Information Technology and Organizational Learning Textbook

Chapter 1 - study questions 1-5, Exercise 3

Chapter 2 - study questions 1-10, Exercise 2 (Information Systems for Business and Beyond)

Chapter 2 - Note why the IT organizational structure is an important concept to understand. Also, note the role of IT in the overall business strategy.

Answer:

CHAPTER - 1

1. What are the five components that make up an information system?

ans:

hardware, software, data, people, process

2. What are three examples of information system hardware?

ans:

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?

ans:

It is an operating system, which is a part of the software component.

4. What is application software?

ans:

Software that does something useful.

5. What roles do people play in information systems?

ans:

The text includes examples such as helpdesk support, systems analyst, programmer, and CIO.

CHAPTER - 2

1. Write your own description of what the term information systems hardware means.

ans:

should say something about information systems hardware consisting of the physical parts of computing devices that can actually be touched.

2. What is the impact of Moore's Law on the various hardware components described in this chapter?

ans:

The student should pick one of the components and discuss the impact of the fact that computing doubles in speed every two years. Most devices are getting smaller, faster, cheaper, and this should be indicated in the answer.

3. Write a summary of one of the items linked to in the "Integrated Computing" section.

ans:

The student should write a summary of one of the linked articles.

4. Explain why the personal computer is now considered a commodity.

ans:

The PC has become a commodity in the sense that there is very little differentiation between computers, and the primary factor that controls their sale is their price.

5. The CPU can also be thought of as the _____________ of the computer.

ans:

brain

6. List the following in increasing order (slowest to fastest): megahertz, kilohertz, gigahertz.

ans:

kilohertz, megahertz, gigahertz

7. What is the bus of a computer?

ans:

The bus is the electrical connection between different computer components.

8. Name two differences between RAM and a hard disk.

ans:

RAM is volatile; the hard disk is non-volatile. Data access in RAM is faster than on the hard disk.

9. What are the advantages of solid-state drives over hard disks?

ans:

The main advantage is speed: an SSD has much faster data-access speeds than a traditional hard disk.

10. How heavy was the first commercially successful portable computer?

ans:

The Compaq PC was 28 pounds.

The IT organizational structure has been one of the most revolutionary concern to survive in the league and competition is best differentiated by the IT infrastructure of companies. A strong IT strategy provides a blueprint of how technology supports and shapes the organization's overall business strategy. Its strategic goals should mirror business projects (aka business alignment) and take into account the needs of key stakeholders including employees, customers and business partners.