4i Decision Making Tools ***

Question 0

Describe what is meant by a MIS.

Answer 0

Two from the following:

 a system that converts data so that managers can interpret the data in a readily usable form (1)
 organises information within an organisation in such a way that
it can be used to produce useful information to the
management of the organisation (1)
 organises and produces summaries of data in the form of
charts and reports (1)
 creates links between sets of data that are inter-related (1) [2]

Question 1

Give two reasons why the operator of a medical helpline would use a system which relies on rules and probabilities to give advice.

Answer 1

One mark for each reason:
 can use predictions (1)
 can give conclusions (1)
 give evidence for conclusions (1)
 dynamic (1)
 allow example of system working (1

Question 2

Explain two advantages for the Mountain Rescue Teams of using an expert system to forecast the weather.

Answer 2

Two from, two marks each eg:
 can be used by all members (1) available 24/7/not reliant on a
human/expert who understands weather data being present
to give answers (1)
 takes account of different weather information (1) that users
cannot understand (1)
 speeds up the decision making process (1) know whether to
postpone training because of bad weather forecast (1)

Question 3

Explain two ways management information systems (MIS) can be used to assist decision making
within a company.

Answer 3

One mark for point, one for expansion e.g

 actual expenditure can be summarised against planned expenditure (1) can be used to monitor budgets and cut expenditure if required (1)
 sales trends for different products can be assessed against the time of year (1) production schedules can be planned (1)
 information on demographics can be gathered/ to identify which customers bought which products (1) to create a target advertising campaign (1)
 marketing campaigns can be monitored / analyse sales during that period (1) to see if more tv/radio/newspaper advertising is required (1)

Question 4

The internet connection into Awburn House Surgery has become intermittent.

Give one reason why the operator of an internet service provider’s fault helpline would use a system which relies on rules and probabilities to give advice.

Answer 4

No need for an expert to staff the helpline (1)