MIDTERM EXAMINATION
Spring 2010
CS507- Information Systems
Time: 60 min
M a r k s: 40
Question No: 1 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Sources of information are generally categorized as -------------------------
_ Primary
_ Tertiary
_ All of above
_ Secondary
Sources of information are generally categorized as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on their originality and their proximity to the source or origin.
Question No: 2 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Sources of information are generally categorized in different types depending on their originality and their proximity to the source or origin.
_ True
_ False
Sources of information are generally categorized as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on their originality and their proximity to the source or origin.
Question No: 3 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Manufacturing process involves more than one sub-process.
_ True
_ False
Manufacturing Sector: Manufacturing process involves more than one sub-processes, detailed information is required before transferring materials for warehousing, manufacturing and sale to final consumer.
Question No: 4 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
The organization refers to a organizational structure with few or no levels of intervening management between staff and managers is called------------------------
_ Hierarchical organization
_ Flat Organization
_ Pyramid Organization
Flat organization refers to an organizational structure with few or no levels of intervening management between staff and managers.
Question No: 5 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
An information system that automatically generates report on regular basis and are not used to monitor input or activities called
_ Open loop system
_ Closed loop system
_ Closed end System
Open-Loop System: The determinant factor is in an open loop system is that the information from the system not used for control purpose. This is done by using the output to generate feedback for control purposes.
Question No: 6 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Every system comprises of basic components which in a co-ordination formulate a system.
_ True
_ False
Components of a system: Every system comprises of basic components which in a coordination formulate a system.
Question No: 7 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
---------- simply means a particular technique of directing one's attention in learning, discovery or problem solving.
_ Robustness
_ Heuristic
_ DSS
_ EIS
Heuristic simply means a particular technique of directing one’s attention in learning, discovery or problem solving. It assists in non-routine decision making process due to powerful analytical abilities.
Question No: 8 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
------- seek to put intelligence into the hardware in the form of generalized capability to learn.
_ Neural network System
_ Fuzzy logic
_ DSS
_ ESS
Neural Network vs. Expert System
Expert systems seek to model a human expert’s way of solving problems. They are highly specific to seeking solutions. Neural networks do not model human intelligence. They seek to put intelligence into the hardware in the form of generalized capability to learn.
Question No: 9 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Prototyping is the process of quickly putting together a working model in order to test various aspects of the design to gather early user feedback.
_ True
_ False
“Prototyping is the process of quickly putting together a working model in order to test various aspects of the design to gather early user feedback.”
Question No: 10 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Which of the following model combines the elements of the waterfall model with the philosophy of prototyping?
_ Prototyping
_ Iterative
_ Incremental
_ RAID
The incremental model is a method of software/ Information System development where the model is designed, implemented and tested incrementally until the product is finished. It involves both development and maintenance. This model combines the elements of the waterfall model with the philosophy of prototyping.
Question No: 11 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Management information system (AIS) is that linked to all the information systems in an organization.
True
_ False
Accounting information system (AIS) is linked to all the information systems in an organization.
Question No: 12 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Technical Reports are examples of _________ resource.
Tertiary
_ Primary
_ Secondary
Some examples of primary sources: 1. Scientific journal articles reporting experimental research results
2. Proceedings of Meetings, Conferences.
3. Technical reports
4. Dissertations or theses (may also be secondary)
5. Patents
Question No: 13 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Organizations are distinguished on the basis of __________
_ Attributes
_ Policy
_ Management
Organizations can be distinguished on the basis of various criteria. These are as follows.
• Organizational structure
• Culture of the Organizations
• Management Style
• Decision Making Style
Question No: 14 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
________ are run under direct supervision of family members.
_ Small Organization
_ Medium organization
_ Large Organization
Medium sized organizations are run under direct supervision of the family members which rarely extends to segregation of duties and delegation of authority.
Question No: 15 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
In _____ there are low number of subordinates per person.
_ Pyramid Structure
_ Flat Structure
_ Modern Structure
Question No: 16 ( M a r k s: 1 ) http://vuzs.net
Which of the following structure contains less number of management levels?
_ Flat Structure
_ Tall Structure
_ Classical structure
Following are the characteristics of a flat organization.
• High number of subordinates per supervisor
• Short of chain of command
• Less number of levels
Question No: 17 ( M a r k s: 1 )
Define TQM?
Answer:
Total Quality Management (TQM)
TQM is a set of management and control activities which focus on quality assurance. The quality of the products and services is enhanced and then offered to consumers. An organizational undertaking to improve the quality of manufacturing and service, it focuses on obtaining continuous feedback for making improvements and refining existing processes over the long term.
Question No: 18 ( M a r k s: 1 )
What are the conglomerate organizations?
Answer:
Conglomerate:
A conglomerate is a combination of two or more corporations engaged in entirely different businesses that fall under one corporate structure, usually involving a parent company and several (or many)subsidiaries. Often, a conglomerate is a multi-industry company. Conglomerates are often large and multinational.
Question No: 19 ( M a r k s: 2 )
What aspects should be covered by design of information flow?
Answer:
Design of the information flow:
It is a major step in the conceptual design. Following aspects should be covered
• Flow of data & information and transformation points
• The frequency and timing of flows
• The extent of formality in these flows – input forms, report formats.
Question No: 20 ( M a r k s: 3 )
How the chief executive is elected in any organization and what are his responsibilities?
Answer:
A chief executive officer (CEO, U.S. English), managing director (MD, UK English),or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer (executive) or administrator in charge of total management of an organization. An individual appointed as CEO of a corporation, company, organization, or agency reports to the board of directors.
Many CEOs have the title "president and CEO", which means they are either also the chief operating officer or (especially in the United States) also the president (chairperson) of the board of directors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The responsibility of the chief executive officer is to align the company, internally and externally, with her or his strategic vision. The core duty of a CEO is to facilitate business outside of the company while guiding employees and other executive officers towards a central objective. The size and sector of the company will dictate the secondary responsibilities. A CEO must have a balance of internal and external initiatives to build a sustainable company.
-
For corporations, the chief executive officer primarily coordinates external initiatives at a high level. As there are many other c-level executives (e.g. marketing, information, technical, financial etc.), seldom do corporate CEOs have low-level functions.
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For emerging entrepreneurs, their acting position as a CEO is much different than that on the corporate level. As often other c-level executives are not incorporated in small operations, it is the duty of the CEO (and sometimes founder) to assume those positions.
-
Mid-sized companies borrow from corporate and entrepreneurial CEO responsibilities. There will not be all c-level positions available so the CEO must compensate for gaps either through delegating or assuming additional responsibility.
Question No: 21 ( M a r k s: 5 )
Identify the basic purpose of DFD and Identify the steps of Designing a DFD for any process?
Answer:
The purpose of data flow diagrams is to provide a linking bridge between users and systems developers.
The data flow diagrams are:
• Graphical, eliminating thousands of words;
• Hierarchical, showing systems at any level of detail; and
They have less jargon, allowing user understanding and reviewing. Data flow diagrams facilitate users to understand how the system operates. DFD’s also help developers to better understand the system which helps in avoiding delays in proper designing, development, etc. of projects.
Rules for DFD’s
The DFD as an analytical tool follows certain rules. These rules help in achieving the level of standardization.
• There should be no black holes, gray holes, miracles.
• Do not leave things unlabeled
• the DFD should not include data flows that are unassociated with the process.
Data Flows cannot be without a process or function being involved in the flow. Below are given three diagrams that indicate bad practices. There has to be a process in between these three diagrams. For a better understanding of data flow diagram, two diagrams are drawn for the same process. The diagram A includes some errors/ violation of rules usually used and diagram B is the amended picture how the correct DFD should look like.
The process covered in these diagrams is as follows.
• The number of hours employees have worked is recorded and employee time record is created stored in employee time file.
• Employee salary information is taken from employee master file which is used along with time records to calculate gross pay.
• The leads to the calculation of deductions leading to computation of net pay.
• Payrolls slips are printed used for
• Record purpose in the employee master file.
• Preparation of checks
• Paychecks and a copy of pay slip is given to the employees.
Question No: 22 ( M a r k s: 10 )
Discuss the purpose of Feasibility Study? Discuss key areas?
Answer:
Entry and Feasibility Study:
The purpose of this phase is to obtain a commitment to change and to evaluate whether cost effective solutions are available to address the problem or opportunity that has been identified. Following examples can be considered to explain this situation. Say a problem has been recognized by a group of users. They believe they can design and implement a solution themselves using a high level language. Their proposed system will have little impact on others within the organization, nor will it be material from the viewpoint of the overall organization. In this situation, the users are already motivated to bring about change.
Thus activities to accomplish successful entry are minor or unnecessary.
• On the other hand, consider a solution where potential solutions will have a widespread impact on the overall organization. Activities to accomplish successful entry are now critical. Information systems professionals must seek to establish themselves as legitimate change agents among the stake holders. Moreover they must seek to foster among the stakeholders a commitment to change. If potential solutions will have a significant impact on task and social systems, a spirit of collaborative analysis and evaluation among stakeholders must be developed.
Once the entry is successful, a preliminary study can be carried out to evaluate the feasibility of the new system.
A Feasibility study team should be constituted:
• Draw representatives from the departments affected by the project
• At least one person must have a detailed knowledge of computers and systems design (called system analyst).
• At least one person should have a detailed knowledge of
1. The organization
2. How current system operates
3. Information needs of the system
4. Defects in the existing system
• Consultants from the outside
Key Areas of Feasibility
Following aspects/criteria can be covered in a feasibility study.
• Technical Feasibility – is the available technology sufficient to support the proposed project? Can the technology be acquired or developed?
• Response times – time between request and execution.
• Volume of transactions which can processed within the given time.
• Capacity to hold files or records of a certain size.
• Number of users supported without execution.
