EXAM 1 REVIEW.pdf

CHAPTER 1 1.1 Identify the reasons why being an informed user of information systems is important in today’s world. The benefits of being an informed user of IT include the following: - You will benefit more from your organization’s IT applications because you will understand what is “be...

CHAPTER 1 1.1 Identify the reasons why being an informed user of information systems is important in today’s world. The benefits of being an informed user of IT include the following: - You will benefit more from your organization’s IT applications because you will understand what is “behind” those applications. - You will be able to provide input into your organization’s IT applications, thus improving the quality of those applications. - You will quickly be in a position to recommend or to participate in the selection of IT applications that your organization will use. - You will be able to keep up with rapid developments in existing information technologies, as well as the introduction of new technologies. - You will understand the potential impacts that “new and improved” technologies will have on your organization. Consequently, you will be qualified to make recommendations concerning their adoption and use. - You will play a key role in managing the information systems in your organization. - You will be in a position to use IT if you decide to start your own business. 1.2 Describe the various types of computer-based information systems in an organization. - Transaction processing systems (TPS) support the monitoring, collection, storage, and processing of data from the organization’s basic business transactions, each of which generates data. - Functional area information systems (FAISs) support a particular functional area within the organization. - Interorganizational information systems (IOSs) support many inter-organizational operations, of which supply chain management is the best known. - Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems correct a lack of communication among the FAISs by tightly integrating the functional area ISs via a common database. - Electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems enable organizations to conduct transactions with other organizations (called business-to-business (B2B) electronic commerce), and with customers (called business-to-consumer (B2C) electronic commerce). - Business intelligence (BI) systems provide computer-based support for complex, nonroutine decisions, primarily for middle managers and knowledge workers. - Expert systems (ESs) attempt to duplicate the work of human experts by applying reasoning capabilities, knowledge, and expertise within a specific domain. 1.3 Discuss ways in which information technology can affect managers and nonmanagerial workers. Potential IT impacts on managers: - IT may reduce the number of middle managers.  - IT will provide managers with real-time or near-real-time information, meaning that managers will have less time to make decisions. - IT will increase the likelihood that managers will have to supervise geographically dispersed employees and teams. Potential IT impacts on nonmanagerial workers: - IT may eliminate jobs. - IT may cause employees to experience a loss of identity. - IT can cause job stress and physical problems, such as repetitive stress injury. 1.4 List positive and negative societal effects of the increased use of information technology. Positive societal effects: - IT can provide opportunities for people with disabilities. - IT can provide people with flexibility in their work (e.g., work from anywhere, anytime). Robots will take over mundane chores. - IT will enable improvements in healthcare. Negative societal effects: - IT can cause health problems for individuals. - IT can place employees on constant call. - IT can potentially misinform patients about their health problems.