Question 1

A potential disadvantage of telework is that can create potential security issues.

Accepted Answer

Telework involves accessing and possibly sharing sensitive information over the internet, which can increase the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. Additionally, remote workers may use personal devices and unsecured networks, which can further compromise the security of company data. Therefore, companies must implement appropriate security measures to protect their sensitive information when employees work remotely.

Question 2

Telework, or telecommuting, focuses on enabling workers to work from home.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

While over 812 out of every 1,000 people in the United States own a computer, that figure drops to less than 20 out of 1,000 in the Middle East and Africa.

Accepted Answer

The statement is outdated and inaccurate. Computer ownership in the Middle East and Africa has increased significantly over the years, and the figures are higher than stated.

Question 4

Some work roles and some individuals are not well suited for telework opportunities.

Accepted Answer

While telework has become more common and accessible, some jobs and individuals require in-person interaction or do not have the necessary tools or resources to effectively work from home.

Question 5

The program manager of Khanya feels that the greatest contribution of the Khanya project was that it proved that ICT can be implemented successfully on a large scale in Africa.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true, as per the opinion of the program manager of Khanya.

Question 6

There is seldom much lag time between the application of innovative IT solutions and the capture of significant productivity gains.

Accepted Answer

Innovative IT solutions often require time for implementation, adaptation, and integration into existing systems before significant productivity gains are realized.

Question 7

It is harder to quantify the benefits of today's IT investments on worker productivity than during the early days of IT in the 1960s.

Accepted Answer

This is because many of the benefits of today's IT investments on productivity are intangible and difficult to measure, such as improved collaboration and communication, increased flexibility and remote work options, and access to vast amounts of information and resources at the click of a button. In the 1960s, the benefits were more tangible, such as faster processing speeds and automated tasks.

Question 8

A potential disadvantage of telework is that some teleworkers may suffer from isolation and may not really feel "part of the team."

Accepted Answer

This is a commonly cited disadvantage of telework, as some teleworkers may miss the social interaction and sense of belonging that comes with working in an office environment.

Question 9

Most countries have continually been able to produce more goods and services over time-not through a proportional increase in input but by making production more efficient.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true, as most countries have experienced economic growth over time due to improved efficiency in their production processes, as opposed to simply using more resources. This is often achieved through technological advancements, improved management techniques, and workforce training.

Question 10

The digital divide exists not only between more and less developed countries but also within countries-among age groups, economic classes, and people who live in cities versus those in rural areas.

Accepted Answer

The statement correctly states that the digital divide is not only present between developed and less developed countries but also within countries among different segments of society. This can include variations among age groups, economic classes, and those living in urban versus rural areas.

Question 11

Investment in IT is by far the single most important driver of worker productivity.

Accepted Answer

While IT investment can significantly enhance productivity, other factors like skills, management practices, and organizational culture also play crucial roles.

Question 12

It is difficult to quantify how much the use of IT has contributed to worker productivity.

Accepted Answer

This is true because there are many factors that contribute to worker productivity, and IT is just one of them. Additionally, the impact of IT on productivity can vary depending on the industry, company, and specific job tasks. Quantifying the exact amount can be challenging.

Question 13

The E-Rate program is one example of a government program that has been well run and free of abuse, fraud, and scandal.

Accepted Answer

While the E-Rate program has helped to bring internet access to schools and libraries in low-income areas, there have been cases of abuse and fraud within the program. The FCC and Department of Justice have taken action to investigate and prosecute those involved in such activities.

Question 14

There is a simple and direct relationship between investment in IT and U.S. productivity.

Accepted Answer

The relationship between IT investment and U.S. productivity is complex and influenced by various factors such as the effective use of technology, complementary investments, and changes in business processes.

Question 15

The standard of living is about the same among groups within a single country although it varies greatly from country to country.

Accepted Answer

The standard of living can vary greatly even within a single country, depending on factors such as income level, education, and geographic location. However, it is true that the standard of living can differ greatly between different countries.

Question 16

The Western Cape province initiated the Khanya Project to address the shortage of teachers in the region, to bridge the digital divide by providing access to computer technology to all schoolchildren and educators, and to prepare the Western Cape for the new "knowledge economy."

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the goals of the Khanya Project initiated in the Western Cape province.

Question 17

The digital divide does not exist in the United States.

Accepted Answer

While internet access has grown in the United States over the years, there are still significant disparities in access and usage based on factors such as income, geography, and race/ethnicity. The digital divide continues to exist, although progress has been made in closing the gap.

Question 18

The decade of 1990-2000 demonstrated the greatest rate of increase in worker productivity in the history of the United States.

Accepted Answer

The decade of 1990-2000 did see significant productivity growth, but it is not definitively the greatest rate of increase in U.S. history. Other periods, such as the post-World War II era, also experienced substantial productivity gains.

Question 19

One of the goals of the Education Rate (E-Rate) program is to help schools and churches to obtain access to state-of-the-art services and technologies at discounted rates.

Accepted Answer

The E-Rate program is designed to help schools and libraries, not churches, obtain access to affordable telecommunications and internet services.

Question 20

There really is no such thing as a digital divide.

Accepted Answer

While access to technology has increased, disparities still exist in terms of availability, affordability, and digital literacy. This creates a divide between those who have access to technology and those who do not, leading to differences in opportunities and outcomes.

Quiz 8: The Impact of Information Technology on Productivity and the Quality of Life