Question 1

An NGO uses historical trends to determine when charitable giving peaks, and then sets the dates for its donation drives based on the trends. This is an example of ________.

Accepted Answer

The NGO is using historical data to make decisions about when to hold its donation drives. This is an example of data-driven decision making, where an organization uses data to inform its decision making process. Option B (business intelligence) refers to the tools and technologies used to collect and analyze data, and is not an appropriate answer in this context. Option C (customer relationship management) refers to the strategies and processes organizations use to manage interactions with customers, which is not relevant to this scenario. Option D (operations management) refers to the management of business processes and resources, which is also not relevant to this scenario.

Question 2

Which of the following is a function of operations management?

Accepted Answer

Operations management is responsible for overseeing the process of producing and delivering goods and services to customers, which involves coordinating various resources, such as personnel, materials, and equipment, to ensure efficient and effective operations. Tracking financial transactions is a function of accounting and finance, formulating a strategy for business diversification is a function of strategic management, and introducing a new product is a function of product development and innovation.

Question 3

Which of the following is a function of accounting information systems?

Accepted Answer

Accounting information systems are primarily used to carry out financial transactions and record keeping, including procurement of goods and services.

Option B is incorrect as designing a service delivery system is more related to operations or service management than accounting.

Option C is incorrect as developing an induction process is a human resource function.

Option D is incorrect as strategizing for business diversification is a strategic management function.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true about FedEx's social networking site, FaceNet?

Accepted Answer

FaceNet became popular and spread much faster than expected, indicating its success in engaging employees and facilitating communication.

Question 5

Which of the following is true about web-based front offices and online self-service applications?

Accepted Answer

Web-based front offices and online self-service applications often mimic the brick-and-mortar versions, providing a similar experience to customers and improving their convenience. Option A is incorrect because these applications can provide insights into customer requirements and motives through analytics and data tracking. Option C is also incorrect because talent management is a separate function that is not necessarily related to web-based front offices or online self-service applications. Option D is not entirely accurate because while these applications can result in short-term sales boosts, they can also increase customer loyalty in the long run if they offer a smooth and satisfactory user experience.

Question 6

A grocery store would be able to improve customer satisfaction by providing ________.

Accepted Answer

Self-service checkouts allow customers to check out their own groceries, which can save them time and improve their satisfaction.

Question 7

Tiny Navigon included free traffic updates with its portable navigation devices by tapping into FM radio stations from major cities that make up a central database of traffic information. How did this strategy impact them?

Accepted Answer

By including free traffic updates through FM radio stations, Navigon was able to differentiate themselves from competitors who charged for similar services. This gave them a competitive advantage in the market.

Question 8

Chicago University starts an online course called "Comparative Religion." While developing the information systems to support virtual, collaborative education, which of the following factors needs to be taken into account?

Accepted Answer

When developing an online course, it is important to take into account how students actually interact in a classroom setting. This will help to inform decisions about the format of the virtual classroom and the tools and technologies that will be used. Understanding student behavior and preferences can also inform decisions about how to structure the course content and assessments. The other factors listed in the options (B, C, and D) are also important considerations, but they are not the most critical factors to take into account when developing information systems to support virtual, collaborative education.

Question 9

Which of the following is not true of information systems?

Accepted Answer

While some organizations may choose to develop their own information systems, it is not true that most do. Many organizations use off-the-shelf software or services from providers to handle their back-office needs. Therefore, option C is not true of information systems.

Question 10

Decision making that draws on billions of pieces of data that can be aggregated to reveal important trends and patterns is called ________.

Accepted Answer

Data-driven decision making involves using large amounts of data to identify trends and patterns that inform decision making. It allows for a more objective and informed approach to decision making than intuitive decision making (A) or relying solely on personal experience and knowledge (B). While scientific decision making (C) is also based on data and evidence, it typically involves a more rigorous and systematic approach to experimentation and analysis.

Question 11

Achieving excellence in operations can result in ________.

Accepted Answer

Achieving excellence in operations can lead to higher cost savings by optimizing processes, reducing waste, and minimizing errors. Improved organizational justice, increased brand dilution, and increased employee turnover are not direct results of achieving excellence in operations.

Question 12

Which of the following is true of information systems that support collaborative human activities?

Accepted Answer

Information systems that support collaborative human activities need to accommodate numerous possibilities, such as supporting different types of communication, sharing and storing different types of data, and enabling different types of interactions between team members. They need to be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs and preferences of users, and provide features that are easy to use and understand. While these systems can be complex and require sophisticated technology, their success depends largely on how well they meet the needs and expectations of users.

Question 13

A high-end women's clothing store has an inefficient checkout system. This will have ________.

Accepted Answer

An inefficient checkout system can lead to long wait times for customers, which can negatively impact their experience and relationship with the store. Customers may choose to shop elsewhere if they consistently experience long wait times at checkout.

Question 14

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using social networking sites for business collaboration?

Accepted Answer

Social networking sites are not very secure and can pose a risk to confidential business information. There have been instances of hacking and data breaches in the past, which can be detrimental to the business.

Question 15

Information systems are ________.

Accepted Answer

Information systems are a core feature of a company's strategic vision as they can help a company achieve its goals and gain a competitive advantage in the market. Nonprofit organizations and government agencies also use information systems to achieve their goals and serve their constituents. However, they may not have the same level of emphasis on information systems in their strategic vision as for-profit companies. Information systems are not typically a core feature of a company's marketing campaign, although they may be used as a tool within the marketing campaign.

Question 16

How do web-based front offices and online self-service applications transform an organization's relationships with its customers?

Accepted Answer

Web-based front offices and online self-service applications allow customers to handle routine tasks on their own without direct contact with customer service representatives. This frees up representatives to handle more complex issues and improves overall customer satisfaction with the organization.

Question 17

Which of the following led to tighter standards for accounting practices, particularly in banking, and demanded more transparency and reporting?

Accepted Answer

The global financial crisis of 2009 led to tighter standards for accounting practices, particularly in banking, and demanded more transparency and reporting to avoid a similar crisis in the future.

Question 18

Anything that gives a firm a lead over its rivals is called ________.

Accepted Answer

Competitive advantage is the term used to describe the factors that give a firm an advantage over its competitors. This can include things like lower costs, better product quality, superior marketing, or a unique product or service offering. Options A and B are related to growth and efficiency, but do not necessarily provide a competitive advantage. Option C, differentiation, is a common strategy to achieve a competitive advantage by offering unique features or benefits that set a product or service apart from others. However, as a standalone answer, D is the most accurate description of a lead over rivals.

Question 19

Nintendo uses data from information systems of partners, suppliers, and distributors to develop new applications for the Wii console. Which type of information is Nintendo using in this example ?

Accepted Answer

Nintendo is using data from various sources, including partners, suppliers and distributors, to develop new applications for the Wii console. This suggests that they are using business intelligence, which involves leveraging data from internal and external sources to gain insights and make informed decisions about business operations and strategy. The other options - customer-centric information, technical information and social-networking information - do not accurately describe the type of data that Nintendo is using in this example.

Question 20

The information that managers use to make decisions, drawn from the company's own information systems or external sources is called ________.

Accepted Answer

Business intelligence refers to the process of collecting, analyzing, and presenting information that can be used to support decision-making activities within an organization. This information can be drawn from internal data sources such as sales records, customer feedback, and financial reports, as well as external sources like industry reports and market research. Business intelligence allows managers to gain valuable insights into business operations, identify trends and patterns, and make data-driven decisions that can help improve overall performance and profitability.

Quiz 1: Information Systems and People