113. Describe how a personnel information system (PIS) helps decision makers.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. A personnel information system (PIS) or human resource information system (HRIS) is designed to provide information that helps decision makers in personnel carry out their tasks more effectively. A PIS/HRIS supports the following decisions, among others:
a. Choosing the best job candidate
b. Scheduling and assigning employees
c. Predicting the organization’s future personnel needs
d. Providing reports and statistics on employee demographics
e. Allocating human and financial resources
114. Explain the main difference between an intranet and the Internet.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. The main difference between an intranet and the Internet is that an intranet is private and the Internet is public. An intranet is a network within an organization that uses Internet protocols and technologies for collecting, storing, and disseminating useful information that supports business activities such as sales, customer service, human resources, and marketing.
115. Describe a manufacturing information system (MFIS).
ANSWER: Answers will vary. An MFIS is used to manage manufacturing resources so that companies can reduce manufacturing costs, increase product quality, and make better inventory decisions. MFISs can perform many types of analysis with a high degree of timeliness and accuracy. An MFIS supports the following decisions, among others:
a. Ordering decisions
b. Product cost calculations
c. Space utilization
d. The bid evaluation process used with vendors and suppliers
e. Analysis of price changes and discounts
116. In the context of using information technologies for a competitive advantage, explain the difference in focus for a bottom-line strategy and a top-line strategy.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. The focus of a bottom-line strategy is improving efficiency by reducing overall costs. A top-line strategy focuses on generating new revenue by offering new products and services to customers or increasing revenue by selling existing products and services to new customers.
117. Describe the threat of substitute products or services. Explain how organizations fight this threat.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. The threat of customers choosing substitute products or services is high when many alternatives to an organization’s products or services are available. Some organizations add services-such as Amazon’s personalized recommendations-to make their positions in the marketplace more distinctive. Other organizations use fees to discourage customers from switching to a competitor, such as cell phone companies adding charges for switching to another provider before the customer contract is up.
118. Explain how an organization can combat the threat of new entrants.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. The threat of new entrants into the marketplace is low when duplicating a company’s product or service is difficult. Organizations often use focus strategies to ensure that the threat of new entrants remains low. In addition, organizations use information technologies to increase customer loyalty, which reduces the threat of new entrants.
119. In the context of the top information systems job, describe the roles of a chief technology officer (CTO) or a chief information officer (CIO) and a chief privacy officer (CPO).
ANSWER: Answers will vary. The top information systems job belongs to either the CTO or the CIO. This person oversees long-range planning and keeps an eye on new developments in the field that can affect a company’s success. Some organizations also have a CPO. This executive position includes responsibility for managing the risks and business impacts of privacy laws and policies.
120. Describe the role of a systems analyst and the qualifications required for the position.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. Systems analysts are responsible for the design and implementation of information systems. In addition to computer knowledge and an information systems background, this position requires a thorough understanding of business systems and functional areas within a business organization.
121. Describe how networking technology will improve in the future.
ANSWER: Answers will vary. Networking technology will improve, so connecting computers will be easier, and sending information from one location to another will be faster. Compatibility issues between networks will become more manageable, and integrating voice, data, and images on the same transmission medium will improve communication quality and information delivery.