Week 1

Question 1

What is Data?

Answer 1

Facts used to base ‘reasoning’, ‘inference’ or ‘analysis’ on. These actions create value.

Question 2

The Wisdom Hierarchy:

Answer 2

From raw data to information to knowledge to wisdom.

Question 3

Data Management DMBOK: (4)

Answer 3

1. Develop execute and supervise business processes.
2. Plans, policies, programs and practices in Enterprise Architecture Blueprints.
3. Deliver, control, protect and enhance in IT management.
4. To extract the value from data.

Question 4

The definition of a model is:

Answer 4

A model is a formal representation of the target domain, using constructs and construction rules.

Question 5

Why do we build models? (4)

Answer 5

1. They provide helpful documentation of a system in case future upgrades needed
2. They help us understand the domain better.
3. Models can be useful tools for communicating with various stakeholders
4. They can help us better visualise processes within a system

Question 6

Models are used in DM for: (4)

Answer 6

1. Understand the business in order to generate value
2. Data Governance
3. Integration and metadata management
4. Improving data security and quality

Question 7

Abstract view of information systems

Answer 7

Are models or representations of real-world phenomena and applications (Representation Theory)

Question 8

The three information systems structures are:

Answer 8

1. Deep structure - data and business rules
2. Surface structure - user interface to engage with deep structure
3. Physical structure - hardware and network

Question 9

Two methods to analyse complex systems

Answer 9

1. Soft Systems Methodology - rich pictures

2. System dynamics - causal loops

Question 10

Explain the Root Definition

Answer 10

System does X by means of Y in order to do Z

X: What? University awards degrees to qualified students.
Y: How? By means of assessment
Z: Goal? To demonstrate the candidates’ merits to employers

X: The university recruits students
Y: Using an application evaluation process
Z: in order to identify qualified candidates for the MIM program

Question 11

Explain the CATWOE method

Answer 11

Customers: beneficiaries of the transformation
Actors: help in execution of transformation
Transformation: input and output
Worldview: belief behind the transformation
Owners: who can initiate or stop the transformation
Environment: external factors

Example:
C: degree-seeking student
A: university staff
T: students > graduates
W: degrees are a good way of showing quality
O: university governing body
E: ministry of education, trustees

Question 12

What is one of the major reasons for IT projects to fail?

Answer 12

Human error