Question 01
a) Discuss the key business drivers that motivate organizations to invest in information
systems. (8 Marks)
Operational Excellence: Information systems help improve the efficiency of operations,
resulting in higher profitability.
New Products, Services, and Business Models: They allow businesses to create new
products and services and develop innovative business models.
Customer and Supplier Intimacy: Better relationships with customers and suppliers
improve loyalty and increase revenue.
Improved Decision Making: Real-time data and analytics help managers make better,
faster decisions.
Competitive Advantage: Information systems help achieve performance that
competitors cannot easily replicate.
Survival: In many cases, companies invest in information systems simply to survive in
the industry, especially when competitors are doing the same.
b) Differentiate between a computer, a computer program, and an information system.
(5 Marks)
Computer: A physical electronic device that processes data according to instructions
(hardware).
Computer Program: A set of instructions (software) that tells a computer what tasks to
perform.
Information System: A combination of hardware, software, data, people, and processes
working together to collect, process, and distribute information to support decision-
making and control in an organization.
c) Explain how people, organizations, and technology work together as interrelated
components in the effective use of information systems. (7 Marks)
People: Users, IT professionals, and managers interact with information systems to
perform tasks and make decisions.
Organizations: Information systems are designed to fit the structure, culture, and
business processes of an organization.
Technology: Hardware and software provide the tools needed to collect, store, and
analyze information.
Interaction: Successful information systems require coordination among these three
components to meet business goals and adapt to change.
Question 02
a) How do systems serve the different management groups in a business? Explain in
detail. (10 Marks)
Operational Management: Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) manage daily routine
transactions (e.g., payroll, order processing).
Middle Management: Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support
Systems (DSS) help with monitoring, controlling, decision-making, and administrative
activities.
Senior Management: Executive Support Systems (ESS) provide data for strategic issues
and long-term planning.
b) ‘Systems are so important for collaboration and social business.’ Do you agree?
Briefly explain.
(4 Marks)
Yes, systems enable collaboration through tools like emails, video conferencing, project
management apps, and social networking platforms.
They allow teams to work together regardless of geographic locations, improving
productivity, innovation, and decision-making.
c) Explain the impact new information systems may have on organizational culture and
organizational politics. (6 Marks)
Culture: New systems may change work practices, redefine relationships, and challenge
traditional hierarchies.
Politics: Information is power; those controlling systems and data may gain more
influence within the organization, leading to political struggles.
Question 03
a) Identify and explain the five moral dimensions of the Information Age. How does each
dimension affect ethical decision-making in modern society? (10 Marks)
1. Information Rights and Obligations: What information rights do individuals and
organizations have?
2. Property Rights and Obligations: How will traditional intellectual property rights be
protected in a digital society?
3. Accountability and Control: Who is held accountable for the consequences of
information systems?
4. System Quality: What standards of data and system quality should we demand?
5. Quality of Life: What values should be preserved in an information and knowledge-
based society?
Each dimension influences ethical decision-making by setting guidelines for how
information and technology should be used responsibly and fairly.
b) Discuss Fair Information Practices (FIP) in relation to protecting personal data.
(6 Marks)
Fair Information Practices (FIP) are a set of principles governing the collection and use of
personal data.
Key principles: Notice/Awareness, Choice/Consent, Access/Participation,
Integrity/Security, and Enforcement/Redress.
FIP aims to protect privacy rights and give individuals control over their personal
information.
c) Compare and contrast computer crime and computer abuse. (4 Marks)
Computer Crime: Illegal acts using a computer (e.g., hacking, identity theft, cyber fraud).
Computer Abuse: Unethical but not necessarily illegal behavior (e.g., unauthorized
access, excessive personal use of work computers).
