26. What role does database management play in managing data as a business resource?
27. Discuss the five Database Structures (Models). In ch 5
1- Hierarchical Structure – treelike structure of one-to-many parent-child relationships (each child can have only one parent)
2- Network Structure – similar to hierarchical but allows many-to-many relationships (a child record can have more than one parent)
3- Relational Structure – the most widely used database model today; data is represented as a series of two-dimensional tables called Relations; each column is a named attribute of the entity, each row is an unnamed instance of that entity
4- Multidimensional Structure – variation of the Relational model using multidimensional structures to organize and express relationships
5- Object-Oriented Structure – combining the data of interest and the processes that act on that data into a structure called an object
28. Discuss the differences between client/server and peer-to-peer networks?
29. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) consists of two units. What are these units and their functions? In ch 3
Processing – the CPU (Central Processing Unit)
consists of the Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU – performs the arithmetic and logic functions)
and the Control Unit (controls the rest of the computer)
30. What are the main Information systems activities and describe each activity? In ch 1
Information System Activities
Input of Data Resources
Processing of Data into Information – organize, analyze, and manipulate data
Output of Information Products – dissemination of information products to appropriate end users
Storage of Data Resources
Control of System Resources – monitoring feedback to assure the system meets its performance standards
31. Discuss about value chain and strategic IS. In ch 2
32. What are the Storage Tradeoffs? Discuss the Storage Tradeoffs for both primary storage and secondary storage media. In ch 3
Tradeoffs are Cost vs. speed vs. capacity, but all regularly increase in speed, cost and capacity .
Primary Storage (Random Access Memory or RAM) – Semiconductor memory, Volatile; faster but more expensive
Secondary Storage – Magnetic Disks, Optical Disks, Magnetic Tape; Non-Volatile; slower but cheaper
33. What is the main goal of Middleware? In ch 6
Middleware – it is programs that mediate between other programs; an essential part of IT infrastructure because it joins disparate systems
34. What is Database Management System (DBMS)? In ch 5
Database Management System (DBMS) – a collection of programs to create, maintain, and use (retrieve) data in a database
35. What is the Business Value of Intranets?
36. What is the difference between a LAN, a MAN, a WAN networks? In ch 6
A Network is defined by its geographic area and who owns the equipment
Wide Area Networks (WAN) – between cities/large geographic areas, LANs connected by common carrier or leased lines
Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) – LANs connected over a specific geographical area
Local Area Networks (LAN) – equipment owned by the firm, short distances, usually within a single building (or room)
37. What is the Online Transaction Processing Systems? In ch 7
Online transaction Processing Systems capture and process transactions immediately, in real time
38. How could sales force automation affect salesperson productivity, marketing management, and competitive advantage?