategic information systems
2.  Value chain model
3.  Primary activities
4.  Support activities
5.  Product differentiation
6. Datamining
7.  Supply chain management
8.  Switching costs
9.  Competitive force model
10. Network economies                         
                                                                                                   (20 marks)

Question 3  

There are many examples of failure of systems due to lack of change management and to resistance among users. For this reason managers are well-advised to have some understanding of key implementation issues relating to IS.

1. Name and discuss three (3) issues relating to how organizations affect information systems. (6 marks)

2. Define and explain two (2) issues relating to how information systems affect organizations taking into consideration economic and behavioral theories. (6 marks)

3. Describe two (2) appropriate strategies to manage the implementation process. (8 marks)

Question 4

The early work in DSS focussed largely on supporting individual decision making. However, because so  much work is accomplished in groups within organizations, during the late 1980s system developers began to focus on how computers can support group and organizational decision making.

1. Define this new category of systems. (1 mark)

2. Name six (6) specific software tools for this new decision environment. (3 marks)

3. Explain four (4) ways these systems have enhanced the group decision making. (8 marks)

4. Describe four (4) capabilities of systems specifically designed to assist executives. (8 marks)

Question 5

There are many advantages to information systems when they are properly safeguarded. But when large amounts of data are stored electronically, they are vulnerable to many more kinds of threats that when they exist in manual form. They can stem from technical, organizational, and environmental factors compounded by poor management decisions.

1. Name two (2) main reasons why computerized systems are especially vulnerable. (4 marks)

2. List two (2) threats for each of the factors (technical, organizational, and environmental) (6 marks)

3. Discuss and provide examples of two (2) types of measures which must be incorporated into the design and implementation of an IS to ensure that it performs according to management standards. (10 marks)

2001 (Jun, SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: Jun 2001
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. 

Question 1

Information Systems (IS) play an increasingly important role in managing organisations and determining their success or failure.

(a) How are information systems changing the management process? (2 marks)

(b) Define the basic characteristics of a strategic IS. (2 marks)

(c) Explain how IS can support product differentiation and a market niche focus. (2 marks)

(d) Why have so few organisations strategic IS? (4 marks)

Question 2

IS must aligned with an organisation's goals and strategies to effectively support decision-making.

(a) Briefly describe two factors that may explain why organizations adopt information systems. (2 marks)

(b) Define and specify the typical organisational levels, types and stages of decision-making for which IS may be developed. (3 marks)

(c) Taking into considerations the various models that are used to describe organisational decision-making, explain how IS can improve decision process and outcomes. (5 marks)

Question 3  

Assume you have been retained as a consultant to help in evaluating and selecting suitable software systems for an organization. You have been asked to prepare an executive summary highlighting the following points:

(a) What do you consider the most important 'quality of life' impacts of IS? (5 marks)

(b) Briefly explain the major issues in managing software assets. (3 marks)

(c) What criteria would you recommend to be applied in the selection of software and how would you weight these? Explain. (4 marks)

(d) If LINUX would be considered as an operating system for major business applications, which issues should be observed? (2 marks)

(e) Are there any management benefits when using Java to develop software? (3 marks)

(f) Briefly describe the major management challenges in building a database environment. (3 marks)

Question 4

The integration of communications and computers has brought about fundamental changes in how organisations are operating. Exploiting the opportunities of enterprise networking for competitive advantage has become a major management challenge. (3 marks)

(a) What are the main problems of enterprise networking? (3 marks)

(b) How can these problems be overcome? (3 marks) 

(c) When developing a strategy and action plan for enterprise networking, which factors should be considered? (4 marks)

Question 5

Using the Internet for e-business may not only require a substantial change of mindset, but also wide-ranging organisational changes, including business process redesign and reengineering.

(a) What do you consider the main benefits of the Internet for organisations? (2 marks) 

(b) List and explain the main obstacles for electronic business on the Internet organisations may face. (3 marks)

(c) How can an organisation use intranets, extranets and Internet technology for electronic business and supply-chain management? (5 marks)

Question 6

In developing IS, several alternative methodologies and tools can be applied to support the various activities involved.

(a) Briefly explain the main steps of systems development. (2 marks)

(b) Compare the traditional and some more modern methodologies for system development. (6 marks)

(c) Of the two principal methodologies that can be used to determine information requirement, which would you prefer from a managerial point of view. (2 marks)

Question 7

In the last few years, IS applications have increasingly been implemented to assist in creating, capturing, storing and distributing organisational knowledge. 

(a) Why is it necessary to understand the concept of implementation? (3 marks)

(b) How can user resistance to systems implementation be overcome? (3 marks)

(c) What are the generic requirements of knowledge work systems? (3 marks)

(d) How can experts systems assist in using organisational knowledge and what are their problems and limitations? (5 marks)

(e) Briefly describe case-based reasoning and how it differs from an expert system. (2 marks)

(f) How can genetic algorithms help organisations to solve complex problems? (4 marks)

Question 8

IS, particularly decision support systems (DSS) and executive support systems (ESS) that provide sensitive decision-relevant information must be properly protected against security threats.

(a) How does building executive support systems differ from building traditional MIS? (3 marks)

(b) Briefly describe the most common controls that assist in securing computer hardware, networks, software and data. (5 marks)

(c) What are the most commonly used application system controls? (2 marks)

2002 (Jun, SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: Jun 2002
Duration: 3 hours

Please answer ALL questions. 

Question 1

(a) Explain how information systems are changing the management process. (10 marks)

(b) (10 marks)

(i) What are enterprise systems?

(ii) What are the benefits of implementing them?

(iii) What are some obstacles to their success?

(iv) What criteria should be used in selecting them?

Question 2

(a) Explain each of the following economic theories and discuss how each accounts for the impact of information systems on organisations (10 marks)

(i) Microeconomics theory
(ii) Transaction Cost theory
(iii) Agency theory

(b) What are some of the management challenges posed by e-commerce and e-business on the Internet. (10 marks)

Question 3  

(a) What criteria should be used when selecting software for an organisation. (10 marks)

(b) Name and briefly describe the three principal network topologies. (10 marks)

Question 4

(a) List and describe the principal technologies for supporting electronic commerce. (10 marks)

(b) Describe briefly the phases of the traditional System Development Life Cycle, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. (10 marks) 

 Question 5

Explain briefly the meaning of each of the following terms (20 marks):

(a) Digital Signature 

(b) Digital Certificate

(c) Denial of Service attack

(d) Authentication

(e) Neural Network

(f) Descarte's Rule of Change

(g) SOP

(h) OSI

(i) Supply Chain Management

(j) Horizontal Industrial network

2003 (Feb, SG) Examination

University of Southern Queensland
Masters of Business Administration
Information Systems for Managers

Date: Feb 2003
Duration: 3 hours

PART A MULTIPLE CHOICE (30 MARKS). Attempt all 30 questions, each question is worth 1 mark.

QUESTION 1. Specialized tasks performed in a business organization, including manufacturing and production, sales and marketing, finance, accounting, and human resources best defines:

a. standard operating procedures.
b. business functions.
c. formal systems.
d. information systems.
e. work sites.

QUESTION 2. The organizational benefits of intranets include each of the following except:

a. connectivity.
b. scalability.
c. low start-up costs.
d. reduced information-distribution costs.
e. availability of information to customers, suppliers, and business partners.

QUESTION 3. Each of the following is a true statement regarding multimedia except:
a. multimedia technologies facilitate the integration of two or more types of media into a computer-based application.
b. multimedia is becoming the foundation of new consumer products and services.
c. multimedia is especially well suited for training and presentations.
d. the most difficult element to incorporate into multimedia information systems is audio data.
e. multimedia is appealling because it is interactive and permits two-way communication.

QUESTION 4. The most important operating system capability for sharing computer resources is:
a. virtual storage.
b. multiprogramming.
c. time sharing.
d. language translation.
e. linkage editing.

QUESTION 5. Important Internet business models include each of the following except:
a. transaction broker.
b. marketplace concentrator.
c. auction.
d. asymmetric buyer.
e. reverse auction.

QUESTION 6. Which of the following is an example of a search directory?
a. Alta Vista
b. Lycos
c. Yahoo!
d. InfoSeek
e. none of the above

QUESTION 7. Each of the following is a true statement about object-oriented programming except:
a. the object combines data and program code.
b. an object's data are hidden from other parts of the program and can only be manipulated from inside the object.
c. each object is an independent software building block that can be used in many different systems without changing the program code.
d. the method for manipulating the object's data can be changed internally without affecting other parts of the program.
e. because of the learning curve involved, object-oriented programming increases the time and cost of writing software.

QUESTION 8. The principal functions of protocols in a telecommunication network include:
a. verifying that a message requires retransmission because it cannot be correctly interpreted.
b. identifying each device in the communication path.
c. securing the attention of the receiving device.
d. verifying correct receipt of the transmitted message.
e. doing all of the above.

QUESTION 9. A file that contains all permanent information and is updated during processing by transaction data best describes a:

a. transaction file.
b. master file.
c. local file.
d. parent file.
e. primary file.

QUESTION 10. The detailed instructions that control the operations of a computer system defines:

a. software.
b. hardware.
c. system specifications.
d. procedures.
e. none of the above.

QUESTION 11. The determination of whether or not a stadium's seating capacity had been reached would be determined by:

a. RAM.
b. ROM.
c. the ALU.
d. the control unit.
e. the control bus.

QUESTION 12. Which of the following refers to a set of integrated modules for applications such as sales and distribution, financial accounting, investment management, materials management, production planning, plant maintenance, and human resources that allow data to be used by multiple functions and business processes?

a. object modules
b. enterprise plan
c. enterprise software
d. software suite
e. integrated software

QUESTION 13. Because it can process large data files with alphanumeric characters, a major programming language for business applications is:

a. the assembly language.
b. COBOL.
c. FORTRAN.
d. Ada.
e. Java.

QUESTION 14. The information systems plan:

a. contains a statement of corporate goals and specifies how information technology supports the attainment of those goals.
b. shows how general goals will be achieved by specific systems projects.
c. lays out specific target dates and milestones that can be used later to judge the progress of the plan in terms of how many objectives were actually attained in the time frame specified in the plan.
d. indicates the key management decisions concerning hardware acquisition; telecommunications; centralization/decentralization of authority, data, and hardware; and required organizational change.
e. does all of the above.

QUESTION 15. Systems not always meeting quality assurance standards is a disadvantage associated with:

a. outsourcing.
b. end-user development.
c. an application software package.
d. prototyping.
e. the systems lifecycle.

QUESTION 16. Internet functions include:

a. communicating and collaborating.
b. accessing information.
c. participating in discussions.
d. obtaining information.
e. all of the above.

QUESTION 17. The Internet capability that locates textual information using a hierarchy of menus is:

a. FTP.
b. LISTSERV.
c. Archie.
d. WWW.
e. Gopher.

QUESTION 18. Which of the following is the driving force behind the explosion of electronic business and the emergence of the digital firm?

a. the Internet's ability to increase information asymmetry
b. the Internet's ability to increase a company's profit
c. the Internet's ability to provide electronic portals to company information from disparate locations
d. low-cost connectivity and universal standards provided by Internet technology
e. the ability to use banner ads for advertisement purposes

QUESTION 19. Which of the following is a criterion for selecting application and system software for the organization?

a. support
b. compatibility
c. efficiency
d. appropriateness
e. all of the above

QUESTION 20. The Internet business model that creates revenue by providing content is the:

a. virtual storefront.
b. marketplace concentrator.
c. content provider.
d. on-line service provider.
e. electronic clearinghouse.

QUESTION 21. Computing on the Internet uses the:

a. distributed processing model.
b. centralized processing model.
c. client/server computing model.
d. decentralized processing model.
e. partitioned processing model.

QUESTION 22. Each of the following is a true statement except:

a. if one of the computers in a star network fails, none of the other components in the network are affected.
b. the star topology is useful for applications where some processing must be centralized and some can be performed locally.
c. all communications on a star network must pass through a central computer.
d. communication in a star network will come to a standstill if the host computer stops functioning.
e. one problem with the star network is its vulnerability.

QUESTION 23. Each of the following is a true statement about Java except:

a. Java is designed to run on any computer or computing device, regardless of the specific microprocessor or operating system it uses.
b. Java can be used to create applets.
c. Java can be used with network computers because it allows all processing software and data to be stored on a network server, downloaded via a network as needed, and then placed back on the network server.
d. Java can be used to create more extensive applications that run over the Internet or over a company's private network.
e. Java programs tend to run faster than native programs, which are written for a particular operating system.

QUESTION 24. Each of the following is a true statement about fiber-optic cable except:

a. fiber-optic cable is considerably faster, lighter, and more durable than wire media.
b. fiber-optic cable is easier to work with and less expensive than coaxial cable.
c. fiber-optic cable is well suited to systems requiring transfers of large volumes of data.
d. fiber-optic cable has data transfer rates from 500 kilobits to several billion bits per second.
e. fiber-optic cables are used in most networks as the high speed backbone.

QUESTION 25. Which of the following is a simplified desktop computer that typically does not store software programs or data permanently?

a. network computer
b. midrange computer
c. notebook
d. docking station
e. client

QUESTION 26. Common technologies for wireless data transmission include:

a. pagers.
b. cellular telephones.
c. microwave transmissions.
d. personal digital assistants.
e. all of the above.

QUESTION 27. During the systems analysis process, determining whether the solution is achievable, given the organization's resources and constraints is achieved through:

a. requirements analysis.
b. a feasibility study.
c. a conceptual analysis.
d. logical design.
e. testing.

QUESTION 28. Which of the following is a true statement?

a. Early information systems were responsible for implementing core institutional activities.
b. Information systems in the 1960s and 1970s brought about primarily technical changes.
c. Today's information systems are smaller in scope and are less complex than those of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
d. Contemporary systems bring about managerial changes and institutional changes.
e. Contemporary systems promote technical changes at the expense of managerial control.

QUESTION 29. A network with technology to enable voice and data to run over a single network best describes:

a. star network.
b. ring network.
c. converged network.
d. backbone network.
e. optical network.

QUESTION 30. Each of the following is a true statement about value added networks except:

a. the network may utilize twisted-pair lines, satellite links, and other communications channels leased by the value-added carrier.
b. subscribers pay only for the amount of data they transmit plus a subscription fee.
c. customers must still purchase additional networking equipment and software to perform error checking.
d. subscribers may achieve savings in line charges and transmission costs because the costs of using the network are shared among many users.
e. a VAN can provide economies in the cost of service and in network management because they are used by multiple organizations.

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PART B SHORT ANSWER (30 MARKS). Attempt all 6 questions, each Question is worth 5 marks.

QUESTION 31. What are the three principal concepts for analyzing strategy at the industry level?

QUESTION 32. Explain the four main types of information systems that serve the various organizational levels and provide a specific example of each.

QUESTION 33. Briefly identify and discuss the three structured programming constructs.

QUESTION 34. Describe three options that firms have for providing international connectivity.

QUESTION 35. Identify and briefly define the elements in the data hierarchy.

QUESTION 36. What are business processes? For each functional area, provide an example of a business process.

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PART C SHORT ESSAY (40 MARKS). Each Question is worth 20 marks.
SELECT ANY TWO (2) OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE A SHORT ESSAY IN RESPONSE.

QUESTION 41. Executive support systems (ESS) also help managers with problems, focusing on the information needs of senior management. However many organisations do not implement an ESS. In discussing

• (1) the role of an ESS;

• (2) explain their benefits; and

• (3) give reasons why not all organisations consider an ESS worthy of investment.

QUESTION 42. Before computer automation, data about individuals or organisations were maintained and secured as paper records dispersed in separate business or organisational units. Some business still prefer to store particular information this way as they consider data stored in electronic form as vulnerable to many more kinds of threats. Explain

• (1) why systems are vulnerable; providing

• (2) examples of threats; and

• (3) discuss what system designers and developers can do to create a controlled environment.

QUESTION 43. It has been claimed that M-commerce is a new threat to privacy. After explaining what M-commerce is, discuss

• (1) the basic concepts of ethics in an information society;

• (2) the moral dimensions of information systems; and

• (3) what managers can do to ensure good ethical practices are upheld.

QUESTION 44. Many organisations are expanding into international markets putting pressure on the business Information Technology and Systems. Outline

• (1) the business challenges driving this trend;

• (2) the obstacles to global business systems; and

• (3) describe three new technologies that can help businesses develop global systems.