Deck 12: Supporting Decisions and Processes

Question 1

_____ decisions are vaguely defined by standard operating procedures but include a structured aspect that benefits from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology.

A)Structured
B)Semistructured
C)Unstructured
D)Pseudostructured

Answer 1

B

Question 2

In the intelligence phase of the decision-making process, a decision maker defines criteria and generates alternatives to meet the criteria.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Unstructured decisions are often used in computer configuration.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

_____ decisions can be automated because a well-defined standard operating procedure exists for these types of decisions.

A)Structured
B)Semistructured
C)Unstructured
D)Pseudostructured

Question 5

Decision support systems (DSS)are focused on efficiency rather than effectiveness.

Question 6

Criteria are goals and objectives that decision makers establish to achieve certain performance levels.

Question 7

Record keeping, payroll, and simple inventory problems are examples of _____ tasks.

A)structured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)pseudostructured

Question 8

Information technologies are a major support tool for making unstructured decisions.

Question 9

The technical designer usually addresses how data should be stored in a decision support system (DSS).

Question 10

According to the guidelines for designing a management support system, when benefits are intangible, the design team should associate the benefits with a measurable factor, such as increased sales.

Question 11

Collaboration software helps a group of decision makers coordinate and communicate, provided they are all in the same location.

Question 12

Executive information systems (EISs)are used for reporting exceptions.

Question 13

Communication software can include audio conferencing, video conferencing, and text messaging.

Question 14

In a decision support system (DSS), the user interface manages and coordinates the database and model base.

Question 15

A geographic information system (GIS)can integrate maps and database data with queries.

Question 16

A user interface enables a decision support system (DSS)to analyze information.

Question 17

Management support systems have a somewhat different purpose than other information systems.

Question 18

Over time, almost all aspects of a management support system change because of developments in technology and the dynamic business environment.

Question 19

When designing a management support system, guidelines recommend ignoring costs and benefits in order to focus on the interface.

Question 20

Effective design and implementation of an executive information system (EIS)requires top management support and user involvement.

Question 21

Identify a true statement about decision support systems (DSSs).

A)DSSs facilitate improvements but do not necessarily cause them.
B)DSSs focus on efficiency rather than effectiveness.
C)DSSs take more time than conventional decision-making processes.
D)DSSs generate generic solutions and do not provide one-of-a-kind solutions.

Question 22

In the decision support system (DSS)environment, the _____ focuses on how a DSS is implemented and usually addresses questions about data storage, user access, response time, and security measures.

A)managerial designer
B)technical designer
C)model builder
D)user

Question 23

Which component of a decision support system (DSS)manages and coordinates the other major components?

A)database
B)engine
C)model base
D)user interface

Question 24

In the _____ phase of the decision-making process, data is collected from a variety of internal and external sources and processed.

A)choice
B)intelligence
C)implementation
D)design

Question 25

Decisions related to _____ are considered structured decisions at the operational management level of an organization.

A)payroll
B)accounts receivable
C)setting queue priorities
D)sales forecast

Question 26

In the context of organizational decisions at the strategic management level, _____ decisions are often used in deciding the plant location of an organization.

A)pseudo structured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)structured

Question 27

Semistructured decisions are often used in _____.

A)payroll development
B)record keeping
C)sales forecasting
D)hiring and firing

Question 28

Which is true of semistructured decisions?

A)They involve multiple criteria.
B)They rely excessively on information technologies.
C)They require automation.
D)They involve programmable tasks.

Question 29

Identify a true statement about unstructured decisions.

A)They are heavily influenced by the decision maker's intuitions.
B)They involve programmable tasks.
C)They have a standard operating procedure.
D)They are well supported by information technology.

Question 30

In the context of organizational decisions at the strategic management level, a merger involves _____ decisions.

A)pseudostructured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)structured

Question 31

In the context of organizational decisions at the tactical management level, _____ decisions are often used in setting queue priorities.

A)structured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)pseudostructured

Question 32

In a decision support system (DSS), decisions about the type of file structure to be used are taken by the _____ designer.

A)technical
B)managerial
C)model
D)database

Question 33

In the context of organizational decisions at the tactical management level, _____ decisions are often used in resolving conflicts between two divisions.

A)pseudostructured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)structured

Question 34

The _____ component of a decision support system (DSS)includes mathematical and statistical models that, along with the database, enable a DSS to analyze information.

A)user interface
B)DSS engine
C)model base
D)database model

Question 35

_____ is an area that involves unstructured decisions.

A)Record keeping
B)Sales forecasting
C)Research and development
D)Capital acquisition analysis

Question 36

_____ involves semistructured decisions.

A)Record keeping
B)Budget preparation
C)Hiring and firing
D)Research and development

Question 37

In a decision support system (DSS)environment, a _____ is the liaison between users and designers.

A)system architect
B)managerial designer
C)model builder
D)database builder

Question 38

In the context of the roles in the decision support system (DSS)environment, which of the following questions does a managerial designer address?

A)What should the balance between aggregated and disaggregated data be?
B)What are the operations of the model?
C)What type of file structure should be used?
D)What are the assumptions required to create and use a model?

Question 39

In the context of the features of a decision support system (DSS), _____ analysis enables you to apply different variables in decision making.

A)what-if
B)data
C)sensitivity
D)exception reporting

Question 40

Unstructured decisions are often used in _____.

A)introducing a new product
B)capital acquisition analysis
C)record keeping
D)simple inventory problems

Question 41

Another commonly used name for collaborative computing is _____ computing.

A)GIS
B)DSS
C)group
D)analysis

Question 42

Which programs carry out repetitive tasks and can be programmed to make decisions based on specified conditions?

A)Intelligent agents
B)Cyclic trackers
C)Data stabilizers
D)Sequential recorders

Question 43

Which geographic object of a geographic information system (GIS)is most likely used to show the location of an airport?

A)Points
B)Areas
C)Lines
D)Regions

Question 44

_____ software enables team members to prioritize and track tasks by providing features such as boards, timelines, and calendars.

A)Video conferencing.
B)Content management.
C)Communication.
D)Task management.

Question 45

_______ enables decision makers in different locations to communicate in real time.

A)E-mail software
B)Task management software
C)Communication software
D)Geographic information system software

Question 46

Which capability of an executive information system (EIS)is responsible for aggregating data such as sales figures?

A)slice-and-dice
B)ease of use
C)analysis
D)consolidation

Question 47

Asynchronous software enables team members to work together at  _____.

A)an agreed-upon location
B)a location in which a server computer is present
C)different times
D)the same time

Question 48

Disadvantages of collaboration software include _____.

A)It requires the presence of the human touch.
B)It reduces the effectiveness of decision makers.
C)It can cause unnecessary meetings.
D)It increases the need for face-to-face meetings.

Question 49

According to Peter G. Keen, a former MIT professor, which is a benefit of a decision support system (DSS)?

A)Easy assessment of costs and benefits
B)Ability to cause improvements
C)Focus on efficiency rather than effectiveness
D)Fast response to unexpected situations

Question 50

Google Apps for Work, Confluence, and Samepage are examples of ____ software.

A)document management
B)communication
C)GIS
D)decision support system

Question 51

Identify one difference between task management software and project management software.

A)Task management apps emphasize improving the productivity of each team member.
B)Project management apps emphasize improving the productivity of each team member.
C)Task management apps focus on teams that are widely dispersed.
D)Project management apps focus on smaller projects.

Question 52

Which type of software enables team members to store, share, and work together on different files?

A)Content management software
B)Task management software
C)Communication software
D)Geographic information system

Question 53

Identify a true statement about collaboration software.

A)It decreases the effectiveness of decision makers in comparison with other users.
B)Shyness is not as much of an issue when using it as in face-to-face meetings.
C)It complicates teamwork.
D)It requires additional travel from decision makers.

Question 54

A typical executive information system (EIS)offers which of the following capabilities?

A)video conferencing
B)slice-and-dice
C)collaboration
D)messaging

Question 55

In the context of executive information systems (EISs), _____ allows managers to flag data that is unusual or out of normal boundaries.

A)forecasting
B)text mining
C)variance reporting
D)data reporting

Question 56

A(n)_____ system uses spatial and nonspatial data and specialized techniques for storing coordinates of networks of lines (roads, rivers, streets)and reporting zones (zip codes, cities, counties, states).

A)group support
B)geographic information
C)executive information
D)electronic meeting

Question 57

Managers use executive information systems (EISs)to:

A)communicate via videoconferences.
B)work in groups.
C)track inventories.
D)spot trends.

Question 58

A collaboration system supports decision makers by providing access to_____.

A)personnel records
B)decision making criteria
C)a shared environment
D)GIS tools

Question 59

Which feature of an executive information system (EIS)enables users to examine and analyze information?

A)ease of use
B)intelligent agent
C)secure login
D)digital dashboard

Question 60

For a(n)_____ system to be useful, it should collect data related to an organization's critical success factors-issues that make or break a business.

A)group support
B)decision support
C)executive information
D)geographic information

Question 61

Which geographic object of a geographic information system (GIS)is most likely used to show a particular zip code or a large tourist attraction?

A)Points
B)Lines
C)Areas
D)Intersections

Question 62

Which component of a decision support system (DSS)enables the DSS to perform analysis operations on the information stored in the system?

A)model base
B)user interface
C)database
D)DSS engine

Question 63

The different types of information systems that have been developed to support certain aspects and types of decisions are collectively called _____ systems.

A)management support
B)supply chain management
C)electronic meeting
D)geographic information

Question 64

A(n)_____ is an interactive information system consisting of hardware, software, data, and models (mathematical and statistical)designed to assist strategy makers in an organization.

A)decision support
B)supply chain management
C)employee monitoring
D)logistics management

Question 65

What ensures that key decision makers are involved in designing a management support system (MSS)?

A)Clearly defining objectives and benefits.
B)Keeping lines of communication open.
C)Identifying executives' information needs.
D)Designing a flexible system.

Question 66

In _____, a geographic information system (GIS)is used to track changes in ridership on mass-transit systems.

A)marketing operations
B)education planning
C)real estate businesses
D)urban planning

Question 67

_____ uses a geographic information system (GIS)application to dispatch personnel and equipment to crime and fire locations.

A)Transportation and logistics
B)Urban planning
C)Government
D)Insurance

Question 68

Which geographic object of a geographic information system (GIS)is most likely used to show a street or a river?

A)Points
B)Lines
C)Areas
D)Regions

Question 69

A geographic information system (GIS)with analytical capabilities evaluates the impact of decisions by interpreting _____ data.

A)spatial
B)non spatial
C)preexisting
D)assumed

Question 70

In the decision support system (DSS)environment, a _____ is responsible for supplying information on what a model does, what data inputs it accepts, how the model's output should be interpreted, and what assumptions go into creating and using the model.

A)model designer
B)managerial designer
C)model builder
D)database builder

Question 71

In the context of defining the objectives and benefits of a management support system (MSS), which is an intangible benefit?

A)Increasing profits
B)Increasing demand
C)Improving customer service
D)Improving the organization's revenue

Question 72

In _____, a geographic information system (GIS)is used to make the best use of personnel and equipment while dealing with a tight budget and maintaining crime statistics.

A)government
B)logistics
C)marketing operations
D)real estate businesses

Question 73

Which is an important factor in designing a management support system (MSS)?

A)Making the system's complexity visible
B)Keeping the interface simple
C)Ensuring closed lines of communication
D)Varying the look and feel

Question 74

Which task is performed by a geographic information system (GIS)?

A)Finding zip codes of areas with high population
B)Recognizing the location where an accident has occurred
C)Identifying areas with less oxygen
D)Showing the number of people walking across a bridge

Question 75

During the _____ phase of the decision-making process, ideas are converted into actions.

A)intelligence
B)design
C)choice
D)implementation

Question 76

In a typical organization, _____ decisions are often used in capital acquisition analysis.

A)structured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)pseudo structured

Question 77

Which system performs tasks similar to a database management system (DBMS)?

A)decision support
B)model base management
C)electronic meeting
D)geographic information

Question 78

A(n)_____ system is a branch of decision support systems (DSSs)that gives managers easy access to internal and external data and typically includes drill-down features and a digital dashboard for examining and analyzing information.

A)group support
B)executive information
C)electronic meeting
D)geographic information

Question 79

What analysis feature of a decision support system (DSS)pinpoints the region that generated the highest total sales?

A)goal seeking
B)sensitivity
C)what-if
D)exception reporting

Question 80

During the _____ phase  of the decision-making process, the best and most effective course of action is selected.

A)intelligence
B)design
C)choice
D)implementation