The technology and information factor Flashcards
1
Q
Range of purposes for which orgs require information-role of IS in an org
A
- Recording transactions(eg:evidence if there s a dispute,legal requirement,better assessment of profitability)
- Decision making(make informed decisions-use of internal -external info by IS)
- Planning(knowledge of rexources,time-scales,outcome under altern scenar)
- Performance measurement(comparisons against budget or plan-collection ,analysis,presentation)
- Control-(whether preceeding as expected-control outcomes of a plan)
2
Q
Turning data to information process:
A
- Data: raw unprocessed facts and figures.
- Information :data processed in a way it makes it meaningful for planning.
- Gathering data from int -ext sources
- Examine and filter
- Compare against benchmarks(act vs budget)
- Interpretation (why there are discrepancies)
- Info distributed
3
Q
Internal data info:
A
- Accounting records-great value outside of acc dpt
- Personel records-payroll but also project costing
- Production data-machine capacity,fuel consumption,movement of people,materials,WIP,set up times,maint requirem ect
- Time sheets-notably accountants and solicitors,fees to clients,efficiecy ,profitability
4
Q
External data info,Fomal collection of data from sources outside/environmental scanning:
A
- PEST factors
- Competitors -successful,new prod
- Customers-needs,potential market
- Suppliers-price,quality,new suppliers
Fomal collection of data from sources outside:
- Tax specialists -changes in tax law
- Legal experts,comp secretary-empl regulations,health and safety at work
- R&D-other research already done
- Marketing managers:opinions and buying attitudes.
- Environmental scanning:Gathering extern data frome wide range of sources.
5
Q
Informal data/human capital/structure capital:
A
- Informal gatherining continuous:employees learn what is going on in the world around them(magazines,newspapers,ect)
- Human capital:Knowledge skills experience developed by staff
- Structural capital:assets such as patents ,client lists
6
Q
The qualities of info:
A
ACCURATE:
- Acccurate-no typos,figures shoul ad on,reliable
- Complete-consistent to allow comparisons
- Cost-effective
- Understandable-easy to read,well presented
- Relevant-omit if irrelevant,all significant inluded
- Accessible-appropriate choice of medium
- Timely-available when it is needed
- Easy to use-format easy to use or pass on as required
7
Q
!Difference between IS and IT:
A
IS:A general concept that refers to people,data,activities both computer based and manual taht effectively gather,process,store and disseminate info.Most rely on ICT .
IS VS IT:
IS-Provides mgt info that assists business operations
IT-underlying hardware equipment that the system is built on
8
Q
Different levels-different types of IS:
A
- Strategic:help senior mgrs with long term planning,long term,covers whole of org,high uncertainty/subject ,accuracy less critical eg:KPI s,ad hoc market analysis,startegic plans
- Mgt or tactical:Help middle mgrs monitor and control,short to medium tim efocus,covers dpt or function,Moderate uncertainty,accuracy:moderate level eg:variance analysis,except reports
- Operational: process ops and help operational mgrs to trach day2day act ,immediate time focus,specific activities covered,low uncertainty,high accuracy eg: daily receipts and payments,real time production data,debtors and creditors
1.
9
Q
TPS or DPS:
A
Transaction processing systems,Data proc syst:
- Used for routine tasks ;
Major application systems:
- Sales/mkt:
- sales order info system
- Market research system
- Pricing system
- Manuf /prod systems:
- Materials resource planning
- PO control
- Engineering
- Quality control
- Finance account systems:
- GL
- AR ,AP
- Budgeting
- Funds Mgt
- HR systems
- Payroll
- Empl records
- Empl benefits
- Career path systems
5.
10
Q
MIS:
A
- Mainly internal sources of info
- Managers to make timely and effective decisions for planning , directing and controlling the activities for which they are responsible.
- Provides regular reports and access to current and past perf
- Transforms data from TPS to summarised files
Characteristics:
- Support structured decisions at operational and mgt control levels
- Design to report on existing operations
- Little analytical capabilities
- Inflexible
- Internal focus
11
Q
ESS or EIS:
A
- Pools data from internal and external sources and makes info available to senior mgrs in an easy to use form .
- Helps them to make strategic,unstructured decisions
Features:
- Flexibility
- Quick response time
- Sophisticated data analysis and modelling tools
12
Q
DSS(decision support systems):
A
- Data and analytical models or data analysis tools semi -structured and unstructured decision making .
- Assist mgrs in decision making when there is high uncertainty
- Range of alternatice info and analytical tools with emphasis upon flexibility and user friendliness
- More analytical power than other alternatives,variety of potential conditions
13
Q
Knowledge work systems (KWS)
A
- Facilitates teh creationa and integration of new knowledge into an org
- Knowledge workers:jobs involve priimarily creation of new knowledge
KWS helps knowledge workers create new knowledge and expertise eg
- CAD
- CAM
- Specialised financial software that analyses trading situations
14
Q
Office automation systems(OAS)
A
- Supports major activities in a typical office such as document mgt,facilitating communications and managing data
15
Q
Expert systems:
A
- Form of DSS
- Allows users benefit from expert knowledge and info
- Consists of a database holding specialised data and rules about what to do in ,how to interpret ,a given set of circumstances
Eg loan aplications
- Check the facts
- Perform calculations
- Match up other criteria
Business apps of ES:
- Legal advice
- Tax advice
- Forecasting
- Surveillance (number of customers entering in a supermarket-how many new check outs)
- Diagnostic systems
- Project mgt
- Educationa /training
16
Q
When use of ES is appropriate to use?
A
- Problem well defined
- Define some rules by which the problem can be solved
- Cannot be solved by conventional transaction processing
- The expert could be released to more difficult problems
- Investment in ES is cost justified
17
Q
Internet ,intranet,extranet
A
- Internet :system of networks and computers taht use the standard internet protocol (TCP/IP) to connect between each other globally
- Intranet:Mini version of inetrenet-private network inside a company
- Extarnet:Accessible to authorised outsiders,business partners to exchange info
18
Q
Databases,DBMS,characteristics:
A
- Collection of data organised to service many applications,access for a wide variety of users
- Database Mgts system:Sofware that centralises data and manages access to the database.Enables numerous apps to utilise the same files
Characteristics:
- Shared
- Controls to preserve integrity
- Flexibility: provides for the needs of different users,should be capable of evolving to meet future needs
19
Q
Database queries:
A
- Interogate ,change,way o asking for data
- SQL:structired query language
- Databases connect to web server and can be accessed by people outside the org through their web browser
- eg Micosoft ado
20
Q
Advantages/disadv of database systems:
A
+
- Data redudancy (avoidance of dulpication) brings time savings and reduced costs
- Encourages mgt to regard data as a resource that must be properly managed
- Encourages better use of data (analyse,relationships,use in different apps)
- Consistency-integrity
- Greater flexibility(users,programs ect)
- Developing new apps easier
-
- Data security and privacy
- Data should be accurate and free from corruption (data cleansing)
- Disputes on who owns the data
- Contigency plan required in case of system failure
- Initial dvt costs when built from scratch.
21
Q
Network and network topology definition:
A
- Network general term: decribe any computing system that includes connected computers
- Computer network:number of connected computers and other devices.
- Network topology:Refers to how a computer networkis physically arranged.The virtually shape /structure of a network ..doesn t correspond to the physical layout:
22
Q
Network topology-types
A
- Bus -Common backbone/devices tap into with an interface connector.
- Ring-
- Star -central connection point (huB/switch/router)-all cabling segments meet-connected to hub via UTP Ethernet-if a cable has problem only that part is affected(also extended star with one or more repeaters-to extend the max transmission distance)
- tree(or star bus )-collection of star networks arranged in hierarchy-unlike star net the functionality of the central node may be distributed.
- mesh-each device connects to every other(Internet)
- More complex networks -hybrids of 2 or more of the obove
23
Q
Definition,adv,disadv centralised IS:
A
- Involves all functions being based out of a single central location such as HQ.
Advantages
- Only one set of files(all same data and info)
- Better security/control
- Head office better condition to know what s going on
- Economies of scale (purchasing comp equip)
- More expert staff likely to be employed.
Disadvantages
- Local offices might need to wait for IT/IS services.
- Local offices less self reliant
- A system fault-impacts everyone
24
Q
Decentralised IS /def/adv/disadv:
A
- Functions spread out througout orgs locations
+
- Each office IS system tailored in its needs
- More self sufficient
- Quicker access to IT /IS support
- More likely to facilitate accurate cost allocations
-
- Difficult control
- Lack of coordination between dpts
- Increased risk of data duplication
25
Q
Centralised Network architecture(def,+,-)
A
- Processing performed in one computer or in a cluster of coupled computers in a single location.
- Workstations are clients of the file server(file and print,communication,directory ect)
- High security:no storage media,usb,cd drives,email access on workstations
+
- One set of files
- Better sec/control
- Head offices controls computing processes and developments
- One central powerful computer affordable
- Economies of scale
-
- Not flexible-resources placed on the server to be shared.
- Local offices delays or interruptions
- Reliance on head office
- Central computer damage-entire system out of operation
- Processing speed deteriorates as more users log onto the system
26
Q
Decentralised or distributed network achitectures(def,+,-)
A
- Spread the processing power throughout the org throughout the org at several different locations.
- Key features:
- Many comp own CPU
- sharing through communication links
- More user friendly than centralised
- End users responsibility and control over programs and data
+
- Fexibility
- Data transmission reduced(less cost and sec risks)
- Speed of processing not affected by n of users
- Possibility of distributed database
- Less possibility of breakdowns
- Better local control
- Increased familiarity with computer technology
-
- Data duplication
- More difficult to administer and maintain
- Malware /unauthorised copies and data to memory sticks
27
Q
Grid and cloud computing:
A
- Grid: pool the processing power of many computers-heavy apps/programmes
- Cloud: Delivery of computing as a service rather than a product ,resources ,sofware ect provided as utility
- Public cloud sells services to everyone on the internet
- 3 distinct charact from traditional hosting
- Sold on demand.Shift from capex to opex model.
- It is elastic-service upon demand
- Fully managed by provider(consumer only inter and PC)
28
Q
Local area Network(LAN)/ Lan configuration consists of:
A
- Connects network devices over a short distance
- Owned ,controlled and managed by a single person or org
Lan configuration consists of:
- A file server
- Workstation
- Cables
29
Q
Wide area Network:
A
- Consists of 2 or more LANs
- Large geografical area
- Ofetn connected to public network (eg telephone)
- NSPs-network service providers -orgs supporting WANs using the Internet protocol
30
Q
Virtual private network(VPN):
A
- Information shared with others on the network by means of a private,exclusive link created by a method other than perm hard wires or leased lines.
- Set up using the Internet
4 critical functions:
- Authentication
- Access control
- Confidentiality
- Data integrity
+
- Security
- Cost savings(no expensive dedicated WANs)
- Scalability(easy to add new users,large amount of capacity)
- Compatibility with broadband technology.
31
Q
Enterprise wide systems:
A
- Coordinate all business functions ,resources and info
- Each module shares common database
- Each business can access and update info in real time
- eg ERS (enterprise resource planning) -web based -cloud computing
32
Q
KMS -benefits
A
- Stores and records the knowledge held within an org
- Examples:extranets,intarnets,groupware ,lans,wans
Benefits:
- Valuable data preserved
- Easily shared
- Data redudancy
- Training speeded up
33
Q
CRM systems:
A
- Information regarding: company’s products,services,customers
- Based on a database which stores data about customers(order history)
- Personalised service provided to the customer
- Customer retention and targeted mkt -benefits
34
Q
Web 2.0,the nerworked enterprise and e-commerce:
A
- web 2.0:second generation internet based services -tools that allow people to collaborate and share info online(blogs,rss,wikis,fb,twitter)
- Networked enterprise-new breed of business org (MC kinsey) uses web 2.0 -connect work of empl with those of stakeholders
- Internally networked orgs
- Extrenally networked orgs
- Fully networked enterprises(fully integrated Web 2.0)
- E-commerce:developed alogside crm.Berens points of consideration:
- Transactions =secure ,tell customers
- Comply with legislation
- Clear terms of use
- Don t ask too much info from customers
- On-going communication
Benefits:Improved Mkt and decision making,increased sales,reeduced costs
35
Q
A
