Deck 12: IT-Business Communications

Question 1

The technique of assigning a leader from an outside function to manage a team, for example an IT person might lead a business quality team, best describes integrating roles.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Each of the following are reasons for the IT function to be knowledgeable of the business function except:

A) it may result in technology recommendations that can improve the business process.
B) it may make it unnecessary for the business function to be knowledgeable of the IT function.
C) it may improve business productivity.
D) it may reduce delays in sharing information.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

The determinants in partnership in context are mutual benefits, commitment, and predisposition.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

A general understanding of the responsibilities and jobs of their partner is a basic element of developing mutual understanding between IT and business partners.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the element of communication that refers to the unspoken or unwritten messages received by actions of executives and managers?

A) Metaphor, analogy, and example
B) Leadership by example
C) Explanation of inconsistencies
D) Repetition

Question 6

Each of the following is an example of a financial term that an IT development team should be familiar with except:

A) trenches.
B) tranches.
C) derivatives.
D) tax swaps.

Question 7

Pull communication occurs when information is disseminated to the organization without being requested by the receivers of the information.

Question 8

Each of the following is a benefit of IT business communications except:

A) reduced delays in sharing information.
B) less misinterpretations and errors.
C) reduced IT budget.
D) improved responsiveness to customers and other business partners.

Question 9

Managerial linking roles are most likely found in a matrix structure.

Question 10

The responsibility for communication among IT and business functions being delegated to individuals who facilitate the communications channels among business and IT functions best describes a temporary task force.

Question 11

A Web-based distributed directory that enables businesses to list themselves on the Internet and discover one another best describes SOAP.

Question 12

Pull communication occurs when information is requested and normally implies the immediate availability of the information.

Question 13

The probability that programming errors will occur increases with the lack of understanding of the business by IT.

Question 14

A standardized way of integrating Web-based applications using open standards such as XML, SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI over an IP backbone best describes Web services.

Question 15

A detailed understanding of the intricacies of each other's work is a basic element of developing mutual understanding between IT and business partners.

Question 16

It is as equally beneficial for the business partners to learn about IT terms, processes, activities and requirements as it is for IT to learn about the business.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the element of communication that involves adjusting either the communication, or the vision being communicated, as a result of feedback?

A) Metaphor, analogy, and example
B) Leadership by example
C) Explanation of inconsistencies
D) Give and take

Question 18

The level of mutual understanding and commitment to business and IT mission, objectives, and plans by organizational members best describes the intellectual dimension of alignment.

Question 19

The determinants of partnership in context are shared knowledge, mutual dependency of distinctive competencies and resources, and organizational linkage.

Question 20

Ad-hoc meetings, electronic mail, and written communication are all considered forms of direct communication.

Question 21

Each of the following is a way to continuously improve IT communications except:

A) static Intranet.
B) implement specific new technologies.
C) conduct a strategic alignment maturity assessment.
D) training.

Question 22

Ad-hoc meetings, electronic mail, and written communication are all considered _________________mechanisms for increasing communication across business units.

Question 23

Each of the following is an IT tool that helps enhance the cross training and sharing of information and knowledge except:

A) GDSS.
B) electronic white boards.
C) instant messaging.
D) OLAP.

Question 24

Each of the following are actions that organizations can take to create effective partnerships except:

A) education and training.
B) effective use of teams.
C) use benchmarks to create effective measures.
D) use business and IT acronyms.

Question 25

Which of the following mechanisms best describes a technique that assigns a leader from an outside function to manage a team:

A) managerial linking role
B) liaison role
C) integrating role
D) direct communication

Question 26

A specification developed by the World Wide Web Consortium to tag data best describes_________________ .

Question 27

Each of the following is an IT acronym that may be useful for business partners to know the meaning of except:

A) FUBAR.
B) XML.
C) WSDL.
D) UDDI.

Question 28

Which of the following best describes a standardized way of integrating Web-based applications using open standards such as XML, WSDL, and UDDI over an IP backbone?

A) SOAP
B) Web services
C) UDDI
D) Web services description language

Question 29

A contract is an example of a _________________relationship.

Question 30

A(n)_________________ refers to the financial term for bonds having no coupons and no interest paid.

Question 31

The key element for effective communications of vision which suggests that communication
can take many forms such as meetings, memos, newsletters, e-mail, and Web sites best describes_________________

Question 32

Each of the following is a management practice that is necessary for effectively promoting good communication except:

A) liaison agents.
B) task forces.
C) cross-functional project teams.
D) requiring use of electronic calendars.

Question 33

Adjusting communication or the vision being communicated as a result of feedback best describes the_________________ element for effective communications of vision.

Question 34

Each of the following is a factor of Henderson's Partnership in Action concept except:

A) shared knowledge.
B) distinctive competency and resources.
C) mutual benefits.
D) organizational linkage.

Question 35

The Partnership in Context factor that refers to the perceptions that exist prior to the partnership starting best describes_________________

Question 36

Each of the following is a factor of Henderson's Partnership in Context concept except:

A) mutual benefits.
B) distinctive competency and resources.
C) commitment.
D) predisposition.

Question 37

The_________________ of alignment focuses on the level of mutual understanding and commitment to business and IT mission, objectives, and plans by organizational members.

Question 38

Relationships that are defined by rules, policies, and procedures best describe a_________________ relationship.

Question 39

A_________________ best describes a strategy whereby partnerships and mutual understanding are not limited to any particular level of personnel, rather they occur between executives and nonmanagement personnel.

Question 40

Each of the following is a basic element of developing mutual understanding except:

A) understanding the intricacies of their partner's work.
B) understanding the language of their partner.
C) understanding the jobs and responsibilities of their partner.
D) understanding the current capabilities of their partner

Question 41

Describe what is meant by a "multilevel human resource strategy."

Question 42

_________________is a mechanism for increasing communication across business units which is often used to facilitate multiple or different priorities and agendas within a matrix structure.

Question 43

Project teams existing only for the duration of a specific project, providing a mechanism for more effective communication flow, best describes_________________

Question 44

An individual who is delegated the role and responsibility of facilitating the communication channels among business and IT functions best describes a(n)_________________

Question 45

List and briefly describe the two dimensions of Henderson's partnership style relationships.

Question 46

Briefly describe Henderson's transactional and partnership styles of relationships.

Question 47

The_________________ is an assessment process which can reveal opportunities for improving education and knowledge levels of the firm in IT and business arenas.

Question 48

A particular emerging information technology that enables participants to electronically share their ideas, either anonymously or identified, best describes a_________________

Question 49

Briefly discuss why it is important for business partners to understand the IT function.