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a) (i) Symbiosis
A system is made up of subsystems. Symbiosis is a state where two systems operate as
one and if one ceases to exist, the other cannot function. This implies that there exists a
give and take type of relationship within the system. An example is where there is an
integrated sales and purchases system where if one system fails, then the system is
brought to a standstill.
(ii) Synergy
It‘s also known as holism. It states that in any system, it is possible to attain
more than if each of the subsystem worked individually. Synergy states that
?any whole is more than the sum of its individual parts.?
(iii) Redundancy
A redundant component within a system is said to exist if that component fails and the
system is still able to attain its objectives. Redundancy is said to occur when the whole
system continues to operate and attain its objectives even if one subsystem has ceased to
exist.
(iv) Factoring
This is the process of disintegrating a system into sub-system units. A large system can
be factored into subsystems to improve its performance. An example of factoring is in a
business organization where it is sub-divided into sales and purchasing system,
accounting system and others.
b) (i) „Hard ? properties
=Hard‘ properties are those properties that can be defined, measured and assessed in an
objective. Examples of =hard ‘ properties approach are things like increase in sales,
reduction in cost, etc
Characteristics:
o The problem can be defined.
o Information needs are known.
o The solution can be recognized once arrived at.
o Hard problems are object or things oriented.
o Standard solution technique.
o Data can be objectively assessed.
o Problems are self-contained.
(ii) „Soft? properties
=Soft properties‘ are those that are precise and matters of industrial values and tastes. Soft
properties are not measured accurately. They include things such as customer goodwill,
etc.
Characteristics:
o Problems are difficult to define.
o It is impossible to know information needed in advance.
o Unsure of what solution would look like.
o Problems are people oriented.
o These problems involve taste, value, opinion, judgement, etc.
o These problems have a lot of interaction e.g. motivation, satisfaction, affiliation
needs, beauty, etc.
gregorymasila answered the question on February 15, 2018 at 17:29
- a) You are a consultant to a small business organization that is considering computerising
its entire operations. Explain the role of the following generic systems...(Solved)
a) You are a consultant to a small business organization that is considering computerising
its entire operations. Explain the role of the following generic systems in such an
organisation.
(i.) Word processing;
(ii.) Spreadsheets;
(iii.) Database management systems;
b) Discuss the cost factors that should be taken into consideration in the development,
installation and operation of computer systems.
c) Explain the technique of optical disks as a method of data storage. Give appropriate
examples.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- a) What is the distinction between system verification and validation? Illustrate your answer
with an example in each case.
b) One way of minimizing errors in...(Solved)
a) What is the distinction between system verification and validation? Illustrate your answer
with an example in each case.
b) One way of minimizing errors in input data is to use data coding.
(i.) State four characteristics of a good coding system.
(ii.) Describe four commonly used coding systems.
c) System performance reviews may vary in content from one organization to another but
should cover certain key areas. Describe four key areas systems performance reviews should
cover
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Creating a plan for a new computer system is an extremely difficult task as evidenced by the
large number of project failures described in the...(Solved)
Creating a plan for a new computer system is an extremely difficult task as evidenced by the
large number of project failures described in the literature.
Focusing only on the following two key tasks, describe the major features to be considered
by a project manager before embarking on a project: -
a. Project estimation
b. Planning techniques.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Businesses and organizations, whether computerised or not, make extensive use of
management reporting systems.
a. Describe some general characteristics of management reporting systems.
b. A supermarket with...(Solved)
Businesses and organizations, whether computerised or not, make extensive use of
management reporting systems.
a. Describe some general characteristics of management reporting systems.
b. A supermarket with some 10,000 stock items must know very quickly when a stock item
requires re-ordering. Describe in detail the type of report that should be used, giving details
of how the report format should be set up based on an example for a single item, and how
the report will be used by purchasing management
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Strategic benefits for an organization may be obtained by the use of a wide range of text and
image telecommunication based applications.
a. Identify and describe...(Solved)
Strategic benefits for an organization may be obtained by the use of a wide range of text and
image telecommunication based applications.
a. Identify and describe how telecommunication applications can reduce costs and/or help
an organisation differentiate products and services.
b. Describe the factors that
must be considered when developing a telecommunications
plan.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- In the conduct of duties, a professional information analyst/programmer might become
involved in an ethical conflict with an instruction from his/her organisation. An approach to...(Solved)
In the conduct of duties, a professional information analyst/programmer might become
involved in an ethical conflict with an instruction from his/her organisation. An approach to
this problem suggests that there are four main tasks that should be very carefully considered
by the professional person before any action is taken:
a. Collect and examine all the facts of the case;
b. Ensure that all internal organisational processes have been utilised;
c. Carefully consider your own situation;
d. Carefully consider possible final choices and outcomes.
Using the above headings, outline possible tasks and decisions that should be carried out or
taken.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Executive Support Systems (ESS) are information systems at the strategic level of an
organization designed to address the problem of unstructured decision-making through the
use...(Solved)
Executive Support Systems (ESS) are information systems at the strategic level of an
organization designed to address the problem of unstructured decision-making through the
use of advanced graphics and communications.
a. List four types of technological change that have allowed more effective ESS to be
developed, indicating how each of these changes contributed to solving the earlier
problems of the ESS?
b. In what ways is building executive support systems different from building traditional MIS
systems?
c. What are the benefits of ESS? How do they enhance managerial decision making?
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- To support users of modern networked computer systems, organizations have set up
variously named functions such as Help-desks, Information Centres, or Support Centres.
a. Describe the...(Solved)
To support users of modern networked computer systems, organizations have set up
variously named functions such as Help-desks, Information Centres, or Support Centres.
a. Describe the major functions of these user support areas.
b. User training and updating is of major importance. Describe what training options are
currently available for desktop computer users.
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- Information systems are the lifeblood of any organization: -
a. Describe what is meant by a FORMAL computer-based information system;
b. In parallel with the formal information...(Solved)
Information systems are the lifeblood of any organization: -
a. Describe what is meant by a FORMAL computer-based information system;
b. In parallel with the formal information system, runs an INFORMAL information system.
Describe what is meant by this informal information system;
c. Compare this informal information system with the formal system indicating any conflicts
that might arise;
d. During the design of a formal computer based information system, should the
designers of such a system take into consideration the informal information system, and
if so, why?
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- 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)
- ‘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...(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
ownership ‘are properly carried out
Date posted: February 15, 2018. Answers (1)
- 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...(Solved)
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)
- 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....(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)
- 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...(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)
- 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....(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)
- 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...(Solved)
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)
- 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...(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)
- 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...(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)