Section 10.1
1. What are some problems associated with assessing the costs of IT?
One of the major challenges is to allocate fixed costs among different IT projects. For IT, fixed costs include infrastructure cost, cost of IT services, and IT management cost. Another complication is that the cost of a system does not end when the system is installed. Costs for maintaining, debugging, and improving the system can accumulate over many years.
2. What difficulties accompany the intangible benefits from IT?
The difficulties that accompany the intangible benefits from IT are that they are difficult to measure/ harder to quantify. This can include such things as improved customer or partner relation or improved decision-making.
3. Define NPV and ROI, and business case approaches.
Net Present Value (NPV) measures the present value of an investment's future net cash flows minus the initial investment.
Return on Investment (ROI) measures management’s effectiveness in generating profits with its available assets.
Section 10.5 –
1. What type of companies provide outsourcing service?
Small or medium-sized companies with few IT staff and limited budgets are best served by outside contractors. Large companies may also choose this strategy in certain circumst6ances. For example, they might want to experiment with new IT technologies without making a substantial upfront investment. They also might use outsourcing to protect their internal networks and to gain access to outside experts.
2. Define ASPs and list their advantages to companies using them.
Application Service Providers (ASPs) are agents or vendors that lease software applications, usually via the Internet.
Some advantages include:
Save costs
Reduces software maintenance and upgrades
Reduces user training
Makes the company more competitive by reducing time-to-market and enhances the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
3. List some disadvantages of ASPs.
Some disadvantages include:
ASPs might not offer adequate security protection
Software might not be a perfect fit for the desired application
Company must make certain that the speed of the Internet connection between the company nad the ASP is adequate to handle the requirements of the application.
Section 10.6 –
1. List the major steps of selection of a vendor and a software package.
The process of vendor and software selection is composed of six steps: identify potential vendors, determine evaluation criteria, evaluate vendors and packages, chose the vendor and package, negotiate a contract, and establish service level agreements.
2. Describe a request for proposal (RFP).
A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a document that is sent to potential vendors inviting them to submit a proposal describing their software package and how it would meet the company’s needs.
3. Describe SLAs.
Service Legal Agreements (SLAs) are formal agreements regarding the division of work between a company and its vendors.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Week 12: Chapter 9
Section 9.1 -
1. Describe the decision-making process proposed by Simon.
Simon described the decision-making process as composed of three major phases: intelligence, design and choice. A fourth phase was added later; the implementation stage.
Intelligence phase: managers examine a situation and identify and define the problem.
Design phase: decision makers construct a model that simplifies the problem. They do this by making assumptions that simplify reality and by expressing the relationships among all the relevant variables. Managers then validate the model by using test data. Finally, decision makers set criteria for evaluating all potential solutions that are proposed.
Choice phase: involves selecting a solution, which is tested “on paper”.
Implementation phase: Implementation is successful if the proposed solution actually resolves the problem.
2. Why do managers need IT support?
Managers need IT support:
- The number of alternatives to be considered constantly increases. (global market, internet)
- Decisions must be made under time pressure.
- Decisions are more complex (requires modeling)
- Decision makers can be in different locations and so is the information.
A decision matrix is a decision support framework consisting of nine cells and divided between the three primary classes of problem structure and the three broad categories of the nature if decisions.
(Figure 9.2; Rainer and Turban, p.266)
Section 9.2
1. Describe the capabilities of data mining.
Data mining derives its name from searching for valuable business information in a large database, data warehouse, or data mart. Data mining can perform two basic operations: predicting trends and behaviours and identifying previously unknown patterns.
Section 9.3 -
1. What are some of the capabilities of digital dashboards?
- Provide rapid access to timely information.
- Provide direct access to management reports.
- Are very user friendly and supported by graphics.
Week 11: Chapter 8
Section 8.1 -
1. What is a Transactional Processing and the role of TP systems. State the key objective of TP/TPSs.
The backbone of most information systems applications is the transaction processing system. TPSs monitor, store, collect and process data generated from all business transactions. These data provide the inputs into the organisation’s database.
Section 8.2 -
1. What is a functional area information system? List its major characteristics.
A functional area information system (FAIS) is designed to support lower and midlevel managers in functional areas. FAISs generate reports (routine, ad hoc, and exception) and provide information to managers regardless of their functional areas.
2. How does an FAIS support management by exception? How does it support on-demand reports?
Exception reports include only information that falls outside certain threshold standards. To implement management by exception, management first creates performance standards. The company then sets up systems to monitor performance (via the incoming data about business transactions such as expenditures), compare actual performance to the standards, and identify predefined exceptions. Managers are alerted to the exceptions via exception reports.
Section 8.3-
1. Define ERP and describe its functionalities.
Enterprise resource planning systems integrate the planning, management, and use of all of the organisation’s resources. The major objective of ERP systems is to tightly integrate the functional areas of the organisation. The integration enables information to flow seamlessly across the various functional areas. ERP software includes a set of interdependent software modules, linked to a common database, that provide support for internal business processes.
2. List some drawbacks of ERP software.
ERP can be extremely complex, expensive and time consuming to implement. Companies may need to change existing business processes to fit the predefined business process of the software. For companies with well-established procedures, this requirement can be a huge problem. Finally, companies must purchase the entire software package even if they only require only a few modules. For these reasons, ERP software is not attractive to everyone.
Section 8.5 -
1. Define a supply chain and supply chain management (SCM).
A supply chain is a network of organisation and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers. The function of supply chain management (SCM) is to plan, organise, and optimize the supply chain’s activities.
2. List the major components of supply chains.
Upstream: where sourcing or procurement from external suppliers occurs.
Internal: where packaging, assembly or manufacturing takes place.
Downstream: where distribution takes place, frequently by external distributors.
Tiers of suppliers: a supplier may have one or more sub suppliers, and the sub supplier may have its own sub suppliers and so on.
3. What is the bullwhip effect?
Bullwhip effect: where variability in the size and timing of orders increase at each stage up the supply chain, from customer to supplier. 4. What are some solutions to supply chain problems?
Using inventories to solve supply chain problems and information sharing.
Section 8.6 -
1. Define EDI and list its major benefits and limitations
EDI is a communication standard that enables the electronic transfer of routine documents, such as purchasing orders, between business partners. It formats these documents according to agreed-upon standards. It reduces costs, delays and errors inherent in manual document-delivery system.
2. Define an extranet and explain its infrastructure (in relation to Internet technologies).
Extranets are networks that link business partners to one another over the Internet by providing access to certain areas of one another’s corporate intranets.
3. List and briefly define the major types of extranets.
The three main types of Extrenets include:
A company and its dealers, customers or suppliers (FEdex)
An industry’s extranet (ANX)
Joint ventures and other business partnerships (Bank of America)
1. What is a Transactional Processing and the role of TP systems. State the key objective of TP/TPSs.
The backbone of most information systems applications is the transaction processing system. TPSs monitor, store, collect and process data generated from all business transactions. These data provide the inputs into the organisation’s database.
Section 8.2 -
1. What is a functional area information system? List its major characteristics.
A functional area information system (FAIS) is designed to support lower and midlevel managers in functional areas. FAISs generate reports (routine, ad hoc, and exception) and provide information to managers regardless of their functional areas.
2. How does an FAIS support management by exception? How does it support on-demand reports?
Exception reports include only information that falls outside certain threshold standards. To implement management by exception, management first creates performance standards. The company then sets up systems to monitor performance (via the incoming data about business transactions such as expenditures), compare actual performance to the standards, and identify predefined exceptions. Managers are alerted to the exceptions via exception reports.
Section 8.3-
1. Define ERP and describe its functionalities.
Enterprise resource planning systems integrate the planning, management, and use of all of the organisation’s resources. The major objective of ERP systems is to tightly integrate the functional areas of the organisation. The integration enables information to flow seamlessly across the various functional areas. ERP software includes a set of interdependent software modules, linked to a common database, that provide support for internal business processes.
2. List some drawbacks of ERP software.
ERP can be extremely complex, expensive and time consuming to implement. Companies may need to change existing business processes to fit the predefined business process of the software. For companies with well-established procedures, this requirement can be a huge problem. Finally, companies must purchase the entire software package even if they only require only a few modules. For these reasons, ERP software is not attractive to everyone.
Section 8.5 -
1. Define a supply chain and supply chain management (SCM).
A supply chain is a network of organisation and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers. The function of supply chain management (SCM) is to plan, organise, and optimize the supply chain’s activities.
2. List the major components of supply chains.
Upstream: where sourcing or procurement from external suppliers occurs.
Internal: where packaging, assembly or manufacturing takes place.
Downstream: where distribution takes place, frequently by external distributors.
Tiers of suppliers: a supplier may have one or more sub suppliers, and the sub supplier may have its own sub suppliers and so on.
3. What is the bullwhip effect?
Bullwhip effect: where variability in the size and timing of orders increase at each stage up the supply chain, from customer to supplier. 4. What are some solutions to supply chain problems?
Using inventories to solve supply chain problems and information sharing.
Section 8.6 -
1. Define EDI and list its major benefits and limitations
EDI is a communication standard that enables the electronic transfer of routine documents, such as purchasing orders, between business partners. It formats these documents according to agreed-upon standards. It reduces costs, delays and errors inherent in manual document-delivery system.
2. Define an extranet and explain its infrastructure (in relation to Internet technologies).
Extranets are networks that link business partners to one another over the Internet by providing access to certain areas of one another’s corporate intranets.
3. List and briefly define the major types of extranets.
The three main types of Extrenets include:
A company and its dealers, customers or suppliers (FEdex)
An industry’s extranet (ANX)
Joint ventures and other business partnerships (Bank of America)
Week 10: Chapter 7
1. Identify common wireless devices and their application to business
PDA’s, GPS, SmartPhone (3g), Laptops.
2. Describe the various types and general characteristics of wireless transmission media/technologies - microwave, satellite, infrared and radio waves.
Microwave, satellite and infrared are line of sight methods while radio signals travel through the air can pass through walls.
3. What is bluetooth/how is it used?
Bluetooth: Chip technology that enables short range connection (data and voice) between wireless devices.
4. What are WLAN's, Wi-Fi, WWAN's, WiMax?
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A computer network in a limited georgraphical area that uses wireless transmission for communication.
Wireless Fidelity (WI-FI): A set of standards for wireless local area networks based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Wi-Fi has a range of about 300 feet and a data transfer rate up to 54 Mbps. The major benefits of Wi-Fi are its lower cost and its ability to provide simple Internet access.
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN): based on cellular networks, Wi-Fi is reducing the need for wireless wide are networks based on cellular technology.
Wi-Max: has a wireless access range of up to 31 miles and a data transfer rate of up to 75 Mbps. It offers features such as voice and video.
5. What are the drivers of mobile computing and mobile commerce
The drivers for mobile computing include:
PDA’s, GPS, SmartPhone (3g), Laptops.
2. Describe the various types and general characteristics of wireless transmission media/technologies - microwave, satellite, infrared and radio waves.
Microwave, satellite and infrared are line of sight methods while radio signals travel through the air can pass through walls.
3. What is bluetooth/how is it used?
Bluetooth: Chip technology that enables short range connection (data and voice) between wireless devices.
4. What are WLAN's, Wi-Fi, WWAN's, WiMax?
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A computer network in a limited georgraphical area that uses wireless transmission for communication.
Wireless Fidelity (WI-FI): A set of standards for wireless local area networks based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Wi-Fi has a range of about 300 feet and a data transfer rate up to 54 Mbps. The major benefits of Wi-Fi are its lower cost and its ability to provide simple Internet access.
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN): based on cellular networks, Wi-Fi is reducing the need for wireless wide are networks based on cellular technology.
Wi-Max: has a wireless access range of up to 31 miles and a data transfer rate of up to 75 Mbps. It offers features such as voice and video.
5. What are the drivers of mobile computing and mobile commerce
The drivers for mobile computing include:
- real‐time, wireless connections between mobile devices and other computing/IT environments, such as the Internet
- electronic transactions conducted in a wireless environment (via wireless technologies).
- Widespread availability of mobile devices
- No need for a PC
- The “mobile phone culture”
- Declining prices
- Bandwidth improvement
6. Explain how mobile technologies can be applied to business solutions
7. Explain the nature of RFID
Radio- Frequency identification technology: A wireless technology that allows manufacturers to attach tags with antennas and computer chips on goods and then track their movement through radio signals.
8. Identify the 4 main security threats that arise from the use of mobile technologies
Rogue access point: is an unauthorized access point to a wireless network.
War driving: is the act of locating WLANs while driving around a city or elsewhere.
Eavesdropping: refers to efforts by unauthorised users to try to access data travelling over wireless networks.
Radio Frequency jamming: is when a person or a device intentionally or unintentionally interferes with your wireless network transmissions.
Week 9: Chapter 6
Section 6.1-
1. Define e-commerce and distinguish it from e-business.
ECommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over public and private computer networks.
A related term is that of e-business, a broader definition, not just buying and selling but also servicing customers, collaborating with business partners and conducting electro nic transactions within an organisation.
2. Distinguish among B2C, B2B, C2C and B2E electronic commerce.
B2C: Electronic commerce in which the sellers are organisations and the buyers are individuals; also known as e-tailing.
B2B: Electronic commerce in which both the seller and the buyers are business organisations.
C2C: Electronic commerce in which both the buyer and the seller are individuals (not businesses).
B2E: An organisation using electronic commerce internally to provide information and services to its employees.
3. List some benefits and limitations of e-commerce.
Benefits to businesses
- National and international markets are more accessible
- Lower costs of processing, distributing, and retrieving information
- Benefits to customers
- Access to products and services at any time
Benefits to Society
Can deliver information, services and products to people in cities, rural areas and developing countries.
Technological Limitations
- Lack of universally accepted payment and security standards
- Insufficient telecommunications bandwidth in some areas
- Not everyone has access/access varies
- Lots of IT solutions – which to choose?
Non-technological Limitations
- Perception that EC is unsecure/not reliable
- Unresolved legal issues, eg. tax related
- Harder to market to consumers?
Section 6.2 -
1. List the major issues relating to e-tailing.
Electronic retailing (e-tailing) is the direct sale of products and services through electronic storefronts or electronic malls, usually designed around an electronic catalogue format and/or auctions. The issue include that EC offers a wider variety of products and services, including the most unique items, often at lower prices. Furthermore, within seconds, shoppers can access very detailed supplementary information on products. In addition, they can easily locate and compare competitors’ products and process. Finally, buyers can find hundreds of thousands of sellers.
2. What are spamming, permission marketing and viral marketing?
Spamming: Indiscriminate distribution of e-mail without the receiver’s permission.
Permission marketing: Method of marketing that asks consumers to give their permission to voluntarily accept online advertising and e-mail.
Viral marketing: Online word of mouth marketing.
Section 6.4 –
1. List the various electronic payment mechanisms.
Electronic payments can be made by e-checks, e-credit-cards, purchasing cards, e-cash, stored-value money cards, smart cards, person-to-person payments via services like Pay-Pal, electronic bill presentment and payment, and e-wallets/.
2. What are micropayments?
Micropayments are electronic payments for small-purchase amounts, generally less than $10.
Section 6.5-
1. List some ethical issues in EC.
Ethical issues to consider are threats to buyers, including the protection of buyers’ identities. Tracking with the use of Cookies can raise privacy concerns.
2. List the major legal issues of EC.
Some legal issues involved include the value of domain names, taxation of online business, fraud and copyright.
Week 8: Chapter 5
Section 5.1 –
1. Describe the three network applications that we discussed in this section and the tools and technologies that support each one.
Discovery: involves the browsing and information retrieval, and provides users the ability to view information in databases, download it and/or process it. Discovery tools include search engines, directories and portals.
Networks provide fast, inexpensive communications and blogs.
Collaboration: refers to mutual efforts by two or more entities who work together to accomplish tasks.
2. What are the business conditions that are leading to the increased importance of videoconferencing?
In a videoconference, participants in one location can see one another as well as the documents. This enables participants to seamlessly share data, voice, pictures, graphics and animation by electronic means. Conferees can also transmit data along with voice and video, which allows them to work on documents together and exchange computer files. The importance of video conferencing means that organisations can participate in business all around the world and exchange valuable information, ideas and data.
Section 5.2 –
1. Describe the underlying technologies, applications and types of Web sites that comprise Web 2.0.
Information technologies and applications used by Web 2.0 sites include XML, AJAX, tagging, blogs, Wikis, Really Simple Sydnication, podcasting and video conferencing. Web 2.0 Web sites that use some or all of these technologies and applications may be grouped into several categories: social media, aggregators and mashups.
2. Describe the function of Web services.
Web-services are self-contained, self-describing applications, delivered over the Internet that users can select and combine through almost any device (computers, mobile phones). By using a set of shared protocols and standards, these applications permit different systems to talk with one another, that is to share data and services without requiring human beings to translate the conversations.
3. Describe the function of service-oriented architectures.
A service-orientated architecture (SAO) is an IT architecture that makes it possible to construct business applications using Web services, which can be reused across an organisation in other applications.
1. Describe the three network applications that we discussed in this section and the tools and technologies that support each one.
Discovery: involves the browsing and information retrieval, and provides users the ability to view information in databases, download it and/or process it. Discovery tools include search engines, directories and portals.
Networks provide fast, inexpensive communications and blogs.
Collaboration: refers to mutual efforts by two or more entities who work together to accomplish tasks.
2. What are the business conditions that are leading to the increased importance of videoconferencing?
In a videoconference, participants in one location can see one another as well as the documents. This enables participants to seamlessly share data, voice, pictures, graphics and animation by electronic means. Conferees can also transmit data along with voice and video, which allows them to work on documents together and exchange computer files. The importance of video conferencing means that organisations can participate in business all around the world and exchange valuable information, ideas and data.
Section 5.2 –
1. Describe the underlying technologies, applications and types of Web sites that comprise Web 2.0.
Information technologies and applications used by Web 2.0 sites include XML, AJAX, tagging, blogs, Wikis, Really Simple Sydnication, podcasting and video conferencing. Web 2.0 Web sites that use some or all of these technologies and applications may be grouped into several categories: social media, aggregators and mashups.
2. Describe the function of Web services.
Web-services are self-contained, self-describing applications, delivered over the Internet that users can select and combine through almost any device (computers, mobile phones). By using a set of shared protocols and standards, these applications permit different systems to talk with one another, that is to share data and services without requiring human beings to translate the conversations.
3. Describe the function of service-oriented architectures.
A service-orientated architecture (SAO) is an IT architecture that makes it possible to construct business applications using Web services, which can be reused across an organisation in other applications.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Week 7: Tech Guide 4 & 5
Question 1. Compare and contrast the main wired communications channels? (Ethernet & Fibre Optic)
Ethernet is a common local area network protocol. Fibre optic cables are thousands of very thin filaments of glass fibres, surrounded by cladding, that transmit information via light pulses generated by lasers.
Question 2. Describe the two technologies that enable users to send high-volume data over any network. (ISDN & ADSL)
Integrated services digital network (ISDN) technology allows users to transfer voice, video, image and data simultaneously at high speed, using existing telephone lines.
Question 3. What are the main business reasons for using networks?
Networked computer systems enable organisations to be more flexible so that they can adapt to rapidly changing business conditions. Networks enable companies to share hardware, computer applications, and data across the organisation and among organisations. Networks also make it possible for geographically dispersed employees and workgroups to share documents, ideas and creative insights.
Question 4. What is the difference between LANs and WANs?
LANs encompass a limited geographic area and are usually composed of one communications medium. In contrast, WANs encompass a broad geographical area and are usually composed of multiple communications media.
Question 5. What is a network protocol?
A network protocols are computing devices that are connected to the network access and share the network to transmit and receive data. These components are often referred to as “nodes” of network. They work together by adhering to a common set of rules that enable them to communicate with one another. This set of rules and procedures that govern transmission across a network is a protocol.
Question 6. Describe TCP/IP protocol. TCP/IP is a file transfer, packet switching protocol that can send large files of information with the assurance that the data will arrive in uncorrupted form.
TCP/IP is the communications protocol of the Internet.
Question 7. Describe the various ways that you can connect to the Internet?
The various ways to connect to the Internet include dial-up, ISDN, DSL, Cable Modem, satellite, wireless and fiber to the home (FTTH).
Question 8. Describe the parts of an Internet address.
Each computer has an assigned address, called the Internet Protocol (IP) address, that distinguishes it from all other computers. The IP address consists of numbers, in four parts, separated by dots. Most computers also have names, which are easier for people to remember than IP addresses. The names are derived from a naming system called the domain name system (DNS). Domain names consist of multiple parts, separated by dots, which are read from right to left.
Question 9. What are the roles of browsers?
Users access the Web primarily through software applications called browsers. Browsers provide a graphical front end that enable users to point and click their way across the Web, a process called surfing. Web browsers became a means of universal access because they deliver the same interface on any operating system under which they run. Leading browsers include Internet Explorer from Microsoft, Firefox from Mozilla and Safar from Apple.
Question 10. Describe the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
The Internet is a massive network that connects computer networks of businesses, organisations, government agencies, and schools around the world, quickly, seamlessly and inexpensively. The World Wide Web is a system of universally accepted standards for storing, retrieving, formatting, and displaying information via a client/server architecture while using the transport of the Internet.
Ethernet is a common local area network protocol. Fibre optic cables are thousands of very thin filaments of glass fibres, surrounded by cladding, that transmit information via light pulses generated by lasers.
Question 2. Describe the two technologies that enable users to send high-volume data over any network. (ISDN & ADSL)
Integrated services digital network (ISDN) technology allows users to transfer voice, video, image and data simultaneously at high speed, using existing telephone lines.
Question 3. What are the main business reasons for using networks?
Networked computer systems enable organisations to be more flexible so that they can adapt to rapidly changing business conditions. Networks enable companies to share hardware, computer applications, and data across the organisation and among organisations. Networks also make it possible for geographically dispersed employees and workgroups to share documents, ideas and creative insights.
Question 4. What is the difference between LANs and WANs?
LANs encompass a limited geographic area and are usually composed of one communications medium. In contrast, WANs encompass a broad geographical area and are usually composed of multiple communications media.
Question 5. What is a network protocol?
A network protocols are computing devices that are connected to the network access and share the network to transmit and receive data. These components are often referred to as “nodes” of network. They work together by adhering to a common set of rules that enable them to communicate with one another. This set of rules and procedures that govern transmission across a network is a protocol.
Question 6. Describe TCP/IP protocol. TCP/IP is a file transfer, packet switching protocol that can send large files of information with the assurance that the data will arrive in uncorrupted form.
TCP/IP is the communications protocol of the Internet.
Question 7. Describe the various ways that you can connect to the Internet?
The various ways to connect to the Internet include dial-up, ISDN, DSL, Cable Modem, satellite, wireless and fiber to the home (FTTH).
Question 8. Describe the parts of an Internet address.
Each computer has an assigned address, called the Internet Protocol (IP) address, that distinguishes it from all other computers. The IP address consists of numbers, in four parts, separated by dots. Most computers also have names, which are easier for people to remember than IP addresses. The names are derived from a naming system called the domain name system (DNS). Domain names consist of multiple parts, separated by dots, which are read from right to left.
Question 9. What are the roles of browsers?
Users access the Web primarily through software applications called browsers. Browsers provide a graphical front end that enable users to point and click their way across the Web, a process called surfing. Web browsers became a means of universal access because they deliver the same interface on any operating system under which they run. Leading browsers include Internet Explorer from Microsoft, Firefox from Mozilla and Safar from Apple.
Question 10. Describe the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
The Internet is a massive network that connects computer networks of businesses, organisations, government agencies, and schools around the world, quickly, seamlessly and inexpensively. The World Wide Web is a system of universally accepted standards for storing, retrieving, formatting, and displaying information via a client/server architecture while using the transport of the Internet.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Week 6: Chapter 4
Question 1. What are some of the difficulties in managing data?
Managing data in organisations is difficult for various reasons:1. The amount of data increases with time2. Data are stored in various systems, databases, formats, and languages3. Data security, quality and integrity are often compromised
Question 2. What are the various sources for data?
Data sources can be internal, personal, clickstream and external.
Question 3. What is a primary key and a secondary key?
A primary key is the identifier field or attribute that uniquely identifies a record.
A secondary key is an identifier field or attribute that has some identifying information, but typically does not identify the file with complete accuracy.
Question 4. What is an entity and a relationship?
An entity is a person, place, thing or event about which information is maintained in a record.
Question 5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of relational databases?
Advantages include: greater flexibility in the variety of queries they can make.
Disadvantages: the overall design can be complex and therefore have slow search and access times.
Question 6. What is knowledge management?
Knowledge management is a process that helps organisations identify, select, organize, disseminate, transfer and apply information and expertise that are part of the organisation’s memory and that typically reside within the organization in an unstructured manner.
Question 7. What is the difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge?
Explicit knowledge deals with more objective, rational and technical knowledge. In an organisation explicit knowledge consists of the policies, procedural guides, reports, products, strategies, goals, core competencies of the enterprise, and the IT infrastructure. In contrast a tactic knowledge is the cumulative store of subjective or experiential learning. In an organisation, tactic knowledge consists of an organisation’s experiences, insights, expertise, know-how, trade secrets, skill sets, understanding and learning.
Managing data in organisations is difficult for various reasons:1. The amount of data increases with time2. Data are stored in various systems, databases, formats, and languages3. Data security, quality and integrity are often compromised
Question 2. What are the various sources for data?
Data sources can be internal, personal, clickstream and external.
Question 3. What is a primary key and a secondary key?
A primary key is the identifier field or attribute that uniquely identifies a record.
A secondary key is an identifier field or attribute that has some identifying information, but typically does not identify the file with complete accuracy.
Question 4. What is an entity and a relationship?
An entity is a person, place, thing or event about which information is maintained in a record.
Question 5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of relational databases?
Advantages include: greater flexibility in the variety of queries they can make.
Disadvantages: the overall design can be complex and therefore have slow search and access times.
Question 6. What is knowledge management?
Knowledge management is a process that helps organisations identify, select, organize, disseminate, transfer and apply information and expertise that are part of the organisation’s memory and that typically reside within the organization in an unstructured manner.
Question 7. What is the difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge?
Explicit knowledge deals with more objective, rational and technical knowledge. In an organisation explicit knowledge consists of the policies, procedural guides, reports, products, strategies, goals, core competencies of the enterprise, and the IT infrastructure. In contrast a tactic knowledge is the cumulative store of subjective or experiential learning. In an organisation, tactic knowledge consists of an organisation’s experiences, insights, expertise, know-how, trade secrets, skill sets, understanding and learning.
Week 5: Chapter 3
Question 1: Provide an IT example that relates to the ethical issues for the ideas of privacy, accuracy, property, and accessibility.
- Privacy issues: involves collecting, storing, and disseminating information about individuals.
- Accuracy issues: involve the authenticity, fidelity, and accuracy of information that is collected and processed.
- Property issues: involve the ownership and value of information.
- Accessibility issues: revolve arounf who should have access to information and they should have to pay for this access.
Question 2: What are the 5 general types of IT threats? Provide an example for each one 
Unintentional acts
Natural disasters
Techinical failures
Management failures
Deliberate acts
Question 3: Describe/discuss three types of software attack and a problem that may result from them
Software attacks include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, logic bombs, back doors, denial of service, alien software and phishing. A growing threat is cybercrime, which often utilizes and phishing attacks. However many problems can also rise from software attack including identity theft, copyright/trademarks, telemarketing, spam, digital contracts, electronic recordings, electronic surveillance, workplace monitoring, email , freedom of speech and libel/slander laws.
Question 4: Describe the four major types of security controls in relation to protecting information systems.
The major types of general controls include physical controls, access controls, administrative controls and communications controls.
Question 5: What is information system auditing?
A detailed internal and external IT audit may involve hundreds of issues and can be supported by both software and checklists. Related to IT auditing is the preparation for disaster recovery, which specifically addresses how to avoid, plan for, and quickly recover from a disaster.
Question 6: What is the difference between authentication and authorization and why are they important to e-Commerce/give an example of their relevance to e-Commerce
Authentication is a process that determines the identity of the person requiring access.
Authorization s a process that determines which actions, rights or privileges the person has, based on verified identity.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Week 4: Tech Guide 2
Question 1: What are main differences/distinction between system software and application software?
Systems software manages the hardware resources of the computer system; it functions between the hardware and the application software. Systems software includes the system control programs (operating systems) and systems support programs. Application software enables users to perform specific tasks and information processing activities. Application software may be proprietary or off-the-shelf.
Question 2: What are the two main types of system software?
Operating systems and system support programs.
Question 3: What is the difference between proprietary and open source software? What considerations should be made when a business selects either software.
Proprietary application software addresses a company’s specific or unique business need. Open source software is software made available in source code form at no cost to developers.
Question 4: What are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses/organizations?
Software licensing is an issue for organisations and individuals. Copying software is illegal. Software vendors copyright their software to protect it from being copied. As a result, companies must license vendor-developed software to use it.
Question 5: What is meant by SaaS? Name some examples of this software.
Software as a service is a method of delivering software in which a vendor hosts the applications. Customers access this through a network such as the Internet and do not own the software but pay for using it.
Systems software manages the hardware resources of the computer system; it functions between the hardware and the application software. Systems software includes the system control programs (operating systems) and systems support programs. Application software enables users to perform specific tasks and information processing activities. Application software may be proprietary or off-the-shelf.
Question 2: What are the two main types of system software?
Operating systems and system support programs.
Question 3: What is the difference between proprietary and open source software? What considerations should be made when a business selects either software.
Proprietary application software addresses a company’s specific or unique business need. Open source software is software made available in source code form at no cost to developers.
Question 4: What are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses/organizations?
Software licensing is an issue for organisations and individuals. Copying software is illegal. Software vendors copyright their software to protect it from being copied. As a result, companies must license vendor-developed software to use it.
Question 5: What is meant by SaaS? Name some examples of this software.
Software as a service is a method of delivering software in which a vendor hosts the applications. Customers access this through a network such as the Internet and do not own the software but pay for using it.
Week 3: Tech Guide 1
Question 1: What is computer hardware and what are the major hardware components?
A computer hardware is a set of devices (for example, processor, monitor, keyboard printer) that together accept data and information, process them, and display them. The major hardware components are the central processing unit (CPU), primary storage, secondary storage, input technologies, output technologies and communication technologies.
Question 2: What is Moore's Law/what does it mean in relation to computers.
More’s law refers to the theory of microprocessors complexity doubling approximately every two years.
Question 3: In basic terms, describe how a microprocessor functions.
A control unit which sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them and controls the flow of data to and from ALU, registers, caches and various other output devices.
The Arithmetic-Logic Unit performs the mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons
Registers are used as high speed storage areas that store small amounts of data for short periods of time.
The caches is external memory that data from registers is sent to.
Question 4: What factors determine the speed of the microprocessor?
The speed of the microprocessor is determined by the clock speed(measured in MHz), word length, bus width and number of transistors in the chip.
Question 5: What are the four main types of primary storage?
• Register
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Cache Memory
• ROM(read-only memory.
Question 6: What are the main types of secondary storage?
Magnetic storage devices include Hard drives, NAS (network attached storage), Memory Cards and Tumb Drives(USB Sticks)
Optical Storage Devices include CD-ROM, DVD and Blueray Discs
Question 7: How does primary storage differ from secondary storage in terms of speed cost and capacity?
The primary storage is there to be used immediately to store very small amounts of information as close to the CPU as possible. The shorter the distance the shorter the data has to travel thus making the computer run faster
Secondary storage was designed to store large amounts of data for a very long period of time unlike primary storage which holds data for a very short amount of time. Even though secondary storage can hold data for longer periods of time, it is actually a lot cheaper when compared to any primary storage device.
Question 8: What are enterprise storage systems?
An enterprise storage system is an independent, external system with intelligence that includes two or more storage devices.
Question 9: Distinguish between human data input devices and source data automation.
Human data-entry devices include keyboards, mouse, trackball, joysticks; touch screen, stylus and voice recognition. Source data automation devises input data with minimal human intervention (e,g. barcode reader).
Question 10: What is one new technology that will change how we do things? You need to do some research
THE CHUMBY: The Chumby is a wireless Internet device about the size of a rugby ball. It has no keyboard or mouse but instead uses software called widgets to display pretty much anything you want it to - all the time. For instance, it will act as an alarm clock, play your music, show you constantly updated news or track an eBay auction. The really interesting thing is that it is designed to be hacked - everything from the software code to the specifications for the case are freely available. No one, including the manufacturers, knows what owners will make Chumbys do once they are released.
http://www.chumby.com
A computer hardware is a set of devices (for example, processor, monitor, keyboard printer) that together accept data and information, process them, and display them. The major hardware components are the central processing unit (CPU), primary storage, secondary storage, input technologies, output technologies and communication technologies.
Question 2: What is Moore's Law/what does it mean in relation to computers.
More’s law refers to the theory of microprocessors complexity doubling approximately every two years.
Question 3: In basic terms, describe how a microprocessor functions.
A control unit which sequentially accesses program instructions, decodes them and controls the flow of data to and from ALU, registers, caches and various other output devices.
The Arithmetic-Logic Unit performs the mathematical calculations and makes logical comparisons
Registers are used as high speed storage areas that store small amounts of data for short periods of time.
The caches is external memory that data from registers is sent to.
Question 4: What factors determine the speed of the microprocessor?
The speed of the microprocessor is determined by the clock speed(measured in MHz), word length, bus width and number of transistors in the chip.
Question 5: What are the four main types of primary storage?
• Register
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• Cache Memory
• ROM(read-only memory.
Question 6: What are the main types of secondary storage?
Magnetic storage devices include Hard drives, NAS (network attached storage), Memory Cards and Tumb Drives(USB Sticks)
Optical Storage Devices include CD-ROM, DVD and Blueray Discs
Question 7: How does primary storage differ from secondary storage in terms of speed cost and capacity?
The primary storage is there to be used immediately to store very small amounts of information as close to the CPU as possible. The shorter the distance the shorter the data has to travel thus making the computer run faster
Secondary storage was designed to store large amounts of data for a very long period of time unlike primary storage which holds data for a very short amount of time. Even though secondary storage can hold data for longer periods of time, it is actually a lot cheaper when compared to any primary storage device.
Question 8: What are enterprise storage systems?
An enterprise storage system is an independent, external system with intelligence that includes two or more storage devices.
Question 9: Distinguish between human data input devices and source data automation.
Human data-entry devices include keyboards, mouse, trackball, joysticks; touch screen, stylus and voice recognition. Source data automation devises input data with minimal human intervention (e,g. barcode reader).
Question 10: What is one new technology that will change how we do things? You need to do some research
THE CHUMBY: The Chumby is a wireless Internet device about the size of a rugby ball. It has no keyboard or mouse but instead uses software called widgets to display pretty much anything you want it to - all the time. For instance, it will act as an alarm clock, play your music, show you constantly updated news or track an eBay auction. The really interesting thing is that it is designed to be hacked - everything from the software code to the specifications for the case are freely available. No one, including the manufacturers, knows what owners will make Chumbys do once they are released.
http://www.chumby.com
Week 2: Chapter 2
Question 1. What is the difference between an 'application' and a computer-based information systems?
An application program is a computer program designed to support a specific task or business process whereas a computer-based information system (CBIS) is an information system that uses computer technology to perform some or all of its intended tasks.
Question 2. What are strategic information systems?
Strategic information systems (SISs) are systems that help an organisation gain a competitive advantage by supporting its strategic goals and/or increasing performance and productivity.
Question 3. According to Porter, what are the five forces that could endanger a firm’s position in its industry or marketplaces?
The threat of entry of new competitors, the bargaining power of suppliers, the bargaining power of customers, the threat or substitute products or services and the rivalry among existing firms in the industry.
Question 4. In relation to Porter's value chain model, what is meant by primary activities and support activities, and how does IT support these activities?
Primary activities are those business activities related to the production and distribution of the firm’s products and services, thus creating value. Support activities are business activities that do not add value directly to a firm’s product or services under consideration but support the primary activities that do add value.
Question 5. Discuss the logic of building information systems in accordance with the organizational hierarchical structure.
An application program is a computer program designed to support a specific task or business process whereas a computer-based information system (CBIS) is an information system that uses computer technology to perform some or all of its intended tasks.
Question 2. What are strategic information systems?
Strategic information systems (SISs) are systems that help an organisation gain a competitive advantage by supporting its strategic goals and/or increasing performance and productivity.
Question 3. According to Porter, what are the five forces that could endanger a firm’s position in its industry or marketplaces?
The threat of entry of new competitors, the bargaining power of suppliers, the bargaining power of customers, the threat or substitute products or services and the rivalry among existing firms in the industry.
Question 4. In relation to Porter's value chain model, what is meant by primary activities and support activities, and how does IT support these activities?
Primary activities are those business activities related to the production and distribution of the firm’s products and services, thus creating value. Support activities are business activities that do not add value directly to a firm’s product or services under consideration but support the primary activities that do add value.
Question 5. Discuss the logic of building information systems in accordance with the organizational hierarchical structure.
Information systems will vary according to the each functional and specific area of an organisation. Certain information systems support parts of organisations, others support entire organisations. Each information system supports a particular functional area in the organsation. Examples inclde accounting IS, finance IS, production/operations management (POM) IS, marketing IS, and human resource IS.
Question 6. How has the Internet affected each of the five forces in Porter’s competitive forces model.
- The threat of new competitors: the web increases the threat that new competitors will enter the market by sharply reducing traditional barriers to entry, such as the need for a sales force or a physical storefront to sell goods and service.
- The bargaining power of suppliers: The Intenet's impact on suppliers is mixed. One the one hand, buyers can find alternative suppliers and compare prices more easily, reducing the supplier's barganing power. On the other hand, as companies use the Internet tp integrate their supply chains, participating suppliers prosper by locking in customers.
- The bargaining power of customers: The Web significantly increases buyer's access to information about products and suppliers. Internet technologies can reduce customer's switching costs of a decision to buy elsewhere.
- The threat of substitute products and services: New technologies can substiture products ver rapidly. Information-based industries are in the greates danger from substitutes. Any industry in which digitized information can replace material goods (eg: music, books, software) must view the Internet as a threat because the Internet can conver this information efficiently and at low cost.
- The rivalry among existing firms in the industry: The threat from rovalry is high when there is intense competition among many firms in an industry. The threat is low when competition is among few firms and less intense.
Week 1: Chapter 1
Question 1. What are the characteristics of the modern business environment?
The characteristics of the modern business environment include globalization, e-commerce, the internet and access online 27 hours a day 7 days a week.
Question 2. What is meant by a web-based, global platform, what does it provide, and how has it affected business?
The global, web-based platform that has recently emerged spans the world and is best represented by the Internet and the functionality of the World Wide Web. The platform enables individuals to connect, compute, communicate, collaborate, and compete everywhere and anywhere, anytime and all the time; to access limtless amounts of information, services and entertainment; to exchange knowledge; and to produce and sell goods and services. It operates without regard to geography, time, distance and even language barriers. It enables globalization.
Question 3. What are the main pressures that characterize the modern global business environment?
The main pressures that characterize the modern global business environment market pressures and technology pressures; societal/political/legal pressures.
Question 4. What are/discuss some of the common, IT oriented organizational responses to these pressures?
Some responses regarding organisations responding to these pressures include strategic systems; customer focus; make-to-order and mass customization, e-business and e-commerce.
Question 5. How are IT architecture and IT infrastructure are interrelated?
IT architecture is a high level map or plan of the information assets in an organisation. IT infrastructure represents the physical facilities, IT components, IT services and IT personnel that support the entire organisation.
Question 6. Is the Internet an infrastructure, an architecture, or an application program? or something else. Why?
The Internet represents all three.
The characteristics of the modern business environment include globalization, e-commerce, the internet and access online 27 hours a day 7 days a week.
Question 2. What is meant by a web-based, global platform, what does it provide, and how has it affected business?
The global, web-based platform that has recently emerged spans the world and is best represented by the Internet and the functionality of the World Wide Web. The platform enables individuals to connect, compute, communicate, collaborate, and compete everywhere and anywhere, anytime and all the time; to access limtless amounts of information, services and entertainment; to exchange knowledge; and to produce and sell goods and services. It operates without regard to geography, time, distance and even language barriers. It enables globalization.
Question 3. What are the main pressures that characterize the modern global business environment?
The main pressures that characterize the modern global business environment market pressures and technology pressures; societal/political/legal pressures.
Question 4. What are/discuss some of the common, IT oriented organizational responses to these pressures?
Some responses regarding organisations responding to these pressures include strategic systems; customer focus; make-to-order and mass customization, e-business and e-commerce.
Question 5. How are IT architecture and IT infrastructure are interrelated?
IT architecture is a high level map or plan of the information assets in an organisation. IT infrastructure represents the physical facilities, IT components, IT services and IT personnel that support the entire organisation.
Question 6. Is the Internet an infrastructure, an architecture, or an application program? or something else. Why?
The Internet represents all three.
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