Ch1

Question 1

Information systems

Answer 1

a combo of hardware, software and communications capability where information is collected, processed and stored

Question 2

Why do we need information systems ?

Answer 2

to support operations (process and record transactions) and managerial activities (planning, control, decision making, performance measurement)

Question 3

Planning

Answer 3

formulating ways of proceeding

Question 4

Control

Answer 4

monitoring something to keep it on course

Question 5

Decision making

Answer 5

choosing between various alternatives. So you decide to plan in the first place and the plan you make is a collection of decisions

Question 6

Benefits of information systems

Answer 6

1. information is recognised as a valuable resource and a key tool in the quest for a competitive advantage
2. easy access to information, the quality of the information and speedy methods of exchanging information have become elements of business success
3. Organisations that make good use of information in decision making and which new technologies toto access are likely to best survive in competitive world markets. (Tink the Uber situation in St Lucia)
4. the avoidance of duplication
5. the ability to share information

Question 7

Set Up costs for a new system

Answer 7

hardware and software costs
implementation costs
day to day costs

Question 8

Difference between a direct cost and an indirect cost

Answer 8

Direct costs can be completely attributed to obtaining information and indirect costs cannot be completely attributed to it

Question 9

How can information be shared ?

Answer 9

1. Networks - Computers which are connected and can send information together are networked. Think GT network

Benefits:
Resource sharing eg. file sharing or hardware sharing such as a printer
Software cost reduction
Storage requirement reduction eg. storing shared files on a central server

2. Intranets - a cluster of computers can be networked together to form an organisation-wide network.
3. Wireless technology - allows easier communication as WIFI converts an internet signal into radio waves which can then be picked up by devices

Benefits:
remote working and increased mobility
increased productivity
reduced costs as it is easier to add users to a wireless network than to install new cabling

4. Extranet - a form of intranet that authorized parties outside of the organization can access using a username and password
5. Cloud computing - provision of computing services over a network.
   Benefits
   reduced IT costs
   safe storage
   improved access