Chapter 12 Managing the Information Technology Resource 1
Chapter 12
IT Business Communications
True-False Questions
1.
The level of mutual understanding and commitment to business and IT mission, objectives,
and plans by organizational members best describes the intellectual dimension of alignment.
2.
The probability that programming errors will occur increases with the lack of understanding
of the business by IT.
3.
It is as equally beneficial for the business partners to learn about IT terms, processes,
activities and requirements as it is for IT to learn about the business.
4.
A Web-based distributed directory that enables businesses to list themselves on the Internet
and discover one another best describes SOAP.
5.
A standardized way of integrating Web-based applications using open standards such as
XML, SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI over an IP backbone best describes Web services.
6.
A detailed understanding of the intricacies of each other’s work is a basic element of
developing mutual understanding between IT and business partners.
7.
A general understanding of the responsibilities and jobs of their partner is a basic element of
developing mutual understanding between IT and business partners.
8.
The determinants of partnership in context are shared knowledge, mutual dependency of
distinctive competencies and resources, and organizational linkage.
2 Managing the Information Technology Resource
9.
The determinants in partnership in context are mutual benefits, commitment, and
predisposition.
10.
Ad-hoc meetings, electronic mail, and written communication are all considered forms of
direct communication.
11.
The responsibility for communication among IT and business functions being delegated to
individuals who facilitate the communications channels among business and IT functions
best describes a temporary task force.
12.
The technique of assigning a leader from an outside function to manage a team, for example
an IT person might lead a business quality team, best describes integrating roles.
13.
Managerial linking roles are most likely found in a matrix structure.
14.
Pull communication occurs when information is disseminated to the organization without
being requested by the receivers of the information.
15.
Pull communication occurs when information is requested and normally implies the
immediate availability of the information.
Multiple Choice Questions
16.
Which of the following best describes the element of communication that involves adjusting
either the communication, or the vision being communicated, as a result of feedback?
a. Metaphor, analogy, and example
b. Leadership by example
c. Explanation of inconsistencies
d. Give and take
Chapter 12 Managing the Information Technology Resource 3
17.
Which of the following best describes the element of communication that refers to the
unspoken or unwritten messages received by actions of executives and managers?
a. Metaphor, analogy, and example
b. Leadership by example
c. Explanation of inconsistencies
d. Repetition
18.
Each of the following are reasons for the IT function to be knowledgeable of the business
function except:
a. it may result in technology recommendations that can improve the business process.
b. it may make it unnecessary for the business function to be knowledgeable of the IT
function.
c. it may improve business productivity.
d. it may reduce delays in sharing information.
19.
Each of the following is a benefit of IT business communications except:
a. reduced delays in sharing information.
b. less misinterpretations and errors.
c. reduced IT budget.
d. improved responsiveness to customers and other business partners.
20.
Each of the following is an example of a financial term that an IT development team should
be familiar with except:
a. trenches.
b. tranches.
c. derivatives.
d. tax swaps.
21.
Each of the following is an IT acronym that may be useful for business partners to know the
meaning of except:
a. FUBAR.
b. XML.
c. WSDL.
d. UDDI.
22.
Which of the following best describes a standardized way of integrating Web-based
applications using open standards such as XML, WSDL, and UDDI over an IP backbone?
a. SOAP
b. Web services
c. UDDI
d. Web services description language
23.
Each of the following is a basic element of developing mutual understanding except:
a. understanding the intricacies of their partner’s work.
b. understanding the language of their partner.
c. understanding the jobs and responsibilities of their partner.
d. understanding the current capabilities of their partner
24.
Each of the following is a factor of Henderson’s Partnership in Context concept except:
a. mutual benefits.
b. distinctive competency and resources.
c. commitment.
d. predisposition.
25.
Each of the following is a factor of Henderson’s Partnership in Action concept except:
a. shared knowledge.
b. distinctive competency and resources.
c. mutual benefits.
d. organizational linkage.
26.
Each of the following are actions that organizations can take to create effective partnerships
except:
a. education and training.
b. effective use of teams.
c. use benchmarks to create effective measures.
d. use business and IT acronyms.
Chapter 12 Managing the Information Technology Resource 5
27.
Which of the following mechanisms best describes a technique that assigns a leader from an
outside function to manage a team:
a. managerial linking role
b. liaison role
c. integrating role
d. direct communication
28.
Each of the following is an IT tool that helps enhance the cross training and sharing of
information and knowledge except:
a. GDSS.
b. electronic white boards.
c. instant messaging.
d. OLAP.
29.
Each of the following is a management practice that is necessary for effectively promoting
good communication except:
a. liaison agents.
b. task forces.
c. cross-functional project teams.
d. requiring use of electronic calendars.
30.
Each of the following is a way to continuously improve IT communications except:
a. static Intranet.
b. implement specific new technologies.
c. conduct a strategic alignment maturity assessment.
d. training.
Fill In the Blanks
31.
The social dimension of alignment focuses on the level of mutual understanding and
commitment to business and IT mission, objectives, and plans by organizational members.
6 Managing the Information Technology Resource
32.
The key element for effective communications of vision which suggests that communication
can take many forms such as meetings, memos, newsletters, e-mail, and Web sites best
33.
Adjusting communication or the vision being communicated as a result of feedback best
Reference: p. 330
A(n) zero coupon bond refers to the financial term for bonds having no coupons and no
Relationships that are defined by rules, policies, and procedures best describe a transactional
interest paid.
Reference: p. 333
A contract is an example of a transactional style relationship.
Reference: p. 334
Reference: p. 334
37.
A specification developed by the World Wide Web Consortium to tag data best describes
Reference: p. 334
38.
The Partnership in Context factor that refers to the perceptions that exist prior to the
Reference: p. 335
mutual understanding are not limited to any particular level of personnel, rather they occur
between executives and nonmanagement personnel.
Reference: p. 336
Reference: p. 337
41.
Project teams existing only for the duration of a specific project, providing a mechanism for
Chapter 12 Managing the Information Technology Resource 7
42.
43.
An individual who is delegated the role and responsibility of facilitating the communication
Reference: p. 337
44.
The strategic alignment maturity assessment is an assessment process which can reveal
units which is often used to facilitate multiple or different priorities and agendas within a
matrix structure.
Reference: p. 339
opportunities for improving education and knowledge levels of the firm in IT and business
arenas.
Reference: p. 342
45.
share their ideas, either anonymously or identified, best describes a group decision support
A particular emerging information technology that enables participants to electronically
Reference: p. 343
Essay Questions
46.
List and describe three of Kotter’s key elements for effective communications of vision.
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47.
Briefly discuss why it is important for business partners to understand the IT function.
48.
Briefly describe Henderson’s transactional and partnership styles of relationships.
49.
List and briefly describe the two dimensions of Henderson’s partnership style relationships.
50.
Describe what is meant by a “multilevel human resource strategy.”