Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Principle
Cooperation between business managers and IS per-
sonnel is the key to unlocking the potential of any new
or modified system.
one or more computer programs that produce the desired
outputs.
Computer operators are responsible for starting, stop-
ping, and correctly operating mainframe systems, networks,
tape drives, disk devices, printers, and so on. LAN adminis-
trators set up and manage the network hardware, software,
and security processes. Trained personnel are also needed to
set up and manage a company's Internet site, including Inter-
net strategists, Internet systems developers, Internet pro-
grammers, and Web site operators. Information systems
personnel can also support other functional departments or
areas.
In addition to technical skills, IS personnel need skills in
written and verbal communication, an understanding of orga-
nizations and the way they operate, and the ability to work with
people (users). In general, IS personnel are charged with
maintaining the broadest enterprise-wide perspective.
Besides working for an IS department in an organization,
IS personnel can work for a large consulting firm, such as
Accenture, IBM, EDS, and others. Developing or selling prod-
ucts for a hardware or software vendor is another IS career
opportunity.
Information systems personnel typically work in an IS depart-
ment that employs a chief information officer, chief technol-
ogy officer, systems analysts, computer programmers,
computer operators, and other personnel. The chief informa-
tion officer (CIO) employs an IS department's equipment and
personnel to help the organization attain its goals. The chief
technology officer (CTO) typically works under a CIO and spe-
cializes in hardware and related equipment and technology.
Systems analysts help users determine what outputs they
need from the system and construct the plans needed to
develop the necessary programs that produce these outputs.
Systems analysts then work with one or more programmers
to make sure that the appropriate programs are purchased,
modified from existing programs, or developed. The major
responsibility of a computer programmer is to use the
plans developed by the systems analyst to build or adapt
CHAPTER 2: SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST
The use of information systems to add value to the organiza-
tion is strongly influenced by organizational structure, cul-
ture, and change.
5.
_________________ involves contracting with outside
professional services to meet specific business needs.
6.
Today, quality means _________________.
a.
1.
Customer relationship management can help a company
determine what supplies and equipment are required for
the value chain. True or False?
achieving production standards
b.
meeting or exceeding customer expectations
c.
maximizing total profits
d.
meeting or achieving design specifications
2.
A(n) _________________ is a formal collection of people
and other resources established to accomplish a set of
goals.
7.
Technology infusion is a measure of how widely technol-
ogy is spread throughout an organization. True or False?
3.
User satisfaction with a computer system and the informa-
tion it generates often depends on the quality of the system
and the resulting information. True or False?
8.
Reengineering is also called __________________.
9. What is a measure of the output achieved divided by the
input required?
a. efficiency
b. effectiveness
c. productivity
d. return on investment
10. _________________ is a measure of the additional profits
or benefits generated as a percentage of the investment in
IS technology.
4.
The concept in which organizations adapt to new condi-
tions or alter their practices over time is called
_________________.
a.
organizational learning
b.
organizational change
c.
continuous improvement
d.
reengineering
Because information systems are so important, businesses
need to be sure that improvements or completely new systems
help lower costs, increase profits, improve service, or achieve
a competitive advantage.
Cooperation between business managers and IS personnel is
the key to unlocking the potential of any new or modified
system.
