Object Oriented Midterm

Front 1

1-1. Explain the difference between data and information. Give two examples for each.

Back 1

Data is any fact or assumption that is combined with other data to constitute a meaningful message – information. The patterns, associations, or relationships among all this data can provide information. For example, analysis of retail point of sale transaction data can yield information on which products are selling and when. Examples of information are:
 The year-end balance sheet of a company.
 A business report.
 A bank statement.
Data are the building blocks of information. Data are any facts, numbers, or text that can be processed by a computer. Today, organizations are accumulating vast and growing amounts of data in different formats and different databases. This includes:
 Operational or transactional data such as, sales, cost, inventory, payroll, and accounting.
 Nonoperational data, such as industry sales, forecast data, and macro economic data
 Metadata - data about the data itself, such as logical database design or data dictionary definitions

Front 2

1-2. Explain why your university is considered a system. Give examples of other systems that you know.

Back 2

The definition of system “a set of interrelated elements organized into an identifiable whole with a distinct identity” applies to the university. Our university consists of elements; students, professors, facilities, curriculums, etc., to achieve a goal of educating students. Other examples include: banks, accounting systems, hospitals and any other organization that consists of elements that work together to achieve an identifiable goal.

Front 3

1-3. Comment on the phrase “an information system is an open system.”

Back 3

A “perfect” open system is one that accepts input, the logic of its internal workings can be understood and/or changed, can change as a result of interaction with the outside world, and produces output. An information system by definition is a “system that processes data into information according to a predictable set of logical assumptions.” Information systems interact with the outside environment by accepting input (data) and producing output (information) and its internal logic is not static and changes as the requirement from the outside world changes.

Front 4

1-4. What is the difference between an information system and information technology?

Back 4

While information systems process data into information, the know-how, methods, tools, and material used to support information systems constitute information technology. What is collectively called information technology is actually composed of one or more processing units and three systems: communication, data management, and control.

Front 5

1-5. How data management system differs from communication system?

Back 5

Data Management System is a set of rules, procedures, material, and tools that stores, organizes, protects, and retrieves data needed by the information system. A communication System transmits data to the information system and brings information to its users. A communication system consists of communication devices, protocols, and the connections between those devices.

Front 6

1-6. Give examples of information systems and automated information systems. How do they differ from each other?

Back 6

An information system does not have to be automated; the processing of data into information can be done manually. Creating a report (balance sheet) manually without the aid of a computer could be considered an information system. Post offices had been in operation for decades without using computers where all the sorting and processing was done manually. Automated information systems use electronic devices to process data into information, store and disseminate them on request. Today most information systems are automated.

Front 7

1-7. Define “business intelligence.”

Back 7

Business intelligence is information about all elements of the business such as information on customers, products, operation, competition, government regulation, etc. A Business Intelligence System is set of subsystems and applications that allow management to analyze operational and market data, create models, make forecasts, and virtually test business decisions. BI systems help the strategic direction of the business.

Front 8

1-8. What is the difference between business intelligence and artificial intelligence?

Back 8

Artificial intelligence systems enable machines to automatically perform tasks that otherwise would require human intelligence. They solve complex problems by using non-mathematical algorithms and simulate real or imaginary environments. They also provide expert opinion by using available information, heuristic, and inference. Business intelligence is an input to artificial intelligence systems.