Assignment Set 1(60 Marks)

Q1. What do you understand by Information processes data?

Ans: The Concept of Information Meaning Information is a complex concept that has a variety of meanings depending on its context and the perspective in which it is studied. It could be described in three ways 1) Processed data, 2) The opposite of uncertainty, and 3) A meaningful signal-to illustrates the richness of the concept of information. Information as Processed Data Data are generally considered to be raw facts that have undefined uses and application; information is considered to be processed data that influences choices, that is, data that have somehow been formatted, filtered, and summarized; and knowledge is considered to be an understanding derived from information distinctions among data, information, and knowledge may be derived from scientific terminology. The researcher collects data to test hypotheses; thus, data refer to unprocessed and unanalyzed numbers. When the data are analyzed, scientists talk about the information contained in the data and the knowledge acquired from their analyses. The confusion often extends to the information systems context, and the three terms maybe used interchangeably. Information as the Opposite of Uncertainty A different perspective on information derives from economic theory and defines information as the negative measure of uncertainty; that is, the less information is available, the more uncertainty exists, and conversely, the more information is available, the less uncertainty exists? In microeconomic theory the equilibrium of supply and demand depends on a market known as

a perfect market, where all buyers and sellers have complete knowledge about one another and where uncertainty does not exist. Information as a Meaningful Signal Information theory, a branch of statistics concerned with measuring the efficiency of communication between people and/or machines, defines information as the inputs and outputs of communication. Electronic,auditory, visual, or other signals that a sender and receiver interpret similarly convey information. For example, in the recruitment scenario about, the resumes and applications for the open positions are information because they are signals sent by the applicants, and interpreted similarly by both.

2) What are the uses of Executive Information Systems? Ans:

Executive Information Systems Executive information systems (EIS), are becoming the primary tools of top-level control in some organizations. They can be best understood by contrasting them with DSS, which they complement.

The feature of EIS is to access to a large variety of internal and external data, terse presentation of information with colorful graphics, the ability to "drill down" on more and more detailed data, and the ability to control the system in a very easy way. Characteristics of Executive Information Systems 1) EIS provide immediate and easy access to information reflecting the key success factors of the company and of its units. 2) "User-seductive" interfaces, such as color graphics and video, allow the EIS user to grasp trends at a glance. Users time is at a high premium here. 3) EIS provide access to a variety of databases, both internal and external, through a uniform interface-the fact that the system consults multiple databases should be transparent to the users. 4) Both current status and projections should be available from EIS. It is frequently desirable to investigate different projections; in particular, planned projections may be compared with the projections derived from actual results. 5) An EIS should allow easy tailoring to the preferences of the particular user or group of users (such as the chief executives cabinet or the corporate board). 6) EIS should offer the capability to "drill down" into the data: It should be possible to see increasingly detailed data behind the summaries. Executive information systems are a superior tool for exercising the control function of management.

3. How do you retrieve information from manual system? Ans:

Retrieving desired data from manual systems can be time consuming and expensive executives spend approximately six weeks a year on average looking for misplaced material. Secretaries may spend as much as 30 percent of their time looking for paper documents and approximately 20 percent of that time searching for misfiled items. Because paper files require large amounts of space, managers may store the data on a different floor or even in a different building. The labour costs of retrieving even small amounts of information exceed those for retrieving information electronically unless the organization can create small and compact storage for its paper records. Electronic systems provide rapid and inexpensive access to information stored electronically in an organized fashion. The costs incurred are only those of using the computer equipment for a fraction of a second, particularly when retrieval is part of ongoing processing. If an individual requests the retrieval, it may require additional processing to translate the retrieval request from a form understood by the person to a form understood by the computer. Then the information is stored in a different place from where it is requested, the request must be transmitted electronically to where the data are stored, and the retrieved data must be transmitted back. Communication costs are relatively low for small amounts of information, but the communication equipment and infrastructure can be expensive unless amortized over a sufficiently large volume of data communication. Companies that have small communication needs can pay to use the infrastructure of third parties, such as telephone companies.

4. What are the challenges of information management? Ans:

Challenges of Information Management In identifying their information management requirements, individuals face four major challenges in addition to securing the most appropriate information. First, they must deal with large quantities of information that may create overload. Second, they may face insufficient or conflicting information. Third, they must find ways to enhance their personal productivity. Fourth, they must acquire and maintain the technical skills needed for effective personal information management. Dealing with Quantities of Information The gap between the amount of information that an organization can collect and the ability of its employees to make sense of that information has been widening rather than narrowing. Facing Insufficient or Conflicting Information Although computers can make large quantities of information available to individuals, such information may not address their needs. Ramesh, ASM of Airtel, may wish to do some library research about competitors products. Enhancing Personal Productivity Employees in any organization increasingly use information technology to improve their personal productivity. To ensure high productivity, employees must know how to use computers to facilitate, not hinder, their performance.

Maintaining Technical Skills Finally, using information technology effectively requires continuous updating of technical skills. Although many companies provide training to their employees, others do not. Ensuring that employees have the appropriate skills has both financial and time cost implications.

5. Explain the different components of MIS. Ans:

The components of MIS The physical components of MIS comprise the computer and communications hardware, software, database, personnel, and procedures. Almost all organizations employ multiple computer systems, ranging from powerful mainframe machines (sometimes including supercomputers) through minicomputers, to widely spread personal computers (also known as microcomputers). The use of multiple computers, usually interconnected into networks by means of telecommunications, is called distributed processing. COMPONENT DESCRIPTION Hardware Multiple computer systems: mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers Computer system components are: central processor(s), memory hierarchy, input and output devices Communications: local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks Systems software and applications software Organized collections of data used by applications software Professional cadre of computer specialists; end users in certain aspects of their work Specifications for the use and operation of computerized information systems collected in user manuals, operator manuals, and similar documents

Software Database Personnel Procedures

6) Write a note on Ethical and Social issues with E-Commerce. Ans:

Ethical and Social issues with E-Commerce 1. Internet can be used in illegal ways, as there are no laws related to its use. Many servers contain illegal, immoral, defamatory information (which cannot be legally communicated using facilities like TV, radio, etc.). 2. There is minimal or no control over the Internet (unlike telephone, radio, TV, etc.). Limited banning of material in Internet is not possible i.e. all-ornone rule. 3. Free speech advocates say that screening of incoming material is the responsibility of the receiving end 4. There is no law against Spamming i.e. sending unsolicited mail 5. Massive flaming of large quantity of e-mail to one address. The question arises Is sending/receiving large quantity of mail ethical?