BIT

2009-10-11T02:54:00.000-07:00

Chapter 8

1.What is a Transactional Processing and the role of TP systems. State the key objective of TP/TPSs.

Transaction processing systems monitor, collect, store and process data generated from all business transactions. The role of a TP system is conduct the efficient operations of the day to day business i.e. sales, receipts, cash deposits, payroll, credit decisions and flow of materials. Some key objectives of a TP/TPSs system:

Process large volume of data – eg. sales
Data sources are mostly internal, and the output is intended mainly for internal audiences (eg. managers)
TPS operate regularly (on demand, daily, weekly, etc.
They require large storage (database) capacity
They require high processing speed due to the high volumes
Input and output data are known and well‐understood (highly structured)
They involve a high level of detail, but low computation complexity
They require a high level of accuracy, data integrity, and security
They require high processing reliability; organizations cannot function for long without TPS’s –> hence the need for backups, UPS
They support inquiry processing – queries/reports

Image below shows key functions:

2. What is a functional area information system? List its major characteristics.

Functional area information Systems are designed to support a functional area by increasing its internal effectiveness and efficiency in the following areas:

Accounting
Finance
Marketing
Operations (POM)
Human Resources Management

Key characteristics is to provide information to lower/middle mangers in the functional areas.

Image below shows functional area information systems supporting functional areas:

3. How does an FAIS support management by exception? How does it support on-demand reports?

FAIS support managers to the extent to only functional areas of the business .FAIS provide management both lower and middle information for the day to day running of operations. These systems are used for effective mangement and effeicient operaions. Functional area information systems can aid management by the development of a wide variety of reports for use by managers. These include:

Routine reports related to hourly/daily events
Ad hoc (on demand) reports
Drill‐down reports – more detailed
Key‐indicator reports – performance of critical activities
Comparative reports – different sales teams
Exception reports – used to identify exceptions to requirements, eg. poor sales performance

4. Define ERP and describe functionalities.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a system that collectively brings all data and processes of an organisation system together. Simply it allows for a single database for operation for a number of functions of an orgnisation e.g. maufacturing, supply chain and customer relationship mangment (CRM). The central objective of the system is to collobrate the functional raes of the orgnasiation and enable effecinet information across all fucntional areas.

5. List some drawbacks of ERP software.

ERP has many benefits of an orgnaistaion though the major precieved darwback for a firm is the relative expense. The cost to introduce teh software is very expesnive for a firm and is a major reason for not implementing the system. A firm may want to analysis cost v benefits of the introduction of the system and see if it is viable asset to have.

6. Define a supply chain and supply chain management (SCM).

Supply chain is a network of organizations and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers. It allows for the efficent flow of materials, money and information through the organisation e.g. from production to customer.

Image below show's this:

7. List the major components of supply chains.

The three major component of supply chain are upstream, internal and downstream.

Upstream - involves sourcing or procurement from external suppliers occurs.

Internal - is packaging, assembly or manufacturing takes place.

Downstream -invovles the distribution, freqently by external distributors.

8. What is the bullwhip effect?

The bullwhip effect is a natural dynamic that occurs because of the multistage nature of the supply chain. It is not related to erratic consumer demand. Simiply it is erradict shifts in the supply and demand curve.

9. Define EDI and list its major benefits and limitations

Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a communication standard that enables business partners to exchange routine documents, such as purchase orders electronically. This process allows for small packets of data to be sent from one organsiation to another in a more efficent and effective manner. This process also has increased the process known as dissemenatation - the removal of wholesalers and retailers from the supply chain.

Major benefits incluude:

Minimize data entry errors
Length of messages are shorter
Messages are secured
Reduces cycle time
Increases productivity
Enhances customer service
Minimizes paper usage and storage

Major limitations include:

Significant initial investment to implement
Ongoing operating costs are high due to the use of expensive, private VANs (??)
Traditional EDI system is inflexible
Long startup period
Multiple EDI standards exist

Image below shows a customer to entity relationship of an EDI:

2009-10-10T00:37:00.000-07:00

Chapter 4

1. What are some of the difficulties in managing data?

Managing data has a small number of constraints that make the process difficult. The problems associated with data management:

Amount of data increases exponentially.

Data comes from many sources - either internal or external

Data security, quality and integrity are critical areas for any business

2. What are the various sources for data?

Data is a collection of facts made up of text, numbers and dates. Data has an important and critical role in the business to allow for effective communication channels and for the collaboration of information. Data can come from a variety of sources that being primary – observations, tests and recorded results. It also can come from secondary – reports, articles and newspapers. Data can be processed and transmitted via channels that allow for the distribution of information that allows us the end user to convert into knowledge to apply in a variety of different business scenarios.

Following image shows a variety of sources of data

3. What is a primary key and a secondary key?

Primary keys are a unique identifier e.g. a student number. This allows for each record to have its own unique table - this will become the primary key field. A Primary Key Field is a field that will contain no duplicates and no blank values. This differs from a Secondary key where other fields that have some identifying information but typically do not have complete accuracy with the file.

4. What is an entity and a relationship?

In relation to data an entity is any person, place, thing or event. A record is a good description of an entity. A relationship relates to the connection or association of any records that allow for a specific connection between areas. Entity-Relationship Model show’s this process of attributes and entities connection.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of relational databases?

The Advantages to using a relational database system:

The use of tables to create the relationship. The use of the tables are primary and alternative keys. The primary keys create the relation between the tables with the alternative keys. The use of unique records to show specific aspects.

The Disadvantages:

Information i.e. keys overlap in the requests made by the creator. Often hard and difficult to process. Users may find the use of primary keys difficult to understand.

Image below shows a common database

6. What is knowledge management?

Knowledge management is the processes/technologies involved in creating, desginging, disseminate and utilising data for knwoldege. This process allows for the successful use of data for orgnaisations. Common examples include world’s best practices such as benchmarking, Just in Time etc.

7. What is the difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge?

Both tacit & explicit knowledge fall under the knowledge management area. Tacit knowledge simply states that education or training is learned through experience, common areas would be insights, expertise and trade secrets. While explicit is the opposite this relates to training or knowledge that is deemed learned technical/rational documented data. Common examples would include procedural guides, reports, manuals, goals etc.
Following video show's different types of knowledge in regards to databases http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nik3pyJwaYI

2009-09-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Chapter 7

1. Identify common wireless devices and their application to business

The most common and efficient devices that are found in every day are applications such as laptops, mobile devices, hand hold game soles and PDF's. These system use an integrated efficient system that enables the use of wireless internet and applications. The use of these systems has become more notice form the introduction of the iPhone. The iPhone is a wireless device that uses the Mac system and operates within the 3G network. This wireless device has s fast, reliable and secure system that provides relative long lasting battery life. The use of such devices aids business in communication within the organisation. Management can run daily plans, schedule's and internet within the workplace to access important information regarding to business activities. More and more the power of wireless devices is being used in today's business world.

2. Describe the various types and general characteristics of wireless transmission media/technologies - microwave, satellite, infrared and radio waves.

Microwave are used to transmit large amounts of data between long distances, key element is towers that send the signals must be in a straight alignment. It is relative cheap though environmental conditions and factors can have an influence in their quality.

Satellite uses satellites that surround the earth to transmit data between long distances and at different locations. There are three common satellites used LEO (low earth orbit), MEO (medium earth orbit) and GEO (geostationary). Geostationary has the largest area that covers distance between points. Advantages include commonly are the high amount of area and speed that data can travel through. Disadvantage includes the expense of the satellites being placed in space and quality with high amounts of cloud coverage.

Infrared Technologies are used for very short range connections, common uses are for PlayStation consoles, TV etc. The system has advantages of low cost and very ease of use and disadvantages include must have straight line of connection to work.

Radio Technology uses wave frequencies to transmit data between two or more devices. The technology usually encompasses a transmitter and receiver which allows for a high bandwidth and a very low cost to use. This technology is very strong as the signal can past through physical objects such as walls. Main areas of concern is the security inefficiencies that the system faces which is why it it critical for security measures such as encrypting and data blocking to be in placed.

Diagram of satellites structure

3. What is bluetooth/how is it used?

Is the design to use short radio communication to allow transmission of data between two devices, usually between a distance of 10 - 30 metres. It is primarily used for low power consumption an enables devices such as laptops, phones and game controllers to connect using a connection point. The system is relative secure and is best used via a network password for best results. The capabilities of the technology allow for data and vocal information to be sent over the network. This technology is common to most phones and laptop devices and reaches speeds of 2.1 Mbps.

Picture of a Bluetooth

4. What are WLAN's, Wi-Fi, WWAN's, 3G?

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is a network that exists in a small geographic location which uses the ability of wireless technology to connect. WLAN are similar to LAN's with the ability over to connect wireless via the network.

WIFI (Wireless Fidelity) has similar properties to Ethernet though differs as it is a wireless protocol. WIFI has a high frequency network and transmits data relative fast. Simply it is access to Internet using the WIFI protocol.

WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) is a network that exists in a number of geographic areas that uses the ability of wireless technology. It is similar to the concept of WLAN.

3G offers high speed and data Internet connections through mobile technology which allow for large amounts of media though video, photos, voice to travel. This service is been used in the iPhone.

The following is a link to a WLAN introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b4K8XXJriU

5. What are the drivers of mobile computing and mobile commerce

The drivers of mobile commerce and computing is to the extent of the relative expense and openly availability to consumers of the products. The cause of this has been reflected through the increase of technology/development of the open production of large scale mobile devices e.g. iPhone, Blueberry etc. This has caused a technology constant cycle where as the increase of technology leads to cheaper and more ready available devices. This has been evident as more and more people are consider to have a norm in owing a mobile phone. The Internet and other technological forces have facilitated this push as the demand of phones becomes higher with the relative more push pf newer and more sound innovations.

6. Explain the nature of RFID

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) refers to the ability of a device to tack and progress an Incorporated product via radio waves. Some tags can be read from several meters away and beyond the line of sight of the reader. RFID contain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously, passive RFID tags, which have no battery and require an external source to provoke signal transmission and battery assisted passive (BAP) which require an external source to wake up but have significant higher forward link.

These services are being used more in society and are commonly found in the courier service. Customers can make purchases and check and validate where and how far the product is in relation to them. Companies such as TNT offer this service to customers and is a prime example of a wireless device used in the real world. Customers can also do this via customer to customer transactions though privacy laws and moral laws are inflicted.

A recent and Australian use is the use of E-tags which have become a norm in many people's lives. The E-tag uses the same technology as a RFID and encompasses a small battery that uses ti provide a signal once travelled though appropriate reader and identification areas (toll-points). E-tag use this system draw their balance as how often the customer drives though usage points. This system is a modern example and one that is used by many Australians.

Picture of an e-tag

2009-09-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Chapter 5

Q1. Describe the underlying technologies, applications and types of Web sites that comprise Web 2.0.

Web 2.0 allows users to build and express their own internet content. There are new features compared to web 1.0. Key features include;

Tag- Uses can make reference to data about data. Tags are used to describe a piece of web related content.

Wiki- Blogs/ discussion forums to facilitate employee and customer discussions.

Ajax- Technique that allows areas of a webpage to quickly reload new data.

RSS- A technology that allows content to be created once and then republished on other websites (i.e. News links).

Podcasts- Used by radio media to reach larger audience, which is for free.

Web 2.0 is becoming increasing important and popular as the demand for technology increases. Large social networking sites are a common example of web 2.0 interfaces used in the larger community.

The Diagram below shows the functions of both Web 1.o & Web 2.0

2. Describe the function of Web services.

Web services are a technology that enables us to do specific functions on the internet. Some of the protocols include;

Extensible Markup Language (XML) - Once put in this format, can be read on any system.

Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) - Both of these protocols allow data movement between applications. SOAP allows communication through firewalls.

WebServices Description Language- Formats XML

Universal Description, Discovery and Integration- Finds web services.

Increasing web services will increase internet connectivity and the amount of programs online to users.

3. Describe how you see Social Networking being used in Business.

Social networking has become an increasing web service used more and more in today's society. Internet websites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter have revolutionized the social networking scene and have altered the way companies can now conduct business. Businesses can use social networking as an extended tool to their system of developing and spreading the product or service they produce. The important element of using this software is the key factor that it is for free. The use of this service will allow business to openly allow companies to announce product launches and provide customers (potential) to first see their products online. This will also give a great edge as now customers have another form of marketing that allows the name and reputation of the company to be seen across the world 24/7. Social networking is already been used today as a key resource and can only see the technology furthered in current corporations business plan.

Picture below show's the variety of social networks available to use

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Chapter 6

1. Define e-commerce and distinguish it from e-business.

E-commerce describes the buying, selling, transferring or exchanging of products, services and information via computer networks, including the Internet.

E-business is a broader definition of (EC), including buying and selling of goods and services, and also servicing customers, collaborating with partners, conducting e-learning and conducting electronic transactions within an organisation.

2. Distinguish among B2C, B2B, C2C and B2E electronic commerce.

Business to Customer - the transaction of goods and services between business and customers e.g. David Jones sells shirts to customers

Business to Business - the transaction of raw materials/inventory between companies e.g. Wholesaler of Widgets sells to Manufacturer

Customer to Customer - the transactions between customers and customers e.g. E-Bay

Business to Employee - transactions where business allow employees to manage their benefits, take training classes, buy discounted insurance, travel packages and event tickets e.g. Westpac offering shares to employees at discount price.

Diagram show's the process of a C2C transaction

3. List some benefits and limitations of e-commerce.

Business

E-commerce offers many benefits to business regarding to their market share and net profit. Some benefits include the increase of national and local markets become more accessible. With the ability of internet barriers become easier to enter and access to people across the globe. Business also have downsize in relation to their cost of processing, distributing and retrieving the information. Some limitations of e-commerce include technological and non-technological.

Technological:

Lack of universally accepted payment and security standards

Insufficient telecommunications bandwidth in some areas

Not everyone has access/access varies

Lots of IT solutions – which to choose?

Non-Technological

Perception that EC is unsecure/not reliable

Unresolved legal issues, e.g. tax related

Harder to market to consumers?

Customer

The world wide web is 24/7 and this provides customers access to information and products anytime and anywhere. Customers have the ease of having a variety and many products to choose form, this in turn has increased their bargaining power in regards to price. This in turn has provided the customer to have more power than ever before. Some limitations still surround the security of the internet and the potential of fraud and false transactions. This has cause grey areas in the ability of security issues, laws, privacy.

4. What are spamming, permission marketing and viral marketing?

Spamming is the large random action of information to many individuals without their knowledge or permission.

Permission Marketing is used by business to apply to current customers/clients about future or current products that may occur or in development. It is gaining permission from existing customers to gain market based on their needs. e.g. Nike asking questions on preferred sport etc

Viral Marketing is the most appropriate and desirable outcome for most business and that is basically the spreading of information from customers to potential customers/investors.

5. What are micropayments?

Micropayments are essentially small, substantial payments to the company. These are generally in nature of high frequency and are recorded numerous times a day by many customers in a large context e.g. road tolls using e-tolls. The increase of software and other modern technologies has allowed for a recognition system that records all entries of the customer of their dealings and subsequently provides what is owed in full balance. In addition to these nominal fees small payments for caring technologies are paid e.g. buying the e-tag.

6. What is Multichanneling?

A multichannel is a business that offers customers more than one way to buy something - for example, in both retail stores, Online, Large Department Stores etc. This method considers both the virtual and physical context that enhances the spread of products within the market. This process will more often than not lead to disintermediation, a process where the distributors of a product a sliced out of the cycle and made straight to retail or further more from the corporation that created the product. This process as such has caused concerns as traditional roles of wholesalers (middle man) are taking from the equation.

Diagram show's the process of Multichannel's

7. List some ethical issues in EC.

The most significant and most noticeable ethical issue of e-commerce is the disappearance of the human dealings with unknown individuals and corporations purchasing products and services. This leads to the false representations such as the sale of goods to restricted groups (minors), terrioists and criminals. Issues include:

- Privacy Issues

- Cookies - organisations marketing system to create a profile of customer needs and wants.

- Security of customer’s information - this includes both personal and financial.

The link further's the issues of ethcis in E-commerce:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FYqgkIaQH4

8. List the major legal issues of EC.

The major legal issues that surround e-commerce is what is acceptable in one country may not be in another. This is critical as online buying can be conducted from another person in another country where law's and regulations are significantly different. These include:

Trade restrictions - countries that have set outlaws of certain products from one country to another.
Name registarrtoin problems - may not be acceptable in another country - cultural sensitivity
Most importantly Privacy Laws - Intentional privacy laws surrounding the use and spread of personal data information from one entity to a next may be subject to law restrictions.
Breach of tax requirements

2009-09-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

TG 4

1. Describe the basic telecommunications system?

A basic modern telecommunication system consists of both hardware and software that interact and transmit information from one location to another. An example is a Skpe conversation and sending a message from one geographic location to another. Typically, this would include the hardware of the keyboard, monitor, CPU and the software of using Skpe.

2. Compare and contrast the main wired communications channels ? (Ethernet & Fibre Optic)

The three main wired communication channels advantages and disadvantages are;

Twisted Pair Wire:
Adv-

Unidentifiable
Available from other devices
Easy to use
Relatively cheap

Dis-

Potential signal interference
Slow speed
Security flaws

Coaxial Cable

Adv-

High band width
Greater resistance

Dis-

Expensive
Interferences
Hard to work
Security flaws

Fibre Optic Cables

Adv-

Very high band width
Extremely fast speed (speed of light)
Relatively cheap
Extremely secure

Dis-

Hard to set up
Hard to use

Picture shows an example of a fiber optic cable

3. What are the main business reasons for using networks?
Network is a system that connect computers via communication media, so that data can be transmitted through them. Relative to this, connectivity is an extremely important aspect for business to use networks.
Communication allows for companies to share information between many computers. This allows a number of computers to use one central printer, fax, etc.
Enterprise networking refers to an organisation LAN's and WAN's relationship. Business's you networks to achieve this so that communication will occur through different segments of the organisation (eg network in Sydney communicating with networks in Melbourne under one corporation).
Relationship formation is efficient networks as staff have information regarding their fellow co-workers in the chosen field. This leads to more productive employees and workplace.
Overall, efficiency and productivity is increased with networks supply of information across the organisation.

4. What is the difference between LANs and WANs?
LANs are generally confined to a relatively small area- only a building or group of buildings.
A hardware is located on property controlled by the company that owns the LAN.
LANs are relatively fast with speeds of a 100 MBPS or more and are usually secure and reliable. The advantages or having a LAN is that business can connect devices within the local area network.
In contrast, WAN are psychically located far apart. They can span a city, country or even the world. They are connected via links that may include fibre optic cables, coaxial cable, or other long distance communications means (eg satellite). They are usually slower than LANs due to the vast distance they cover. WANs are usually own by several organisations and leased to others.
LANs and WANs have a common interaction where several LANs may form to become a WAN. This process connects LANs to form the WAN and an example include when all Notre Dame campus in Sydney, Broome and Perth form a WAN of Notre Dame Australia.

Diagram Below show's LAN's & WAN's

5. What is a network protocol?

Network protocol is the regulations governing the network communication. This sets out the guidelines for what is appropriate int terms of security regarding what information is acceptable. If Internet protocols are inefficient or are not governed correctly, systems will not interact correctly.

6. Describe TCP/IP protocol.
Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet protocol allows for large transfers of data across networks that may be inefficient and prevents data to be compromised.

2009-09-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Chapter 3 - Ethics, Privacy & Information Systems

Q.1 An IT example that relates to the ethical issues for the ideas of privacy, accuracy, property, and accessibility.

4 areas of IT ethics relate to information issues/use of information; Privacy, accuracy, property and accessibility. An important example is into Internet security which relates to the 4 areas of IT ethics. Internet ethics relates that individuals and organisations acting in the a honest and integrally way. Information must be kept secure and not privacy must be held very high. These ethics relates heavy to firms that operate in an industries where Internet privacy is critical e.g. banks and Internet banking.

What are the 4 general types of IT threats? Provide an example for each one

4 IT threats may be external and internal, following are:

Unintentional acts – not malicious, caused by humans, service providers or the direct environment
Natural disasters – floods, earthquakes, etc
Management failure/technical failures – problems with hardware & software
Deliberate acts – sabotage and white collar crime

Describe/discuss three types of software attack and a problem that may result from them

Software attacks cause threats that can lead to severe loss in data and personal information.Three types of attacks that can occur are; SPAM, Malware, Phishing. SPAM are unwanted emails and can be costly with fake ad's. Malware are virus, trojans, worms and spyware - all lead to system failure in some degree. Phishing social engineering procedure to gain personal information like credit card details e.g. fake banks emails asking for your details - steal money and identity.

Link Below show's security risks particularly in Phishing

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=leelefever#play/uploads/8/sqRZGhiHGxg

Describe the four major types of security controls in relation to protecting information systems.

The four major types of security that exist are authentication, authorisation, physical controls and administration procedures.

Authentication - is the process of understanding what individual you are. Examples include passwords for portals/networks (identification).

Authorisation - is the process of an individual obtaining permission to access or enter a network. The information entered determines what the individual can access and what information is able to be attained based on the authorisation.

Physical Controls - are the restrictions and barriers that an individual is placed upon in regards to what he/she can do in an operating system/networks. Examples include swipe cards and finger print analysis.

Administration Procedures - is the establishment of policies and procedures that require transactions to be recorded and sent to separate system for management override. Examples include upper management authorisation.

Name one recent software threat and briefly discuss it's effects and resolutions?

Email Virus are an increasing concerns in modern day society. Email virus are virus sent via email, commonly disguised as offers or bank security messages. The message is commonly hidden in visual basic script and run malicious code. The common resolution include running anti-virus software and continuous updates.

What is the difference between authentication and authorization and why are they important to E-Commerce/give an example of their relevance to e-Commerce

Authentication is the process of granting access to individuals to data based upon there hierarchy in the organisation. Authorisation is simply in determining you are what you say they are. These elements are critical in e-commerce in ensuring customers are who they really say they are. In today's society many products and services are purchased via the Internet and it is critical customers are correctly authenticated and properly authorised based on there identification results to the company's products. This in turn ensures fraud does not occur in electronic transaction.

2009-09-23T04:52:00.000-07:00

T G 2 - Computer Software

1. What are main differences/distinction between system software and application software?

System software class of computer instructions that serve primarily as an intermediary between computer hardware and application programs - Operating systems (OS) e.g. Windows Vista. While Application Software is the class of computer instructions that direct a computer system to perform specific processing activities and provide functionality to users e.g. Microsoft Word.

2. What are the two main types of system software? Provide some examples of their functions.

Their are two types of system software; control program (OS) & support programs. Control programs are the controls of the operations that controls the system that being Windows Vista etc. Support Programs are a utility to aid the operations management and users of a computer system by providing support devices such as: system utilities, system performance monitors and system security monitors.

3. What is the difference between proprietary and open source software? What considerations should be made when a business selects either software.

Proprietary software generally controlled by a single company (although the actual sale of products may be licensed to re‐sellers/partners). Usually generally controlled by a single company (although the actual sale of products may be licensed to re‐sellers/partners). Company's cannot change or modify the software (source code unavailable) and exmaples include Microsoft office. Open Source is freely available to enable the further development of the software. Users can usually change, improve and re-distribute the software to others. Open source - source code available examples include fire fox.

A business must way up Cost v Benefit, Alter v No-Alteration, Copyright Law's v No-Law's.

4. What are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses/organizations?

The most common legal issues using the software in business relate to organisations need and use of licences. The company must way up and consider if any breach of copyright laws has occurred.

5. Choose an Operating System, provide some details on it's developer, it license type and key benefits.

Mac-OS X is a powerfully, fast and simple OS used on the apple computer range.The operating system was invented and founded from NEXTSTEP by co-founder of Apple Steve Jobs (1976). Steve Jobs revolutionized the industry with the fast paced and efficent running system compared to giant competitor Microsoft version of Windows.The system has shifted from 32bit to 64 and has all latests features and benefits. The OS has been acclaimed for its security and simplicity it provided to users.

The link below shows an overview of software and the different types of Operating and Application Software.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lvOfSrFZDc&feature=channel

2009-09-23T02:37:00.000-07:00

TG 1 - Computer Hardware

Q1. What is computer hardware and what are the major hardware components?

Computer hardware generally refers to the physical equipment used for the input, processing, output and storage activities of a computer system. The key components that make a computer hardware are:

The Central processing unit (CPU)
Primary storage
Secondary storage
Input technologies
Output technologies�Communication technologies

Link below show's the key concepts of hardware.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pYiNyGKB84

Q2. What is Moore's Law/what does it mean in relation to computers.

The key concept that encompasses Moore's Law is computers microprocessor would double every year years. This has happen as until recent times where it has started the level out.

Q3. In basic terms, describe how a microprocessor functions.

Fundamentally the microprocessor functions states the inputs and outputs. The processing cycle starts with inputs - information entered into the system e.g. mouse, processing - converts data into knowledge , output - data existing that is transmitted into readable format e.g. monitor, storage and finally communication - through the internet.

Diagram

Q.4 What factors determine the speed of the microprocessor?

There are four factors that detrmine a speed of a microprocessor they include;

Clock Speed - cycles speeds usuallyin GHZ e.g. 32Ghz
Word Length - how many characters the PC can read in one clock speed
Bus Width - the amount of data that can travel at the same time
Design of Chip - Dual Core

Q.5 What are the four main types of primary storage.

The four main types of primary storage are:

Registers (part of the CPU)

‘Volatile’ Random access memory (RAM)

Cache memory

Non‐volatile read‐only memory (ROM); usually ‘Flash’ memory (similar to that in USB drives)

Q.6 What are the main types of secondary storage?

Memory capacity that can store very large amounts of data for extended periods of time. Most common types of secondary storage include magnetic media - hard drives, optical media - cd's, solid state - ipods and USB's are becoming more popular.

Q.7 How does primary storage differ from secondary storage in terms of speed cost and capacity?

Primary stroarge differs significantly from secondary storage. Primary storage (volatile) such as ram is faster compared to secondary in terms of transfer speed. Secondary storage such as hard drives (non-volatile) hold large amounts of data e.g. gigabytes compared to primary with limited amounts. Generally both are considerably cheap cost comapred to the element purchasing, primary such as ram is relative cheap and easy way to increase processor speed.

Q 8.What are enterprise storage systems?

Is a centralized storage system that businesses uses to manage and protect data through the internet. It act's as a external memory that is accessible from any point, it stores and collects large amounts of data.

Q.9 Distinguish between human data input devices and source data automation.

Human data input devices are devices such as keyboards, mice, touch-screens and voice recognition. Though source data is devices that require minimal human effort e.g. barcode readers, RFD and ATM.

Q.10 What is one new technology that will change how we do things? You need to do some research

One new technology that will change the way we do things is the ever increasing ability of mobile devices. Today we have seen a significant swing with the introduction of the iPhone. Mobile devices currently are steadily incorporated our daily lives with the collaboration of music, movies, emails and internet. With this increasing technology on the rise mobile users will incorporate our daily lives from turning and switching off the TV to controlling house hold items with wireless internet. The ability of this technology will only get faster and lighter.

2009-09-23T01:25:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2 - Information Systems: Concepts & Management

Q1. What is the difference between an 'application' and a computer-based information systems?

Application are computer programs that support a specific task, a business process or another application program e.g. support a specific task.

Computer-based Information are composed of hardware, software, database, networks - including communications devices, procedures and people.

Q2. What are strategic information systems?

Information systems collect, process, store, analyze, and disseminate information for a specific purpose. The breadth of these systems;

Functional area IS ‐ support particular functional areas in an organization.
ERP systems ‐ integrate the functional area IS via a common database.
Transaction processing systems ‐ support the monitoring, collection, storage, and processing of data from basic business transactions.
Inter‐organizational information systems ‐connect two or more organizations.

Q3. According to Porter, what are the five forces that could endanger a firm’s position in its industry or marketplaces?

According to Porter's value chain model the barriers to entry follow; Threats of New Entrants, Supplier Power (Bargaining Power of Supplies), Threats of Substitute Products or Services, Buyer Power (Bargaining Power of Buyers) and a Barrier to Entry.

Diagram

Q4. In relation to Porter's value chain model, what is meant by primary activities and support activities, and how does IT support these activities?

In terms of primary activities in relates to five broad groups; Inbound Logistics, Operations, Outbound Logistics, Marketing & Sales and Customer Service. Support Activities aid these primary activities group, examples include Administration & Management, Legal/Finance, Human Resource Management and Product & Technology Development. In turn primary activities support and add value to a firm.

Diagram

Q5. Discuss the logic of building information systems in accordance with the organizational hierarchical structure.

Building Information systems in line with a corporations structure is critical in the success and development of companies IT procedures. A company such as St.George Bank builds and develops systems and information points across all levels of employment to enable the effective process of the company. Example includes Teller's operation for basic systems through to management use an overall sales and KPI system. The logic is needed to ensure corporations have effective and efficient procedures across the corporate ladder.

Q6. How has the Internet affected each of the five forces in Porter’s competitive forces model.

The internet affects the five forces according to Porter's competitive force mode. The internet generally increases the threat that new competitors will enter a market. Overall the internet adds to competitiveness i.e. competitors can see your information and data of your products and services. Also it adds to five forces an added rivalry between companies.

2009-09-23T00:34:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1: The Modern Organisation in the Global, Web-Based Environment

Q1. What are the characteristics of the modern business environment?

The Internet and the World Wide Web significantly affects the operation of business. Some key characterises is the global element – internet globalises business. Competitive – internet increases business pressure i.e. available 24/7. E-commerce – increase use of business available anytime anywhere no closing hours.

Q2. What is meant by a web-based, global platform, what does it provide, and how has it affected business?

Web-based global platform provides three convergence that have significantly affected business. Three factors:

Cheap and ubiquitous computing devices

Low‐cost, high bandwidth data services

Open standards in software and hardware design

Q3. What are the main pressures that characterize the modern global business environment?

The main pressures that a currently affecting modern business market, technology and social.

Market pressures – global economy/competition, changing workforce and more power to customers.

Technology pressures – innovation and obsolescence and information overload.

Social pressures – social responsibility government regulation/deregulation, terrorism and ethical issues.

Q4. What are/discuss some of the common, IT oriented organizational responses to these pressures?

The organization must respond frequently and quickly to both the threats and the opportunities resulting from these pressures and the resulting new business environment. Technology is often seen as providing the answer, though providing a plan and implementing the strategy is the most effective i.e. Michael Porter’s Competitive Force Model & Value Chain.

Q5. How are IT architecture and IT infrastructure are interrelated?

The general link is IT architecture is how you will use IT within the company (plan) and IT infrastructure is what resources are you going to use to achieve your plan (implementation).

IT architecture: a general plan of how IT is to be used by/within an organisation – useful for planning – shows how the IT will fit together

IT infrastructure – the actual implementation that will provide for effective Information Systems, including the hardware, software, services and people involved

Q6. Is the Internet an infrastructure, an architecture, or an application program? or something else. Why?

The internet can be a combination of all aspects in different scenarios. For instance a modern business may the use the internet to show how they will develop a plan to use IT i.e. set up conference to show what must be done. Following it can be used for implementation by using the internet web platform to set up online systems from the planning the stage. Finally the internet is now and more becoming and integrated application program. Modern business can use the internet as a modified program to make systems and resources available i.e. collaborating extra elements on fire fox to meet business needs.