SECTION – A

1. Data and Information:

Data: Raw facts and figures without context, such as numbers, characters, and symbols.
Example: “100” is data.
Information: Processed data that is meaningful and useful. Example: “100 students enrolled” is
information.
2. Functions of an Information System:

Input: Capturing or collecting raw data.

Processing: Converting raw data into meaningful form.
Output: Producing and providing the processed data.
Storage: Storing data for future use.
Control: Monitoring and evaluating feedback to ensure the system is functioning properly.
3. System Software and Application Software:

System Software: Manages hardware and provides a platform for application software.
Examples: Operating systems like Windows, Linux.
Application Software: Performs specific tasks for users. Examples: Microsoft Office, Adobe
Photoshop.
4. IaaS, SaaS, PaaS:

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS).
SaaS (Software as a Service): Delivers software applications over the internet. Example: Google
Workspace.
PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and
manage applications. Example: Microsoft Azure.
5. Data Warehouses and Data Marts:
Data Warehouse: A large, centralized repository for storing data from multiple sources, used for
analysis and reporting.
Data Mart: A subset of a data warehouse focused on a particular area or department, used to
provide specific insights.
6. 3G Networks, 4G Networks, 5G Networks:

3G Networks: Third generation, offering improved data rates and internet access compared to
2G.
4G Networks: Fourth generation, providing faster speeds, enhanced mobile internet experience,
and support for HD video.
5G Networks: Fifth generation, offering significantly higher speeds, lower latency, and support
for advanced applications like IoT and autonomous vehicles.
7. Bullwhip Effect:

Definition: A supply chain phenomenon where small fluctuations in demand at the retail level
cause increasingly larger fluctuations in demand at the wholesale, distributor, and manufacturer
levels.
Causes: Demand forecast updates, order batching, price fluctuations, and rationing.
8. Operational CRM and Analytical CRM:

Operational CRM: Supports front-office business processes, such as sales, marketing, and
service. Examples: Automating customer interactions, managing sales.
Analytical CRM: Analyzes customer data for better business decisions. Examples: Customer
segmentation, campaign effectiveness analysis.
9. Advantages and Disadvantages of Prototyping:

Advantages: Allows for early visualization of the product, reduces misunderstandings, and
provides early feedback.
Disadvantages: Can lead to incomplete analysis, scope creep, and potentially higher costs if
overused.
 10. Outsourcing and Offshoring:

Outsourcing: Contracting out business processes or services to third-party providers. Example:

IT support, payroll processing.
Offshoring: Relocating business processes or services to another country to reduce costs.
Example: Manufacturing products in a country with lower labor costs.

SECTION - B

11. (a) Understanding of Business Problem-Solving:

 Definition: Business problem-solving involves identifying, analyzing, and resolving

issues that affect business operations.
 Stages:
1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define the issue.
2. Gather Information: Collect relevant data.
3. Analyze the Problem: Determine the cause and impact.
4. Develop Alternatives: Brainstorm possible solutions.
5. Evaluate Alternatives: Assess the feasibility and impact.
6. Select the Best Alternative: Choose the most effective solution.
7. Implement the Solution: Execute the chosen solution.
8. Monitor and Evaluate: Track the results and make adjustments as needed.

12. (a) Major Computer Hardware, Data Storage, Input, and Output Technologies:

 Hardware: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Motherboard, Random Access Memory

(RAM), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and Network Interface Card (NIC).
 Data Storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), Optical Disks, Cloud
Storage.
 Input Technologies: Keyboards, Mice, Scanners, Microphones, Cameras.
 Output Technologies: Monitors, Printers, Speakers, Projectors.

13. (a) Principal Components of Telecommunications Networks:

 Components:
1. Transmission Media: Wired (fiber optics, coaxial cables) and wireless (radio
waves, microwaves).
2. Network Devices: Routers, switches, modems, gateways.
3. Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP.
4. Network Topologies: Star, ring, bus, mesh.
 5. Network Services: DNS, DHCP, VPN.

14. (a) Supply Chain Management Systems:

 Coordination:
1. Planning: Demand forecasting, inventory planning.
2. Production: Scheduling, resource allocation.
3. Logistics: Transportation, warehousing.
4. Suppliers: Supplier relationship management, procurement.
 Technologies: ERP systems, RFID, GPS, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange).


15. Information Systems Development

(a) Identify and briefly explain the alternative methods for building information systems.

Alternative methods for building information systems include:

Waterfall Model:

Explanation: A linear and sequential approach where each phase must be completed before the
next begins.

Phases: Requirements, Design, Implementation, Verification, Maintenance.

Agile Development:

Explanation: An iterative and incremental approach that emphasizes flexibility and customer
feedback.

Phases: Planning, Design, Development, Testing, Release, Feedback.

Rapid Application Development (RAD):

Explanation: Focuses on quick development and iteration with user feedback.

Phases: Requirements Planning, User Design, Construction, Cutover.

Prototyping:

Explanation: Building a prototype to understand requirements and refine them through user
feedback.

Phases: Initial Concept, Build Prototype, User Evaluation, Refine Prototype, Complete and
Release.

DevOps:

Explanation: Combines development and operations to improve collaboration and productivity.

Phases: Continuous Development, Continuous Testing, Continuous Integration, Continuous

Deployment, Continuous Monitoring.

(b) Critically examine the ethical, social, and political issues raised by information systems.

Ethical, social, and political issues related to information systems include:

Ethical Issues:

Privacy: Concerns about data collection and how personal information is used.

Accuracy: Ensuring data is correct and used appropriately.

Property: Intellectual property rights and software piracy.

Accessibility: Ensuring equal access to information systems.

Social Issues:

Digital Divide: The gap between those with access to information technology and those without.

Employment: The impact of automation and AI on jobs.

Health: Issues like repetitive strain injury (RSI) and mental health concerns from prolonged
computer use.

Political Issues:

Regulation: Government policies on data protection, cybersecurity, and digital rights.

Censorship: Control over what information can be accessed or shared.

Surveillance: Government and corporate monitoring of individuals’ activities online.