Lecture 1 Fundamentals of Information Technology & Information Systems 1. Explain the terms Data, Information and Knowledge.

. Data Streams of raw facts representing events, activities and transactions that are captured, recorded, stored and classified but not organized to convey any specific meaning. Information Data that has been organized so that they have meaning and useful to recipient in the process such as making decisions. Information comes from the data that have been processed. Knowledge Information that has been organized and processed to convey understanding, experience and expertise as they apply to a current problem or activity. 2. Organisational Levels Organisational level Responsibility Strategic Develop long-range goals, plans and strategies Management Develop short-range goals, plans and tactics Operational Develop day-to-day plans and perform routine functions

Decision making Unstructured

IS requirements EIS, MIS, DSS, OAS MIS, DSS, OAS

Semi-structured

Structured

TPS, ES, OAS

3. Major developments and trends in IT for management. y Storage capacity will increase dramatically. y The cost-performance advantage of computers over manual labor will increase. y Data warehouses will store ever-increasing amounts of information. y Storage networks will become popular. y Mobile and wireless applications will become a major component of IT.

4. Components/ resources of an IS Hardware Hardware refers to the physical layer of the IS. These include computers, networks, communication equipment. Software Software refers to the programs or applications that controls, manage, process and analyze the data and produce the desired information or results. Data Data is served as the source to be brought into the IS for processing and so to produce information after that. Procedure/Process Procedures define the tasks that must be performed by people who work with the system. People People refer to the end users who use the IS and the skilled professional people who maintain or develop the information system.

Lecture 2 Computer Hardware 1. Types of computers Mobile computers Special purpose computer. Example: digital phone, digital camera, PDA. Microcomputers Personal computer(PC), technical workstations, Laptop. Midrange computers Minicomputers smaller than mainframe, but still too large to set on a table or desk. Usage: Network Computers, Web Servers, etc Mainframe computers Mainframes- very powerful computer. Usage: enterprise systems Supercomputers The fastest, most powerful, most expensive computer. Used for applications requiring complex mathematical calculation.

2. Biometric input It is the technology of authenticating a persons identity by verifying a personal characteristic.

3. Differentiate the characteristics of Biometric Fingerprint Captures curves and indentations of a fingerprint. Face Captures a live face image and compares it with a stored image to determine if the person is a legitimate user. Hand geometry system Measure the shape and size of a persons hand Voice verification Compares a persons live speech with their stored voice pattern Signature verification Recongnized the shape of your handwritten signature. Iris Read patterns in the iris of the eye.

Lecture 3 computer software 1. Differentiate the system software and application software Slide 5

2. Reason why increase of usage in UNIX or Linux/benefits from using open-source software. Slide 33

Lecture 4 Database & Data Management

1. State the goal of data management. Explain THREE constraints data managers face in their attempt to achieve the goal. The goal of data management is: - Collect and manage data in multiple locations. - Enable users to discover and access data and information via the Internet. - Develop integrated information data products for scientists and decisionmakers. - Preserve data. Three constraints: - A database can be more complex than a file processing system. People with special training usually develop larger database and their associated applications. - Database also requires more memory, storage, and processing power than file processing system. - Data in a database is more vulnerable than data in file processing systems. 2. Explain the term database. Database is a collection of data organized by storing and managing data so that they appear to be centralized. 3. Explain the term Database Management System(DBMS). - DBMS is a simply a software that permits an organization to centralize data, manage data, and provide access to data. - Acts as interface between application programs and physical data files. - There are a number of commercial database management systems(DBMS). The common commercial DBMS such as Oracle, Microsofts SQL Server, and DB2 server. 4. Benefits/advantages of DBMS Reduced data redundancy Data is organized by the DBMS and stored in only one file, which greatly reduces duplicate data. Improved data integrity When users modify data in the database, the make changes to one file instead of multiple files. Thus, the database approach increases the datas integrity by reducing the possibility of introducing inconsistencies. Shared data The data in a database environment belongs to and is shared, usually over a network, by the entire organization. Easier access Allow non-technical users to access and maintain data, many computer users can develop smaller database themselves, without professional assistance. Reduced development It is often easier and faster to develop program that use the database approach. Many DBMSs include several tools to assist in development, which further reduces the development time.

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7. Discuss each of the following terms: Data warehouse - A database system designed to support management decision making. - Emphasis is on organizing data in convenient, meaningful ways so that users can get their queries answered. - Current and historical, detail and summarized data are included. - Designed to facilitate reporting and analysis. Data mart - Subset of data warehouse - Contains summarized or highly focused portion of data for a specified function or group of users. Data mining - Tools for analyzing large pools of data. - Find hidden patterns and infer rules to predict trends.

Lecture 5 Telecommunications, Internet & Web

1. Define the following terms: Telecommunication A telecommunication system is a collection of compatible hardware and software arranged to communicate information from one location to another. These systems can transmit text, data, graphics, voice, documents, or video information. Internet A network composed of computers and other devices that are logically linked together by a unique address space based on the Internet Protocol. The internet is a global information system. Intranets - An intranet is an internal organizational network that provide access to data across a business firm. - Useful to facilitate company group work. - Using different types of LAN technologies including WLAN. Extranets - Allow authorized vendors and customers to have limited access to its internal intranet. - Useful to collaborate with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers, and other businesses. - Using VPN technology to encrypt/send/decrypt transmission over the Internet. Home page The first page that a website presents Website All the web pages of a company or individual Web page A single document stored within the website and probably linked to other pages on the site Search Engines Programs used to find Web sites and Web pages by entering words or phrases/ search text/ keywords. Example, google, yahoo, firefox, mozila, atc Metasearch Engines Search engines that automatically enter search queries into a mumber of other search engines and return the results. Example, Spider, SavvySearch, Metacrawler, All-in-One. Wide Area Network (WAN) A computer network that covers a broad area. This is in contrast with PAN, LAN, CAN, or MAN, which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area. Local Area Network (LAN) A network that connects computers and other devices in a relatively small area, typically a single building or a group of buildings. Router A communication device that connects multiple computers pr other routers together and transmits data to its correct destination on the network. 3G A radio communications technology that will create a "bit pipe" for providing mobile access to internet-based services. It will enhance and extend mobility in many areas of our lives. Web analytics Is the analysis of data to understand visitor behavior on a web site.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of wire-based communication channels

3. Explain the TWO ways in which provides value to a business. Definition A videoconference is a meeting between two or more geographically separated individuals who use network or the Internet to transmit audio and video data. Advantages - Increase the number of customers and partners a business - Helpful for training and sales presentations, sharing documents, presentation and demonstrations. 4. Benefits of using extranets. - Information timeliness and accuracy - Technology integration - Low cost and high value 5. Briefly define THREE types of portals Corporate portals Are gateways to corporate web sites that enable communication, collaboration, and access to company information. Commercial portals Such as Yahoo! and MSN Mobile portals Are those accessible from mobile devices. 6. List THREE types of search engines. Assess the THREE ways how search engines function. Types: Yahoo, Google, MSN Way: - Keyword Searching - Refining Your Search - Relevancy Ranking

7. Discuss any FOUR applications of telecommunication system in business today Telnet Logging on to one computer system and doing work on another FTP Transferring files from computer to computer E-mail Person-to-person messaging; document sharing Chatting and instant messaging Interactive conversations. Example, MSN messager, Skype Voice over IP (VoIP) technology Uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to deliver voice information in digital form using packet switching

Lecture 6 - -Electronic Commerce

1. E- business The entire online process other than buying and selling activities on the Internet, it also servicing customers, conducting e-learning, and conducting electronic transactions within an organization. 2. Electronic commerce (EC) Includes the entire online process of: - Developing, marketing, selling, delivering, servicing and paying for product and services - Transacted on the internetworked global marketplaces of customers - With the support of a worldwide network of business partners 3. Types of EC Business-to-business (B2C) - Businesses develop attractive electronic marketplaces to sell products and services to consumer - Online transactions are made between businesses and individual consumers - Example, Amazon, Dell, Walmart Business-to-Business (B2B) - Involves both electronic business marketplaces and direct market links between businesses - Such as between a manufacturer and wholesaler, or between a wholesaler and a retailer - Example. CommerceOne, Cisco Systems, Alibaba.com Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) - Online auctions where consumers can buy or sell with each other - EC model in which consumers sell directly to other consumers - Example, Ebay, lelong.com, Napster Government-to-citizens (G2C) A government provides services to its citizens via EC technologies Mobile commerce (m-commerce) When e-commerce is done in wireless environment via using mobile. 4. Comparing B2B and B2C - The volume of B2B transactions is much higher than the volume of B2C transactions - This is because, in a typical supply chain there will be many B2B transactions involving subcomponent or raw materials, and only one B2C transactions. 5. Define a digital market and digital goods and analyze the features for each Digital market A digital marketplace created by the Internet where millions of people are able to exchange massive amounts of information directly, instantly, and for free. Features: very flexible and efficient (reduce search and transaction costs) lower menu prices (and able to change prices dynamically based on market conditions) provide opportunities to sell directly to the consumer, bypassing intermediaries (such as distributors or retail outlets)

Digital products products that can be delivered over a digital network (e.g. music, video, software, newspapers, magazines, books) Feature - cost of delivering is extremely low 6. Benefits of EC Increased revenues and decreased costs By eliminating and reducing time-consuming and labour-intensive steps throughout order and the delivery process, more sales can be completed in the same time period and with increased accuracy. Improved customer satisfaction Increased and more detailed information about delivery dates and current status can increase customer loyalty. Inventory reduction across the supply chain With increased speed and accuracy of customer order information, companies can reduce the need of inventory.

7. EC success factor Selection and Value Attractive product selections, competitive prices, satisfaction guarantees, and customer support after the sale. E.g.: money back guarantee, how to choose. Performance and Service Fast, easy navigation, shopping, and purchasing, and prompt shipping and delivery. E.g.: quick and easy, available stock. Look and Feel Attractive web storefront, website shipping areas, multimedia product catalog pages, and shopping features. E.g.: attractive catalogs, audio, video, Advertising and Incentives Targeted web page advertising and e-mail promotions, discounts and special offers, including advertising at affiliate sites. E.g.: incentives coupon, discounts, offers, vouchers 8. Components of EC y People: Sellers, buyers, intermediaries, information systems specialists and other employees, and any other participants y Public policy: Legal and other policy and regulating issues, such as privacy protection and taxation y Marketing and advertising: Like any other business, EC usually requires the support of marketing and advertising y Support services: Many services are needed to support EC. They range from payments to order delivery and content creation y Business partnerships: oint ventures, e-marketplaces, and partnerships are some frequently occurring relationships in e-business

Lecture 7 Functional Information System

1. Define Transaction Processing System (TPS) An operational system process data generated by the day-to-day business transactions of a company. Also defined as a system that records company transactions, in which a transaction is defined as an exchange between 2 or more business entities. 2. Characteristics of TPS Rapid response Fast performance with a rapid response time is critical for business Reliability A breakdown will disrupt operations or even stop the business. Inflexibility Every transaction is processed in the same way regardless of the user. Controlled processing The processing in a TPS must support an organisations operations.

3. Describe the differences between online processing and batch processing. Give ONE example of each. Online processing Transaction will be process immediately on it happens. Example, ATM Batch processing Transaction will be process as a group at a specific time. Example, payroll.

4. Objectives of TPS - Provide information required by organization to ensure the business running efficiently - Increase competitive advantages for company - Provide accurate data/information to company - Produce timely reports and document

5. Discuss FIVE decision that Marketing & Sales Systems generated to Marketing & Sales department - Pricing of Products or Services to determine product or service price by using wireless price checkers - Salesperson Productivity to track contact, to list potential customer, to keep update of product information by using SFA system - Profitability Analysis to analyze profit contribution of certain products and services by using cost-accounting software

New Products, Services, and Market Planning to analyze product life cycle management by using new product introduction (NPI) software Web-Based Systems offering web-based environment to support marketing and sales through data capture

6. Definition: Marketing & Sales Systems Channel systems systems that link and transform marketing, sales, procurement, logistics, and delivery activities with other corporate functional areas. Accounting & Finance Systems Accounting and finance functional areas manage the inflows and outflow of organizational assets. This involves all functions of an organization including payroll, billing, cash management, etc. Human Resources System Web-based systems have increased the popularity of human resources information systems which provide applications mainly related to acquiring, hiring, rewarding, developing, training, protecting and retaining human resources.