CUSTOMER_CODE
SMUDE
DIVISION_CODE
SMUDE
EVENT_CODE
OCTOBER15
ASSESSMENT_CODE MB0047_OCTOBER15
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
126142
Explain the Following with respect to database systems.
i.
Data independence
ii.
Reduced data redundancy
iii.
Data consistency
QUESTION_TEXT
iv.
Data access
Explanation of each – 2.5 marks each
Data independence
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Databases allow data pertaining to an activity or a domain to be
maintained independently. This independence means that the data is
stored in separate files in a structured manner, and the creation and
updating of the data is done independent of its uses. For instance, in a
college, a database of students is updated when a student joins or leaves
the college, changes address, changes phone number, and so on. This is
independent of how the data is used by programs for course registration
or for the library. Furthermore, the programs and applications that use
the data are not aware of where and how the data is maintained; they
only need to know how to make simple calls to access the data.
Reduced data redundancy
One goal of databases is to reduce data redundancy. Data redundancy
refers to the duplication of data in different tables. If data on students is
maintained in two or three different databases in the college then for one
change, say in a student's mobile phone number, all the databases have to
be changed. Reduced data redundancy ensures that minimal storage is
used for the data. With the rapid Increase In data over time, conserving
space is an important management challenge.
Data consistency
It is important that data users have access to consistent data, that is, the
data IS the same regardless of the application through which the user
accesses it. Consistency implies that the integrity of the data is
maintained (the data has not been changed or corrupted in a manner
unknown to the system); the data is valid, which means that the data is
the correct one to use for the moment; and the data is accurate, which
means that the data being used is the one that was designed to be used.
Consistency requires careful management of data updating, deletion,
copying, and security.
Data access
Data stored in databases must be accessible efficiently. Very large
databases, such as those maintained by eBay, have to be managed in a
way that when users search within them, their results should be available
within a matter of seconds. A search in eBay results in a response within
a few seconds, even though the system has to search through billions of
records. Furthermore, the response from the database has to be presented
to the user in a manner that is easy to read and understand, which
requires further processing.
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
126879
Explain neural networks.
QUESTION_TEXT
A neural network is a mathematical model of neurons in animal brains.
The network consists of nodes and links between them. One set of
nodes are called input nodes, and input data is provided to these
nodes….
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Neural networks are used in two types of analytical problems:
1.
Classification
2.
Prediction
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
126967
QUESTION_TEXT
Write a note on types of information technology.
Note on information system: 2.5 mark
Components of information technology infrastructure
SCHEME OF EVALUATION 1.
Enterprise Information technology–2. 5 mark
2.
Network Information technology–2.5 mark
3.
Functional Information technology–2.5 mark
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
126968
Discuss Decision making.
QUESTION_TEXT
Note on decision making–2.5 marks
a.
Intelligence–2.5 marks
SCHEME OF EVALUATION b. Design–2.5 marks
c.
Choice–2.5 marks
(10 marks)
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
170808
QUESTION_TEXT
Discuss the important tasks the CIO has to perform.
Explanation of 4tasks – 2.5 marks each
1.
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Information systems plan
The information systems plan of an organisation states the precise roles
that the IS have to play in supporting the vision and goals of the
organisation. This is a high-level statement that outlines the nature of the
IT infrastructure, the processes that will be enabled by and supported by
the IS, the manner in which business will interact with the IS, and the
future direction that the IS function will take. This plan is a crucial
document that frames the role of the IS function and its precise nature of
interaction with the organisation.
2.
Vendor coordination
The CIO is usually the nodal person who interfaces with large vendors,
particularly for the centralised IT management. The CIO is responsible
for selecting, contracting and managing the vendor. This high-level
interaction enables the vendors to report to and request resources from a
person of responsibility. This role also entails careful monitoring of the
vendors and producing reports on their activities for the top
management.
3.
Technology updates
The CIO also has to monitor the technical developments happening in
the industry. This role requires a certain background in and knowledge
of IT and the ability to follow the multiple and varied trends in the
industry. CIOs often attend conferences and seminars organised by
industry associations to understand the growth path of technologies and
firms supporting them. This knowledge is crucial for technology
selection and up gradation. The CIO provides the essential link between
the needs of the organisation and the technology advances that can help
meet those needs.
4.
Return on investment of technology
The return on investment (ROI) is a numerical measure of the financial
value of an investme0 It is usually computed as a percentage. Thus, if an
amount of 100 units is spent on an asset, and this asset helps earn 10
units for the organisation, then the return on the investment is said to be
10%. One part of the CIO's job is to compute whether IT investments
have provided a return, and if so, how much is the return.
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
170809
QUESTION_TEXT
Briefly discuss the main functions of the human resource management
module of an ERP.
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Explanation of any 5 tasks – 2 marks each
1.
Workforce process management: It is a place where data on
employee performance, benefits, and work record is maintained
according to legal requirements. These functions enable management to
view the record of and make decisions about employees.
2.
Manager self-service: It is a module that allows managers to
view the profile of employees to seek out top performers and those with
specific skills, calculate costs associated with employees, and estimate
salary enhancements and budgets.
3.
Enterprise compensation management: It is a place where data
and analyses regarding salaries, benefits, bonus awards, salary trends,
salary adjustments, budgets and planning, and compensation
management are conducted. This module helps keep track of salary
trends within the industry to help management attract and retain the best
skilled and talented employees.
4.
E-Recruitment: This module helps organisations track
candidates for employment through online databases, notifications, and
hiring facilities.
5.
Organisational management: This module helps with analysing
the structure of the organisation in terms of its reporting and functional
hierarchy, and helps analyse how different structures could be evolved
and how they could be staffed.
6.
Organisational learning: This module allows managers to
assess the qualifications and skills within their workforce and plan for
training and education for skills development. The module enables
planning for company-wide training programs, budgeting for them, and
managing their execution.