Hr3185:Computer Applications For Enterprises Question Paper
Hr3185:Computer Applications For Enterprises
Course:Computer Technology
Institution: Meru University Of Science And Technology question papers
Exam Year:2010
Read the narrative below and answer the questions that follow:
he ICT tool that most SMEs adopt is having basic communications with a fixed line or
mobile phone, this allows the SME to communicate with its suppliers and customers without
having to pay a visit. With the Internet, SMEs are able to use more advanced
communications capabilities such as email, file sharing. Crating websites, and e-commerce.
SMEs in manufacturing may adopt more complex IT tools such as ERP software, or inventory
management software. One of the most revolutionizing developments in advanced
communication technology is voice over Internet Protocol (Volp). Volp includes all types of
voice communication transmitted through the Internet.
CT cant thus play a very important role because it can help SMEs both create business
opportunities and combat pressure from competition. Appropriate ICT can help SMEs cut
costs by improving their internal processes, improving their product through faster
communication with their customer, and better promoting and distributing their products through
online presence.
MEs will adopt ICT if they can overcome the barriers to its adoption , such as the lack of
affordable and accessible ICT infrastructure, human capacity and lack of knowledge in
advanced ICT such as e-commerce and ERP software. Another obstacle is financing.
T
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2
a) Outline the three ICT tools that SMEs face adopted in their businesses. ( 3 Marks)
b) Briefly describe how each ICT took mentioned in (a) above has contributed in the
development of the SMEs. ( 6 Marks)
c) Briefly discuss any three barriers that SMEs face when implementing ICTs, and
proposed how those barriers can be overcome. ( 6 Marks)
d) Describe any three categories of information systems, and give a practical application of
at least one type of information system under each category. ( 3 Marks)
QUESTION TWO (14 MARKS)
a) Briefly describe any three main functions performed by operating systems: ( 6Marks)
b) Distinguish between the following terms:
i) Intranet and Extranet (2 Marks)
ii) Cache memory and Virtual memory (1 Mark)
c) Korma realized that with the introduction of country government will result to numerous
business opportunities since the government will require ICT and other infrastructural
upgrading. She decided to venture into the business of supplying computers and
computer accessories. She consulted you for an advise. Kindly advise her on the tree
factors to consider when acquiring computer hardware. (3 Marks)
d) Any government’s economy without the contribution of the SMEs is a crumbling
economy. True or false? Using examples justify your answer. (2 Marks)
QUESTION THREE (14 MARKS)
a) Computer-based information systems offer a set of capabilities. Highlight three ways in
which computer-based information systems positively impact organizations. ( 3 Marks)
b) Define SMEs. (1 Mark)
c) Optical technology has revolutionized the economies of the world and has accelerated the
assimilation and distribution of the state-of-art technology. Discuss any two applications
of the optical technology, give relevant examples. ( 6 Marks)
d) Application software is as important as the system software. Discuss the importance of
the application software, giving their appropriate applications in business. ( 4 Marks)
3
QUESTION FOUR (14 MARKS)
a) Computers have catalyzed the development and growth of the economy’. Outline any
four sectors that have been revolutionized by information technology in Kenya.
( 4 Marks)
b) Computer hardware elements can be categorized into four depending on their functions,
briefly explain the four categories of the elements of a computer system, give an
example in each category. ( 4Marks)
c) Briefly describe the following concepts;
i) Random access properties (1 Marks)
ii) Magnetic spot (1 Mark)
iv) Data manipulation instructions (2 Marks)
d) MUCST technicians have written a complaining letter to the manufacturers of the CPUs
about the speeds of the CPUs. The complaint was posted on social networks and you
happened to see it and hence wish to suggest some solutions. Advise the computer
manufacturer on how to improve the speed of their CPU. ( 2 Marks
QUESTION FIVE (14 MARKS)
a) Briefly describe the importance of the social networks to an entrepreneur. ( 2 Marks)
b) University education is participatory, meaning that it involves lecturers by the unit’s
lecturers and class presentations by various student groups. Identify any three classes
of application software that are required to accomplish the learning objectives in
MUCST. Show how they are used in the learning process. ( 3 Marks)
c) Differentiate between;
i) Structured and unstructured decisions. ( 2 Marks)
ii) Decision support system and expert system ( 2 Marks)
d) Briefly discuss the five basic competitive strategies that businesses can implement to
counter the threats of competitive forces that they face in the market. Match each
strategy with at least one competitive force it is meant to counter. ( 5 Marks)
4
QUESTION SIX (14 MARKS)
a) Expert systems are difficult to design and implement. Mention any two
components of an expert system that must be present for it to function as
intended. ( 2 Marks)
b) Outline the characteristics of the decisions made and information used at the three
levels of management in an organization. ( 6 Marks)
c) Security of information systems is the protection for availability, confidentiality
and integrity. Outline three ways of minimizing risks of the threats to information
system security. ( 3 Marks)
d) The Kenyan young entrepreneurs have embraced the idea of data management.
The entrepreneurs have organized a conference to explore the importance of cloud
computing in enhancing proper data management and storage. The young
entrepreneurs have invited you to present facts on this phenomenon. Please advise
them. ( 3 Marks)
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