Question 1

In 2010,Canadian businesses will spend over $562 billion on information systems hardware,software,and telecommunications equipment.

Accepted Answer

In 2010, Canadian businesses did not spend over $562 billion on information systems hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment. This figure is likely exaggerated for that time period.

Question 2

The smartphone has been called the "Swiss Army knife of the digital age."

Accepted Answer

The smartphone can perform various functions and tasks, just like the Swiss Army knife which has multiple tools in one. Hence, this statement is true.

Question 3

Government and private-sector standards are examples of complementary social assets required to optimize returns from IT investments.

Accepted Answer

Government and private-sector standards provide a framework that enables organizations to align their IT investments with industry best practices, regulatory requirements and customer needs, which can lead to improved operational efficiency, cost savings and competitive advantage. By leveraging these complementary social assets, organizations can optimize the returns from their IT investments and ensure that their systems are well-integrated, secure, reliable and interoperable.

Question 4

The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB)is responsible for producing all wheat and barley grown in western Canada.

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) used to have a monopoly on the marketing of wheat and barley grown in western Canada, but it was abolished in 2012 and replaced with a voluntary marketing system for farmers. Farmers are now free to choose how and to whom they sell their wheat and barley.

Question 5

A firm that invests in efficient business processes is making an investment in organizational complementary assets.

Accepted Answer

Organizational complementary assets refer to investments made in business processes, information systems, and management practices that enhance the value of other assets such as human capital and technology. Therefore, investing in efficient business processes falls under this category.

Question 6

A declining percentage of the economy of North America and other advanced industrial countries in Europe and Asia depends on imports and exports.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false as the economy of North America and other advanced industrial countries in Europe and Asia heavily depends on imports and exports. International trade plays a significant role in the growth and development of these economies.

Question 7

Information systems contain information about significant people,places,and things within the organization or in the environment surrounding it.

Accepted Answer

Information systems are designed to collect, store, and process data about various aspects of an organization or its environment, including people, places, and things that are important or relevant to its operations. This data can be used for decision-making, analysis, and other purposes.

Question 8

________ refer to the set of logically related tasks and behaviours that organizations develop over time to produce specific business results and the unique manner in which these activities are organized and coordinated.

Accepted Answer

Business processes refer to the specific set of activities and tasks that an organization develops and uses to achieve its business goals. These processes can include everything from product design and development to supply chain management and customer service. The key feature of business processes is that they are designed to be logical and efficient, with each step in the process building on the previous one to create a seamless flow of work. The way that these processes are organized and coordinated can vary depending on the specific business and industry, but the concept of optimizing workflows and reducing waste is universal.

Question 9

Jean works for a food processing company.His firm ships products all over the world.As a result,Jean must be available at all hours of the day or night to communicate with clients.The way in which Jean works is referred to as ________ shifting.

Accepted Answer

Jean's job requires him to be available at all hours of the day or night to communicate with clients, indicating that he is working in different time zones. Therefore, the way in which he works is referred to as time shifting.

Question 10

Major business applications are now delivered online as an Internet service rather than as boxed software or custom systems.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many businesses are now using cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) offerings rather than purchasing and installing software on individual computers or building custom systems. This allows for easier updates and maintenance, cost savings, and more flexibility in terms of access and collaboration.

Question 11

A mobile digital platform cannot compete with the PC as a business system.

Accepted Answer

With the advancements in mobile technology and the availability of various business apps, a mobile digital platform can compete with the PC as a business system. In fact, many businesses have started using mobile devices as a primary tool for conducting their daily operations. However, depending on the specific business needs, a PC may still be necessary for certain tasks.

Question 12

As newspaper readership continues to increase,more and more people receive their news online.

Accepted Answer

Newspaper readership has generally been declining as more people turn to online sources for news.

Question 13

In the behavioural approach to information systems,technology is ignored in favour of understanding the psychological,social,and economic impacts of systems.

Accepted Answer

In the behavioural approach to information systems, technology is not ignored, but rather studied in conjunction with understanding the psychological, social, and economic impacts of systems.

Question 14

The six important business objectives of information technology are new products,services,and business models;customer and supplier intimacy;survival;competitive advantage;operational excellence;and improved ________.

Accepted Answer

Improved decision making is one of the six important business objectives of information technology, as it helps organizations make better and more informed decisions.

Question 15

You work for a door manufacturer in eastern Canada.You have just developed a new method generating and fulfilling an order for doors that will be exported.This is an example of a ________,which you might use as a competitive advantage.

Accepted Answer

The new method for generating and fulfilling orders for export is an example of a business process, which can be used as a competitive advantage. By improving and optimizing this process, the door manufacturer can become more efficient and deliver higher-quality products to customers more quickly, which can help them to stand out from competitors and gain market share. A digital firm, virtual meeting, or value chain may also contribute to a competitive advantage, but they are not directly related to the specific example given in the question.

Question 16

Businesses are starting to use social networking tools to connect their employees,customers,and managers worldwide.

Accepted Answer

With the increasing popularity of social media, businesses are now utilizing various social networking tools to connect their employees, customers, and managers from different parts of the world. This helps in establishing a better communication channel, promoting collaboration, and enhancing business growth.

Question 17

Margo works for a national consulting firm.Her work takes place at the client's workplace.Currently she has clients in both Montreal and France.The way in which Jean works is referred to as ________ shifting.

Accepted Answer

Margo's work requires her to physically shift her location to different client workplaces. This type of work style is referred to as space shifting.

Question 18

UPS's use of Web-based tools that allow customers to embed UPS functions such as tracking and cost calculations into their own Web sites was an information systems solution used to achieve customer intimacy.

Accepted Answer

UPS's use of Web-based tools for customers to embed UPS functions into their own web sites is an example of using information systems solutions to achieve customer intimacy.

Question 19

Information systems literacy,in contrast,focuses primarily on knowledge of information technology.

Accepted Answer

Information systems literacy is not only about knowledge of information technology. It also includes knowledge of how information systems are used in a business or organizational context, as well as an understanding of the ethical and social implications of information systems.

Question 20

The strength of cloud computing and the growth of the mobile digital platform allow organizations to rely more on telework,remote work,and distributed decision making.

Accepted Answer

Cloud computing and mobile digital platform enable remote work and distributed decision making, which makes it easier for organizations to rely on telework.

Quiz 1: Information Systems in Global Business Today