ISTN
Assignment Tutorial for Chapter 1
1. Identify two key management responsibilities in implementing
successful information systems.
 Managers are responsible for actively supporting the growth of
the information system. This includes encouraging employees
and highlighting the goals that the system should achieve in the
future.
 Ensure that the business has the necessary resources (Money,
People, Time) to allow the system to work effectively.
2. State three reasons why organizations employ Leavitt’s
Diamond model to introduce new systems into the workplace.
 To understand that change affects the whole organization and
their required tasks.
 Reduces resistance of the system by employees by providing
training and adjustments to make them comfortable.
 Ensures successful implementation of the system that aligns
with the company’s workflow.
3. Describe four fundamental information system types based on
their sphere of influence.
 Personal IS – supports the work of an individual employee for
personal productivity and daily tasks.
 Workgroup IS – supports a department working together by
helping them share information and coordinate activities.
 Enterprise IS – supports on an organization-wide level by
integrating data and processes across departments.
 Interorganizational IS – connects an organization with external
partners.
4. Discuss the traditional and contemporary view of the role that
information systems play in an organization’s value chains.
Traditionally, information systems were used as a support tool to help
improve the efficiency of the business. It assisted with activities such
as record keeping and basic reporting.
Today, they are a strategic resource. They create competitive
advantage by doing things such as enabling online platforms.
5. Identify four benefits of creating a strategic plan.
 Provides a framework and clearly defined direction to guide
decision making
 Provides effective use of organization’s resources
 Allows organization to be proactive
 Improves communication
6. Identify four drivers that help set the information system
organizational strategy.
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Business unit strategies
Innovative thinking
Technology innovations
IT Investments
7. Identify three ways the IS organization can be perceived by the
rest of the organization, and how each can influence the IS
strategy.
 Cost Centre - becomes focused on efficiency, reducing
spending, and keeping operations running.
 Business partner – improve business partnership and expand
IS services
 Game Changer – drive innovation and achieve competitive
advantage
8. Identify six non-technical skills needed to be an effective
information system worker.
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Communication skills
Problem solving skills
Teamwork
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Leadership
9. Identify two benefits of obtaining a certification in an IS subject
area.
 Improved Career Opportunities – promotions or better positions
 Proof of knowledge – show skill in a certain aspect