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
Centralised Network architecture(def,+,-)
* 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
+
1. One set of files
2. Better sec/control
3. Head offices controls computing processes and developments
4. One central powerful computer affordable
5. Economies of scale
-
1. Not flexible-resources placed on the server to be shared.
2. Local offices delays or interruptions
3. Reliance on head office
4. Central computer damage-entire system out of operation
5. Processing speed deteriorates as more users log onto the system
26
Decentralised or distributed network achitectures(def,+,-)
* Spread the processing power throughout the org throughout the org at several different locations.
* Key features:
1. Many comp own CPU
2. sharing through communication links
3. More user friendly than centralised
4. End users responsibility and control over programs and data
+
1. Fexibility
2. Data transmission reduced(less cost and sec risks)
3. Speed of processing not affected by n of users
4. Possibility of distributed database
5. Less possibility of breakdowns
6. Better local control
7. Increased familiarity with computer technology
-
1. Data duplication
2. More difficult to administer and maintain
3. Malware /unauthorised copies and data to memory sticks
27
Grid and cloud computing:
* 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
1. Sold on demand.Shift from capex to opex model.
2. It is elastic-service upon demand
3. Fully managed by provider(consumer only inter and PC)
28
Local area Network(LAN)/ Lan configuration consists of:
* Connects network devices over a short distance
* Owned ,controlled and managed by a single person or org
Lan configuration consists of:
1. A file server
2. Workstation
3. Cables
29
Wide area Network:
* 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
Virtual private network(VPN):
* 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:
1. Authentication
2. Access control
3. Confidentiality
4. Data integrity
+
1. Security
2. Cost savings(no expensive dedicated WANs)
3. Scalability(easy to add new users,large amount of capacity)
4. Compatibility with broadband technology.
31
Enterprise wide systems:
* 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
KMS -benefits
* Stores and records the knowledge held within an org
* Examples:extranets,intarnets,groupware ,lans,wans
Benefits:
1. Valuable data preserved
2. Easily shared
3. Data redudancy
4. Training speeded up
33
CRM systems:
* 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
Web 2.0,the nerworked enterprise and e-commerce:
* **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
1. Internally networked orgs
2. Extrenally networked orgs
3. Fully networked enterprises(fully integrated Web 2.0)
* **E-commerce:**developed alogside crm.Berens points of consideration:
1. Transactions =secure ,tell customers
2. Comply with legislation
3. Clear terms of use
4. Don t ask too much info from customers
5. On-going communication
Benefits:Improved Mkt and decision making,increased sales,reeduced costs
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