Question 1

Distributed database processing refers to the processing of multiple databases that reside in a single location.

Accepted Answer

Distributed database processing refers to the processing of multiple databases that are geographically distributed and connected through a network.

Question 2

Distributed database processing refers to the processing of ________.
A)a single database that resides in multiple locations
B)multiple databases that reside in a single location
C)only those databases that contain copies of the same data items
D)only those databases that are divided onto nonoverlapping segments

Accepted Answer

Distributed database processing refers to the processing of a single database that resides in multiple locations. It allows for data to be accessed and processed from multiple locations, making it easier for users to access and work with the data they need regardless of where they are located.

Question 3

The bullwhip effect increases the overall profitability of the supply chain.

Accepted Answer

The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon that occurs when small changes in consumer demand cause increasingly large fluctuations upstream in the supply chain. This can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs for all members of the supply chain, which can ultimately reduce profitability. Therefore, the statement is false.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true of the supply chain?
A)All members of the supply chain of a firm must have geographical proximity.
B)Every supply chain must include suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers.
C)Each organization in the chain is connected to just one company up the chain (toward the supplier)and down the chain (toward the customer).
D)The supply chain includes transportation companies, warehouses, and inventories.

Accepted Answer

The supply chain includes transportation companies, warehouses, and inventories. Option A is incorrect because geographical proximity is not a requirement for members of the supply chain. Option B is incorrect because not all supply chains have the same members; it depends on the nature of the product or service being provided. Option C is incorrect because an organization can be connected to multiple companies up and down the chain.

Question 5

Because an order processing functional system located in, say, the United States is independent of the manufacturing systems located in, say, Taiwan, it implies that ________.
A)it is necessary to accommodate language, business, and cultural differences in a single system
B)products need not always be customized to suit local preferences
C)lack of integration can be extremely disadvantageous for international organizations
D)they can operate independently as long as there is an adequate data interface between the two systems

Accepted Answer

Since the order processing system and manufacturing system are independent, they can operate separately. However, there must be an adequate data interface for them to communicate and exchange information effectively. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. Options A and C are incorrect because they do not relate to the independence of the two systems, and option B is not always true as sometimes products need to be customized to suit local preferences.

Question 6

The process of making a computer program work in a second language is called ________ software.
A)virtualization
B)collaborative filtering
C)localizing
D)enterprise

Accepted Answer

The process of making a computer program work in a different language is known as software localization. It involves modifying the existing code to replace text and other language-specific elements with the translated version that is specific to the target language or locale. This ensures that the software is culturally appropriate, usable and understandable to the target audience. Neither A, B or D describes this process specifically.

Question 7

Cross-functional, integrated systems, such as ERP, solve the problems of data isolation by integrating data into a database that provides a comprehensive and organization-wide view.However, this would require ________.
A)all processes to be located in the same geographical place
B)the company to standardize on a single language
C)backshoring processes to the home country
D)the company to customize its product offerings

Accepted Answer

Cross-functional, integrated systems such as ERP require the company to standardize on a single language to ensure seamless integration of data, as data from different functional areas is stored in a common database. Locating all processes in the same geographical place or backshoring processes to the home country is not necessary for the implementation of integrated systems. Customizing product offerings is also not directly related to solving the problem of data isolation.

Question 8

Technical and data safeguards change for international information systems.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Technical and data safeguards change for international...

Question 9

The business processes that support the competitive strategies of the multinational companies tend to be simpler and easier to implement, as they are isolated from one another.

Accepted Answer

The business processes that support the competitive strategies of multinational companies tend to be complex and interdependent, requiring coordination and integration across various functions and geographies.

Question 10

Which of the following components of an international IS is least affected by internationalization?
A)hardware
B)people
C)procedures
D)data

Accepted Answer

Hardware is generally the least affected by internationalization because it is largely standardized and does not need to be adapted for different languages or cultural contexts, unlike people, procedures, and data.

Question 11

The global economy has intensified rivalry by increasing product and vendor choices and by accelerating the flow of information about price, product, availability, and service.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the impact of the global economy on competition.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true of the impact of globalization on value chains and business processes?
A)Companies must develop a standardized global strategy irrespective of where they are operating from.
B)Companies prefer to perform all their processes in-house as it is more cost-effective than outsourcing.
C)Manufacturing of a final product is frequently distributed throughout the world.
D)Increased globalization calls for greater attention to promotional aspects of the marketing mix as opposed to the product.

Accepted Answer

With increased globalization, manufacturing of a final product is frequently distributed throughout the world. This is because companies can take advantage of lower labor and material costs in different countries, leading to the creation of global value chains. A and D are incorrect because companies must tailor their strategies to the specific regions they are operating in and an increased focus on product development is necessary for global success. B is incorrect because outsourcing can often be more cost-effective than performing all processes in-house.

Question 13

Unlike business processes, information systems procedures need not reflect local cultural values and norms.

Accepted Answer

Information systems procedures should reflect local cultural values and norms as they may affect how information is processed and utilized. Ignoring cultural factors can lead to misunderstanding and inefficiency in the use of information systems.

Question 14

When localizing a computer program, which of the following must a firm NOT do?
A)translate the user interface
B)avoid redesigning labels in forms and reports
C)adjust sorting order for different character sets
D)redraw and translate diagrams

Accepted Answer

A firm should not avoid redesigning labels in forms and reports when localizing a computer program. In fact, it may be necessary to redesign these labels to accommodate different languages and cultural differences. The other options (translating the user interface, adjusting sorting order for different character sets, and redrawing and translating diagrams) are all important steps in localizing a computer program.

Question 15

International organizations have more IS and IT assets, and those assets are exposed to more risk and greater uncertainty.

Accepted Answer

International organizations typically have more IS and IT assets due to their global presence and complex operations. This also increases their exposure to various risks and uncertainties such as cyber-attacks, data breaches, and geopolitical instability.

Question 16

As long as there is an adequate data interface between two information systems that are in locations that are diverse in terms of business practices and language, they can operate independently, sharing data when necessary.

Accepted Answer

As long as there is a standardized data interface, information systems located in different places and utilizing different languages can share data and operate independently.

Question 17

A supply chain is a network of organizations and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers.

Accepted Answer

A supply chain involves a series of interconnected activities involving the transformation of raw materials into finished products that are then delivered to customers through a network of organizations and facilities.

Question 18

A(n)________ is a network of organizations and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers.
A)organizational hierarchy
B)flat organization
C)organizational architecture
D)supply chain

Accepted Answer

A supply chain is a network of organizations and facilities that work together to transform raw materials into finished products that are delivered to customers. It includes suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers. It involves the flow of goods, services, information, and funds from the beginning to the end of the production process. A well-managed supply chain can help companies to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.

Question 19

If the distributed database divides the database into nonoverlapping segments, it is called a ________ database.
A)hierarchical
B)partitioned
C)temporal
D)relational

Accepted Answer

A partitioned database divides the database into nonoverlapping segments, which are then distributed across multiple servers. Hierarchical, temporal, and relational databases do not necessarily involve distribution or partitioning.

Question 20

The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon in which the variability in the size and timing of orders decreases at each stage up the supply chain, from customer to supplier.

Accepted Answer

The statement is opposite of the actual definition of the bullwhip effect. The correct statement would be: The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon in which the variability in the size and timing of orders increases at each stage up the supply chain, from customer to supplier.

Quiz 13: The International Dimension

Distributed database processing refers to the processing of multiple databases that reside in a single location.

Distributed database processing refers to the processing of ________.

The bullwhip effect increases the overall profitability of the supply chain.

Which of the following statements is true of the supply chain?

Because an order processing functional system located in, say, the United States is independent of the manufacturing systems located in, say, Taiwan, it implies that ________.

The process of making a computer program work in a second language is called ________ software.

Cross-functional, integrated systems, such as ERP, solve the problems of data isolation by integrating data into a database that provides a comprehensive and organization-wide view.However, this would require ________.

Technical and data safeguards change for international information systems.

The business processes that support the competitive strategies of the multinational companies tend to be simpler and easier to implement, as they are isolated from one another.

Which of the following components of an international IS is least affected by internationalization?

The global economy has intensified rivalry by increasing product and vendor choices and by accelerating the flow of information about price, product, availability, and service.

Which of the following statements is true of the impact of globalization on value chains and business processes?

Unlike business processes, information systems procedures need not reflect local cultural values and norms.

When localizing a computer program, which of the following must a firm NOT do?

International organizations have more IS and IT assets, and those assets are exposed to more risk and greater uncertainty.

As long as there is an adequate data interface between two information systems that are in locations that are diverse in terms of business practices and language, they can operate independently, sharing data when necessary.

A supply chain is a network of organizations and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers.

A(n) ________ is a network of organizations and facilities that transforms raw materials into products delivered to customers.

If the distributed database divides the database into nonoverlapping segments, it is called a ________ database.

The bullwhip effect is a phenomenon in which the variability in the size and timing of orders decreases at each stage up the supply chain, from customer to supplier.