Unit 2 - LO3 Understand the Use of Global Information and the Benefits to Individuals and Organisations

Question 1

Information system structure

Answer 1

. Open system

. Closed system

Question 2

Open system

Answer 2

. Allows for free exchange of information between departments and the external environment
. Inputs from within the organisation and from external sources
. Outputs will be provided for internal and external environments
+ More flexible than a closed environment
+ Improves communication between organisation and their customers and suppliers
- Reliability of data coming from external sources
- Open to security risks

Question 3

Closed system

Answer 3

. Very little sharing internally within an organisation and minimal interaction with external environment
. Each system performs functions for its own area without communicating the activities to other areas within the department
+ Useful if an organisation is developing a new product idea or concept, more secure
+ Protects organisational secrets and prevents leakage of information to customers
- Very little flexibility