Lou Money

Question 1

WHAT is a key distinction between decentralized and distributed systems?

Answer 1

THE interconnection among the nodes (sites) in a distributed systems network

Question 2

WHAT is the difference between a batch processing and a real time accounts receivable processing system

Answer 2

A real time processing system can provide immediate feedback whereas batch processing has a time delay

• Can assist in situations where customers need immediate feedback about account balance

Question 3

WHAT is an online analytical processing system?

Answer 3

A processing system that can “drill-down” to the transaction level and can provide trend information via various network setups

Question 4

WHAT is an advantage using remote batch processing?

Answer 4

IT avoids the need for having File Updating at each user location

i.e. Remote Batch Processing (remote job entry) entails collection and entry of data from places other than the location of the file updating

Question 5

HOW is the processing in a Knowledge-based (expert) system?

Answer 5

BY Heuristics

i.e. These systems contain a knowledge base for a limited domain of human expertise and inference procedures for the solution of problems

Heuristics is an exploratory problem-solving technique that uses self-education methods, e.g., the evaluation of feedback

Question 6

WHAT are the four major tasks that any system must perform?

Answer 6

THEY are: , Input, transformation, output, and storage

Question 7

WHAT type of computer file would most likely be considered a master file in a business information system?

Answer 7

Inventory Subsidiary

WHY? - Because a master file is considered “permanent” information

Question 8

WHAT type of information system is used with non-routine decisions?

Answer 8

Executive support systems (ESS)

THEY help Senior Management answer questions regarding what their company’s competitors’ are doing

Question 9

WHAT type of system is timeliness of data availability most relevant?

Answer 9

An ONLINE System

i.e. This system has immediately available to users upon entry; and

is in direct communication with the computer

Question 10

WHAT may be included in today’s ERP Software involving advanced planning and scheduling?

Answer 10

An advanced scheduling and planning system that controls the flow of a manufacturer’s materials and components through the supply chain

Question 11

WHAT is a likely benefit of using information technology for internal controls?

Answer 11

Enhanced timeliness of Information

Question 12

WHAT type of System supports middle and Upper-level management with non-routine, unstructured decision making?

Answer 12

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

NOTE: IT is an aid to decision making, not the automation of a decision process

Question 13

WHAT type of access is required in an online, real-time system?

Answer 13

DIRECT (random) access

i.e. As each transaction is entered, it is edited (validated)

Question 14

WHAT type of processing system is batch processing typically used for?

Answer 14

Sequential file access

Question 15

HOW is volatility defined in relation to computer files from the internal systems of a corporation?

Answer 15

IT is the relative frequency with which records are added, deleted, or changed during a period

e.g. Journal entries versus names and addresses of company vendors

Question 16

WHAT is Environmental scanning (within the context of internet use)?

Answer 16

A process that systematically surveys and interprets relevant data to identify external opportunities and threats

Question 17

WHAT is the purpose of the Enterprise Resource Planning system?

Answer 17

IT is a system intended to integrate enterprise-wide information systems by;

• creating one database linked to all of an organization’s applications

Question 18

WHAT is Porter’s five forces analysis?

Answer 18

A framework that analyzes the level of competition within an industry and business strategy development

Question 19

WHAT would be considered an appropriate computerized data processing system in a retail environment?

Answer 19

A Real-time processing system

WHY? - Because in that environment, this type of system could potentially allow the company to track inventory, cash, labor, etc., as it changed

Question 20

FROM a business information systems perspective who would be considered “Stakeholders?”

Answer 20

Anyone in an organization who has a role in creating or using the documents and data stored on the computers or networks

Hence; Stakeholders are those who affect, or are affected by, the output of the information system