Question 1

_____ decisions are vaguely defined by standard operating procedures but include a structured aspect that benefits from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology.
A)Structured
B)Semistructured
C)Unstructured
D)Pseudostructured

Accepted Answer

Semistructured decisions involve a mix of structured and unstructured elements, where some aspects of the decision-making process can be predefined by standard procedures, while others require judgment and evaluation that benefit from additional tools like information systems.

Question 2

In the intelligence phase of the decision-making process, a decision maker defines criteria and generates alternatives to meet the criteria.

Accepted Answer

In the intelligence phase, the decision maker identifies problems and opportunities rather than defining criteria and generating alternatives, which occur in later phases of the decision-making process.

Question 3

Unstructured decisions are often used in computer configuration.

Accepted Answer

Unstructured decisions are typically used in situations that are novel, complex, and not routine, such as strategic planning and problem-solving, rather than in standardized tasks like computer configuration.

Question 4

_____ decisions can be automated because a well-defined standard operating procedure exists for these types of decisions.
A)Structured
B)Semistructured
C)Unstructured
D)Pseudostructured

Accepted Answer

Structured decisions can be automated because they rely on a well-defined standard operating procedure, making them predictable and rule-based, suitable for automation.

Question 5

Decision support systems (DSS)are focused on efficiency rather than effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

Decision support systems (DSS) are primarily focused on improving the effectiveness of decision-making processes rather than merely enhancing efficiency. They help in making informed decisions by analyzing large volumes of data and presenting it in a way that is easy to understand.

Question 6

Criteria are goals and objectives that decision makers establish to achieve certain performance levels.

Accepted Answer

Criteria are indeed the standards, goals, or objectives set by decision makers to evaluate or measure performance levels, outcomes, or achievements in various contexts.

Question 7

Record keeping, payroll, and simple inventory problems are examples of _____ tasks.
A)structured
B)semistructured
C)unstructured
D)pseudostructured

Accepted Answer

Record keeping, payroll, and simple inventory problems are examples of structured tasks because they follow a clear, predefined process and can often be automated or handled by specific, straightforward procedures.

Question 8

Information technologies are a major support tool for making unstructured decisions.

Accepted Answer

Information technologies are a major support tool for making structured decisions, not unstructured decisions.

Question 9

The technical designer usually addresses how data should be stored in a decision support system (DSS).

Accepted Answer

The technical designer is responsible for determining the technical specifications of a decision support system (DSS), which includes how data should be stored, processed, and accessed.

Question 10

According to the guidelines for designing a management support system, when benefits are intangible, the design team should associate the benefits with a measurable factor, such as increased sales.

Accepted Answer

Associating intangible benefits with measurable factors like increased sales helps in quantifying the benefits, making it easier to justify the investment in the management support system. This approach aligns with best practices in system design and decision-making, where tangible metrics are used to evaluate the impact of intangible assets.

Question 11

Collaboration software helps a group of decision makers coordinate and communicate, provided they are all in the same location.

Accepted Answer

Collaboration software is designed to help groups of decision makers coordinate and communicate regardless of their locations, enabling remote and distributed teams to work together effectively.

Question 12

Executive information systems (EISs)are used for reporting exceptions.

Accepted Answer

Executive Information Systems (EISs) are designed to provide top executives with easy access to internal and external information relevant to their strategic goals, including exception reporting to highlight significant deviations from expected performance.

Question 13

Communication software can include audio conferencing, video conferencing, and text messaging.

Accepted Answer

Communication software encompasses a wide range of applications designed to facilitate interaction among users, including audio conferencing, video conferencing, and text messaging, among others.

Question 14

In a decision support system (DSS), the user interface manages and coordinates the database and model base.

Accepted Answer

In a decision support system (DSS), the user interface is primarily responsible for facilitating interaction between the user and the system; it does not manage and coordinate the database and model base. The management and coordination of the database and model base are handled by the DSS's database management system (DBMS) and model base management system (MBMS), respectively.

Question 15

A geographic information system (GIS)can integrate maps and database data with queries.

Accepted Answer

GIS is designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data, allowing for the integration of maps and database data with queries to find patterns and insights.

Question 16

A user interface enables a decision support system (DSS)to analyze information.

Accepted Answer

A user interface allows users to interact with a decision support system (DSS), but it is the DSS itself, through its algorithms and databases, that analyzes information.

Question 17

Management support systems have a somewhat different purpose than other information systems.

Accepted Answer

Management support systems are designed specifically to support managerial decision-making, whereas other information systems may focus on operational processes, data management, and information dissemination across various levels of an organization.

Question 18

Over time, almost all aspects of a management support system change because of developments in technology and the dynamic business environment.

Accepted Answer

Management support systems evolve due to technological advancements and changes in the business environment, necessitating updates to remain effective and relevant.

Question 19

When designing a management support system, guidelines recommend ignoring costs and benefits in order to focus on the interface.

Accepted Answer

When designing a management support system, it's important to consider costs and benefits alongside other factors like the interface, to ensure the system is efficient, effective, and aligns with organizational goals.

Question 20

Effective design and implementation of an executive information system (EIS)requires top management support and user involvement.

Accepted Answer

Top management support ensures the alignment of the EIS with strategic goals, while user involvement guarantees that the system meets the actual needs of its users, leading to a more effective design and implementation.

Quiz 12: Supporting Decisions and Processes

_____ decisions are vaguely defined by standard operating procedures but include a structured aspect that benefits from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology.