Information Systems in Global Business Today (Ch.1)

Question 1

What is an information system?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 1

A set of interrelateed components with the purpose to organised, collect, store & report information. Turns data into information useful for humans to understand.

Question 2

What are the part of an information system?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 2

1. Input
2. Processing
3. Output
4. Feedback

Question 3

What is input?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 3

Captures raw data from within an organisation/environment

Question 4

What is processing?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 4

Coverts the raw data into something meaningful

Question 5

What is ouput?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 5

The processed info that will be passed on to customers or activities in which it will be used. The end product.

Question 6

What is feedback?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 6

Output that is returned to appropiate members of the organisation to help evaluate/correct the input stage.

Question 7

What are the dimensions of infosys?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 7

1. Organisations
2. Management
3. Technology

Question 8

How does organisation relate to infosys?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 8

Core element of an infosys - some companies cannot exists without an infosys. Key elements are: people, structure, business politics and culture. Composed of a structure w/ different levels and specialities.

Question 9

How does management relate to infosys?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 9

Adds more value to a business process of creating input into valuable output. Makes decisions, formulate action plans to solve org. problems, creates new products + services.

Question 10

How does technology relate to infosys?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 10

Computer hardware/software of the business. Consists of the IT infrastructure and the networking & telecommunication structure.

Question 11

What is the IT infrastructure?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 11

Provides the platform that the system is built on + all the people required to the run & manage

Question 12

What is the networking & telecommunication infrastructure?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 12

Links the various pieces of hardware & transfer the data from one physical location to another. Consists of the network, intranet, Internet and extranet.Wh

Question 13

What is an intranet?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 13

Internal corporate networks based on internet tech. Provides insight to the inside of a business.

Question 14

What is an extranet?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 14

Private intranets extended to authorised users outside the organisation. Helps coordinate business activities with other firms (suppliers, vendors, etc.)

Question 15

- application -

Identify the organisation, management and technology elements in the UPS tracking system.

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Question 16

How are infosys viewed from a business perspective?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 16

Investments in infosys need to have superior returns and bring back value to the business. An important instrument for creating value for the firm.

Question 17

What are complementary assets?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 17

Assets required to derive value from a primary investment. Refers to additional resources can enhance the value of an infosys.
E.g. to realise value from automobiles requires substantial complementary investments in highways, roads, petrol stations, repair facilities, etc.

Question 18

What are organisational assets?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 18

Firm-specific assets that can leverage a business’ goals and objectives.
E.g. supportive organisational culture, efficient business processes, decentralised authority, etc.

Question 19

What are managerial assets?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 19

Assets that pertain specifically to the capabilties, skills and qualities possessed by managers and leaders of a firm.
e.g. leadership skills, strong senior management support, teamwork and collaborative work environments

Question 20

What are social assets?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 20

Assets that relate to the quality of social interactions, relationships and the overall work culture.
e.g. laws and regulations for creating fair & stable market environments, internet & telecommunications infrastructure

Question 21

What structure do organisations follow?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 21

Composed of different levels and specialities, reps a clear-cut division of labour. Often organised as a hierachy/pyramid structure.
1. Senior management: makes long-range strategic decisions about products/services + financial performance of the firm
2. Middle management: carries out the programs and plans of senior management (scientists and knowledge workers)
3. Operation management: responsible for monitoring the daily activities of the business (production & service workers)

Question 22

What is business culture?

~ Chapter 1.2 ~

Answer 22

A fundamental set of assumptions, values and ways of doing things that has been accepted by most of its members.
e.g. some assumptions at uni are that professors know more than students, the reason students attend is to learn, and classes follow a regular schedule.

Question 23

What are business processes?

Question 25

What are the six strategic business obejctives?

~ Chapter 1.1~

Answer 25

1. Operational excellence
2. New products, services & business models
3. Customer and Supplier Intimacy
4. Improved Decision Making
5. Competitive Advantage
6. Survival