UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2016/2017
ORDINARY EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREES OF BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT2203 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
FULLTIME/PART TIME
DATE: AUGUST, 2017 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE: 30 MARKS (COMPULSORY)
a) Define a business model. [2Marks]
b) Briefly explain how the following information systems are used in organizations and
what level they serve within the organization
i. Decision Support Systems [3Marks]
ii. Executive support systems [3Marks]
iii. Knowledge work support system [3Marks]
iv. Management information system [3Marks]
c) Explain the significance of strategic planning for organizations and identify five
approaches to planning. [7Marks]
d) Discuss three mechanisms for acquiring an Information System, giving an advantage and
disadvantage of each mechanism. [9Marks]
QUESTION TWO: 20 MARKS
a) A system can be said to be open or closed system, explain [4Marks]
b) Describe the key features of strategic management [4Marks]
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. [8Marks]
d) Describe six factors an organization should consider when selecting an information
system. [6Marks]
QUESTION THREE: 20 MARKS
a) Differentiate between strategic control and operational control. [4Marks]
b) How does organizational culture influence the performance of an organization? [6Marks]
c) Discuss Earl’s multiple methodology for integrating business strategy with information
system strategy. [10Marks]
QUESTION FOUR: 20 MARKS
a) Define a system and identify the elements that make up a system. [4Marks]
b) Explain the processes of strategic information system planning. [6Marks]
c) Discuss five change management solutions for end user resistance to the implementation
of new e-business strategies and applications.
[5Marks]
d) Discuss five reasons why some organizations succeed while others fail.
[5Marks]
QUESTION FIVE: 20 MARKS
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]
