UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2013/2014
ORDINARY EXAMINATION FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 2203 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
DATE: APRIL, 2014 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE and any other TWO
QUESTION ONE
(a) Define a business model. [2 Marks]
(b) Briefly explain how the following information systems are used in organizations
and what level they serve within the organization
i. Decision Support Systems [3 Marks]
ii. Executive support systems [3 Marks]
iii. Knowledge work support system [3 Marks]
iv. Management information system [3 Marks]
(c) Explain the significance of strategic planning for organizations and identify five
approaches to planning. [7 Marks]
(d) Discuss three mechanisms for acquiring an information system, giving an
advantage and disadvantage of each mechanism. [9 Marks]
QUESTION TWO
(a) A system can be said to be open or closed system, explain [2 Marks]
(b) Describe the key features of strategic management [4 Marks]
(c) Mwanzi enterprises has been in business for the last ten years and a lot of changes
have taken place in the business environment. Discuss four strategies that this
enterprise can employ to remain relevant in the business environment.
[8 Marks]
(d) Describe six factors an organization should consider when selecting an
information system. [6 Marks]
QUESTION THREE
(a) Differentiate between strategic control and operational control. [4 Marks]
(b) How does organizational culture influence the performance of an organization?
[6 Marks]
(c) Discuss Earl’s multiple methodology for integrating business strategy with
information system strategy. [10 Marks]
QUESTION FOUR
(a) Define a system and identify the elements that make up a system. [4 Marks]
(b) Explain the processes of strategic information system planning. [6 Marks]
(c) Discuss five change management solutions for end user resistance to the
implementation of new e-business strategies and applications. [5 Marks]
(d) Discuss five reasons why some organizations succeed while others fail. [5 Marks]
QUESTION FIVE
(a) A manager under competitive pressure is considering a new application of IS that
will displace 5 employees. The employees will not be able to find similar jobs
elsewhere with their current skills.
i. Advise the organization on whether to proceed or withdraw the plan [6 Marks]
ii. Where the organization opts to proceed with the project, give two ethical
measures the organization can undertake to mitigate on the negative impact on
the employees lives. [4 Marks]
(b)An IT project manager is expected to define time, cost and staff elements for a
given project before it commences. Outline the significance of these elements.
[10 Marks]
