Exercise 1.

3, page 17

1. Fifty years ago the information processes was done manually, including
sorting, finding and comparing information.

• It was a lengthy and expensive process.

• Data was usually represented on paper and stored in filling

cabinets.

• Sorting and searching huge amounts of paper was labour-intensive.

• Reports were not easily transferred from one to another.

• And the reports were created by copying the information into a

different form rather than transferring data.

2. The seven information processes are:

• Collecting

• Organising

• Analysing

• Storing and retrieving

• Processing

• Transmitting

• Displaying

3. Collecting data include four steps:

• Defining the required datadeciding what data is needed

• Identifying the source of the datawhere the data can be found

• Determining how the data will be gatheredwhat tools will be

required

• Gathering the datacollecting and entering the data into the

information system

4. The techniques that can be use to find primary data:

• Conducting surveys

• Observation

• Questionnaires
 • Interviewing people

5. Because the format of the data determines the most appropriate software
application and the processing that can be carried out. For example, if a
text document is scanned and represented as an image, the text cannot
be processed using a word processor.

6. Charts and graphs are often used in the analysis of data, because the
make it easy to interpret data by making instant comparisons and
revealing trends. Charts help people to make quick and accurate
decisions.

7. Storing and retrieving are very important in process system, since most
information system need to retain data for further processing and to guard
against data loss.

8. A processor consists of millions of electrical components located on a thin

silicon welfare called an integrated circuit or silicon chip.

9. The speed of a processor is measured in Megahertz (mHz).

10.The difference between serial and parallel transmission:

• Serial transmission is the transmission of pieces data one after the

other for example, serial transmission can be used in peripheral
devices such as mice, keyboards, modems and plotters.

• Parallel transmission is the transmission of pieces data

simultaneously using separate lines for example, printers.

11.Hand-shaking is data and information to be exchanged between

information systems, compatible communications settings are requires.

Exercise 1.4, page 22

1. The difference between data and information:

• Data is a vital ingredient of an information system

• Information is an important factor in an organisation’s current and

future success

2. Because if the data collected is meaningless, the information presented

will be meaningless.

3. The four characteristic of appropriate data are:

• Relevantuseful to the purpose of the information system

 • Accuratecollected from a dependable source and entered without
errors

• Timelycurrent, and kept up-to-date

• Secureprotected from deliberate or accidental damage or loss

4. The five data types are:

• Images are data in the form of pictures, such as drawings,

paintings, or photographs

• Audio is data the form of sounds

• Video is data in the form of pictures and sounds combined and

displayed over time

• Text is data in the form of letters, numbers, and other characters

whose meaning and format is not specified

• Numbers are data in the form of predefined characters (usually

numerals) whose meaning and format are specified

5. Organisations are prepared to make this investment because information

is vital to their decision making.

6. The five characters of valuable information are:

• Relevantuseful to the purpose of the information system

• Accurateverified to ensure it is correct

• Timelyappropriate and current

• Organisedarranged to meet purpose of the information system

• Cost-effectivethe benefit to the organisations is greater than the

costs of producing it

7. Information must be presented in a way that is attractive and easy to

read. For example, some people may understand information better if it is
presented graphically, while others may understand it better in table.