Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
2.
With the other members of your group, use word process-
ing software to write a one-page summary of what your
team hopes to gain from this course and what you are
willing to do to accomplish these goals. Send the report to
your instructor via e-mail.
WEB EXERCISES
1.
Throughout this topic, you will see how the Internet pro-
vides a vast amount of information to individuals and
organizations. We will stress the World Wide Web, or sim-
ply the Web, which is an important part of the Internet.
Most large universities and organizations have an address
on the Internet, called a Web site or home page. The address
of the Web site for this publisher is
www.course.com
.
You
can gain access to the Internet through a browser, such as
Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. Using an Internet
browser, go to the Web site for this publisher. What did
you find? Try to obtain information on this topic. You
might be asked to develop a report or send an e-mail mes-
sage to your instructor about what you found.
2.
Go to an Internet search engine, such as
www.google.com
,
and search for information about virtual reality. Write a
brief report that summarizes what you found.
3.
Using the Internet, search for information on the use of
information systems in a company or organization that
interests you. How does the organization use technology to
help it accomplish its goals?
CAREER EXERCISES
1.
In the Career Exercises found at the end of every chapter,
you will explore how material in the chapter can help you
excel in your college major or chosen career. Write a brief
report on the career that appeals to you the most. Do the
same for two other careers that interest you.
2.
Research careers in accounting, marketing, information
systems, and two other career areas that interest you.
Describe the job opportunities, job duties, and the possible
starting salaries for each career area in a report.
CASE STUDIES
customers; cabbies will no longer need to maintain records
with pencil and paper.
Sounds like a win-win situation, right? Many of the cabbies
don't agree. They are concerned that the GPS system will
track their movements after hours. About 85 percent of New
York City cabbies are independent contractors who own their
cab and use it for their personal transportation while off duty.
They are also upset about the $1,300 that they need to pay for
the system and a five percent required fee for every credit card
transaction made by their customers. Mostly, they are upset
that they were not a part of the decision and design process
that led to the citywide mandate. In a headline-making move,
the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, which represents 10,000
of the city's 13,000 cabbies, called a two-day strike to pressure
the city to rethink its new system. Unfortunately, the strike
had little effect as many cabbies stayed on duty, unable to
afford the time off of work.
New York City's Taxi & Limousine Commission has mandated
that all licensed city cab owners install new information sys-
tems in their cabs. The new state-of-the-art system connects
the cabs to a wireless data network. The new system will not
be used for dispatching cabs (most New York City cabs are
hailed from the curb) but will provide text messages informing
cabbies of nearby opportunities. It includes global positioning
system technology that provides an interactive map that pas-
sengers can use to see their current location, destination, and
routes. The new system will allow customers to pay via credit
card, and will provide music and other forms of entertain-
ment. The system also automates the process of keeping
business records of fares and trips and spits out receipts for
