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Chapter 9

4 August, 2015 - 12:29
1. Describe the role of a systems analyst.
   

a. To understand business requirements and translate them into the requirements ofan information system.

2. What are some of the different roles for a computer engineer?
   

a. hardware engineer, software engineer, network engineer, systems engineer

3. What are the duties of a computer operator?
   

a. Duties include keeping the operating systems up to date, ensuring available memory and disk storage, and overseeing the physical environment of the computer.

4. What does the CIO do?
   

a. The CIO aligns the plans and operations of the information systems with the strategic goals of the organization. This includes tasks such as budgeting, strategicplanning, and personnel decisions relevant to the information-systems function.

5. Describe the job of a project manager.
   

a. A project manager is responsible for keeping projects on time and on budget. This person works with the stakeholders of the project to keep the team organized and communicates the status of the project to management.

6. Explain the point of having two different career paths in information systems.
   

a. To allow for career growth for those who do not want to manage other employees but instead want to focus on technical skills.

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of centralizing the IT function?
   

a. There are several possible answers here. Advantages of centralizing include more control over the company’s systems and data. Disadvantages include a more limited availability of IT resources.

8. What impact has information technology had on the way companies are organized?
   

a. The organizational structure has been flattened, with fewer layers of management.

9. What are the five types of information-systems users?
   

a. innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, laggards

10. Why would an organization outsource?
   

a. Because it needs a specific skill for a limited amount of time, and/or because it can cut costs by outsourcing.