mis: midterm concepts - questions

blue

According to Professors W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne, Cirque d'Soleil used a ___ ocean strategy.

competitors

The ability for a firm to enjoy significant profit margins decreases as the number of ... offering essentially the same products or services increases.

d

The purpose of executive support systems (ESS) is to ______. a. replace older business intelligence systems that served a narrower function b. create charts and graphs more rapidly than presentation software c. integrate processes that document employee performance and compensation d. support decision making by compiling and organizing data into clear, usable reports

disruptive

Using technology to transform a market or to create an entirely new market is called creating a ... innovation.

a, b, d

What are three advantages of using personal computers in business? a. Flexibility of use b. Improved team communications c. Increased data security d. Efficiency

b, c, d

Which three of the following are components of supply chain management systems? a. Schedule employee shifts b. Ability to create and process purchase orders c. Forecast future inventory needs d. Manage inventory in real time e. Receive payments from customers

a, c, d

Which three of the following are examples of a business that would benefit from scheduling software? a. A national drugstore chain whose policy is that there must be two cashiers, one stock person, and one manager or assistant manager working per shift. b. A corporate graphic design business with 10 employees. Employees are permitted to telecommute work from home two days a week but must be present in the office on the other days. Employees work on client projects in teams of 2--3 people. c. A restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner and has a full bar staffed with a bartender. There are 50 tables in the restaurant and each server is responsible for no more than five tables at a time. d. A daycare center that is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm. There are six classrooms and each must have two teachers present at all times. No employee may work more than 40 hours per week.

a, b, c

Which three of the following are key benefits of electronic point-of-sales (POS) stations? a. Increased accuracy b. Increased information available to managers c. Decreased customer wait time d. Decreased shoplifting

a, d

Which two of the following are examples of managers using a decision support system? a. A doctor evaluating a patient with complex, unusual symptoms tracks the patient's symptoms in the electronic health record (EHR) during the exam. The EHR analyzes the symptoms, suggesting possible illnesses related to the symptoms. b. A department store manager wants to make sure that employees are not accidently scheduled on days that they have requested off. c. The produce manager at a Walmart Supercenter needs to reorder fresh produce daily based on daily sales and current stock levels. d. A sales manager wants to know how customer responses to a large, multistate sales promotion affect each of his reps' sales in real time.

threats

A PESTEL (political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal) analysis provides management with a framework to evaluate its organization's external opportunities and ...

a

A key component and major advantage of an ERP is: a. centralized database b. low startup costs c. ease of initial learning d. low maintenance costs

d

A key component, and major advantage, of an ERP is its a. low start-up costs. b. ease of initial learning. c. low maintenance costs. d. centralized database.

lean manufacturing

Actively encouraging any employee to halt production if a manufacturing error or safety risk is observed is part of the training associated with ___ .

advantage

Attributes that allow firms to provide goods and services with higher perceived values than their competitors are referred to as competitive ...

enterprise

Because they facilitate informed business decisions by integrating data from various operational areas within the organization, ... resource planning systems allow managers to view reports that are generated from across the organization.

a, c, d

Benefits of Cloud-based ERP, over on-premises ERP solutions, include which 3 of the following? a. Cloud-based ERP allows organizations to access reports from remote locations. b. Cloud-based options provide more control over on-premises ERP solutions. c. They have lower IT infrastructure expenses. d. Organizations using cloud-based ERP have reduced IT labor expenses.

b

Cloud computing can best be described as ______. a. setting up a private server on the Internet b. using the Internet to store and access resources c. avoiding issues with the Internet to store data d. computing data analyses in the Cloud

SaaS

Cloud-based ERP solutions are usually offered as ___.

b

Cloud-based ERP systems are a form of a. Software as a Sequence (SaaS). b. Software as a Service (SaaS). c. Software as a Strategy (SaaS). d. Software as a System (SaaS).

d

Data mining information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide insight into regional employment figures. This illustrates how data analysis can be used to examine which factor of the PESTEL analysis? a. Political b. Environmental c. Legal d. Economic

b

ERP software integrates several software packages into a single platform. Which of the following software packages stores employee compensation and performance information? a. PM software b. HRM software c. CRM software d. SCM software

resource

Enterprise resource management (ERP) systems can be designed to include a module provides the ability to join human ... management and information technology to provide a single source of connectivity and data exchange for personnel-related information.

c, d

How do managers use personal computers for their business needs? a. Managing database operations b. Keeping internal communication confidential c. Communicating via e-mail d. Creating and using databases and spreadsheets

c

In the initiation process of project management the client and project manager determine if the project is SMART. The A in SMART refers to ___. a. awesome b. actionable c. attainable d. accurate

defects

Lean manufacturing techniques seek to eliminate waste in the production process, in contrast, Six Sigma seeks to eliminate ...

b

Managers often use an organization's human resource management system to evaluate the relative strength or weakness of its ___. a. plant (physical attributes) b. personnel (workforce) c. purse (finances) d. past experiences (reputation)

a, d

Managers often use the PESTEL analysis to examine the political, economic, environmental, legal and which 2 other issues facing an organization? a. technological b. stakeholders c. tele-communication d. socio-cultural

b

Of the following software packages integrated into an enterprise resource planning system, which one is used by engineers in the design process? a. HRM software b. CAD software c. CRM software d. SCM software

learning

One disadvantage of ERP systems is that they often have steep ... curves, making it difficult for users to implement or even comprehend a new system without significant training.

follower

Over 50% of all innovative products fail in the market, while over 80% of the successors to the products succeed. This is a key tenet of the fast- ... strategy.

lean

Requiring a modern communications system, a process that actively encourages all employees to halt the manufacturing process if safety risks are observed is the __ process.

a, c

Select two options that are point-of-sale (POS) station output devices. a. Thermal printer b. Barcode scanner c. Speaker d. Scale

relationship

Systems that assist organizations to synchronize business operating units relating to customer interaction are customer ... management systems.

b

Users often find it difficult to implement or even comprehend a new ERP system without significant training because of ERPs' steep a. reading levels. b. learning curves. c. entry programs. d. pricing structures.

a

What is the overarching goal of organizations choosing to adopt an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system? a. increase operational efficiency b. lower costs segment c. organizational processes d. lessen employee training time

a

While ERP systems offer many competitive advantages to users, particularly those in upper management, a significant disadvantage is their a. high costs. b. inability to be customized. c. lack of a centralized database. d. difficulty in accessing data.

supply chain logistics

delivery and return (element of supply chain management)

manufacturing and assembly

operations (element of supply chain management)

supply chain sourcing

partners, suppliers (element of supply chain management)

supply chain planning

planning (element of supply chain management)

centralized data base

A key component, and major advantage, of an ERP is its ___.

c

One of the first computer-aided design programs ever developed was also among the first to be integrated into ERP systems. This popular program is ___ . a. CADdie b. BarCAD c. AutoCAD d. CAD-illac

mover

Professors Marvin B. Lieberman and David B. Montgomery of UCLA's Anderson School of Management examined the advantages and disadvantages of being the first firm to enter a product into the market. They coined this the first- ... advantage.

disruptive innovation

Sears, which revolutionized catalog (mail order) sales, failed to make the online leap and while Amazon capitalized on this technology, Amazon successfully used ___

processing

The integration of transaction ... systems (TPS) with ERP has the ability to reduce labor costs. Due to the streamlined nature of transaction reporting, the services of accounts receivable or payroll may be reduced or eliminated

the force of new competitors

Barriers to entry can protect existing firms from which of Porter's 5 forces?

legal

In a PESTEL analysis managers examine ___ factors.

b

A manager receives word that a large portion of inventory is missing from a shipment to a channel partner. She analyzes the RFID tracking data and determines that this part of the shipment was delivered to the wrong channel partner. Which component of supply chain management experienced a breakdown in this scenario? a. Manufacturing and assembly b. Supply chain logistics c. Supply chain planning d. Supply chain sourcing

c

Chinese and Nigerian manufactures have been notably successful in adopting a strategy of, rather than creating an innovative product, offering a competing product rapidly enough so that early majority adopters have a choice when purchasing the product for the first time. This is referred to as a ___. a. lean manufacturing initiative b. Six Sigma production c. fast-follower strategy d. disruptive innovation

supply

During the 1950s, the United Auto Workers union (UAW) exercised considerable control over the labor ___. This meant that automobile manufacturers had little control over labor costs.

its competitors

In order to gain market share, the firm must differentiate itself from ...

TPS software

Integrating a business software module into an ERP has several advantages. Which business software module includes payment information from customers?

a, b, c

Modern inventory management systems help to ensure a number of critical advantages, including which 3 of the following? a. Stock-obsolescence minimization b. Timely re-ordering c. Shelf-space optimization d. Customer contact information maintenance

c

Modern supply chain management systems access National Weather Service databases to track weather events that could impact logistics. This is an example of using MIS to monitor which element of a PESTEL analysis? a. Legal b. Weather c. Environmental d. Socio-cultural

lean

Principles that focus on increasing efficiencies by improving supply lines and through creating a well-trained, highly knowledgeable workforce that assertively acts to minimize waste and maximize value in every process and product are referred to as ... manufacturing principles.

b, c

Professor Michael E. Porter added to his five-forces model by highlighting basic strategies that businesses must follow if they wish to gain competitive advantage. He stated that these strategies fell into which two separate categories? a. Horizontal mergers b. Price leadership c. Product differentiation d. Vertical mergers

b

Professor Michael E. Porter published "How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy" in the Harvard Business Review. In this paper, he described how all organizations must develop plans to deal with certain factors if they wish to succeed, or even continue to exist. These became known as ___. a. The Red/Blue Ocean Strategy b. Porter's 5 Forces c. Porter's Generic Business Strategies d. The Disruptive e. Innovation Model

lean

Techniques that focus on continual employee training and on developing efficient supply lines and creating relationships with suppliers to continually smooth these lines to minimize excess inventory or delays as well as to minimize waste are referred to as ... techniques.

a, c

What are two advantages that made mainframe-based POS stations among the first commercially available local area networks? a. Ongoing backup of data generated by each POS station b. Accurate transaction processing from remote stores c. Communication between POS stations within a store d. Ease of use by employees

b

A company uses an HR management system with artificial intelligence that scans resumes for specific colleges attended and previous employers that are known for breeding successful talent. Any resumes without these colleges or previous employers are not sent on to the HR manager to be contacted for an interview. What function is this HR management system helping the company perform? a. Compensation b. Recruiting c. Retention d. Forecasting

d

An advertising campaign for a hair removal product placed ads on different websites. The ad on each website listed a unique URL where customers could go to buy the product; otherwise the content was the same. A marketing manager needs to place ad buys for the next quarter and wants to focus all of his advertising dollars on the previous quarter's top revenue-generating websites. He uses the company's marketing information system (MKIS) to determine which URLs generated the most revenue. This is an example of using an MKIS to ______. a. construct a marketing model b. evaluate competitive marketing campaigns c. assist with cost-benefit analysis d. evaluate the return on investment for each ad placement in a marketing

c

An electrical company is considering opening a new location in North Idaho. In order to determine the size of the new location, it uses its HR management system to determine the number of employees to transfer from other locations, how many new employees it would like to hire for that location, and what each employees' role would be. What function is this HR management system helping the company perform? a. Compensation b. Scheduling c. Forecasting d. Recruiting

b

Because employee education and training are so critical in ensuring that all employees can participate in Lean manufacturing processes, ___ systems play a key role in Lean implementation. a. Project Management b. Human Resources Management c. Customer Relationship d. Management Supply Chain Management

inventory

Because for many businesses, particularly in the retail and manufacturing sectors, this remains the largest operating expense, incremental improvements to ... management can translate to huge overall savings

sigma

Because its techniques rely so heavily on statistical data to ensure quality control and to minimize process and product variance, management information systems are integral to the success of any Six ... initiative.

inventory management

Information management systems that help to ensure that a minimal number of product touches occur from product creation to customer purchase are known as ___ systems.

financial

Systems that allow organizations the ability to measure cash flows, calculate tax liabilities, maintain compliance to legal and accounting regulations, and optimize profitability are ... management systems.

a

What is the main purpose of a decision support system? a. Help manage processes involving a variety of quickly changing inputs b. Help with the integration of all aspects of an organization c. Help interpret data and translate it into effective decision making d. Help extract data and create executive-level reports

scale

With price leadership, an organization seeks to offer a product to a large market at the lowest possible price by maximizing efficiencies and using economies of ... .

a, b, d

Advantages of integrating project management software into an enterprise resource planning system include which 3 of the following? a. Integration allows for projects to be divided into phases, subprojects, and tasks to make data analysis and project monitoring easier. b. Integration provides management with the ability to assign project management tasks and responsibilities. c. Integration ensures compliance with ISO 9001 requirements allowing project managers to compete projects in many parts of Europe. d. Integration provides a centralized location where data is stored and easily retrieved, allowing management to review planning, management, and analysis of an organization's project.

six sigma

During the Measure and Analyze steps of the ___ procedure, collecting data and using data analytics are essential.

accounting

ERP software provides value by integrating several software packages into a single platform. An example of one of these software packages is ___ software, that records ledger journaling and billing.

aided

ERP software takes data from computer- ... - design (CAD) files and decodes the design and manufacture specifications into usable information for use throughout the manufacturing process.

a, c, d

In his book, The Machine That Changed the World, Dr. James Womack of M.I.T. specified the five tenets of Lean manufacturing. These include, specifying the value of each product with precision, identifying how each product acquires its value (the value stream), and which 3 other principles? a. Ensuring that the value flows to the product without interruption. b. Focusing on a differentiation strategy while seeking price leadership. c. Allowing customers to pull increased value from the producer. d. Relentlessly pursuing perfection.

a

In which of the following scenarios is a learning management system (LMS) being used to administer assignments? a. Before the semester begins, a professor aligns the syllabus with the LMS so that students receive automated reminders about required readings and when essays are due. b. Students use clickers to answer a quick multiple-choice question at the beginning of the class period to demonstrate that they were present in class that day. c. At the end of the semester, a professor reviews the grades stored in the LMS to determine the final grade that will be sent to the registrar.

competitive advantages

Management Information Systems allow managers to build upon an organization's existing strengths to create ....

just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing and inventory management

Because of its significant challenges during supply disruptions that occur during natural disasters (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), ___ has lost much of its popularity.

a, b, c

In the 1980s, Professors Marvin B. Lieberman and David B. Montgomery of UCLA's Anderson School of Management examined the advantages and disadvantages of being the first firm to enter a product into the market. Three advantages they described included were: a. Consumers often become accustomed to products that they adopt and a firm that attempts to compete must create a product that meets the specifications established by the initial entrants. b. The firm's employees will learn from experience how to use technologies and processes to develop the product. c. The first firm to enter the market has an opportunity to secure important raw materials and to develop necessary logistics lines ahead of any other competitors. d. The organization focuses on a differentiation strategy while also seeking price leadership.

c

In which of the following scenarios is a learning management system (LMS) being used to document student activity? a. Students use clickers to answer a quick multiple-choice question when they arrive in class to indicate they are present for class. b. At the end of the semester, a professor reviews the grades stored in the LMS to determine the final grade that will be sent to the registrar. c. Students have a semester-long project that they are required to submit in stages through their LMS.

a, c

In which two of the following situations would an executive support system (ESS) be most helpful? a. R&D must provide sales with clear information about a new product. b. Employees throughout the organization are showing overtime stress. c. Vice-presidents require detailed reports from all divisions for a merger decision. d. All divisions need integrated data centralization and relationship creation.

c

Karl Benz invented the internal combustion automobile in 1885. Adam Smith described the efficiencies of division of labor (the assembly line) in 1776. However, when Henry Ford combined these two to produce an inexpensive automobile with the Model T in 1908, he transformed the personal transportation market. Professor Clayton Christensen called this a ___. a. blue ocean strategy b. economies of scale c. disruptive innovation d. red ocean strategy

a, b, c

Select three characteristics of just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing and inventory management. a. JIT faces significant challenges during supply disruptions such as those that occur during natural disasters. b. Parts, and often even labor, are not purchased until the moment they are needed in the assembly process. c. JIT requires exceptionally smooth supply chains. d. JIT helps to ensure all stakeholders see their responsibilities in the project completion process.

d

The primary advantage of mainframes computers is that they ______. a. provide employees with access to company files and resources b. reduce the amount of data storage required for a company's resources c. allow for communication via online meetings and e-mail d. allow modifications to system capacity while the system is in use

barriers

The second of Porter's 5 forces refers to the ease with which a new competitor can enter the market. Strong ... to entry decrease the strength of this force.

b, c

Which two of the following problems may be solved with the capabilities of an ERP system? a. A restaurant must record its sales per item over time to coordinate with its supply ordering process. b. An apparel firm needs to know how directly its marketing and advertising efforts affect sales. c. A manufacturer must coordinate its new production line with elements of its supply chain. d. A recruiting firm must build a web search application to cull job candidates from an international pool.

b, c, d

When conducting a SWOT analysis, managers examine factors that impact their organization's internal strengths and weaknesses. These factors are sometimes refered to as the 5 Ps. The 5 Ps include which 3 of the following? a. Product b. Purse c. Personnel d. Plant

b, c

Which two of the following are reasons why employee scheduling software was originally developed? a. Decrease employee theft b. Improve the quality of employee performance c. Make the execution of management policies more consistent d. Increase the speed of purchase order processing

elasticity

How quickly consumer demand changes with a change in price is referred to as ... of demand.

substitution

If McDonald's and Burger King raise prices too high, customers may switch from burgers to tacos. This illustrates Porter's force of ___.

a, b, d

Select three circumstances that describe when one might use mainframe computers. a. A company seeking better operational efficiency. b. An airline taking reservations. c. A company with off-site employees who need access to company files. d. A warehouse restocking a recently published book.

d

What is the key role of a client-server network in business? a. To connect businesses with their clients b. To help a company integrate day-to-day operations and planning. c. To provide businesses with a low-cost option for storing data. d. To provide personal computer users secured access to shared data.

substitutes

A business must not only look at its direct competitors, but also must contend with those firms that offer a product that a consumer might alternatively choose. For example, McDonald's and Burger King can be considered competitors and if one firm raises prices the other firm might gain its customers. However, if both firms raise their prices, customers may choose to purchase pizza instead. Porter refers to this as the force of ... in the market.

d

MIS tools that analysts commonly use to determing the causes of variences include scatter diagrams, histograms and Pareto charts. For this reason, MIS are critical in the implementation of ___ techniques. a. Blue Ocean b. Lean c. Red Ocean d. Six Sigma

a, c, d

Select three options that are examples of how client-server networks are used. a. Data backup b. Defragging a hard drive c. Printing from a shared computer d. Data storage

a, b, d

Select three options that describe advancements made in point-of-sale (POS) system software in the 1990s (in addition to in-store sales and tax tracking). a. Across-chain sales and inventory tracking b. Immediate communication with internal financial teams c. Connection with smartphones and tablet d. Stronger connection with customers

a, b, c

Select three options that describe benefits of cloud computing. a. Access to applications software b. Flexibility of user devices c. Affordability for business use d. Control of the server

b

Small, drive-up, coffee stands seem to be popping up on every street corner. Because of this, these coffee vendors have difficulty raising prices significantly higher than their competitors. This is because the coffee stand business has extremely ___. a. high barriers to entry b. low barriers to entry c. large economies of scale d. high monopolistic competition

accounting

Software designed to handle a variety of financial calculations that are used for reporting and monitoring of business performance including tracking accounts receivable and payable, billing, and payroll along with payment processing, ledger journaling, expenses, and purchase orders are referred to as .... system software.

a, c, d

There are a number of different business software applications that can be integrated with an ERP system. Select 3 commonly included application modules. a. BI b. CMOS c. PM d. CRM

d

When a large number of buyers seek to purchase a firm's products even when prices increase, Porter's force of customers can be said to have ___. This tends to strengthen the firm's profitability. a. increased b. strengthened c. accelerated d. weakened

HRM

ERP software integrates several software packages into a single platform. An example of one of these software packages is ___ software, that stores employee compensation and performance information.

a, b, d

ERP systems help organizations improve operational efficiency in which 3 of the following ways? a. Centralized database b. Access to data c. Low start-up cost d. Customizable

5

In 1979, Professor Michael E. Porter published "How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy" in the Harvard Business Review. In this paper, he described factors that impact businesses. The became known as Porter's ... forces.

c

A business uses enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to achieve ______. a. database management through a scaled-down, Cloud-based system that is accessible by a mobile phone b. an efficient, inexpensive way to integrate multiple business applications c. an integrated MIS system that will strengthen its position in a competitive marketplace d. fast access to enterprise information at any of the corporation's geographical locations

a, b, d

Along with identifying wanted or needed products, CRM software allows organizations to accomplish which 3 of the following? a. maintain customer engagement and relationships b. ultimately increase sales c. assist in environmental cleanup d. identify and attract prospective customers

b

Apple uses Corning's glass products for all its devices, such as the Gorilla Glass 6 used in the iPhone 11 series. To ensure that it continue to have a strong relationship with this glass industry leader, Apple has invested nearly $500 million toward Corning's advanced glass research division. By building up this relationship, Apple seeks to maintain some control over which of Porter's 5 forces? a. Substitutes b. Suppliers c. Competitors d. Customers

d

Because of its focus on reducing variation to eliminate product defects, which process methodology relies most heavily upon data analysis? a. Blue-Ocean strategy b. Lean c. Differentiation strategy d. Six Sigma

PESTEL

Managers use different methodologies and tools to evaluate external opportunities and threats. One popular process examines the political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal issues facing an organization and is referred to as a ... analysis.

a, b, d

ERP systems can be integrated with financial management systems to provide centralized access and management of financial data. The benefits of this type of integration include which 3 of the following? a. The ability to generate financial reports b. Improved visibility c. Creates an environment where demand and supply collaboratively interact d. Structured compliance architecture

b, c, d

A SWOT analysis examimes which 3 of the following? a. A firm's internal opportunities b. A firm's internal strengths. c. A firm's external threats. d. A firm's internal weaknesses.

a

A sales manager receives weekly reports on each of the sales representatives they manage. Included in these reports are weekly sales by product, what percentage of the monthly quota the rep has achieved, and the sales ranking of reps compared to other reps in the company. These reports represent what function of a marketing information system (MKIS)? a. Distributing sales and marketing information b. Storing marketing data c. Analyzing marketing data d. Gathering marketing data

a, b, c

Disadvantages of implementing an ERP system include which 3 of the following? a. High costs b. Steep learning curve c. Maintenance costs d. Poor access to data

threats

A SWOT analysis attempts to identify, an organization's (or an individual's) internal strengths and weaknesses and examines external opportunities and ...

first-move advantage

That employees will learn from experience how to use technologies to develop a product, gaining a "head start" over any competition that attempts to enter the market is considered a ___.