Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Information Systems for Managers
1. According to research, what percentage of IT efforts ran over budget?
a) 47%
b) 51%
c) 10%
d) 25%
b) 51%
c) 10%
d) 25%
Answer: b) 51%
2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a possible reason for IT failure?
a) Inaccurate requirements
b) Uninvolved top management
c) Lack of internet connectivity
d) Poor project management
Answer: c) Lack of internet connectivity
3. What is an organizational capability?
a) Company's technological infrastructure
b) Company's ability to manage resources effectively for competitive advantage
c) Company's financial strength
d) Company's market position
Answer: b) Company's ability to manage resources effectively for competitive advantage
4. What are General Purpose Technologies (GPTs)?
a) Simple tools used in daily operations
b) Technologies specific to one industry
c) Innovations causing jumps in the economy's progress
d) Software applications
Answer: c) Innovations causing jumps in the economy's progress
5. Which of these is NOT a category of IT mentioned in the document?
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) System IT
Answer: d) System IT
6. Which approach is recommended for IT selection?
a) Outside-in approach
b) Inside-out approach
c) Bottom-up approach
d) Top-down approach
Answer: b) Inside-out approach
7. Which IT category helps with execution of discrete tasks?
a) Network IT
b) Enterprise IT
c) Function IT
d) System IT
Answer: c) Function IT
8. What is a characteristic of Network IT?
a) Imposes complements throughout organization
b) Complements emerge over period of time
c) Can be adopted without complements
d) Mandates data formats
Answer: b) Complements emerge over period of time
9. Which statement about Enterprise IT is correct?
a) Easy to adopt
b) Bottom-up implementation
c) Optional use
d) Defines tasks and sequences
Answer: d) Defines tasks and sequences
10. What percentage of IT companies were getting low, negative or unknown returns?
a) 51%
b) 47%
c) 10%
d) 25%
Answer: b) 47%
11. Which of these is an example of Network IT?
a) ERP
b) CAD
c) Email
d) Simulators
Answer: c) Email
12. What is NOT mentioned as a benefit of IT?
a) Enhanced productivity
b) Faster communication
c) Enhanced customer experiences
d) Increased profit margins
Answer: d) Increased profit margins
13. Which IT type is described as being harder for companies to adopt?
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) All of the above
Answer: c) Enterprise IT
14. What is emphasized regarding IT projects for executives?
a) Focus on technology installation
b) View them as periods of organizational change
c) Minimize involvement
d) Accelerate implementation
Answer: b) View them as periods of organizational change
16. What are the primary capabilities of Enterprise IT?
a) Facilitating collaboration only
b) Redesigning business processes and monitoring activities
c) Allowing expressions of judgment only
d) Enhancing experimentation capacity
Answer: b) Redesigning business processes and monitoring activities
17. Which IT type percolates from bottom-up?
a) Enterprise IT
b) Network IT
c) Function IT
d) System IT
Answer: b) Network IT
18. What is a key problem with Enterprise IT implementations?
a) High maintenance costs
b) Lack of technical expertise
c) Resistance because of changes
d) Poor internet connectivity
Answer: c) Resistance because of changes
19. How many main tasks are involved in managing the three types of IT?
a) Two
b) Three
c) Four
d) Five
Answer: b) Three (Selection, Adoption, Exploitation)
20. What is the recommended approach for selecting IT?
a) Focus on latest technologies
b) Follow competitor strategies
c) Focus on business needs first
d) Minimize costs
Answer: c) Focus on business needs first
21. What is the primary focus of the Inside-Out approach?
a) Technology landscape
b) Business capabilities
c) Cost reduction
d) Market trends
Answer: b) Business capabilities
22. Which IT category imposes its complements throughout the organization?
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) Basic IT
Answer: c) Enterprise IT
23. Which is NOT mentioned as an organizational complement?
a) Better skilled workers
b) Redesigned processes
c) Advanced technology
d) Higher level of teamwork
Answer: c) Advanced technology
24. What is a characteristic of Function IT?
a) Mandates data formats
b) Can be adopted without complements
c) Defines tasks and sequences
d) Use is always mandatory
Answer: b) Can be adopted without complements
25. What is emphasized regarding business leaders in IT implementation?
a) They should focus only on technical aspects
b) They are more important than IT specialists
c) They should avoid involvement
d) They should only focus on costs
Answer: b) They are more important than IT specialists
26. Which of these is a risk of implementing ERP without understanding business implications?
a) Higher costs only
b) Technical failures only
c) Could weaken competitive advantage
d) Slower processing speed
Answer: c) Could weaken competitive advantage
27. Network IT's principal capabilities include:
a) Standardizing workflows only
b) Facilitating collaboration and allowing expressions of judgment
c) Monitoring activities only
d) Redesigning business processes
Answer: b) Facilitating collaboration and allowing expressions of judgment
28. What does ERP tend to push companies toward?
a) Partial integration
b) Customized processes
c) Full integration
d) Departmental segregation
Answer: c) Full integration
29. In IT exploitation, which type is often exploited by their own?
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Network IT
30. What is a key consideration for successful IT implementation according to the document?
a) Focus only on technical aspects
b) Building consensus while being willing to push ahead
c) Waiting for complete agreement
d) Following market trends
Answer: b) Building consensus while being willing to push ahead
31. Which of these is an example of Function IT?
a) Email
b) ERP
c) CAD software
d) WhatsApp
Answer: c) CAD software
33. What does the Ducati example demonstrate in the context of IT?
a) Network capabilities
b) Enterprise system implementation
c) Enhancing experimentation capacity
d) Organizational change
Answer: c) Enhancing experimentation capacity
34. What is stated about WhatsApp in the context of IT categories?
a) It's purely Enterprise IT
b) It's Network IT with payment option as a complement
c) It's Function IT
d) It's not mentioned in the categories
Answer: b) It's Network IT with payment option as a complement
35. What percentage of companies believed they were getting high returns from IT investments?
a) 47%
b) 51%
c) 10%
d) 25%
Answer: c) 10%
36. Which is NOT mentioned as a dependency in IT failure?
a) Inaccurate estimates
b) Unexpected risks
c) Dependency delays
d) Software incompatibility
Answer: d) Software incompatibility
37. How do successful leaders implement Enterprise IT?
a) Wait for complete consensus
b) Focus only on technical aspects
c) Build consensus but willing to push ahead without everyone
d) Delay until all resources are available
Answer: c) Build consensus but willing to push ahead without everyone
38. What happens to the performance of GPTs over time?
a) Remains constant
b) Decreases gradually
c) Improves dramatically
d) Becomes unpredictable
Answer: c) Improves dramatically
39. What is the evaluation weightage for Case Analysis and Group Presentation?
a) 10%
b) 20%
c) 30%
d) 40%
Answer: b) 20%
40. In the example of workflow changes at IIM Indore after ERP implementation, what changed?
a) More steps were added
b) Steps were reduced
c) Process remained the same
d) Only timelines changed
Answer: b) Steps were reduced
41. What's mentioned about free riders in the document?
a) They will be given extra time
b) They might be identified and scored accordingly
c) They will be excluded from groups
d) They will get additional assignments
Answer: b) They might be identified and scored accordingly
42. What is emphasized about case analysis in the document?
a) Case facts are most important
b) Case analysis is very important
c) Both are equally important
d) Neither is important
Answer: b) Case analysis is very important
43. Which groups are mentioned for the Cisco Case?
a) Group A and B
b) Group X and Y
c) Group 1 and 2
d) No groups mentioned
Answer: b) Group X and Y
44. What is emphasized about PPTs for case presentation?
a) Should be sent after class
b) Should be sent before start of class
c) Can be sent anytime
d) Not mentioned
Answer: b) Should be sent before start of class
45. Enterprise IT's exploitation compared to its adoption is:
a) More difficult
b) Equally difficult
c) Often easier
d) Not comparable
Answer: c) Often easier
46. According to the document, which best describes Function IT's primary purpose?
a) Assists with execution of discrete tasks
b) Helps in interactions
c) Specifies business processes
d) Manages organizational structure
Answer: a) Assists with execution of discrete tasks
47. What is a key characteristic of Network IT?
a) Use is mandatory
b) Defines specific tasks
c) Use is optional
d) Imposes strict formats
Answer: c) Use is optional
48. In the context of ERP implementation, what does the document warn against?
a) Slow implementation
b) High costs
c) Rushing without understanding business implications
d) Technical complexity
Answer: c) Rushing without understanding business implications
49. What makes Enterprise IT different from Network IT in terms of implementation?
a) Enterprise IT is bottom-up while Network IT is top-down
b) Network IT is bottom-up while Enterprise IT is top-down
c) Both are bottom-up
d) Both are top-down
Answer: b) Network IT is bottom-up while Enterprise IT is top-down
50. Which statement about organizational capabilities is correct?
a) They focus only on technology
b) They must focus on meeting customer demand
c) They are independent of resources
d) They only relate to employee management
Answer: b) They must focus on meeting customer demand
51. What's mentioned about instant messaging in terms of exploitation?
a) Requires strict management
b) Needs constant monitoring
c) Is exploited by its own
d) Requires training
Answer: c) Is exploited by its own
52. What role should business leaders play in IT implementation according to the document?
a) Minor supporting role
b) Technical advisory role
c) Most important participants
d) No direct involvement
Answer: c) Most important participants
53. How does the document suggest viewing IT projects?
a) As pure technical installations
b) As cost centers
c) As periods of organizational change
d) As temporary solutions
Answer: c) As periods of organizational change
54. What is the recommended approach for technology selection?
a) Follow market trends
b) Copy competitors
c) Inside-out approach
d) Outside-in approach
Answer: c) Inside-out approach
55. Which describes Enterprise IT's approach to data formats?
a) Flexible formats
b) Optional formats
c) Mandates specific formats
d) No format requirements
Answer: c) Mandates specific formats
56. What's the relationship between GPTs and their complementary innovations?
a) No relationship exists
b) Negative correlation
c) Multiplies power and impact
d) Reduces effectiveness
Answer: c) Multiplies power and impact
57. What characterizes successful IT implementation according to the document?
a) Quick installation
b) Minimum cost
c) Consensus building with willingness to proceed
d) Complete agreement from all parties
Answer: c) Consensus building with willingness to proceed
58. How should organizations approach Inside-out IT selection?
a) Focus on available technology first
b) Focus on business capabilities first
c) Focus on cost first
d) Focus on competition first
Answer: b) Focus on business capabilities first
59. What's mentioned about Function IT's adoption?
a) Requires full organizational change
b) Can be adopted without complements
c) Requires mandatory training
d) Must follow strict protocols
Answer: b) Can be adopted without complements
60. Which best describes the document's view on IT's competitive advantage?
a) IT alone guarantees advantage
b) IT never provides advantage
c) IT's advantage depends on implementation
d) IT's advantage is temporary
Answer: c) IT's advantage depends on implementation
61. In terms of data formats, which IT category accepts data in many formats?
a) Enterprise IT
b) Network IT
c) Function IT
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Network IT
62. What aspect of IT projects does the document emphasize for executives?
a) Technical expertise
b) Cost management
c) Organizational change management
d) Speed of implementation
Answer: c) Organizational change management
63. How does the document describe the exploitation of Function IT?
a) Through fine-tuning organizational complements
b) Through automatic processes
c) Through strict controls
d) Through minimal intervention
Answer: a) Through fine-tuning organizational complements
64. What's emphasized about case presentations in the document?
a) Length is most important
b) Technical details matter most
c) Analysis is very important
d) Visual presentation matters most
Answer: c) Analysis is very important
65. What characterizes the relationship between Enterprise IT and organizational processes?
a) Minimal impact
b) Flexible adaptation
c) Imposes its own logic
d) No relationship
Answer: c) Imposes its own logic
66. What opinion is expressed about IT minimization in the document?
a) "IT isn't strategic, so we should maximize expenditure"
b) "IT isn't strategic, so we should minimize expenditure"
c) "IT is strategic, so we should maximize expenditure"
d) "IT is always strategic regardless of expenditure"
Answer: b) "IT isn't strategic, so we should minimize expenditure"
67. According to the document, why do companies become virtual?
a) To increase physical presence
b) To reduce IT dependency
c) Software is becoming rentable
d) To increase IT expenditure
Answer: c) Software is becoming rentable
68. Regarding Gartner AI Hype Cycle 2024, when should a manager choose to adopt technology?
a) During the peak of inflated expectations
b) During the trough of disillusionment
c) This information isn't specified in the document
d) During the innovation trigger
Answer: c) This information isn't specified in the document
69. In the IIM Indore workflow example, what was removed from the process after ERP implementation?
a) Director's approval
b) Supervisor's approval
c) Department Head's approval
d) Dean's approval
Answer: b) Supervisor's approval
70. What is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of Enterprise IT?
a) Imposes complements throughout organization
b) Defines tasks and sequences
c) Allows flexible data formats
d) Mandates data formats
Answer: c) Allows flexible data formats
71. The CVS case is mentioned as an example of:
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) The specific category isn't mentioned
Answer: c) Enterprise IT
72. What is mentioned about wikis and blogs in the IT classification?
a) They are Enterprise IT examples
b) They are Function IT examples
c) They are Network IT examples
d) They are not classified
Answer: c) They are Network IT examples
73. What's mentioned about simulation in the context of Function IT?
a) Enhances experimentation capacity
b) Improves communication
c) Standardizes workflows
d) Monitors activities
Answer: a) Enhances experimentation capacity
74. What does the document suggest about CRM software?
a) It's an example of Function IT
b) It's an example of Network IT
c) It's an example of Enterprise IT
d) It's not categorized
Answer: c) It's an example of Enterprise IT
75. What's mentioned about the quiz component in course evaluation?
a) 20%
b) 30%
c) 40%
d) 50%
Answer: b) 30%
76. According to the document, effective IT model building requires understanding of:
a) Only technical aspects
b) Only organizational impact
c) What IT can do, how it affects organization, and what managers must do
d) Only cost implications
Answer: c) What IT can do, how it affects organization, and what managers must do
77. The document mentions ERP tends to push companies toward:
a) Customized processes
b) Generic processes
c) Hybrid processes
d) No specific process type
Answer: b) Generic processes
78. What's mentioned about mashups in IT classification?
a) Function IT example
b) Network IT example
c) Enterprise IT example
d) Not classified
Answer: b) Network IT example
79. Regarding IT project failures, what percentage got high returns?
a) 47%
b) 51%
c) 10%
d) Not specified
Answer: c) 10%
80. What is NOT mentioned as a benefit of IT?
a) Enhanced productivity
b) Faster communication
c) Enhanced customer experiences
d) Increased market share
Answer: d) Increased market share
81. The Ducati case is mentioned as an example of:
a) Network IT implementation
b) Enterprise IT failure
c) Function IT success
d) IT project management
Answer: c) Function IT success
82. What's emphasized about PPTs for the Cisco case?
a) Should be detailed
b) Should be sent before class
c) Should be sent after class
d) No submission required
Answer: b) Should be sent before class
83. According to the document, SCM software is an example of:
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) Not specified
Answer: c) Enterprise IT
84. What's mentioned about CAD programs?
a) They require organizational change
b) They can be used without changing department functions
c) They require mandatory training
d) They need enterprise-wide implementation
Answer: b) They can be used without changing department functions
85. The document suggests that IT projects should be viewed as:
a) Technical installations
b) Cost centers
c) Periods of organizational change
d) Independent initiatives
Answer: c) Periods of organizational change
86. What is the relationship between Network IT and organizational complements?
a) Requires immediate implementation
b) Complements emerge over time
c) No complements needed
d) Complements must be predefined
Answer: b) Complements emerge over time
87. Which type of IT is described as helping with interactions without specifying parameters?
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) System IT
Answer: b) Network IT
88. In terms of resistance to change, which IT category faces the most challenges?
a) Function IT
b) Network IT
c) Enterprise IT
d) All face equal resistance
Answer: c) Enterprise IT
89. What is the primary benefit of Function IT according to the document?
a) Standardization
b) Collaboration
c) Productivity and optimization
d) Process monitoring
Answer: c) Productivity and optimization
90. The document mentions spreadsheets as an example of:
a) Enterprise IT
b) Network IT
c) Function IT
d) Not specified
Answer: c) Function IT
91. What characterizes the use of Enterprise IT applications?
a) Optional use
b) Mandatory use
c) Flexible use
d) Periodic use
Answer: b) Mandatory use
92. What's mentioned about inside-out approach benefits?
a) Faster implementation
b) Lower costs
c) Focus on business needs
d) Better technology selection
Answer: c) Focus on business needs
93. The document suggests that for IT success, top management should:
a) Focus on technical details
b) Delegate all responsibilities
c) Be actively involved
d) Minimize intervention
Answer: c) Be actively involved
94. What's the primary purpose of classifying IT into three types?
a) Cost management
b) Help leaders understand investment needs
c) Technical segregation
d) Resource allocation
Answer: b) Help leaders understand investment needs
95. What's mentioned about ERP's impact on business units?
a) Promotes segregation
b) Pushes toward full integration
c) No impact mentioned
d) Depends on implementation
Answer: b) Pushes toward full integration
96. Regarding IT exploitation, what's mentioned about Network IT?
a) Requires constant monitoring
b) Self-exploited
c) Needs strict guidelines
d) Requires training
Answer: b) Self-exploited
97. What's mentioned about Group Presentation evaluation?
a) Individual scoring only
b) Free riders might be identified
c) No evaluation criteria mentioned
d) Only group score matters
Answer: b) Free riders might be identified
98. What's emphasized about case analysis?
a) Facts are most important
b) Analysis is very important
c) Presentation is most important
d) Length is most important
Answer: b) Analysis is very important
99. According to the document, what should be the focus before implementing ERP?
a) Technical specifications
b) Cost analysis
c) Understanding business implications
d) Training schedule
Answer: c) Understanding business implications
100. What's mentioned about the timing of technology adoption?
a) As early as possible
b) When competitors adopt
c) Based on Gartner cycle
d) Information isn't specifically provided
Answer: d) Information isn't specifically provided
101. Which aspect of IT implementation emphasizes business leaders' role?
a) Technical configuration
b) Budget allocation
c) Being more important than IT specialists
d) Minimal involvement
Answer: c) Being more important than IT specialists
102. What's the document's stance on IT's strategic value?
a) Always strategic
b) Never strategic
c) Depends on implementation
d) Not discussed
Answer: c) Depends on implementation
103. When considering IT selection, what approach should companies avoid?
a) Inside-out approach
b) Outside-in approach
c) Business-focused approach
d) Strategic approach
Answer: b) Outside-in approach
104. What role do organizational capabilities play in IT success?
a) Minor role
b) No direct role
c) Critical role in meeting customer demand
d) Only technical role
Answer: c) Critical role in meeting customer demand
105. What's mentioned about the Cisco case presentation?
a) Individual presentation required
b) Group presentation required
c) No presentation required
d) Optional presentation
Answer: b) Group presentation required
