1. Starting from a given set of data, and show how data may be transformed to become: (a) information, (b) knowledge, and (c) wisdom. Support our discussions in accordance with their relationships through providing an example for each
2. What exactly an information system can do? How does it work? List and describe organizational, management, and technology dimensions of information of information systems.
3. What are the problems of using data resource in a traditional file environment, and how are such problems addressed by developing a database system? List and discuss the principal tools and technologies available in order to access the required information from the database which further improves the performance of managers in decision making?
4. Suppose you are assigned as a manager of certain construction management organization, and being asked to develop information system application to gain a competitive advantage through enhancing operational efficiency. Within this connection, which features of your organization do you need to consider in building, and using a successful system?
Answers
Answer
★ knowledge
★ The dimensions of information systems include organizations, management, and information technology. The key elements of an organization are its people, structure, business processes, politics, and culture. An organization coordinates work through a structured hierarchy and formal standard operating procedures.
★ hat are the problems of managing data resources in a traditional file environment, and how are they solved by a database management system?
Traditional file management techniques make it difficult for organizations to keep track of all of the pieces of data they use in a systematic way and to organize these data so that they can be easily accessed. Different functional areas and groups were allowed to develop their own files independently. Over time, this traditional file management environment creates such problems as data redundancy and inconsistency, program–data dependence, inflexibility, poor security, and lack of data sharing and availability. A database management system (DBMS) solves these problems with software that permits centralization of data and data management so that businesses have a single, consistent source for all their data needs. Using a DBMS minimizes redundant and inconsistent files.
What are the major capabilities of DBMS, and why is a relational DBMS so powerful?
The principal capabilities of a DBMS include a data definition capability, a data dictionary capability, and a data manipulation language. The data definition capability specifies the structure and content of the database. The data dictionary is an automated or manual file that stores information about the data in the database, including names, definitions, formats, and descriptions of data elements. The data manipulation language, such as Structured Query Language (SQL), is a specialized language for accessing and manipulating the data in the database. The relational database is the primary method for organizing and maintaining data today in information systems because it is so flexible and accessible. It organizes data in two-dimensional tables called relations, with rows and columns. Each table contains data about an entity and its attributes. Each row represents a record, and each column represents an attribute or field. Each table also contains a key field to uniquely identify each record for retrieval or manipulation. Relational database tables can be combined easily to deliver data required by users, provided that any two or more tables share a common data element.
★ 1. What are the five components that make up an information system?
a. hardware, software, data, people, process
2. What are three examples of information system hardware?
a. There are a number of possible answers: a PC, a printer, a mouse, tablets, mobile phones, etc.
3. Microsoft Windows is an example of which component of information systems?
a. It is an operating system, which is a part of the software component.
4. What is application software?
a. Software that does something useful.
5. What roles do people play in information systems?
a. The text includes examples such as helpdesk support, systems analyst, programmer, and CIO.
6. What is the definition of a process?
a. A process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
7. What was invented first, the personal computer or the Internet (ARPANET)?
a. The Internet was activated in 1969; the personal computer was introduced in 1975.
8. In what year were restrictions on commercial use of the Internet first lifted? When were eBay and Amazon founded?
a. Restrictions were lifted in 1991, Amazon was founded in 1994, and eBay was founded in 1995.