Question 1

Businesses typically have many systems, some internally developed, some purchased, and others acquired. Businesses want these systems to communicate with one another and provide users with easier access to data. There are three systems configurations that consolidate and coordinate data across multiple locations. These three include centralized systems, decentralized systems, and distributed systems. Each configuration has advantages and disadvantages. Which of the following is an advantage of distributed systems?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cost is lower, as there is only one central location to be maintained. 
B)  Reduction in processing bottlenecks as employees aren't competing for processing power. 
C)  It promotes easier incremental growth or scalability of systems. 
D)  If one system fails, the other systems can still process transactions.

Question 2

Excel is a spreadsheet application software. Select the Excel function listed below that you would use if you wanted to combine two or more columns into one new column.

Accepted Answer

A)  SUM 
B)  MAX 
C)  TRIM 
D)  CONCAT

Question 3

ERP systems are complex and expensive technology. The integration of all systems into a unified ERP system has certain goals. One goal is increased business efficiency. What is the best definition of increased business efficiency?

Accepted Answer

A)  All the business data resides in one single system, making it accessible to authorized users who need it to perform their tasks. 
B)  While the initial implementation cost and any customization of an ERP system are expensive, the long-term costs may be less associated with owning one system, as opposed to multiple systems. 
C)  With the availability of real-time data all in one place, it simplifies the collection, analysis, and reporting of business data and improves business decisions. 
D)  With the continuous collection, analysis, and reporting of business data, management can better benchmark the business against its competitors.

Question 4

Excel is a spreadsheet application software. Select the Excel function listed below that you would use if you wanted to find the smallest value in a range of selected cells.

Accepted Answer

A)  MIN 
B)  MAX 
C)  TRIM 
D)  IF

Question 5

Choose the best definition of systems integration.

Accepted Answer

A)  Systems integration is the process of joining different systems or subsystems into one larger system and ensuring that they function as one system. 
B)  Systems integration is separating one company into two or more separate legal entities. 
C)  Systems integration is a combination of two separate companies into a new legal entity. 
D)  Systems integration happens when one company purchases another company to acquire all or most of the shares, and therefore control over that company.

Question 6

"Excel is part of the ________ suite and can be purchased as a locally installed software or through a SaaS subscription."

Accepted Answer

A)  Numbers for Mac 
B)  QuickBooks 
C)  Microsoft Office 
D)  Google Sheets

Question 7

Successful ERP systems support the core business processes in a company's operations. Every function within the ERP is called a module. Listed below are four key features. Which is a key feature of the customer relationship management module?

Accepted Answer

A)  Accounts Receivable 
B)  Receive Payment 
C)  Marketing Management 
D)  Inventory

Question 8

Businesses typically have many systems, some internally developed, some purchased, and others acquired. Businesses want these systems to communicate with one another and provide users with easier access to data. There are three systems configurations that consolidate and coordinate data across multiple locations. These three include centralized systems, decentralized systems, and distributed systems. Choose the best definition of a decentralized system.

Accepted Answer

A)  A decentralized system connects all users to one central location built around a server or cluster of servers that all authorized users can access. 
B)  A decentralized system utilizes multiple locations connected to a central site. 
C)  A decentralized system is like a decentralized system; however, it goes a step further as it no longer has a central site connecting all the system nodes. 
D)  A decentralized system allows all users to have access to all data depending on their user access privileges, and all users are connected throughout the business.

Question 9

There are four different levels of information systems, each providing information for users at different levels of the company. Match the systems with why the system is used.
-Executive support system

Accepted Answer

A)  Strategic decisions 
B)  Non-routine decisions 
C)  Routine decisions 
D)  Capturing data

Question 10

An online information system that focuses on leveraging the data for information is considered what type of system?

Accepted Answer

A)  An online transaction processing system (OLTP) 
B)  An online analytics processing system (OLAP) 
C)  A batch transaction processing system (BTP) 
D)  A batch analytics processing system (BAP)

Question 11

Successful ERP systems support the core business processes in a company's operations. Every function within the ERP is called a module. Listed below are four key features. Which is a key feature of the financial module?

Accepted Answer

A)  Accounts Receivable 
B)  Receive Payment 
C)  Marketing Management 
D)  Inventory

Question 12

Systems software is specialized software that runs a computer's hardware and other software. It is a platform for other software that coordinates all the activities throughout the system. A software used to define, manipulate, retrieve, and manage data is what type of system software?

Accepted Answer

A)  Operating System 
B)  Database Management System 
C)  Data communication software 
D)  Utility programs

Question 13

Implementing an ERP system is a complex process. Businesses must select a vendor, assess expected costs including the system itself and implementation related expenses, and convert relevant existing systems to the new ERP system. Due to the complex, expensive nature of this type of system implementation, discuss what businesses considering adopting a new ERP system should do.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Implementing an ERP system is a complex...

Question 14

As companies grow their data storage needs grow more complex and many small businesses soon grow to need a more manageable approach to local data storage. At Julia's Cookies, it only took a few months before they needed a more robust data storage solution than Excel. Choose from the list below a database solution that a small startup company may use.

Accepted Answer

A)  Oracle DBMS 
B)  Microsoft Outlook 
C)  Microsoft Access 
D)  MySQL

Question 15

Companies need more accounting support than just capturing sales data. Businesses need reliable software that provides core accounting functionality and user-friendly reporting capabilities. Julia's Cookies used what accounting software package when they were a startup?

Accepted Answer

A)  Oracle DBMS 
B)  Microsoft Outlook 
C)  Microsoft Access 
D)  QuickBooks

Question 16

Successful ERP systems support the core business processes in a company's operations. Every function within the ERP is called a module. What is the best definition of the production module?

Accepted Answer

A)  The most important ERP module that captures accounting data and generates financial documents, including financial statements, tax forms, and receipts. 
B)  Coordinates the entire supply chain, from purchasing of raw materials and supplies to inventory management and warehousing. 
C)  Manages production activities including machine operations and scheduling. 
D)  Captures and stores all customer information.

Question 17

Most vendors offer different types of solutions for companies to choose from when selecting an ERP system. There are three common types: Out of the box ERP, Configurable ERP, and Customizable ERP. Describe Configurable ERP and compare it to purchasing a new car.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Most vendors offer different types of solutions...

Question 18

There are four different levels of information systems, each providing information for users at different levels of the company. Match the systems with who uses the system.
-Management information system

Accepted Answer

A)  Executive Leadership 
B)  Upper-level Management 
C)  Middle Management 
D)  Workers

Question 19

Successful ERP systems support the core business processes in a company's operations. Every function within the ERP is called a module. Listed below are four key features. Which is a key feature of the production module?

Accepted Answer

A)  Bill of Material 
B)  Receive Payment 
C)  Marketing Management 
D)  Inventory

Question 20

Businesses typically have many systems, some internally developed, some purchased, and others acquired. Businesses want these systems to communicate with one another and provide users with easier access to data. There are three systems configurations that consolidate and coordinate data across multiple locations. These three include centralized systems, decentralized systems, and distributed systems. Each configuration has advantages and disadvantages. Which of the following is an advantage of decentralized systems?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cost is lower, as there is only one central location to be maintained. 
B)  Higher responsiveness from the system at remote locations, as they have their own system to process and retrieve their data. 
C)  Communication among the users is increased since they are all connected. 
D)  It promotes easier incremental growth or scalability of systems.

Exam 4: Software and Systems