Business Strategies and Information Systems Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a primary benefit of operational excellence in a business?

Greater market expansion

Higher profits due to improved efficiency (correct)

Lower product prices

Increased customer diversity

Which technology example demonstrates the importance of operational excellence?

Netflix's streaming service

Walmart's Retail Link system (correct)

Apple's iPad

Google's Android OS

How do information systems contribute to new products and services?

Through enhancing customer service only

By decreasing operational costs

By limiting competition

As enabling tools for innovation (correct)

What is the role of customer intimacy in business strategy?

To improve customer loyalty and increase revenues Signup and view all the answers

What value do suppliers provide when there is intimacy between a business and its suppliers?

Vital inputs that lower costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the six strategic business objectives achieved through information systems?

Global brand recognition Signup and view all the answers

What is a business model?

A description of how a company creates and sells products or services Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a company that has used information systems to develop new business models?

Netflix Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of real-time data for managers?

It improves the ability of managers to make informed decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a result of inaccurate information in business management?

Better resource allocation Signup and view all the answers

How can competitive advantage be achieved through information systems?

By leveraging information to charge less for superior products. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a business objective for using information systems?

Improving decision making through accurate data. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes data in contrast to information?

Data consists of raw facts and figures. Signup and view all the answers

What might compel a business to invest in information systems?

Unforeseen governmental regulations. Signup and view all the answers

Which company is cited as having competitive advantage due to effective use of information systems?

Apple. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of an information system within a business?

To support decision making and coordination. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are considered business functions within the organizational dimension of information systems?

Finance and accounting Signup and view all the answers

What role do managers play in the management dimension of information systems?

Setting organizational strategy for technology use Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following technologies is NOT part of the technology dimension of information systems?

Human resources software Signup and view all the answers

What is one key advantage of investments in information technology from a business perspective?

Improved decision-making capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome of the business information value chain?

Improving firm profitability through better data management Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents the importance of unique business processes in an organization?

They define how an organization operates and serves its customers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an aspect of organizational politics within the context of information systems?

Managing interpersonal relationships to achieve goals Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental purpose of an information system in a business context?

To create value through efficient information management Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the sociotechnical perspective in optimizing organizational performance?

Balancing social systems alongside technical systems Signup and view all the answers

What activity is NOT suggested for active reading of chapter 1?

Skimming the text for speed Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is emphasized to avoid in organizational performance discussions?

Technical optimization Signup and view all the answers

What type of tasks are recommended in the context of chapter 1's learning activities?

Performing critical reading and note-taking Signup and view all the answers

What does a satisfactory fit between technology and the organization signify?

Optimized system performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main emphasis of the technical approach to studying information systems?

Developing mathematically based models Signup and view all the answers

Which field is NOT traditionally associated with the behavioral approach to information systems?

Management Science Signup and view all the answers

What area of interest in information systems research deals with the competitive advantage gained through technology?

Strategic Information Systems Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the focuses within the realm of IT Governance?

Organizing the IT function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical area when exploring the adoption of new technologies?

Analyzing user resistance Signup and view all the answers

In the context of information systems, what does the exploration of new technologies mainly seek to achieve?

Leveraging innovative solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between technology and formal sciences in the study of information systems?

Formal sciences provide foundational theories that technology applies. Signup and view all the answers

How should organizations ideally approach software development in the context of information systems?

Through collaboration between technical and behavioral teams Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of design science research?

Building and evaluating artifacts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the UTAUT model's purpose?

To provide a framework for technology acceptance traits Signup and view all the answers

In a sociotechnical system approach, which actor involves the surrounding context that influences a business?

Firm's environment Signup and view all the answers

How do the roles of technology differ in behavioral and design sciences?

Technology is treated as external and unchangeable in both sciences Signup and view all the answers

What role do training and marketing interventions play in the UTAUT model?

They help target populations less inclined to adopt new systems Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a key differentiation between design science and natural science?

Design science aims at utility rather than universal prediction Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered the primary actors in a sociotechnical system according to management information systems?

Suppliers, firms, managers, and the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of behavioral research compared to design science research?

Behavioral research tests universal theories and predictions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Information Systems: Theory & Practice - TU1

Course title: Information Systems: Theory & Practice
Course code: TU1
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Paul Drews
Institution: Leuphana University of Lüneburg

Professor Dr. Paul Drews

Professor of Information Systems, Institute of Information Systems
Dean of the School of Management and Technology
Speaker of the Research Center for Digital Transformation
Delegate of the President for Cooperation with Practice and Entrepreneurship
Program Coordinator for Major Business Information Systems
Assistant Professor of Information Systems at Leuphana University of Lüneburg
PostDoc and research coordinator at the University of Hamburg
PhD in Informatics (sectoral systems of IT innovation)
10 years consulting experience (focus: IT in healthcare) and entrepreneurial experience
Diploma (MSc equivalent) in information systems, University of Hamburg

Britta Werksnis

Research Assistant at the Institute of Information Systems (IIS) Digital Transformation and Information Management
Digital Transformation Lab for Teaching and Learning (DigiTaL)
Dipl.Psych. (Business & Clinical Psychology)
Cultural Management (M.A.)
Founder of an Indie-Games-Start-Up
Acting experience
Worked in various fields like psychology, culture, education, and corporate development

Current Research Topics

Digital Transformation (inter- & transdisciplinary)
IT Strategy/IT Governance/IT Management
Changing Role of IT Function
IT Innovation Management
Enterprise Architecture Management
Data-driven Business Models
Scaling Agile
Cross-industry focus (with special attention to financial services and healthcare)
Publications on Digital Excellence, Data-driven Agility, and Digital Platform Management (published in 2015, 2016, 2018)

Course Organization

Lectures and exercises are held in person
One exercise group for the year
Sign-up for the Moodle course (ISTP-2425 for WiSe 2024/25) for materials (articles, slides, videos)
Written exam (60 minutes), held in person
Exam dates: Feb 12 and Mar 20 (see mystudy for official dates and rooms)
Exam task types: multiple choice, short answers, short case study, exercise content.
Weekly lectures (10-12 hours)
Bi-weekly exercises (12-14 hours)
Readings: One chapter of Laudon & Laudon (2022) per week, and additional readings
Relevant real-world projects

Core Textbook

Laudon, K.C. & Laudon, J.P. (2022) Management Information Systems - Managing the Digital Firm, Global Edition (17th ed., or 16th will work for most parts).
~79 € paperback
~60 € eBook (Adobe DE)

Workload Distribution

Total workload: 5 credits = 150 hours
Lecture: 1.5 hours per week
Active Reading: up to 2 hours per week
Homework (lecture): up to 1 hour per week
Exercises and tasks (group work): up to 4 hours per week
Exam preparation: 24 hours

Question Regarding Organizational Issues

Post general questions on Moodle forum "Forum for organizational issues"
Contact via mail for individual concerns

Chapter 1: Learning Objectives

How information systems transform business and their importance
Defining an information system (components: management, organization, technology)
The significance of complementary assets for information system value
The role of academic disciplines in understanding information systems

Agenda

Introduction: Relevance of Information Systems
Strategic Business Objectives of Information Systems
Defining an Information System
Business Perspective on Information Systems
Information Systems and Academic Disciplines

Opening Case Study: Smart Stores

Reinventing the retail space using technology (e.g., AWM Smart Shelf)
Business challenges and solutions (e.g., competition from online retailers, new technology opportunities)
Role of management, organization, and technology in adapting to changes

Role of Information Systems in Business Today

Transformational impact of mobile digital platforms
Business use of big data and cloud computing.
Globalization opportunities (reduced costs, expanded trade, and outsourcing)—challenges and opportunities
Impact on business in the US (in 2017): Number of companies with dot-com addresses, online purchases, use of mobile phones and social networks
Impact on business in Germany (in 2019): Internet usage by different age groups, online purchases

How Information Systems Are Transforming Business

Data and Information

What is an Information System?

Input: capturing raw data
Processing: converting raw data to meaningful information
Output: transferring processed information
Feedback: return to appropriate members for evaluation

Computer/Computer Program vs. Information System

Computers/software provide the technical foundation
Information systems are more than just the computer hardware/software

Functions of an Information System

Information Systems are More Than Computers

Requires understanding of the organization, management, and information technology

Organizational Dimension of Information Systems

Separation of business functions, including Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, Finance & Accounting, Manufacturing & Production, Unique Business Processes
Different levels in a firm (senior, middle, operational, data workers)

Management Dimension of Information Systems

Organizational Strategy for Responding to Business Challenges
Creating new products and services
Re-creating the organization

Technology Dimension of Information Systems

Computer hardware and software
Data management technology
Networking and telecommunications technology (e.g., networks, the Internet, intranets, extranets, World Wide Web)
IT infrastructure as the platform for system building

Business Perspective on Information Systems

Role of information systems as a tool to improve the return on investment
Value creation & better decisions
Importance of productivity increases and revenue increase
Information system creates value in terms of superior long-term strategy positioning
Use of business information value chain, which are a series of stages for acquiring, transforming, and distributing information
Variations in returns from IT investments
Complementary assets (organizational, managerial, social assets) required for superior returns on technology investments

Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems

Studying Information Systems

Technical approach: mathematically based models, computer science, management science, operations research
Behavioral approach: behavioral issues (strategic business integration, implementation, etc.), psychology, economics, sociology

Information Systems: Bridging Context and Technology

Bridging the gap between business organizations, people, and technology

Information Systems Research: Selected General Areas of Interest

Technology Acceptance (reasons for technological adoption within an organization)
Strategic Information Systems (use of IT to gain a competitive edge)
Information Systems Development (ways of organizing software development)
Exploring and Making Use of New Technologies (leveraging new technologies like AI and blockchain)
IT Governance and IT Strategy (organizations, and how IT operates)
Cross-industry and Industry-specific IS (how IT is used across industries)

Behavioral vs. Design Science Research

Technology acceptance theories (e.g., UTAUT)
Using design science and AI to understand and improve health communication

Approach of the Textbook/Lecture: Sociotechnical Systems

Organization & technical systems working together for optimal performance

A Sociotechnical Perspective on Information Systems

Technology and organization adjusting to one another for satisfactory fit

Tasks for This Chapter

Contact

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts related to business strategies and the role of information systems. This quiz covers topics such as operational excellence, customer intimacy, and business models. Explore how information technology influences modern business practices.