UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2016/2017
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
BCT 1306 SYSTEMS AND SYSTEMS THEORY
FULL TIME/PART TIME
DATE: AUGUST, 2017 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (30 MARKS)
a) Using system theory explain why a drug abuse is a complex problem in society
(7 Marks)
b) Explain the term systems approach and give suitable examples (3 Marks)
c) Define a Boundary as used in system theory given an example of search in business firm
(3 Marks)
d) Identify a FIVE pioneer system theorist (5 Marks)
e) Do you believe a human being is a system? Why (4 Marks)
f) Distinguish between feed forward and feedback giving suitable examples (4 Marks)
g) Explain why control mechanism is important in a system (4 Marks)
QUESTION TWO (20 MARKS)
a) Explain how a fire alarm system works by using your knowledge of systems theory.
(6 Marks)
b) Universities must establish industry linkages to remain relevant Give reasons for this
argument. (6 Marks)
c) Why should there be coupling between judicial systems and law enforcement systems for
a growing economy such as Kenya? (8 Marks)
QUESTION THREE (20 MARKS)
a) Explain the following terms (10 Marks)
i) Entropy
ii) Decoupling
iii) Homeostasis
iv) Synergy
v) Differentiation
b) Discuss why a system whose survival is threatened must change (5 Marks)
c) Why is systems modeling critical in business or engineering (5 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR (20 MARKS)
a) Designing of a user interface in computer systems is essential. (8 Marks)
b) Identify the essential components in a feed and controls system and explain their
functions (12 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE (20 MARKS)
a) Distinguish between decision making and problem solving (4 Marks)
b) Describe the Just in Time(JIT) system from the system theory perspective (4 Marks)
c) Radicalization of the youth is a simmering problem in society. With your known of
systems theory how will you address the phenomenon? (12 Marks)
