Mis Final Exam
Q: What does a typical program status on a page convey to stakeholders?
A: A program status page provides stakeholders with a clear overview of progress, objectives, milestones, and any potential issues or updates. The course roadmap shown in class, for example, is a visual representation of where the program stands in relation to its goals.
Class 2: Information Literacy
Q: What is the difference between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in the context of a business?
A:
Data: Raw facts (e.g., sales numbers, temperature readings).
Information: Organized data that provides context (e.g., sales by region).
Knowledge: Insights derived from information (e.g., recognizing a sales trend).
Wisdom: Using knowledge for sound decision-making (e.g., creating a strategy to capitalize on trends).
Q: What is the difference between Intelligence and Wisdom?
A: Intelligence involves the ability to acquire and apply knowledge, while wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments based on knowledge and experience.
Q: What is a fact? What qualities does a fact have?
A: A fact is a verifiable truth that is objective and measurable. Qualities include accuracy, reliability, and universality.
Q: What is the difference between a “true/useful fact” and a “false/misleading fact”?
A: A true/useful fact is accurate and relevant; a false/misleading fact is either incorrect or used in a way that distorts understanding.
Q: Know an example of “triangulation” and “corroboration.”
A:
Triangulation: Using multiple sources to validate information (e.g., checking weather forecasts from three different websites).
Corroboration: Cross-verifying facts within the same context (e.g., matching a historical date from two textbooks).
Q: When you say you are “information literate,” what do you mean?
A: Being able to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information for problem-solving and decision-making.
Q: What’s “Digital”? What’s the difference between digitization and digitalization?
A:
Digital: Involving electronic technology for processing information.
Digitization: Converting analog data into digital form.
Digitalization: Using digital technologies to improve processes.
Class 3A-B: System Theory
Q: What are the differences between “system” and “process”?
A:
System: A set of interconnected parts working together.
Process: A sequence of steps within a system to achieve a goal.
Q: What are the 8 parts of any process or system?
A:
Inputs
Outputs
Processes
Controls
Feedback
Environment
Purpose
Mechanisms
Q: Know how supersystem, system, and subsystem relate to each other.
A:
Supersystem: A larger system encompassing multiple systems (e.g., the economy).
System: The main focus (e.g., a company).
Subsystem: Components of the system (e.g., departments).
Q: What do interdependence, synergy, entropy/obsolescence, and sub-optimization mean?
A:
Interdependence: Parts relying on each other.
Synergy: Combined parts achieve more than individually.
Entropy/Obsolescence: Systems degrade over time without maintenance.
Sub-optimization: Optimizing parts at the cost of the whole system.
Q: What’s the function of the enterprise, and what 3 things describe leading digital enterprises today?
A: Function: Deliver value. Leading enterprises excel in agility, innovation, and customer-centricity.
Q: What’s the difference between a stakeholder and a shareholder?
A:
Stakeholder: Anyone impacted by the business (e.g., employees, customers).
Shareholder: An owner of the company through stock.
Class 4: Evaluating Information
Q: What are the 3 challenges of evaluating information today?
A:
Overabundance of information.
Misinformation and disinformation.
Complexity in verifying sources.
Q: What are fake news and deep fakes?
A: Fake news: Fabricated stories to mislead. Deep fakes: AI-generated content that imitates real people or events.
Q: What’s the difference between “bias,” “perspective,” and “agenda”?
A:
Bias: Personal inclination or prejudice.
Perspective: Point of view or context.
Agenda: Underlying motive or plan.
Q: What is disinformation?
A: Deliberate spreading of false information (e.g., propaganda).
Class 5: Doing Good Research
Q: What are the layers of the web, and what are their differences?
A:
Surface Web: Publicly accessible information.
Deep Web: Non-indexed content (e.g., private databases).
Dark Web: Encrypted, anonymous content.
Q: What’s the role of spider/bot, database, and user in search engines?
A:
Spider/Bot: Collects and indexes web content.
Database: Stores indexed information.
User: Accesses information via search queries.
Q: How might generative AI change search?
A: AI enables more personalized, conversational searches and predictive content suggestions.
Q: If given specs for a new laptop, what are these parts and how do they work?
CPU/Processor: The "brain" of the computer that processes instructions.
Clock Speed (GHz): Measures how many cycles the CPU can execute per second, affecting performance.
Primary Storage (RAM, Registers, Cache):
RAM: Temporary, fast storage for active processes.
Registers: Ultra-fast storage directly in the CPU.
Cache: Stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval.
Secondary Storage (Hard Drive, External Drive): Long-term storage for files and programs.
ROM: Non-volatile memory containing critical instructions, like boot processes.
Input/Output Devices: Allow interaction with the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor).
Q: When should you spend more money on a computer?
Spend More: For tasks like gaming, video editing, or machine learning (e.g., on graphics processors).
Save: For basic needs like web browsing or word processing.
Q: What’s the difference between a client computer and a server computer?
Client: A user’s device that requests services from a server (e.g., laptop, desktop).
Server: A powerful computer providing resources or services to clients (e.g., file storage).
Q: What’s the foundational technology of modern computers?
A: Transistors, enabling binary data processing (0s and 1s).
Q: What’s Moore’s law?
A: The number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years, increasing performance.
Q: What’s the difference between a bit, nibble, and byte?
Bit: Smallest data unit (0 or 1).
Nibble: 4 bits.
Byte: 8 bits.
Q: How many bytes are in KB, MB, GB, etc.?
1 KB = 1,024 bytes
1 MB = 1,024 KB
1 GB = 1,024 MB
1 TB = 1,024 GB
1 PB = 1,024 TB
Q: What does the King of Denmark have to do with my tech?
A: Bluetooth technology is named after King Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark, symbolizing connectivity.
Computer Software
Q: What is software and how do humans create it?
A: Software is a set of instructions for a computer, created using programming languages.
Q: What’s the difference between source code and object code?
Source Code: Human-readable programming language.
Object Code: Machine-readable binary after compilation.
Q: What does “open source” refer to? Why choose open or closed source?
Open Source: Free, modifiable software (e.g., Linux).
Pros: Cost-effective, customizable.
Cons: May lack dedicated support.
Closed Source: Proprietary software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
Pros: Reliable, supported.
Cons: Expensive, less flexible.
Q: What is COTS?
A: Commercial Off-The-Shelf Software, pre-built and ready for purchase/use.
Q: What are the 3 main types of software?
System Software: OS like Windows.
Application Software: Programs like Excel.
Development Software: Tools like Java or Python IDEs.
Q: What’s the difference between General-Purpose and Functional Applications?
General-Purpose: Versatile (e.g., word processors).
Functional: Specific to business areas (e.g., accounting software).
Q: How do businesses acquire software?
Buy: Ready-made (COTS).
Build: Custom development.
Lease: Subscription-based models.
Business Information Systems
Q: What does “setting the aim” mean?
A: Aligning a company’s vision, mission, and values with goals (G-SOT or GOSPA).
Q: What’s the difference between business strategy and business processes?
Strategy: High-level goals and plans.
Processes: Day-to-day activities achieving those goals.
Q: What are ROI, KPI, CSF, and benchmarking?
ROI: Return on Investment, measures profitability.
KPI: Key Performance Indicators, track performance.
CSF: Critical Success Factors, essential for goals.
Benchmarking: Comparing performance against industry standards.
Q: What’s the value chain?
A: A model analyzing a business's activities to identify value creation and improvement opportunities.
Q: What is SWOT?
A: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, used for strategic planning.
Q: What’s the difference between customer-facing and business-facing processes?
Customer-Facing: Interact directly with customers (e.g., sales).
Business-Facing: Internal operations (e.g., payroll).
Storing and Organizing Information
Q: What’s the difference between structured and unstructured data?
Structured: Organized into rows/columns (e.g., databases).
Unstructured: No predefined format (e.g., emails).
Q: What are the 5 V’s of Big Data?
Volume: Amount.
Velocity: Speed.
Variety: Types.
Veracity: Accuracy.
Value: Usefulness.
Q: Why avoid spreadsheets for important data?
Difficult to scale.
Prone to errors.
Lack of centralization.
Q: What is a primary key? Foreign key?
Primary Key: Unique identifier for a record (e.g., ID).
Foreign Key: Links tables by referencing a primary key.
Class 10: Decision-Making and DSS
Structured, Semi-structured, and Unstructured Decisions:
Structured: Decisions with a clear, standardized process (e.g., calculating payroll).
Semi-structured: Partial structure, but judgment is needed (e.g., hiring a new employee).
Unstructured: Complex decisions without a predefined process (e.g., entering a new market).
Types of Decisions:
Decision: A choice made after considering alternatives.
Problem: A gap between current and desired states that requires action.
Opportunity: A favorable condition that can be exploited for gain.
Paradox: A situation involving contradictory yet interdependent elements.
Dilemma: A choice between two undesirable options.
Steps of the Rational Decision-Making Process:
Identify the problem.
Gather relevant information.
Generate possible solutions.
Evaluate alternatives.
Choose the best option.
Implement the decision.
Monitor and evaluate the outcome.
Sensemaking Approach:
Used when the problem is ill-defined or ambiguous.
Focuses on creating shared understanding and framing the issue for decision-making.
DSS (Decision Support System):
Acronym for Decision Support System.
Interactive software designed to assist in decision-making by analyzing large data sets and presenting insights.
Decision Matrix vs. Weighted Decision Matrix:
Decision Matrix: Compares options across criteria without weighting their importance.
Weighted Matrix: Assigns weights to criteria based on importance, influencing the final decision.
Business Decision-Making Models:
What-if (Sensitivity and Scenario): Examines changes to variables to predict outcomes.
Goal-seeking: Determines how to achieve a specific target.
Optimization: Identifies the best solution under given constraints.
Good vs. Bad Models:
Good: Accurate, validated, easy to understand, and relevant to the problem.
Bad: Inaccurate, outdated, overly complex, or biased.
Data Visualization Tools:
Examples: Charts, graphs, dashboards.
Use: Simplify data interpretation, identify trends, and aid decision-making.
Class 11: Networking
LAN vs. WAN:
LAN (Local Area Network): Covers a small area (e.g., office, home).
WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a large geographical area (e.g., the Internet).
ISP:
Stands for Internet Service Provider.
Provides access to the Internet for individuals and businesses.
IEEE 802.11 (WiFi 6) and Mobile Protocols:
IEEE 802.11 (WiFi 6): Wireless networking standard for local connections.
4G/5G: Standards for mobile cellular networks.
Measuring Data Transmission Speed:
Speed: Measured in bits per second (bps).
Storage: Measured in bytes (B), where 1 byte = 8 bits.
Bandwidth:
Definition: Maximum data transfer rate over a network.
Measurement: Mbps or Gbps.
Reasonable Download Bandwidth:
Current reasonable rates: 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps for home internet.
Bandwidth Comparison:
Lowest: Bluetooth.
Middle: WiFi.
Highest: Ethernet.
TCP/IP Protocol:
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): Ensures data packets are delivered accurately.
IP (Internet Protocol): Routes and addresses packets.
Network Protocol for the Web:
HTTP/HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol/Secure).
Internet vs. Intranet vs. Extranet:
Internet: Global public network.
Intranet: Private internal network.
Extranet: Controlled access network for external partners.
Packet Switching vs. Circuit Switching:
Packet Switching: Data is split into packets sent independently over the network.
Circuit Switching: Dedicated path for the entire communication (e.g., traditional phones).
Super/Peer/Sub Systems:
Super: Internet.
Peer: Email, web.
Sub: FTP.
IPv4 to IPv6:
IPv6 provides more addresses due to IPv4 exhaustion.
Ownership of the Internet:
No one owns the Internet; it’s a collection of networks managed by organizations and individuals.
Key Terms:
URL: Web address.
IP Address: Numeric identifier for devices.
DNS (Domain Name System): Converts URLs into IP addresses.
Domain Types:
.com, .net, .edu: Top-level domains indicating purpose (commercial, network, education).
Internet of Things (IoT):
Network of interconnected devices sharing data (e.g., smart homes).
Firewall:
Filters incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect against threats.
Packet Switching Advantage:
More efficient and resilient compared to circuit switching.
Organizations:
IETF: Develops Internet standards.
W3 Consortium: Develops web standards.
FCC: Regulates communications in the U.S.
IEEE: Develops standards for technology (e.g., WiFi).
Class 12: Security
External vs. Internal Threats:
External Threats: Originating outside the organization (e.g., hackers, malware attacks).
Internal Threats: Originating within the organization, often involving employees (e.g., misuse of data, unintentional errors).
Example from Belanger Fig. 8.1: Malware is external; disgruntled employee data theft is internal.
Three Levels of System Security:
Operational Security: Day-to-day protection, like passwords.
System Security: Protecting hardware/software (e.g., firewalls).
Physical Security: Protecting physical assets (e.g., locks, CCTV).
Common Security Threats:
Malware: Malicious software causing harm (e.g., viruses, ransomware).
Virus: Self-replicating code that infects systems.
Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information (e.g., fake emails).
Vishing: Voice-based phishing (e.g., fraudulent phone calls).
Social Engineering: Manipulating people into divulging information.
Ransomware: Encrypts data, demands payment for decryption.
Sniffer: Eavesdropping tool that captures network data.
Spyware: Monitors and collects user data without consent.
Trojan Horse: Disguised as legitimate software but contains malicious code.
Hacker Types:
Black Hat Hacker: Malicious intent (e.g., data theft).
White Hat Hacker: Ethical hacking to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
Prevention Checklist:
Antivirus, firewalls, software updates, strong passwords, VPNs, data encryption.
Backing Up Data:
Use external drives (e.g., SSD) and cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive).
Encryption:
Secures data by converting plaintext into ciphertext (e.g., "HELLO" → "IFMMP" using a Caesar cipher).
VPN:
Encrypts data transmission to secure communications over Wi-Fi.
Firewall:
Filters incoming/outgoing traffic to block malicious access.
Security Tools:
VPN: Secures remote communications.
Password Manager: Safely stores complex passwords.
Anti-virus: Detects and removes malware.
Authentication vs. Authorization: Authentication verifies identity; authorization grants access.
Class 13: Ethics and Information
Personal Information Handling Dilemma:
Balancing business interests (e.g., data monetization) with customer privacy and trust.
Impact of Poor Ethics:
Countries with corruption are less attractive for investment. Ethical behavior fosters trust and economic growth.
Data Broker:
An entity that collects, buys, and sells personal data for profit.
Data Collection by Brokers:
Public records, online activities, social media, purchase histories.
Values, Morals, Ethics, and Laws:
Value: Personal belief (e.g., honesty).
Moral: Right vs. wrong (e.g., helping others).
Ethic: Professional standard (e.g., confidentiality).
Law: Legally enforceable rule (e.g., no theft).
Guiding Principles of Info Ethics (#6–10):
Respect privacy, maintain confidentiality, ensure data accuracy, promote transparency, foster accountability.
Personal Information Examples:
Names, addresses, social security numbers, health records, purchase history.
Intellectual Property:
Creations of the mind (e.g., patents, trademarks).
Copyright Law:
Protects the rights to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works.
Fair Use:
Four factors: Purpose, nature, amount, and effect on the market.
Ownership of Work Data:
Typically owned by the company if created on its systems.
Class 14: Projects and Development
Project vs. Process:
Project: Temporary, unique goal.
Process: Ongoing, repetitive activities.
Project Success Rates:
~30% are fully successful; ~70% are not completely successful.
Project Management Terms:
Scope: Project boundaries.
Scope Creep: Uncontrolled expansion of project scope.
Milestones: Key points in the timeline.
PERT Chart: Visualizes tasks and their dependencies.
Gantt Chart: Tracks tasks over time.
Critical Path and Slack:
Critical Path: Longest sequence of tasks.
Slack: Extra time in the schedule.
Project Failures:
Causes: Overruns in schedule, budget, or unmet functionality.
Development Approaches:
Waterfall: Sequential, best for clear, stable projects.
Agile: Iterative, flexible, suitable for evolving needs.
System Development Life Cycle (SDLC):
Framework for creating or acquiring systems. Ensures efficiency and accuracy.
Why Use Formal Approaches?
To avoid mismanagement and ensure accountability.
Benefits vs. Cost Curves:
Converge as system costs increase while benefits plateau.
Waterfall vs. Agile Phases:
Waterfall: Analysis → Design → Implementation → Testing → Maintenance.
Agile: Iterative cycles (sprints) with constant user feedback.
Four Feasibility Studies:
Economic: ROI analysis.
Technical: System capability.
Operational: Alignment with organizational goals.
Legal: Compliance with laws.
Gap Analysis:
Identifies differences between current and desired states.
On-premises vs. Cloud Computing:
On-premises: Local control.
Cloud: Flexible, scalable.
Three Ways to Acquire Systems:
Build: Custom solutions.
Buy: Off-the-shelf systems.
Subscribe: SaaS for scalability.