Exam Revision Flashcards
Data
Facts and figures without any real context or meaning
Information
Data that has been made meaningful and helps someone understand something.
Knowledge
Information that has been incorporated into someone’s view of the world. typically defined with reference to information. information having been processed, organised or structured in some way, or else as being applied or put into action.
Rich Picture
- Technique used in Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) (but can be used elsewhere for dealing with messy problems)
- A pictorial caricature of what the organisation (or group of people) is ‘about’
- Should be self-explanatory and easy to understand
- Should identify the elements of structure, process, climate, and issues/symptoms in the situation
System
A system is a collection of interrelated components that function together to achieve
some predefined purposes or objectives.
Component
a part, or aggregation of parts, of a system, commonly referred to as a subsystem;
Interrelated components
the dependency of one subsystem on one or more
other subsystems. Subsystems are related and usually interact with each other in order to achieve their pre-declared objectives, within their environment;
Boundary
the line that distinguishes the inside from the outside of a system and so distinguishes the system from its environment;
Environment
everything external to a system that interacts with the system;
Interfaces
points of contact where a system meets its environment or where subsystems meet each other;
Inputs
whatever a system takes from its environment in order to fulfil its purpose
Outputs
whatever a system returns to its environment in order to fulfil its
purpose
Constraints
limits or conditions within which a system can accomplish its objectives;
Open and closed systems
Systems can be classified on a continuum between the extremes of open systems
and closed systems. Open systems interact freely with their environments, taking in
inputs and returning outputs. Closed systems don’t interact with their environments,
so changes in the environment do not affect the system.
Systems thinking
Business problem solvers, sometimes referred to as “systems analysts”, use the nine
systems characteristics to understand, in a holistic way, business situations. They
consider businesses as if they were open systems. This is termed applying “systems
thinking” to a business situation.
Stakeholder
A person, group or organization that has interest or concern in an organization.
Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organisation’s actions, objectives and policies.
VLOOKUP FUNCTION
VLOOKUP( lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, range_lookup)
VLOOKUP EXPLANATION
Searches for a value (lookup_value) in the leftmost column of a table (table_array),
and then returns a value in the same row from a column you specify in the table
(col_index_num). If range_lookup is FALSE, VLOOKUP will only find an exact
match. If TRUE, then it will find an exact match or a “best” approximate match.
IF FUNCTION
IF( logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false )
IF EXPLANATION
Returns one value (i.e. value_if_true), if a condition you specify (i.e. logical_test)
evaluates to TRUE and another value (i.e. value_if_false) if the condition evaluates to
FALSE.
SUMIF FUNCTION
SUMIF(Range, Criteria, Sum_range)
SUMIF EXPLANATION
Sums the values in a range (Sum_range) where the values in an associated range
(Range) meet a criteria (Criteria) that has been specified.
Describe 2 Excel spreadsheet features that will help City Used Cars to improve the way they
manage and use their car sales profit data.
. The calculations are automatically carried out – eliminating human error
. Calculations and outcomes are saved/recorded
. Calculation template can be reused for future calculations
. Updates to the vehicle costs table are automatically reflected in the calculations
. Information generated is organised, easy to understand, and well presented
. Data Visualisation - Pivot tables and graphs providing display of relative car category
sales
Business intelligence
Information that results from the processing of operational data to create information. It exposes patterns, relationships, and trends of importance to an organisation
Business analytics
Business analytics is the use of data, information technology, statistical techniques, and quantitative models, to help managers build their understanding of business operations. It supports them to take improved, informed decisions. Insights derived from analytics, ensure industries and businesses spot new opportunities, and uncover hidden connections.
Relationship between business intelligence & business analytics
The application of business analytics to operational data generates business intelligence
3 forms of business analytics
Descriptive analytics
Predictive analytics
Prescriptive analytics
Descriptive analytics
The use of data to understand past and current business performance and to make informed decisions.
Predictive analytics
Analysis of past performance in an effort to predict the future. Done by examining historical data, detecting patterns or relationships in these data (i.e. creating a “model”), and then extrapolating these relationships forward in time.
Prescriptive analytics
Using a model where the output of the model can be optimised (maximised) by adjusting the input alternatives, so “prescribing” what the best decision is.
5 steps of the five step approach to business problem solving
Problem Analysis Understand the Problem Decision Making Solutions Design Implement
Problem analysis
What kind of problem exists. use the problem-solving framework to determine the cause/source of the problem (i.e. T, O, or P).
Understand the problem
Fact collection to obtain better information. Use techniques such as Interviews Observations Questionnaires/surveys Workshops/Focus groups Brainstorming
Decision making
The process of selecting the best optional solution
Solutions design
Develop the proposed solution taking physical, logical and people factors into account. Any optional solutions proposed need to be checked for viability against costs and benefits, work practice considerations, technology available, the predicted staff response to changed workload and process, and the organisation’s functional strategic objectives.
Implement
Put the proposed solution into practice. Evaluate the performance and modify. A successful product meets user needs and supports the business’ functional viability. Communicate to employees
Identifying causes or symptoms
To solve a problem, you must first identify the cause(s):
A Cause (the source of the problem) is often obscured by one/more symptoms/effects
A Symptom/Effect is a condition produced by the problem cause
Problem Identification Framework - TOP
A Framework described by Jane and Kenneth Laudon (1998) that assists reviewing the problem symptoms in context
The symptoms are viewed in relation to each of the interacting components of the context
Technology
Organisations
People
to attempt to identify the underlying problem cause
Creativity
unleashing the potential of the mind to conceive new ideas.
Innovation
about introducing change into relatively stable systems. It’s also concerned with the work required to make an idea viable. By identifying an unrecognised and unmet need, an organisation can use innovation to apply its creative resources to design an appropriate solution and reap a return on its investment.
2 design approaches
Functional design and empathic
Functional design
Functional Design focusses on the business solution’s functionality. The solution is then imagined and built. It is, at heart, an INNOVATION activity
Empathic design
a CREATIVE activity that Seeks to identify business solution designs. Involves identifying customer needs in order to create products that the customers don’t even know they desire or, solutions that customers have difficulty envisioning.
Systems thinking - nice problems
Well defined structure comprised of parts and relationships. Suitable for systematic reduction of the whole problem to its component parts.
Systems - thinking messy wicked problems
Real-world problems are usually messy, ill-structured. The actions necessary to attain goal(s) are not obvious. Several people involved with different viewpoints - whose objectives should be addressed? The customer? The salesperson? The manager?
What makes a problem wicked
Wherever there are people involved with different viewpoints it could potentially be a wicked problem!
Purpose of a rich picture
Concerned with defining the options for improvement. Suitable for Messy “Wicked” Problems.
HCI
Human-computer interaction is a discipline concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of the major phenomena surrounding them.
Measurement of Usability
In order to measure the usability of an interface we can measure five attributes:
Learnability Memorability Efficiency of Use Error Subject Satisfaction
These attributes can be used to define measures of a system’s usability and to measure the success of a system interface.
Learnability
How fast can a user learn to use an interface sufficiently well to accomplish basic tasks?
“Easy to learn” refers to a novice user’s experience
Measurement of this attribute involves measuring the increased proficiency reached by users completing tasks after a specified period of training
Memorability
If a user has used the system at some earlier date, can he or she remember enough to use it effectively next time? The system (metaphor) should be easy to remember. Casual users can return to the system after some period of time without much relearning!
Measurement can be done on users after a period of no use, or a memory test can be conducted after a test session
Built-in methods of reducing the need to remember e.g. email addresses
Efficiency of use
Once an experienced user has learned to use the system, how fast can he or she accomplish tasks? High level of productivity is possible. Once a user reaches expert status, one can measure how much faster that user can complete a task, compared with the time they took before they were provided with the system
Errors
Error-related factors: How often do users make errors while using the system, how serious are these errors, and how easy is it to recover from a user error? An error is any action which inhibits the accomplishing of a desired goal. One can measure the error rate – the number of errors that occur while performing a specified task. Catastrophic errors should NEVER occur!
Subject satisfaction
Systems should be pleasant to use. Entertainment value can be more important than the speed with which things get done. This is measured by asking users for their subjective opinions of the system after they have experienced its use
Interface design heuristics
Usability statements that guide a developer’s design efforts. Derived by evaluating common design problems across many systems
10 Interface Design Heuristics/Principles
LANGUAGE
CONSISTENCY
MEMORY
FEEDBACK
EXITS
SHORTCUTS
ERRORS
HELP
SCREEN DESIGN
Use Simple and Natural Dialogue
Use the user’s conceptual model. Match the users’ task in as natural a way as possible – minimise mapping
Be consistent
Consistency of effects
Same words, commands, cause the system to perform the same actions in similar situations (predictability)
Consistency of language and graphics
Same formation/controls in same location
Same visual appearance across system
Speak the users language
Use terminology based on the users’ language. Use meaningful mnemonics, icons, and abbreviations. Cater for multiple interaction styles (eg File/Save – Save Icon, Menu, Ctrl +S)
Minimise the users memory load
Promote recognition over recall.
Affordance
An aspect of an object which makes it obvious how the object is to be used.
Icons - symbolise computer actions
Menus - Menus provide a variety of prompts to help the user
Provide feedback
Continuously inform the user about:
- What’s being done
- How the user’s input is interpreted
- User must be aware of what’s going on
Provide clearly marked exits
Users don’t like to feel trapped by the computer!
- Strategies
- Cancel button
- Universal UNDO-
- Interrupt
- Quit
- Defaults
Provide shortcuts
Experienced users should be able to perform frequently used operations quickly
- Keyboard and mouse accelerators
- Type-ahead
- Navigation jumps
- Shortcut methods (toolbars/F# keys)
- History systems
Deal with Errors in a Positive Helpful Manner
Provide meaningful error messages with multiple responses such as Do nothing Self-correct Lets talk about it! Teach me
Provide Help
Tutorial and/or getting started manuals
Short guides
Online “tours”, and demos
Reference manuals
Reminders (reference card/keyboard template/tooltips)
Context-sensitive help
Wizards (walk through typical tasks)
Tips
Screen design
Easiest to read dark text on a light background
Use Colour carefully
Attention or status
Flashing fields
Change of colour
Few fonts
Association by positions and zoning
Database
A Database is a system that takes Data as input, and generates Information as output
“a repository for an organised collection of interrelated data files, records and fields”
“a collection of related data organised to assist end-users”
Advantages of computerised database systems
Easy to backup Less space than a filing cabinet Easy to search Easy to share (copy, network) Easy to transport
RDMS
Relational Database Management System (RDMS):
Access, Oracle, MySQL, Postgresql, Many others …
A collection of tables (data files) related/joined to one another by common data elements
The major issues addressed by RDMS
Redundant data
Data integrity
Ideally each data item is stored once in the entire system
Redundant data
Data was duplicated (i.e. Many pieces of data were stored multiple times in many different files, in order to allow business questions to be answered)
Redundancy wastes space and time
Redundancy can lead to inconsistency
Data integrity
Inaccurate data. Changes to the data therefore had to be re-entered at many places in the files. If any required changes to the data were missed then the integrity of the database as a whole was compromised
Data should have integrity - It must be
Accurate
Reliable
Entities (Tables)
Something that the business wishes to store data about
Primary Key
Exists as a set of records
Can be a person, place, object, event, etc.
Examples of common entities:
Department Venue Customer Order Item Branch
Fields (Attributes,Columns)
Characteristics/Descriptors/Properties of an Entity
Product
Product Code, Description, Supplier ID, Quantity on Hand, Unit Price, Reorder Level
Customer
D, Name, Address, Contact Name, Phone Number, Mobile, Email Address
Sales Order
Sale ID, Customer ID, Date, isShipped
RELATIONSHIPS (LINKS)
The associations or relationships (links) between Entities depend on the business rules !!
Create links between entities where required
Can follow links between many entities
There are three types of relationships (links) in this course:
One to one
One to many
Many to many
WHAT IS AN ERD
Entity-relationship-diagram
ERDs provide a simple diagrammatic way of representing entities (tables) and the relationships (links) between them
A relationship is a statement of a business rule
A relationship has cardinality (i.e. the number of entity instances of Entity B that can (or must) be associated with Entity A)
MANDATORY/OPTIONAL
Must a record in one table have a matching record in another table?
We need to determine this in order to more accurately model business rules
Note: We can enforce Mandatory/Optional rules in the RDMS
Photo in favourites on phone
Field types
Text Currency Autonumber Date Lookup list
Forms definition
FORMS are the objects that allow an end-user to input, modify or display data
Forms example
A Form (with a Sub-form) could be set up to input modify and display the details of each
member of sales staff, and for each staff member the sales transactions processed by that
sales member could be displayed
Queries definition
QUERIES are objects that allow a database user to select fields from the records in a database subject to specified criteria
Queries example
A Query could be set up to access all sales transactions between two specified dates
Reports definition
REPORTS are objects that provide a method of rearranging and presenting data (for example as generated by a query), so that information is available to end-users in a useful
format
Reports example
The Query above could be displayed as a Report of all the sales made during a given period
of time
Foreign key
a foreign key is a field (or collection of fields) in one table that uniquely identifies a row of another table or the same table. In simpler words, the foreign key is defined in a second table, but it refers to the primary key or a unique key in the first table. For example, a table called Employees has a primary key called employee_id. Another table called Employee Details has a foreign key which references employee_id in order to uniquely identify the relationship between the two tables.
Primary key
a primary key is a specific choice of a minimal set of attributes (columns) that uniquely specify a tuple (row) in a relation (table).[a] Informally, a primary key is “which attributes identify a record”, and in simple cases are simply a single attribute: a unique id.
eBusiness
eBusiness, or electronic business, is the term used to describe any business transaction or activity that uses networks, including the Internet
eCommerce
eCommerce, or electronic commerce, is defined as a subset of eBusiness. Specifically, eCommerce includes all electronically mediated information exchanges between an organisation and its external stakeholders.
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eCommerce examples include a business using information technology to:
buy materials from their suppliers
market to their customers
sell products and services to their customers.
Types of eCommerce
B2C
C2C
B2B
B2C
Business-to-consumer (B2C) eCommerce, where consumers deal directly with an organisation, without the involvement of any intermediaries.
C2C
Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) eCommerce, which involves consumers selling directly to each other.
B2B
Business-to-business (B2B) eCommerce, where the participants in the sales transactions are both businesses.
B2C examples
• eTailers/Storefronts – Online version of a 24/7 retail store (e.g. amazon.com).
Portals – Gateways to the Internet offering searching tools for products/services (e.g. MSN.com).
• Content Providers – Information and entertainment providers like newspapers (e.g. CNN.com).
• Transaction Brokers – Process online sales transactions (e.g. travel agents, stock brokers).
Service Providers – Companies that sell users a service online rather than a product (e.g. consultancy, expertise).
C2C examples
- Market Creators – Web-based businesses that use the Internet to create markets that bring buyers and sellers together (e.g. eBay.com).
- Community Providers - Sites where individuals with common experience can meet and compare (e.g. About.com).
B2B examples
- Supply Chain Management – Management of the movement and storage of raw materials, of work-in-process inventory, and of finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption.
- Just-In-Time (JIT) Managemnent – A strategy companies employ to increase efficiency and decrease waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby reducing inventory costs.
- eSourcing - The process of obtaining bids from different suppliers via a single online portal.
- eProcurement – The counterpart to eSourcing in that it performs the requisition, authorising, ordering, receipt, and payment for supplies electronically.
Form, sub form, reports layout,
2 Photos in favourites on phone
Advantages of spreadsheets
- see agent performance
- see which fish type is better seller
- better estimate fish quantities needed per week
- could adjust discount to attract more customers
- adjust discount on poor selling fish types
- track cashflow more accurately
b. Ronald has decided to collate information on all apartments sold in the Melbourne CBD in 2012 in a spreadsheet. New clients often ask questions about the average price of studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments. The proximity to the river and the views available at various levels of apartment blocks, all factor into the price.
You have been employed by Ronald to create descriptive analytics and visualise the data in the spreadsheet for inclusion in Ronald’s web-site and a brochure to be sent to clients. List two (2) Excel features/capabilities that you could use to visualise Ronald’s historical sales data, and indicate what sort of data you would present using each feature/capability.
Example: Show the proportions of the market for studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments using a PIE CHART
Example: Tabulate distance from the river, and use CONDITIONAL FORMATTING to distinguish <1 km; 1-5 km; 6-10km; >10km etc
IPO Charts
A method that designers use to describe the process required for the new system is to create an Input | Processing | Output (IPO) Table. This table shows the inputs to a process and the manipulation of the data required to create the outputs.
IPO Chart steps
Step One – Identify the Outputs Decide what you are trying to achieve by creating the spreadsheet and what it is that you are trying to calculate. Write down the desired outputs.
Step Two – Identify the Calculations Write down the processing instructions (for turning the inputs into outputs)
Step Three – Identify the Inputs What data do you need to include in the spreadsheets so that the output can be determined? Write down the inputs.
The people of business computing
PHOTO IN FAVOURITES ON PHONE
kinesics
the study of the way in which certain body movements and gestures serve as a form of non-verbal communication.
haptics
Haptic communication, the means by which people and other animals communicate via touching
chronemics
Chronemics is the study of the role of time in communication.
Some ethical breaches
Failure to keep promises (toffler)
Be honest and forthright (ACS)
Honesty (toffler)
Coinvented the first general purpose electronic digital computer (ENIAC)
Blaise Pascal
Security arrangements
Authentication Authorisation Verification Encryption Virus protection Firewalls
Symptom
An apparent condition produced by an underlying problem cause
Cause
The cause is the source of the problem that is often obscured by one or more symptoms. The cause is the underlying situation that must be addressed in order for the symptoms to cease to occur.
Security justifications
Compromise data integrity
Compromise data recovery
Go over the photos on your phone
Sam is amazing. Sam is amazing. Sam is amazing.
