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Machakos University Exam Guidelines

The document provides information about an examination for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science degree. It lists 5 questions, with multiple parts to each question. Question 1 is compulsory and covers topics like: the importance of information quality for project management systems; methods for analyst-user communication; definitions of data processing and the CPU; challenges in developing management information systems; and differences between primary/secondary memory and system/application software. The other questions ask about management support systems based on organizational hierarchy; types of management information systems; operating systems; components and functions in an information system; training needs for personnel; data processing systems; uses of the internet in business; and skills/requirements for management information systems.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
751 views3 pages

Machakos University Exam Guidelines

The document provides information about an examination for a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science degree. It lists 5 questions, with multiple parts to each question. Question 1 is compulsory and covers topics like: the importance of information quality for project management systems; methods for analyst-user communication; definitions of data processing and the CPU; challenges in developing management information systems; and differences between primary/secondary memory and system/application software. The other questions ask about management support systems based on organizational hierarchy; types of management information systems; operating systems; components and functions in an information system; training needs for personnel; data processing systems; uses of the internet in business; and skills/requirements for management information systems.

Uploaded by

Jack Kimani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Question One
  • Question Three
  • Question Two
  • Question Four
  • Question Five

MACHAKOS UNIVERSITY

University Examinations for 2019/2020 Academic Year


SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
FOURTH YEAR SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE)
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
SCO 408: INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
BMS 400: MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
DATE: 19/10/2020 TIME: 11:00 – 1:00 PM
INSTRUCTIONS
Answer question ONE and any other TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (COMPULSORY) (30 MARKS)
a) Why is the quality of the information important when using a project management
information system? Give three reasons explaining why? (6 marks)

b) Throughout the development of an information system, the systems analyst will need to
communicate with the users. You are required to;

i) Explain why communication with the users is an important feature of systems


development. (2 marks)

ii) State two methods of communication that the systems analyst could employ. (2 marks)

c) What is data processing? (2 marks)

d) Describe the work of the CPU (3 marks)

e) Name and explain three humanistic factors that pose a challenge in development of
management information systems. (6 marks)

f) Differentiate between primary memory and secondary memory. Give examples (5 marks)

Examination Irregularity is punishable by expulsion Page 1 of 3


g) Differentiate between System Software and Application Software? (4 marks)

QUESTION TWO (20 MARKS)


a) Given the Four level pyramid model based on the different levels of hierarchy in the
organization, name and explain the type of support system to be used by each of them
i. Executives (3 marks)
ii. Senior managers (3 marks)
iii. Middle managers (3 marks)
iv. Workers (3 marks)
b) Name three types of management information systems. (3 marks)
c) Explain what we mean by the word ‘Operating System’ and give four examples of the
same. (5 marks)

QUESTION THREE (20 MARKS)


a) Name four major components of an information system. Explain the function of each of
the component named. (8 marks)
b) Outline areas of training that may be required by the following categories of personnel in
an organization
i. Senior managers (4 marks)
ii. Middle managers (4 marks)
iii. Other users of the new system (4 marks)

QUESTION FOUR (20 MARKS)


a) i) What is data processing system? (3 marks)
ii) What are the current opportunities for using the Internet in business today? (6 marks)
iii) What is internet? (2 marks)
b) Name and explain three Types of data processing systems. (6 marks)
c) Explain the meaning of ‘hanging indent’ as used in MS Word. (3 marks)

Examination Irregularity is punishable by expulsion Page 2 of 3


QUESTION FIVE (MARKS)
a) Describe any four advanced skills required in managing information. (8 marks)
b) i) What is data as used in MIS? (2 marks)
ii) What are the essentials of data communication? (4 marks)
c) List and explain the four software and hardware requirements needed for Management
information systems. (8 marks)

Examination Irregularity is punishable by expulsion Page 3 of 3

Common questions

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A 'hanging indent' in MS Word refers to a paragraph format where all lines except the first are indented from the left margin. This style is frequently used in reference lists or bibliographies to allow the reader to find items more efficiently. It helps in organizing and presenting text neatly, making documents more readable .

System software is designed to manage and control computer hardware so that application software can perform. It includes operating systems like Windows and Linux. Application software, on the other hand, is designed to help users perform specific tasks such as word processing or browsing the internet and includes software like Microsoft Word and web browsers .

Advanced skills required for managing information include data analysis skills, to interpret and utilize data effectively; technological proficiency, to leverage the latest tools and software; critical thinking skills, for making informed decisions; and strategic planning skills, to align information management with organizational goals. These skills are important because they enable managers to optimize information use, improve decision-making, and maintain competitive advantage .

A data processing system is a system that processes data to generate meaningful information. The three common types are batch processing systems, which process data in large groups; real-time processing systems, which process data immediately as it comes in; and online processing systems, which allow users to interact with the system directly and provide instant output .

Effective communication with users is crucial because it ensures that the system meets the users' actual needs and expectations. It allows the systems analyst to gather accurate requirements, facilitates user involvement, and ensures user acceptance of the final product. Communication helps in identifying potential issues early and in building trust and cooperation between users and developers .

Humanistic factors such as resistance to change, lack of training, and differing user needs can hinder the successful development and implementation of management information systems. Resistance to change may occur because employees feel insecure about new technologies; lack of training can lead to inefficiencies, and varying user needs might result in conflict or dissatisfaction among stakeholders. Addressing these challenges requires tailored communication, training programs, and involvement of users throughout the development process .

In management information systems (MIS), 'data' refers to raw, unprocessed facts that need to be processed to become useful information. The essentials of data communication include the transmission medium, data encoding, data transmission, and proper protocol for efficient and accurate data exchange between systems. Ensuring these essentials are in place guarantees the integrity and confidentiality of data in transit .

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, serves as the brain of the computer. It performs all the basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations specified by the instructions. It fetches, decodes, and executes program instructions and communicates with input/output devices, memory, and other essential components to ensure smooth and efficient operations .

Primary memory, also known as main memory, is the storage used directly by the CPU to store temporary data and instructions. It is fast and volatile, meaning it loses its data when power is off. Examples include RAM and cache memory. Secondary memory, or external memory, is non-volatile and used to store data permanently. It is slower and is not directly accessed by the CPU. Examples include hard drives and SSDs .

The quality of information in a project management information system is crucial because it ensures accurate decision-making, enhances efficiency by providing the right information at the right time, and boosts stakeholder confidence by maintaining reliability and transparency. High-quality information helps in resource allocation, scheduling, and assessing project performance accurately .

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