Chapter 1

Most end users in business are referred to as knowledge workers, people who spend most of their time communicating, collaborating, and creating, using, and distributing information.

TRUE

One system can be made up of other systems or can be a part of a bigger system.

TRUE

All of the following would be considered a software resource in an information system except: A. A computer operating system B. A word processing software package C. A telecommunication network D. All of the choices are software resources.

C

All the following are examples of an information system, except: A. A day planner B. A cash register C. A group of marbles in a box D. A paper-based accounting ledger

C

Process control systems monitor and control _______________ processes. A. physical B. transactional C. inter-departmental D. mechanical

A

When information system applications focus on providing information and support for effective decision making by managers, they are called _______________ support systems. A. decision B. management C. collaboration D. process

B

All of the following are good examples of information except: A. The social security number of the company's forklift operator B. The retail price of blue widgets C. How much the company owes to vender number 17 D. The numbers 1236789, 349875, and 340977

D

Information systems that focus on operational and managerial applications in support of basic business functions, such as accounting or marketing, are known as _______________. A. functional business systems B. strategic information systems C. executive information systems D. knowledge management systems

D

Information technology can be used to support _______________. A. product development teams B. customer support processes C. any other business activity D. All the choices are correct.

D

Most information systems are designed to _______________. A. produce information and support decision making B. handle record-keeping C. handle transaction processing chores D. All the choices are correct.

D

Success in today's dynamic business environment depends heavily on maximizing the use of Internet-based technologies and Web-enabled information systems to meet the competitive requirements of _______________. A. customers B. suppliers C. business partners D. All of the choices are correct.

D

In the context of the information systems model, computer peripherals typically consist of hardware devices, such as keyboards, and productivity tools, such as word processing software.

FALSE Computer peripherals typically consist of hardware devices that allow the input, output, or storage of data; word processing software is not a hardware resource.

In the context of the information systems model, data resources are typically organized as databases and expert systems.

FALSE Data resources are typically organized as databases and knowledge bases.

According to the Real World case, JetBlue's employees do not need training to utilize the computerized reservation system.

FALSE JetBlue is actively training employees to use the computer system.

Most retail stores now use computer-based information systems to keep track of inventory, but few use them to evaluate sales trends.

FALSE Most retail store now use computer-based information systems to both keep track of inventory and to evaluate sales trends.

Optical disks and plastic cards are examples of hardware resources, but paper forms are not.

FALSE Optical disks, plastic cards, and paper forms are all examples of hardware resources.

Multiple systems never share an environment; each has its own

FALSE Several systems may share the same environment.

The term "information technology" refers to all of the components and resources necessary to deliver the information and functions of a system to an organization.

FALSE

A home temperature control system is an example of a cybernetic system.

TRUE

A sales manager exercises control when reassigning salespersons to new territories after evaluating feedback about their sales performance.

TRUE

According to the Real World case, the September 2007 system failure at the 17 Veterans Administration facilities severely interfered with the normal operations, inpatient and outpatient care, pharmacy, and access to electronic patient records.

TRUE

Calculating employees' pay, federal taxes, and other payroll deductions is a business example of a computerized processing activity.

TRUE

Data are raw facts or observations, typically about physical phenomena or business transactions.

TRUE

Data can be thought of as context independent. This means that a list of numbers or name by themselves do not provide an understanding of the context in which they were recorded.

TRUE

Decision support systems (DSS) provide managerial end users with ad hoc and interactive support of their decision-making processes.

TRUE

Expert systems can serve as consultants to users by providing expert advice in limited subject areas.

TRUE

Falling prices of computer hardware and software should continue to induce more businesses to expand their computerized operations.

TRUE

In information systems activities, a user interface commonly refers to a more convenient and efficient method of end-user input and output with a computer system.

TRUE

In real-time processing, data are processed immediately after a transaction occurs.

TRUE

Information systems are just like any other system, but their value to the modern organization is unlike any other system ever created.

TRUE

Information technology can help all kinds of businesses improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their business processes and managerial decision making.

TRUE

Maintenance is one of the key activities in the development and management of a business information system.

TRUE

Smoke signals and library card catalogs are examples of an information system.

TRUE

The human body and an oil refinery can both be classified as systems.

TRUE

Having a basic understanding of information systems is good, but not nearly as important as understanding other functional business areas.

FALSE. Having a basic understanding of information systems is just as important as understanding other functional business areas.

Gaining a strategic advantage over competition requires the innovative application of information technologies.

TRUE

All of the following are considered computer hardware technology except: A. Operating system software B. Microcomputers C. Keyboards D. Printers

A

Which of the following is an example of control of an information system's performance? A. A system malfunction wiped out two weeks of student registration records B. Programmers created a user friendly input screen for a new system C. Subtotals do not add up to total sales; IT staff investigates whether data entry or processing is the problem D. An extra $20 was added to every water bill by mistake

C

Sew What?'s information system allows the firm to __________. A. provide a web site that accounts for nearly all their recent growth B. manage the business and provide outstanding customer support C. gain recognition and provide credibility to the general public D. All the choices are correct.

D

The original, formal record of a transaction is called the: A. Updated form B. Paper form C. Transaction document D. Source document

D

An information system depends on all of the following resources except: A. Hardware B. Software C. People D. Networks E. Time

E

All of the following normally happens to data during a value-added process except: A. Their useful life is determined B. Their form is aggregated, manipulated, and organized C. Their content is analyzed and evaluated D. They are placed in a proper context for a human user

A

In an information system, alphanumeric data normally takes the form of _______________. A. numbers and alphabetical characters B. sentences and paragraphs C. graphic shapes and figures D. All of the choices are correct.

A

In an information system context, which one of the following would be the most applicable description of application software? A. It controls and supports the operations of a computer B. It consists of programs that direct particular processing activities C. It consists of operating instructions for people who will use an information system D. None of the choices are correct

B

In an information system, image data normally takes the form of _______________. A. numbers and alphabetical characters B. sentences and paragraphs C. graphic shapes and figures D. voice and other sounds

C

The source document is: A. The form of a document after its final update B. A transaction document that refers to the source of the product C. The original, formal record of a transaction D. The first update to any transaction

C

Telecommunications networks consist of _______________. A. computers, the Internet, intranets, and extranets B. communications processors C. devices interconnected by communication media and controlled by communications software D. All of the choices are correct.

D

In its simplest form, a system consists of all the following except: A. A group of cooperative users B. A set of interrelated components C. A clearly defined boundary D. A common set of objectives

A

According to the Real World case, eCourier uses SeeWhy software to: A. Track packages that have not been delivered. B. Provide business intelligence in terms of customer satisfaction. C. Interface with their accounting software. D. All of the above.

B

A database of customer purchases that provides end-user managers with interactive and ad hoc decision-making support is referred to as _______________. A. a transaction processing system B. a decision support system C. an information reporting system D. an executive information system

B

A functional business system supports all of the following types of applications except: A. Accounting B. Customer problem resolution C. Marketing D. Human resource management

B

According to the Real World Case, the Bryan Cave law firm had difficulty billing its real estate customers because: A. The developers could not afford their rates. B. Developers think in terms of square feet, not hours worked. C. Their lawyers did not understand the real estate profession. D. None of the above.

B

According to the textbook case on responsibility and accountability: A. IT is always 100% responsible for any large project involving information technology. B. IT is never 100% responsible for any large project involving information technology. C. IT is sometimes 100% responsible for any large project involving information technology. D. None of the above is correct.

B

Developing an information system solution involves all of the following steps except: A. Investigation B. Implementation C. Redesign D. Maintenance

C

If a system is one of the components of a larger system, it is considered a(n) _______________. A. environment B. feedback loop C. subsystem D. interface

C

Integration of business systems allows greater flexibility and provides greater business support than any of the individual systems could provide alone.

TRUE

In an e-business enterprise, an intranet refers to: A. An Internet-like network inside the enterprise B. A network between an enterprise and its trading partners C. A network between the members of a single workgroup D. All the choices are correct.

A

When applying a systematic development process for computer-based information systems, _______________ would be part of the analysis phase. A. determining the business requirements of the system B. acquiring and learning how to use the necessary software C. implementing a trial system D. obtaining feedback from end users of the system

A

The majority of organizations today would be classified as _______________ systems. A. open B. closed C. open adaptive D. closed adaptive

C

Developing information system solutions to business problems in an organization is the responsibility of _______________. A. information system specialists B. computer programmers C. systems analysts D. all information system users within the organization

D

E-business uses Internet technologies to work and empower _______________. A. business processes B. electronic commerce C. collaboration among business teams D. All of the choices are correct.

D

A process control system is an example of an operation support system that records and processes data resulting from business transactions.

FALSE A transaction processing system is an example of an operation support system that records and processes data resulting from business transactions.

According to the Real World case, although the Veterans Administration suffered a systems failure in September 1997 that affected 17 VA facilities, there was never any threat to patient safety.

FALSE The system failure was "The most significant technological threat to patient safety the VA has ever had."

According to the Real World case about the New York Times, the newspaper industry is in very deep trouble. What has become most important to them? A. Business model innovation B. Internet connectivity C. Technological innovation D. Communication initiatives

A

According to the text, most retail stores today use computer-based information systems to support business processes and operations. This support falls broadly into the categories of: A. Business decisions and strategies for competitive advantage. B. Operations and support strategies. C. Business decisions and operations. D. Strategic business decisions and tactical business decisions.

A

An information system that supports the business functions of accounting, finance, human resource management, marketing, or operations would be classified as a(n) _______________ system. A. functional business B. executive information C. management information D. decision support

A

Computer-based information systems are usually conceived, designed, and implemented using some form of systematic development process. The investigation stage includes _______________. A. determining the economic or technical feasibility of a proposed application B. acquiring and learning how to use the necessary software C. improving the system D. All of the choices are correct.

A

Executive information systems (EIS) are tailored to meet the strategic information needs of which of the following management levels? A. Top management (strategic) B. Middle management (tactical) C. Lower management (operational) D. All of the choices are correct.

A

Electronic commerce systems generally include all of the following except: A. Internet websites for online sales B. Direct links to credit reporting services C. Extranet access of inventory databases D. Intranets that allow sales reps to access customer records

B

In the information systems concept, the processing function involves: A. Capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed B. Transformation processes that convert input into output C. Transferring elements that have been produced by a transformation process to their ultimate destination D. Monitoring and evaluating feedback to determine whether a system is moving toward the achievement of its goal

B

Organizations are examples of _______________ systems because they interface and interact with other systems in their environment. A. linked B. open C. dependent D. parallel

B

According to the Real World Case, the goal of Bryan Cave is: A. To have the best value for their customers. B. To create increased profit per customer. C. To build the best long-term relationships in the world. D. All the above.

C

According to the textbook case, Welch's uses BI software from Oco to: A. manage their gasoline usage. B. decide which products should be produced. C. ensure that its carriers are shipping full truckloads to customers. D. follow new competitive trends from its competitors.

C

All of the following are fundamental reasons for business applications of information technology except: A. Support of strategies for competitive advantage B. Support of business processes and operations C. Compliance with environmental regulations D. Decision making support

C

Business applications of information systems are typically combinations of several types of information systems. This integration is referred to as _______________ systems. A. information reporting B. decision support C. cross-functional informational D. end user computing

C

Companies generally rely on e-business applications to do all of the following except: A. Re-engineer internal business processes B. Implement electronic commerce systems C. Monitor employee productivity D. Promote enterprise collaboration among business teams and workgroups

C

In the lawsuit filed against Hannaford Brothers, which of the following was not alleged as a reason for filing the suit? A. Hannaford has installed inadequate security measures. B. Hannaford did not disclose the security breach to the public quickly enough. C. Hannaford sold the data to spammers. D. All the choices are correct.

C

The expanding role of information systems from the 1950s to the present, in sequential order, are: A. Management reporting, decision support, electronic business and commerce, data processing, strategic and end user support B. Data processing, management reporting, strategic and end user support, electronic business and commerce, decision support C. Data processing, management reporting, decision support, strategic and end user support, electronic business and commerce D. Electronic business and commerce, management reporting, data processing, strategic and end user support, decision support

C

The rapid development of microcomputer processing power, application software packages, and telecommunications networks gave birth to the phenomenon of _______________. A. manufacturer-to-public direct sales B. MIS departments C. end user computing D. electronic monitoring

C

When employees in a project team use email to send and receive messages and use video conferences to hold electronic meetings and coordinate their activities, they are using _______________. A. transaction processing systems B. process control systems C. enterprise collaboration systems D. decision support systems

C

A nuclear power plant uses electronic sensors linked to computers to continually monitor processes and make instant (real-time) adjustments that control the power generation process. This is an example of a(n) _______________. A. transaction processing system B. decision support system C. enterprise collaboration system D. process control system

D

A production manager needs a system to help determine how much product to manufacture based on the expected sales associated with a future promotion, plus the location and availability of the raw materials necessary to manufacture the product. What type of system would meet this manager's needs? A. Transaction processing system B. Process control system C. Enterprise collaboration system D. Decision support system

D

A system that can change itself or its environment in order to survive is _______________ system. A. a control B. a self-monitoring C. an environmental D. an adaptive

D

According to the Real World Case, the big problem facing the Bryan Cave law firm in 2002 was: A. Communications between all their lawyers and offices. B. Dealing with the differences in laws around the world. C. Billing their clients correctly. D. Making the highest profits from their resources while delivering the highest customer value.

D

According to the Real World case, eCourier embraced technology by: A. Doing the same things that all their competitors were doing successfully. B. Installing a new computerized bar-scanning system for packages. C. Enabling a new telephone system for customers. D. Giving all their couriers handheld GPS units for tracking and communication.

D

According to the text, the steps of developing an information system, in their proper order, are: A. Investigate, analyze, implement, design, maintain B. Investigate, design, analyze, implement, maintain C. Maintain, implement, design, analyze, investigate D. Investigate, analyze, design, implement, maintain

D

According to the textbook case on responsibility and accountability, even if a project is not an IT project, who is held responsible for optimizing returns on IT-related investments? A. CEO B. CFO C. COO D. CIO

D

According to the textbook case, the Oco BI software used by Welch's: A. increases the number of deliveries made on Fridays. B. assures that most deliveries are not made on Fridays. C. assures that most deliveries are made on Fridays. D. helps them even out the number of delivery trucks used each day of the week.

D

All of the following would be considered a hardware resource except: A. A microcomputer B. A keyboard C. Magnetic and optical disks D. Programs and procedures

D

E-commerce ____________________. A. involves buying, selling, marketing, and servicing of products, services, and information over a variety of computer networks B. uses the Internet, intranets, and extranets to support every step of the commercial process, such as multimedia advertising, product information, and customer support C. involves Internet security and payment mechanisms that ensure completion of delivery and payment processes D. All of the choices are correct.

D

How do information systems aid in decision making? A. Information systems help companies determine investments. B. Information systems help companies determine which products to sell or discontinue. C. Information systems can be used to gain competitive advantage. D. All of the choices are correct.

D

The information systems function is equally as important to business success as the function of _______________. A. accounting B. operations management C. human resources management D. All the choices are correct.

D

The text classifies information systems as either operations or management support information systems. Which one of the following would not be classified as an operations support system? A. Transaction processing systems B. Process control systems C. Enterprise collaboration systems D. Decision support systems

D

Which of the following is a false statement? A. Today's information systems are doing the same basic things that they did over 40 years ago. B. Today there is a much higher level of integration of system functions. C. Today there is greater connectivity across dissimilar system components. D. None of the statements is false.

D

Which of the following systems acts as a consultant to users? A. Knowledge B. Integrated information C. Executive information D. Expert

D

An extranet is an Internet-like network inside the enterprise; an intranet is between the enterprise and its trading partners.

FALSE An intranet is an Internet-like network inside the enterprise; an extranet is between the enterprise and its trading partners.

Enterprise collaboration systems involve the use of software tools to support e-commerce functions with customers and suppliers.

FALSE Enterprise collaboration systems involve the use of software tools to support communication, coordination, and collaboration among the members of networked teams and workgroups.

In the context of the information systems model, information is subjected to a "value-added" process that converts it to data that meet the needs of end users.

FALSE In the context of the information systems model, data is subjected to a value-added process that converts it to information that meets the needs of end users.

Increased importance placed on cyber-security will reduce the need for workers skilled in information security.

FALSE Increased importance placed on cyber-security will result in an increased need for workers skilled in information security.

Information systems that focus on operational and managerial applications in support of basic business functions, such as accounting, are known as strategic information systems.

FALSE Information systems that focus on operational and managerial applications in support of basic business functions are known as functional business systems.

In order for something to be classified as a "system", a computerized environment must be involved.

FALSE Many examples of systems can be found in the physical and biological sciences, technology, and human society.

A large-scale movement to outsource basic software programming functions to India, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific countries has resulted because U.S. programmers have been inadequately trained.

FALSE Outsourcing software programming functions has resulted because of rising labor costs in North America, Canada, and Europe.

In information systems activities, the processing of data resources typically takes the form of data entry activities.

FALSE The input of data resources typically takes the form of data entry activities.

After data has been entered into a computerized information system, it is usually not necessary to correct or update it. That is the benefit of a computerized system—once entered, always correct.

FALSE The quality of any data stored in an information system must be maintained by a continual process of correcting and updating activities

An expert system can provide advice for operational chores, such as equipment diagnostics or loan portfolio management.

TRUE

An information system can use hardware as simple as a pencil and paper to capture and store its data.

TRUE

An information system that supports accounting is an example of a functional business system.

TRUE

An organization is considered an open system when it interfaces and interacts with other systems in its environment.

TRUE

Anyone who uses an information system or the information it produces can be referred to as an end user.

TRUE

Management information systems (MIS) provide information in the form of reports and displays.

TRUE

Mismanagement or misapplication of information systems can ultimately result in business failure.

TRUE

Sew What? attributes their outstanding growth to Web-driven sales.

TRUE