BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of an assignment is to ensure that the Learner is able to:

• Use methods of enquiry and research in a disciplined field.
• Interpret and evaluate text.
• Have a sound understanding of key principles and theories, rules and awareness.
• Solve unfamiliar problems using correct procedures as well as investigate and critically analyse information and report thereof.
• Present and communicate information reliably and coherently.

QUESTION ONE -

1.1- Communication is one of the Fundamental Values of Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology College, although it would be more accurate to say that effective communication is what Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology College deems critical to its success. It further understands that communication is the act of transmitting information between individuals.

1.1.1- Briefly describe communication in relation to information systems. Using examples explain different types of communication technologies and discuss types of networks used for communication.

1.2- With the aid of a diagram and examples, discuss any Four types of physical transmission media with their advantages and the disadvantages, of each media type.

QUESTION TWO -

You are employed as a communications advisor at Telemark, a telemarketing firm with over 1,500 telemarketers. The president of the company recently attended the annual Internet Telephony Conference & Expo and came away with the idea that the company can save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on local, long distance, and international calls by using Internet Telephony, rather than the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN). She has asked you to look into the feasibility of making the switch. Use the Web and/or print media to research the advantage and disadvantage of internet telephony.

2.1.1- How does Internet telephony work?

2.1.2- What type of hardware and software must the company purchase to make calls over the Internet?

2.2- Describe cloud storage, give examples of services provided and the reasons to use cloud storage.

QUESTION THREE -

3.1- Umbono Ltd  is a South African based  retail  company. The company has 45 retail outlets located throughout the South Africa. At a recent board meeting the directors approved a proposal for the development of a new range of enhanced payment receipting technologies to replace its existing EPOS card based systems. The new system will be introduced into all of the company's 45 retail outlets over the next two (2) years and the directors have estimated that its introduction will result in an overall net reduction in retail staffing levels of approximately 30%.

Unlike the existing EPOS card based system, the proposed payment receipting technologies will require Umbono Ltd to store and process confidential personal data about all retail customers. All confidential personal data will be encrypted and securely stored at the company's head office in Pretoria.

3.1- In the context of change management, briefly explain the primary objectives of the systems development process and distinguish between the systems development life cycle approach and, the prototyping approach to systems development.

3.2- Describe the key stages of the systems development life cycle approach and briefly explain the advantages and disadvantages of using such an approach for the development and introduction of a new range of enhanced payment receipting technologies by Umbono Ltd.

QUESTION FOUR -

4.1- Using theory and practical examples, critically evaluate the importance of Project Management, Feasibility Assessment, Data and Information Gathering Techniques, and documentation in Software Development Life Cycle

4.2- Using practical examples, explain embedded operating system.