Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. A GIS can integrate maps and database data with queries, allowing for spatial analysis and visualization of data.

Question 2

Related technologies for group support,such as electronic meeting systems (EMSs)and computer-mediated communication (CMC),are considered full-function GSSs because they contain decision-making tools.

Accepted Answer

Electronic meeting systems (EMSs) and computer-mediated communication (CMC) are components of group support systems (GSSs) but do not necessarily contain decision-making tools, which are required for a system to be considered a full-function GSS.

Question 3

Semistructured decisions are often used in _____.

Accepted Answer

Semistructured decisions are often used in areas such as sales forecasting where there is a mix of routine and non-routine elements involved in the decision-making process. Payroll development and record keeping are more likely to involve structured decisions where the process is highly defined and routine. Hiring and firing may involve some non-routine elements but it is still more likely to be considered a structured decision overall.

Question 4

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

A common challenge in designing a management support system is that the benefits may be intangible or difficult to quantify. In such cases, the design team should try to associate the benefits with a measurable factor, such as increased sales or productivity, to help justify the investment in the system. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 5

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 6

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

Accepted Answer

Top management support and user involvement are essential for designing and implementing an EIS that meets the needs of the organization and its executives. Without their support, the EIS is likely to fail to deliver the expected benefits.

Question 7

_____ decisions can be automated because a well-defined standard operating procedure exists for these types of decisions.

Accepted Answer

Structured decisions are routine and can be taken based on well-defined standard operating procedures, which makes it possible to automate them. Semistructured and unstructured decisions involve more complexity and require human judgment, which makes them less suitable for automation. Pseudostructured decisions involve a mix of structured and unstructured components, so they may or may not be suitable for automation depending on the specific circumstances.

Question 8

Real-time computer conferencing used in electronic meeting systems includes video capability.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Real-time computer conferencing used in electronic meeting...

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Executive information systems (EISs) are specifically designed to provide executives with quick access to important information and data. These systems are typically used for reporting exceptions and other critical information that requires the attention of upper management.

Question 10

_____ involves semistructured decisions.

Accepted Answer

Budget preparation involves making decisions based on some guidelines or criteria, but there is still some flexibility in the decision-making process. This makes it a semistructured decision. Record keeping involves following established procedures and does not require decision-making. Hiring and firing and research and development involve more complex and unstructured decisions.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

The technical designer is responsible for designing the technical aspects of a DSS, including how data should be stored, organized, and accessed within the system. Their focus is on ensuring the system meets technical requirements and operates efficiently, rather than on the decision-making or analytical aspects of the system.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Information technologies are a major support tool...

Question 13

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 14

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

Accepted Answer

Criteria are specific performance levels that decision makers aim to achieve. They are used to evaluate alternatives and make decisions in order to achieve a desired outcome.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

Groupware is software that helps a group of decision makers work with the same application,provided they work in the same location.

Accepted Answer

Groupware is software that helps a group of decision makers work with the same application, regardless of their physical location.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Semistructured decisions have some defined procedures but also require analysis, retrieval of information, and use of information systems technology.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Decision support systems (DSS) are designed to assist decision-making processes and increase effectiveness rather than just efficiency. They provide analytical tools and data to help users make well-informed decisions.

Question 20

Record keeping,payroll,and simple inventory problems are examples of _____ tasks.

Accepted Answer

Structured tasks are routine and repetitive with a clear set of rules and procedures, and require little or no decision-making. Record keeping, payroll, and simple inventory problems fit the criteria of structured tasks.

Quiz 12: Management Support Systems