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Formal/Informal Information systems
a) FORMAL information systems conform to relatively fixed predefined rules and
procedures for processing, storing, accessing and distributing data. They need not
necessarily be computer based, but the sheer volume and speed requirements may make
the use of computers essential. As computer hardware and telecommunication
technologies coupled with software complexity become part of the everyday life of an
organization, so more informal information systems become more formal. For example
the use of intranets.
b)INFORMAL information systems are the normal human group networks which operate
at and between all levels of an organisation. Within the office, at coffee/tea breaks,
between union members within and without the organisation etc. There is no formality on
what is information, how it will be stored or processed or how it will be used. It is the
lifeblood of any organisation.
c)Often informal information flows through the internal personal networks, or maybe
through external personal networks, are faster than the formal system since there are no
specific procedures for information flow. Rumour or gossip may add to the data as it
passes through the informal networks with sometimes damaging results, e.g. walkouts or
strikes by the labour force.
d) The design of an information system, whether manual or computerised, must take into
consideration the appropriate format of the messages that are to be transmitted, to
whom they are addressed, and the speed at which the message is to be transmitted.
With the use of email systems within the organisation, data protection rules and
regulations must now be considered following recent legal proceedings.
gregorymasila answered the question on February 15, 2018 at 16:52
- In the context of computer-based transaction processing systems: -
a. Describe their purpose;
b. Describe two different examples of such systems in differing industries or services;
c. What...(Solved)
In the context of computer-based transaction processing systems: -
a. Describe their purpose;
b. Describe two different examples of such systems in differing industries or services;
c. What are the MAJOR security implications of such systems?
d. Describe which of the system development methodologies is most likely to be used,
giving reasons for your choice.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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responsibilities of ownership such as data integrity, security...(Solved)
‘It is one thing to have ownership of your own computer systems but another to accept the
responsibilities of ownership such as data integrity, security and overall risk management ‘.
This statement was made by a member of the board of a leading company. Explain what the
statement means and indicate how the company can ensure that it‘s responsibilities of
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Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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A software house produces a software package for the insurance industry. Purchases of the
package have formed a very active user group which has lobbied for a particular change to
be made to the software to improve the functionality and usability of the software.
Required:
(a) Briefly explain the following terms:
(i.) Corrective maintenance;
(ii.) Adaptive maintenance;
(iii.) Perfective maintenance.
(b) Briefly explain the meaning and purpose of a user group
The software house has an internal quality assurance process for implementing software
changes
Required:
Explain each of the following two stages of an internal quality assurance process:
(c) Unit testing.
(d) System testing.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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departments. Explain the following two stages of an internal quality assurance process.
i....(Solved)
a. The assurance of quality is an important aspect within all information systems
departments. Explain the following two stages of an internal quality assurance process.
i. Unit testing
ii. Systems testing
b. Explain how using formal specification methods can contribute to improved quality
assurance.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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wide range of IT related services. Describe the role of the following employees within...(Solved)
Many organizations operate an Information Systems department responsible for providing a
wide range of IT related services. Describe the role of the following employees within an
Information Systems department.
a) Project Manager
b) Systems Analyst
c) Programmer
d) Data Analyst
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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a. Outline the three major roles of an office.
b. What is an Office Automation System (OAS)?
c....(Solved)
Most data work takes place in an office.
a. Outline the three major roles of an office.
b. What is an Office Automation System (OAS)?
c. Outline what application packages might be found in the accounts office;
d. Word-processing and desk top publication applications have created a problem of an
increased flow of paper. Document imaging systems can reduce this problem.
i. Describe the key elements of a document imaging system;
ii. Outline why a document imaging system can significantly reduce the paper-flow.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Implementing a new information system, computer or manual, into an existing organisation
requires careful planning for it to be successful.
a. Outline the various organisational (NOT...(Solved)
Implementing a new information system, computer or manual, into an existing organisation
requires careful planning for it to be successful.
a. Outline the various organisational (NOT COMPUTER) factors that must be considered
and planned for to ensure the probability of a successful implementation;
b. Outline the relationship between information systems and organisational politics
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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The growth of telecommunications has made information a key organisational resource,
which requires careful management.
a. Give your definition of an Information System.
b. The management of information may be divided into two categories:-
i. Information management and
ii. Information Systems management
Give a detailed description of each of these managerial tasks.
c. It has been suggested that both these managerial tasks commit personnel involved to a
'Lifelong learning process'. What are the reasons for this point of view?
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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century the task of management in organisations has been studied by...(Solved)
Information systems are usually more to do with people than technology. Over the last
century the task of management in organisations has been studied by many academics. Their
studies have been categorized under three main headings:-
Technical-Rational, Behavioural and Cognitive.
a. Outline the major aspects of each of these headings;
b. List the people involved in developing an information system.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Computer systems which process financial data for a company should be audited to evaluate
the reliability of information and also the efficiency and effectiveness of...(Solved)
Computer systems which process financial data for a company should be audited to evaluate
the reliability of information and also the efficiency and effectiveness of the system. The
main problem with auditing a computer system is that processing operations are invisible.
Required:
a) State five systems checks and controls that should be built in the system at the design
stage to reduce the problem and weaknesses that auditors frequently detect.
b) Discuss the audit trail in computerized accounting information systems.
c) Explain each of the following computer auditing approaches and techniques:
(i.) Auditing around the computer;
(ii.) Auditing through the computer;
(iii.) Auditing packages.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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Required:
a) Explain the meaning of...(Solved)
One of the current developments in information technology, which has strategic
implications for business firms, is the move towards open systems.
Required:
a) Explain the meaning of the open systems concept.
b) Discuss the implications of the move towards open systems for organizations that have
already invested in proprietary information systems.
c) Outline two potential benefits to information technology due to the move towards open
systems.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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(a) A major source of errors in computer systems is errors in the input data. What controls
would you install for the control of such errors?
(b) Describe four methods that would be used for fact finding during system investigation.
(c) Give the principal method of data capture in the following applications:
(i.) Banks;
(ii.) Supermarkets
(iii.) Clothing and footwear retailing.
(d) What are the functions of a systems programmer?
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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a. Outline the individual ethical issues implied when a person joins a professional
organization
b. Describe some of the ethical dilemmas...(Solved)
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a. Outline the individual ethical issues implied when a person joins a professional
organization.
b. Describe some of the ethical dilemmas that are involved with Information Systems.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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systems and yet further to Industrial Networks and Extended Enterprise systems.
a. Describe the features of...(Solved)
Organizations are now moving from Strategic Management systems towards Enterprise
systems and yet further to Industrial Networks and Extended Enterprise systems.
a. Describe the features of Enterprise computing and industrial networks;
b. What are the business and technological reasons for this move?
c. Outline the key elements required to build an enterprise information technology structure
d. Outline potential organisational problems in the creation of these enterprises systems.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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headings:-
a. Why are computer systems more vulnerable to destruction, error,...(Solved)
In the context of Information Systems Security, write short notes on ALL of the following
headings:-
a. Why are computer systems more vulnerable to destruction, error, abuse and misuse than
manual systems?
b. What is meant by the term Risk Assessment?
c. What are Worms and Viruses?
d. Outline the process of Public Key Encryption.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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has revolutionized the way organizations may carry out their business.
The following are some alternatives for...(Solved)
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has revolutionized the way organizations may carry out their business.
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b. Internet
c. Intranet
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Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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b. Fast customer processing at the cash tills;
c. Extremely efficient stock control;
d. Rapid bulk replacement of goods from suppliers.
Describe in detail how Information Systems can help supermarket chains with these specific
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Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
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