Business Information Systems & Ethical Practices Report
QUESTION 1 [30 MARKS]
You are currently interning at a business technology consultancy. Your team is assisting a mid-sized company in improving their information systems strategy, specifically focusing on secure, ethical, and effective use of information in project environments. Your manager has asked you to compile a professional, evidence-based report addressing various aspects of the business’s information systems landscape.
Choose a real-world organisation (public or private, local or global) and evaluate how it uses information systems to support managerial decision-making. In your evaluation:
- Identify at least four core business decisions supported by information systems in the organisation.
- Explain the types of information systems (e.g., TPS, MIS, DSS) involved and how they enable better outcomes.
- Discuss how data quality, timeliness, and relevance influence the effectiveness of decision- making.
- Reflect briefly on how improved decision-making via IS has contributed to operational or strategic success.
Note to student:
- Support your response with real company evidence, data or reports. Your report should be between 600–750 words.
(30)
QUESTION 2 [25 MARKS]
Develop a first-person reflective log in which you consider a potential ethical dilemma or information security incident that may arise in a project-based business environment.
Your log must:
- Describe the scenario clearly (real, simulated, or hypothetical).
- Identify at least three ethical considerations and two security threats involved.
- Critically reflect on how such incidents can impact trust, compliance, and project delivery.
- Propose and justify two preventative or response strategies based on ethical frameworks or security standards (e.g., POPIA, ISO 27001).
Your reflection should demonstrate critical thinking and should be 600–700 words. Include at least three (3) referenced sources.
QUESTION 3 [20 MARKS]
Design a visually engaging infographic that showcases five different IT tools or software that project managers use to generate, track, or present information during a project life cycle.
For each tool:
- Indicate the name and purpose of the tool.
- Identify the project stage where it is typically used (initiation, planning, execution, closure).
- Briefly state one key advantage of the tool.
Note to student:
- Include your infographic in the report (PDF). You may use tools such as SmartArt or Canva. Plagiarised graphics will be penalised.
[20]
QUESTION 4 [25 MARKS]
Read the scenario below and answer the question that follows:
Phoenix EcoBuilders: Evaluating the Integration and Sustainability of a Cloud-Based Project Information System
Phoenix EcoBuilders, a South African construction firm, recently adopted a cloud-based project information system to improve on-site collaboration, resource scheduling, and document version control. However, after six months, the system showed mixed results: improved communication but recurring user complaints about login issues, incompatible mobile access, and untrained staff misusing the features.
Management is considering whether to keep the system or switch vendors. They want your recommendation based on a structured evaluation.
By January 2025, after multiple rounds of testing and employee feedback, the company faced a crucial decision: which platform would best support their digital-first business model?
Write a report in which you:
- Evaluate four factors that should be considered when determining if the system is suitable for long-term use (e.g., usability, integration, ROI, adaptability).
- Suggest two potential vendor alternatives, briefly comparing them.
- Conclude with your justified recommendation: retain, retrain, or replace?
Information Systems Answers: Experts Answer on Above Information Systems Questions
The organization that is selected for the purpose of analysing how it utilises information systems in supporting its managerial decision making process is Shoprite Holdings. The analysis indicates that the four core business decisions supported by the information system in the organisation are:
- Decisions related to inventory replenishment.
- Pricing strategy based on competitors analysis.
- Decision with respect to store expansion.
- Optimisation of customer Loyalty program
These are the four important areas whereby the information system is used by the company in streamlining its business operation. The types of information system used by the company includes:
- TPS used in order to track the real time sales.
- MIS to evaluate the monthly sales report and perform trend analysis for better assessment.
- DSS to perform scenario modelling for new Store locations.
- ERP to manage the resources by integrating supply chain, HRM and Finance data.
Impact of data quality
The impact of data quality is identified as positive as it leads to accurate stock data and thereby reduces wastage. The availability of computer data on a timely basis allows for efficient pricing strategy.
Strategic success
The use of information systems allows for achieving strategic success in the sense that it leads to improved forecasting accuracy and thereby results in reduced stock-outs boosting customer satisfaction and market share.
| Disclaimer: This answer is a model for study and reference purposes only. Please do not submit it as your own work. |
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