MTTN20, Fall 2023

Examples of old mid-term questions

This document contains a few examples of old mid-term questions. They are meant to
illustrate what type questions that are being asked, and to some extent the level of detail you
are required to know regarding different papers and lectures. The SCIS matrix question is very
similar from year to year, even though the number of points may vary, depending on how
much you are required to plot in the matrix, for instance. The test usually consists of 4-5
questions/sections, with a maximum score of 50. A minimum score of 22 has been required
to pass in the last couple of years. I’ve included 5 example questions that total 50 points, so
this document closely resembles the actual test.

Note: As you may notice, I have not included example questions from the specific papers that
you have on your reading list. This is somewhat intentional, but also a consequence of the fact
that the reading list changes every year. All the papers on your reading list have not been
included in the test before.
From 2020
12 points
Answer this section’s questions on a separate sheet of paper (3 points per question).

a) Name three steps in the CPFR roadmap and concisely explain why they are important
(cf. Demiray et al., 2017).

b) Many SRM systems are based on CBR (cf. Choy, Lee and Lo, 2003). Answer the following
questions:

i. What does CBR stand for?

ii. Briefly describe how it works
iii. Give an example of a situation where an SRM system could use CBR

c) Among the factors that are necessary for successful CRM implementation, Chen and
Popovich (2003) describe three key factors. Which are these factors? Name them and
write a short explanation for each factor.

d) What are the advantages and disadvantages with standardized and non-standardized
WMS (cf. Faber, de Koster and van de Velde, 2002)? Describe three.

From 2021

Supply chain integration. (2x5p)

Rai et al (2006) investigate the relationship between IT and performance.
a) In their research framework, which are the three areas investigated and related to
each other? Illustrate their framework and name the areas.

b) In their study, Rai et al (2006) used subjective performance measures.

i) Do you think this captures the real relationship between IT capabilities and
performance? Motivate your standpoint clearly!

ii) Based on the results presented in the paper, do you think it’s a good idea to invest it
IT capabilities?
Blockchain technology (4p)

Saberi et al (2019) outline four categories of barriers to blockchain adoption in supply chains.
Name these categories and provide one example of a barrier for each category.

From 2022

Question 1 – General introduction to information systems & their structure. (4+4+2p)

Tsai et al (2011) investigate factors that moderate, or influence, the business performance
impact of information systems - ERPs in particular. This paper was discussed during the 2nd
lecture.

a) Illustrate the authors’ research model

b) Name and briefly describe the two types of post-implementation maintenance, and the
two types of knowledge management discussed in the paper.

c) Which is more important, maintenance or knowledge management? Explain briefly!

Hint: Table 6, containing the results of the regression analyses, gives a clear indication, as well
as figure 2, if you remember. Otherwise use your own reasoning.

SCIS matrix

Describe the IT/SCM map (14 points):

• What is it and what does it look like? Provide a graphical description that clearly
defines the x- and y-axes. (6 points)

• Position the following systems in the matrix (4x1p) and motivate the positions (4x1p)
(total 8 points):
o CPFR
o CRM
o ERP
o WMS