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NINJA Notes
Business Environment & Concepts 2020
another71.com
The 2020 BEC Exam
Source: AICPA
Skill Levels
2
Table of Contents
The N.I.N.J.A. Framework
I. Economics 6
3
How to use NINJA Notes
Reading
You've invested in NINJA Monthly, now let the NINJA Notes go to battle for
you. You should read them as many times as possible.
Simply load the PDF onto your mobile device, and if you have 5 minutes of
downtime, you have 5 minutes of study time.
It is recommended that you read the NINJA Notes at least five times leading
up to your final two weeks of exam prep.
If you have 6 weeks to study, then you need to complete this in 4 weeks. 5
weeks to study, then complete it in 3.4 weeks = 2 weeks. You get the picture.
The point is: plan, plan, plan and budget, budget, budget, budget because
exam day is looming.
Learning Plans
4
Re-Writing The NINJA Notes
This step is optional, but it won over a lot of skeptics with its results. This is
not mainstream advice. This is the NINJA way. The mainstream way of
studying for the CPA Exam is old-fashion and outdated.
Plan on investing a week doing this, and you should expect to get
through at least 20 pages a day to stay on track.
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II. Information Technology
IT Segregation of Duties
● Segregated IT Roles
● Systems Analyst
● Systems Administrator
● Systems Programmer
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○ Writes, Updates, Maintains, & Tests software, systems, and
compilers
● Systems Operator
● Compensating Controls
○ Type of MIS
○ Processes Transactions
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○ No Decision-Making Capabilities
○ Structured
AIS
● Processes Transactions
EIS ● Specialized
● Strategy Only - No Decision Making
● Structured
ES
● Computer Uses Reasoning
● No Human Interpelation
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■ Example: Query
● Exception
● End-User Computing
E-Commerce
● Benefits
● Risks
○ Efficient
Networks
● File Server
● Database
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○ Allows users to share documents
○ Privately-owned Network
○ Very Costly
Network Risk
● Firewall
● Virus
● Worm
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Computer Hardware
● Automated Equipment Controls
● RAM
○ Internal Memory
● CPU
○ Scanner
○ EDI
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● Output Device Examples
● Gateway
● Echo Check
● Change Control
● Security Software
● Digital Signature
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Computer Types
● PDA / Smartphone / Tablet
● Microcomputer
○ PC / Laptop – Cost-effective
● Minicomputer
● Mainframe
● Super-computer
Computer Terms
● Bit
○ 1=ON
○ 0=OFF
● Byte
○ 8 Bits = 1 Character
● Field
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○ Group of Related Characters
● Record
● File
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Computer Languages
● Design Engineers
● Source Programs
○ Written in English
● Object Programs
● Compiler
Compiler (Translator)
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Computer Processing
● Online Analytical Processing
● Batch Processing
■ 3 Levels of Back-up
● Held
Batch ● Processed all at Once
● Easier to Audit
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Computer Output Controls
● Output Control
● Processing Control
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○ Adds an identification number to a set of digits – usually at the
end
Disaster Recovery
● Hot Site – Alternate location takes over immediately
Flowchart Symbols
● Alternate Process
● Connector
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● Document
● Manual Operation
● Process
● Terminator
Computer Databases
● SQL (Sequel) - Structured Query Language
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Data Definition Language
● Defines Database
● Controls Tables
● Queries Tables
● Controls Access
● Relational Database
○ Logical structure
● Hierarchical Database
● Database Advantages
○ Reduced Redundancy
● Database Disadvantages
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○ Cost of installation
● 3-Layer System
○ Desktop Client
○ Application Server
○ Database Server
COBIT
It Terminology To Memorize
● Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
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● Automation
● Data Visualizations
● Blockchain
● Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin)
○ Decentralized
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○ Uses Cryptography
■ Uses Blockchain
■ More Convenient
■ Cost-Effective
● Cyber-security
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