PA Information Systems Foundation Flashcards
Which function describes a role of a transaction processing system (TPS)?
A. Addressing needs of leaders at the top of the hierarchy
B. Keeping track of elementary business activities
C. Providing sophisticated analytics and models for leaders in the middle of the hierarchy
D. Generating regular reports from compressed routine data
Correct Answer: B. Keeping track of elementary business activities
Explanation:
A TPS handles basic, routine operations such as processing transactions, recording data, and maintaining databases. It ensures accuracy and efficiency in daily tasks like sales, orders, and payments, which form the backbone of operational activities.
Flashcard 2
Question:
An investment company employee is responsible for payment processing for regular investments.
Which system should be used in this situation?
A. Management information system (MIS)
B. Transaction processing system (TPS)
C. Executive support system (ESS)
D. Decision support system (DSS)
Correct Answer: B. Transaction processing system (TPS)
Explanation:
A TPS is ideal for tasks that involve processing routine, repetitive transactions like payments. Its reliability and speed make it the preferred choice for ensuring accuracy and maintaining transaction records.
Which situation describes a case in which a management information system (MIS) should be used?
A. A supervisor is responsible for creating a report showing categorized expenses and how they compare to previous time periods.
B. A plant manager is responsible for determining how much money was spent on equipment maintenance last year.
C. A company CEO is responsible for determining whether the company should complete a merger.
D. A business manager is responsible for determining which price should be charged to maximize profit.
Correct Answer: A. A supervisor is responsible for creating a report showing categorized expenses and how they compare to previous time periods.
Explanation:
An MIS focuses on providing summarized data and reports to managers for routine decision-making. It is particularly useful for generating structured reports based on historical data, aiding supervisors in monitoring performance.
Which question is related to the use of a transaction processing system (TPS)?
A. Which loading pattern should be used to optimize shipping?
B. Is the current level of sales in line with planned targets?
C. How will employment levels change over the next decade?
D. Which cashier served during a specific customer encounter?
Correct Answer: D. Which cashier served during a specific customer encounter?
Explanation:
A TPS tracks individual transactions and records detailed information, such as which cashier was involved in a specific sale. This is essential for operational tracking and audit purposes.
What is the system used for integrating processes in manufacturing and production, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, and human resources?
A. Supply chain management (SCM) system
B. Enterprise system (ES)
C. Knowledge management system (KMS)
D. Customer relationship management (CRM) system
Correct Answer: B. Enterprise system (ES)
Explanation:
An Enterprise System (ES) integrates processes across departments to ensure seamless data flow and operational efficiency. It centralizes management across core business functions like finance, HR, and production.
A company board of executives is searching for a system to source, produce, and deliver goods and services efficiently through information sharing.
Which type of system should be used?
A. Knowledge management system (KMS)
B. Customer relationship management (CRM) system
C. Supply chain management (SCM) system
D. Enterprise system (ES)
Correct Answer: C. Supply chain management (SCM) system
Explanation:
An SCM system focuses on optimizing the supply chain by managing sourcing, production, and delivery processes. It promotes efficiency and collaboration by sharing real-time information with suppliers and distributors.
A company is organizing collaboration for a new project. The project will include various forms of collaboration, including collaboration that is synchronous and colocated.
Which form of collaboration is appropriate for this purpose?
A. Screen sharing, because it occurs at the same time but at different places
B. A shared table, because it occurs at the same place and the same time
C. A large public display, because it occurs at the same place but at different times
D. A group calendar, because it occurs at different times and different places
Correct Answer: B. A shared table, because it occurs at the same place and the same time
Explanation:
Synchronous and colocated collaboration involves participants working together simultaneously in the same physical location. A shared table is ideal for fostering real-time interaction and collaboration in this scenario.
A company wants to incorporate asynchronous and remote collaboration to enhance work team communication.
Which form of collaboration fits this requirement?
A. A wiki, because it occurs at different times and different places
B. Roomware, because it occurs at the same place and the same time
C. Instant messaging, because it occurs at the same time but at different places
D. A large public display, because it occurs at the same place but at different times
Correct Answer: A. A wiki, because it occurs at different times and different places
Explanation:
A wiki is a collaborative tool that allows team members to contribute and edit content at their convenience, regardless of location. This makes it ideal for asynchronous and remote collaboration.
Which factor diminishes the long-term competitive advantage obtained through strategic systems?
A. Technology prices constantly rise.
B. Employee turnover is high.
C. Globalization has increased competition.
D. Employee skill sets constantly change.
Correct Answer: C. Globalization has increased competition
Explanation:
Globalization enables competitors to rapidly adopt and replicate strategic systems, eroding the long-term advantage they might provide. This increased competition challenges organizations to innovate continuously.
Which research finding about IT alignment with business objectives is accurate?
A. Implementing IT systems produces profitable results regardless of business goals.
B. Expense levels are directly related to the alignment of IT with business goals.
C. Companies with broad objectives benefit the most from IT system implementation.
D. Profitability is directly related to the alignment of IT with business objectives.
Correct Answer: D. Profitability is directly related to the alignment of IT with business objectives
Explanation:
When IT systems are aligned with business goals, they provide solutions that directly support strategic initiatives, resulting in higher profitability. Poor alignment often leads to inefficiencies and lower returns on investment.
What does the business value chain model help firms with to better overcome competitive challenges?
A. Identifying threats to competitive advantage by suppliers
B. Identifying where information systems are likely to have a strategic impact
C. Identifying how information technology is being used in other industries
D. Identifying how to integrate business processes across all departments
Correct Answer: B. Identifying where information systems are likely to have a strategic impact
Explanation:
The business value chain model helps firms analyze their activities to determine where information systems can create the most value. This supports better strategic decision-making and improves competitive positioning.
