Quiz #2: Strategic Uses of IS

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Completion

1. SIS stands for ________ ________ ________. Answer Strategic Information Systems
2. DMCA stands for ________ ________ ________ ________. Answer Digital Millennium Copyright Act

Short answer

3. Define the term critical mass. Answer Critical mass is when an organization or system has enough usage or success to achieve a specific result
4. Define the term tipping point. Answer A tipping point is the point at which a number of small changes have accumulated and can now cause a big change
5. Define the term bleeding edge. Answer Being at the "bleeding edge" describes organizations that use the latest technology, which puts them in a risky position
6. Define the term strategic planning. Answer Strategic planning suggests critical or opportune steps which can be used to achieve longer term goals. Strategic planning concerns a big-picture attitude and is the domain of higher-level managers
7. Define the term tactical planning. Answer Tactical planning concerns the implementation of techniques to achieve goals. Tactical planning is short-term as opposed to long-term strategic planning. Tactical planning is used by lower-level managers to implement some of the steps defined by longer-term strategic plans.
8. Define the term buzzword. Answer A buzzword is a term similar to jargon, but used because it refers to a hot topic. Sometimes a particular product or technique becomes very popular and is referred to by a buzzword. The buzzword starts appearing more and more in that field, and sometimes design and management decisions are based upon inclusion of the buzzword. It often makes people feel like they are part of the "next big thing" when their project can be described using buzzwords.
9. List the eight ways we covered in lecture for achieving strategic advantage. Answer The eight ways are:
   • reduce costs
   • raise barriers to market entrants
   • establish high switching costs
   • create new products and services
   • differentiate products or services
   • enhance products or services
   • establish alliances
   • lock in suppliers or buyers
10. What are some questions that should be asked before developing an SIS? Answer Some possibilities are:
    • What would be the most effective way to gain an advantage?
    • Would having some information more accessible or timely help establish a significant advantage?
    • Can an SIS be developed that provides what the organization wants?
    • Will the development costs be justified?
    • Will competitors be able to do the same thing?
    • How long will it take competitors to catch up?
    • Can the new system be continually enhanced to extend the organization's competitive advantage?
    • What is the risk of not pursuing this SIS development?
    • Are there alternatives? If so, what are their advantages and disadvantages?

Matching

Identify the letter of the choice that best matches the phrase or definition.

1. tactical
2. reengineering
3. tipping point
4. strategic
5. first mover
6. late mover
7. bleeding edge
8. critical mass
11. using unproven technology and techniques in a risky situation Answer G (bleeding edge)
12. planning to achieve long term goals Answer D (strategic)
13. leading the competition by offering a new product or service first Answer E (first mover)
14. lagging behind the competition in offering new products or services Answer F (late mover)
15. short-range implementation planning Answer A (tactical)
16. enough usage or success to achieve a result Answer H (critical mass)
17. when a number of small changes have accumulated enough to cause a big change Answer C (tipping point)
18. redesigning from the ground up Answer B (reengineering)