Final Exam
Andrea VanWie
MIS 320
May 9, 2018
Question 1: Review question 2-2
• Define business intelligence systems – Business intelligence systems assist management in
making business decisions. Business intelligence is a term for data and software tools for
accessing data, analyzing data and organizing data. These tools help members of an organization
make intelligent decisions. There are varying levels of business intelligence systems.
• Describe the characteristics of transaction processing systems (TPS) and the role they play in a
business – The TPS is a system records the daily transactions in a business. It answers routine
questions and tracks transactions throughout the company. Management can use TPS to
monitor internal operations and the external environment. TPS systems can be crucial to a
business’ success.
• Describe the characteristics of management information systems (MIS), decision support
systems (DSS), and executive support systems (ESS) and explain how each type of system
helps managers make decisions – MIS is a system that middle management uses. It can provide
them with reports about current performance. This information can be used for control,
monitoring and for predictions. MIS is not analytical; it uses simple processes. DSS is used for
problems unique to a business that can change quickly where solutions may not be predefined.
DSS uses information from both MIS and TPS, as well as using external sources. This is an
analytical tool that is used to help managers analyze data. ESS is used by senior management to
make tough decisions. Information is delivered through a portal, which uses a web interface. ESS
uses both external data, as well as information derived from MIS and DSS. Critical data is
displayed to senior management. Newer versions are utilizing analytics.
• Explain how enterprise applications improve organizational performance – Enterprise
applications can improve performance because they can incorporate all parts of an organization
and include each level of management. Organizational performance will improve as business
processes are coordinated and process groups are integrated, thereby promoting efficient
management.
• Define enterprise systems, supply chain management systems, customer relationship
management systems and knowledge management systems and describe their business
benefits – Enterprise systems are used to integrate business processes across all functional
areas of an organization into one software system. Information is stored in a single data
repository, allowing it to be used by the entire business. Supply chain management systems are
used to manage relationships with suppliers by allowing information about all aspects of the
supply chain to be shared among the entire chain. This system is also considered an
interorganizational system because it works across the boundaries of an organization. Customer
relationship management systems work to manage relationships with customers by
coordinating the processes that interact with customers. This can be used to retain the most
profitable customers and provide better service to existing ones. Knowledge management
systems work to manage the processes that find and apply knowledge and expertise. They
collect relevant knowledge and make it available when it’s needed and can link the organization
to external sources of knowledge. This can improve the management process by providing
knowledge when necessary.
• Explain how intranets and extranets help firms improve business performance – Because
enterprise systems can be expensive to integrate, intranets and extranets help alleviate some of
this cost. Intranets are internal company websites that employees can access. Extranets are
websites that can not only be accessed by employees, but also by authorized supplier and
vendors. These can be used in much the same way as enterprise systems or supply chain
management systems but without the difficulty and excessive cost burdens.
Business intelligence systems are critical to operational success in todays fast-paced, technological
era. Using the functions of TPS, enterprise systems, MIS, DSS, etc. can set a corporation apart.
Supply chain management systems and customer relationship systems are helpful to both
companies and those they work with or sell products/services to. Management systems such as MIS
and ESS provide great support and information to each level of management to help them achieve
peak performance. Without these systems, we wouldn’t see the success stories we have seen.
Question 2: (A) Review 4-2
• List and describe the five steps in an ethical analysis –
1. Identify and describe the facts clearly – this step involves figuring exactly what happened
and knowing every fact of the case
2. Define the conflict or dilemma and identify the higher-order values involved – Each side of a
disagreement holds to some values and the dilemma from conflicting values needs to be
defined
3. Identify the stakeholders – Figure out who has “skin in the game”. Who will benefit from
one decision or the other or who has invested in the situation. Identify them and listen to
what they are asking for
4. Identify the options that you can reasonably take – Find out which options are available and
find out which one will provide the most benefit to all involved
5. Identify the potential consequences of your options – Evaluate all aspects of your options to
ensure that, while they may seem ethical, they aren’t going to cause a bigger issue in
another area
• Identify and describe six ethical principles –
1. Do unto other as you would have them do unto you – This simply means treat others as you
would like them to treat you. Many people seem to confuse this with treating others as they
HAVE treated you. However, that is not ethical typically. Treating others as you want to be
treated by them will usually result in good treatment toward others.
2. If an action is not right for everyone to take, it is not right for anyone – This statement
makes the decision maker question what the outcome would be if everyone did what
they’re considering.
3. If an action cannot be taken repeatedly, it is not right to take at all – If the trajectory of this
decision is considered, what could future implications be? Is it still a good decision to make?
4. Take the action that achieves the higher or greater value – This puts values in an order by
rank and admonishes the decision-maker to take the action that ranks highest.
5. Take the action that produces the least harm or the least potential cost – This principle
encourages the action that is least risky. If the consequences of failure are great, avoid the
action.
6. Assume that virtually all tangible and intangible objects are owned by someone else unless
there is a specific declaration otherwise – Do not take work that you did not create. The
creator will most likely want compensation if you are using their creation.
An ethical analysis is helpful when solving large problems. Following each step can help the decision
maker reach the most ethical conclusion. Following the six ethical principles also can help reach
decisions and ensure that it is the most ethical decision possible.
(B) 4-11
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