Information Technology Foundations (ITEC610) – Midterm Exam

The document is an academic Midterm Exam for an "Information Technology Foundations" course. It addresses core IT concepts, emerging trends, data management, and network types through a series of structured questions, often framed in a business context (an electric motor manufacturer expanding globally). The exam covers four main areas of Information Technology: Definition and Strategic Role of IT: IT Definition: The development, implementation, application, management, and support of computer-based information systems to collect, store, process, and transfer data for efficiency and business improvement. IT consists of hardware, software, and peripheral devices. Role in Global Expansion: IT, through tools like digital marketing and e-commerce, helps a business expand its market reach globally by overcoming geographical barriers and enabling a robust online presence. Emerging IT Trends and Societal Impact: Three trends are described with examples: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Replicates the human brain to think and process information, resolving limitations found in human labor, such as providing consistency and avoiding errors. A major disadvantage is the potential loss of job opportunities for large populations. Internet of Things (IoT): Facilitates the automation and interconnectedness of devices, leading to efficiency improvements and cost reduction. Examples include smart home security systems, smart city technology for detecting issues like traffic congestion, and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) for remote patient monitoring. Robotics: Enhances efficiency and safety by accomplishing tasks faster, more accurately, and performing dangerous tasks (e.g., in mining) that would be fatal for humans. The main societal negative impact is the displacement of human workers and the resulting narrowing of job opportunities. Data Resource Management and Storage: Data Resource Management: Deals with collecting, storing, planning, organizing, dissemination, and controlling an organization's data resources, ensuring data integrity (accuracy, security, and accessibility). Data Warehouse: A central repository for integrated, structured/semi-structured data from diverse sources, used primarily for ad hoc analysis and custom reporting. Example: Collating customer information from various sources (POS, website, etc.). Data Mining: The process of extracting valuable information from big data sets to discover themes and patterns that aid in decision-making. Example: Vetting loan applicants by analyzing credit scores and transaction history. Cloud Storage Services: Virtual, offsite services allowing data owners to store and access digital files remotely via a dedicated private network or the public internet. Best for companies with large data volumes that need remote user access. Network Types and Challenges: The paper describes and differentiates between wired, wireless, and mobile networks based on how each addresses key business challenges like security, resiliency, cost, and remote worker support. For example, mobile networks are at the height of supporting remote workers via email, calls, chatting, and video meetings.