Question 1

________ systems,such as ERP,solve the problems of data isolation by integrating data into databases that provide a comprehensive and organization-wide view.

Accepted Answer

Cross-functional systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), integrate data from different functional areas of an organization into a centralized database, providing a comprehensive and organization-wide view. This integration eliminates data isolation and improves collaboration and decision-making. Functional systems (A) focus on specific functional areas, vertical systems (B) are designed for a specific industry, and interorganizational systems (C) facilitate communication between different organizations.

Question 2

What is the bullwhip effect?

Accepted Answer

The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon in which the variability in the size and timing of orders increases at each stage of the supply chain.

Question 3

What are functional and cross-functional business processes?

Accepted Answer

Functional business processes support particular activities within a single department or business activity.Because the systems operate independently,the organization suffers from islands of automation.Sales and marketing data,for example,are not integrated with operations or manufacturing data.
Cross-functional,integrated systems,such as ERP,solve the problems of data isolation by integrating data into databases that provide a comprehensive and organization-wide view.However,because they are integrated,cross-functional systems do not readily accommodate differences in language,business practices,and cultural norms.

Question 4

What is the accelerator effect?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the accelerator effect?...

Question 5

Industry "best practices" are universal and do not depend on culture.

Accepted Answer

Industry best practices can vary across cultures and may need to be adapted to local norms and values. Different regions may have different legal requirements, business customs, and ethical standards that must be taken into account when determining best practices. It is important to consider cultural differences and adapt practices accordingly to ensure they are effective and appropriate in a particular context.

Question 6

Differences in language,culture,norms,and expectations compound the difficulties of international process management.

Accepted Answer

Differences in language, culture, norms, and expectations can create communication and coordination challenges in international process management, making it harder to effectively manage and coordinate tasks and goals across different countries and cultures.

Question 7

Social networks are popular in any culture with sufficient ________,

Accepted Answer

Social networks require connectivity, which means having access to the internet and other technologies essential for connecting with others online. While computers, people, and communication skills can also facilitate the use of social networks, they are not sufficient on their own.

Question 8

Social networks are popular in any culture with sufficient connectivity.

Accepted Answer

Social networks have become popular worldwide due to the widespread availability of internet connectivity. Regardless of the cultural background, people tend to use social media platforms to connect with others, share information, and communicate with friends and family. Therefore, social networks are popular in any culture with sufficient connectivity.

Question 9

Information systems can be used to reduce or eliminate the ________ effect,a phenomenon in which the variability in the size and timing of orders increases at each stage of the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

The bullwhip effect refers to the increasing variability in the size and timing of orders as they move up the supply chain, from retailers to distributors to manufacturers. This can lead to inefficiencies and excess inventory. Using information systems to better coordinate and share data between each stage of the supply chain can help reduce or eliminate the bullwhip effect. Just-in-time and globalization are not directly related to this phenomenon, and the term "accelerator" does not apply to supply chain management.

Question 10

Supply chain performance is driven by four factors: facilities,inventories,transportation,and information.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Supply chain performance is affected by facilities, inventories, transportation, and information. These four factors are interconnected and play a crucial role in meeting customer demand efficiently and effectively.

Question 11

Functional business processes are often well integrated.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Functional business processes are often well integrated....

Question 12

Because of information systems,any or all of the value chain activities in Porter's model can be performed anywhere in the world.

Accepted Answer

Information systems have enabled geographical barriers to be broken down, allowing for global coordination and communication. Therefore, value chain activities can be performed anywhere in the world.

Question 13

The need to work around the clock caused by moving work into other time zones has greatly reduced productivity.

Accepted Answer

Working across time zones can increase productivity by allowing for continuous operations and leveraging global talent, though it may require careful coordination.

Question 14

Because of what economists call the ________ effect,a dollar spent will contribute two or three dollars of activity to the economy.

Accepted Answer

The accelerator effect refers to the phenomenon where an increase in demand for goods and services leads to an increase in demand for capital goods (e.g. machinery, equipment) to produce those goods and services. This, in turn, leads to an increase in demand for labor and other inputs, resulting in a multiplier effect where one dollar spent leads to two or three dollars of economic activity.

Question 15

What are the four factors that drive supply chain performance?

Accepted Answer

The four factors that drive supply chain performance are facilities, inventories, transportation, and information. Facilities refer to the physical locations where products are stored, manufactured, or processed. Inventories refer to the stock of goods that a company holds at any particular time. Transportation refers to the movement of goods from one location to another, and information refers to the data and communication networks that allow for effective supply chain coordination.

Question 16

Cross-functional systems readily accommodate differences in language,business practices,and cultural norms.

Accepted Answer

Cross-functional systems often face challenges in accommodating differences in language, business practices, and cultural norms, as these systems are typically designed to standardize processes across different functions.

Question 17

Information systems export cultural values.

Accepted Answer

Information systems are designed and used within a cultural context, and therefore, they can reflect and reinforce certain cultural values. For example, algorithms used in search engines or social media platforms can influence what content is prioritized or recommended, which can have a significant impact on users' perceptions and beliefs. Additionally, the design and use of information systems can also reflect cultural attitudes towards privacy, security, and individual rights.

Question 18

Because of the abundance of low-cost,well-educated,English-speaking professionals in India,many organizations have chosen to outsource their service and support functions,as well as some accounting functions,to India.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many organizations have indeed outsourced their service and support functions, as well as some accounting functions, to India due to the availability of low-cost, well-educated, and English-speaking professionals.

Question 19

________ business processes support particular activities within a single department or business activity.

Accepted Answer

Functional business processes are designed to support specific activities within a single department or business function, such as finance or human resources. These processes are focused on improving efficiency and effectiveness within the department, rather than across multiple areas of the organization. Vertical processes, on the other hand, involve multiple departments or functions within a single organization, while interorganizational processes involve multiple organizations working together. Cross-functional processes involve multiple departments or functions within a single organization working together to achieve a common goal.

Quiz 16: International Dimension 3 - Global Is and the Value Chain