Solution Manual For
Chapters 1-12
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Explain why Introduction to MIS is the most important class in the business school.
2. Explain how MIS will affect you.
3. Discuss why MIS-related jobs are in high demand.
4. Define “MIS.”
5. Describe your role in IS security.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Why is Introduction to MIS the most important class in the business school?
The digital revolution
Evolving capabilities
Moore‟s Law
Metcalfe‟s Law
Other forces pushing digital change
This is the most important class in the school of business
How will MIS affect me?
How can I attain job security?
How can Intro to MIS help you learn nonroutine skills?
Why are MIS-related jobs in high demand?
What is the bottom line?
What is MIS?
Components of an information system
Management and use of information systems
Achieving strategies
What is your role in IS security?
Strong passwords
Password etiquette
How does the knowledge in this chapter help you?
Learning Catalytics is a "bring your own device" student engagement, assessment, and
classroom intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-
time diagnostics. Students can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet,
or laptop) to access it. For more information on using Learning Catalytics in your course,
contact your Pearson representative.
SO WHAT?
,A is for Alphabet
1. The feature identified the Internet as a catalyst for the Information Age. What other
innovations have contributed to the era of unprecedented access to information via
computers?
Student answers will vary. Several important innovations that may be mentioned
include the development of the PC, wireless networking technologies, development of
smart mobile devices, the cellular communication system, satellite communication
systems.
2. Think about your daily use of phones, tablets, and traditional desktop/laptop
computers. How many searches do you perform each day? What types of things do
you search for on the Internet? Do you use Google for these searches? If not, what
search engine do you use? Why do you use that search engine?
Student answers will vary, depending on each individual‟s routines regarding search.
For some context, studies show that over 6.5 billion searches are conducted using
Internet search engines each day (globally). As of April 2017, 77% of those searches
were conducted using Google. Notably, that percentage is up 10% from the previous
year. (See http://www.smartinsights.com/search-engine-marketing/search-engine-
statistics/ for up to date information).
3. Conduct an Internet search to find a project or product offered by Alphabet that you
had not heard about before reading this feature. Are you surprised at the diversity of
the company and its projects and research initiatives?
Students are likely to discover unexpected projects in a wide array of areas. If
necessary, have your students look at https://x.company to learn more about the
Alphabet company that is termed a “moonshot” factory: tackling huge problems with
radical solutions and breakthrough technologies.
4. What technological innovation do you think will drive the next great era in humanity?
What do you think the defining elements of that era will be?
Student responses will vary. This question should generate some interesting
discussion. As a starting point, try focusing the discussion on the area of artificial
intelligence and machine learning using the self-driving car context.
COLLABORATION EXERCISE 1
Before you start this exercise, read Chapter Extensions 1 and 2, which describe
collaboration techniques as well as tools for managing collaboration tasks. In particular,
consider using Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft SharePoint, or
some other collaboration tool.
Collaborate with a group of fellow students to answer the following questions. For this
exercise, do not meet face to face. Coordinate all of your work using email and email
,attachments only. Your answers should reflect the thinking of the entire group, and not
just one or two individuals.
1-4. Abstract reasoning
a. Define abstract reasoning, and explain why it is an important skill for business
professionals.
Abstract reasoning is the ability to construct and use a model or representation.
Being able to construct a model or representation of a complex situation through
abstract reasoning is an important skill for business professionals, who frequently
must make decisions under uncertain and highly complex situations. This is a
highly marketable skill. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of
an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
b. Explain how a list of items in inventory and their quantity on hand is an
abstraction of a physical inventory.
The inventory list and quantity on hand is a representation of the actual items on
shelves in the warehouse. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components
of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
c. Give three other examples of abstractions commonly used in business.
Student answers will vary, but some examples include projects plans, budgets,
and business process models. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the
components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
d. Explain how Jennifer failed to demonstrate effective abstract reasoning skills.
Jennifer was unable to develop a model to evaluate prospects for 3D printing
opportunities. She identified parts that can‟t be 3D printed and listed future drone
models that don‟t have the capacity to carry cameras. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome:
Describe the components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective
Thinking)
e. Can people increase their abstract reasoning skills? If so, how? If not, why not?
Yes, abstract thinking skills can be developed with practice. Working with
existing models is a place to start, but creating actual models and examining their
usefulness is even more essential to develop these skills. (LO: 1, Learning
Outcome: Describe the components of an information system (IS), AACSB:
Reflective Thinking)
1-5. Systems thinking
a. Define systems thinking, and explain why it is an important skill for business
professionals.
Systems thinking involves identifying and modeling the components of a system
and connecting the inputs and outputs among those components into a sensible
whole, one that explains the phenomenon observed. This is an important skill
, because business people must be able to identify and understand the relationships
among the elements that form a complex situation. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome:
Describe the components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective
Thinking)
b. Explain how you would use systems thinking to define why Moore’s Law caused a
farmer to dig up a field of pulp wood trees. Name each of the elements in the
system and explain their relationships to each other.
Pulp wood trees are inputs in the production of paper. Moore‟s law implies that
more and more content will be stored digitally, and there will be less printed
material produced. Consequently, the demand for paper will fall. The farmer
recognizes that the value of his trees will decline over time as there is less demand
for paper, so he decides to use his land to produce a product with a higher
projected value. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of an
information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
c. Give three other examples of the use of systems thinking with regard to the
consequences of Moore’s law.
Student answers will vary. Some examples include Kodak shifting its business
away from film cameras and film development to digital cameras and photo
printers; Google‟s project of scanning and digitizing books; and Amazon and
Sony developing electronic reader devices. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe
the components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
d. Explain how Jennifer failed to demonstrate effective systems-thinking skills.
Jennifer was unable to understand and model the correct components and
relationships between parts that can be 3D printed and drones that can carry
cameras. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of an information
system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
e. Can people improve their systems-thinking skills? If so, how? If not, why not?
Yes, systems thinking skills can be developed with practice. Applying existing
models to different situations is a place to start, but creating actual models,
critiquing the models, and examining their usefulness is even more essential to
developing these skills. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of
an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
1-6. Collaboration
a. Define collaboration, and explain why it is an important skill for business
professionals.
Collaboration is the ability to work productively with others when developing
ideas and plans. A good collaboration results in a final work product that is
superior to one that would be developed by a person working alone. (LO: 1,
Learning Outcome: Describe the components of an information system (IS),
AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
b. Explain how you are using collaboration to answer these questions. Describe
what is working with regards to your group’s process and what is not working.
Chapters 1-12
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Explain why Introduction to MIS is the most important class in the business school.
2. Explain how MIS will affect you.
3. Discuss why MIS-related jobs are in high demand.
4. Define “MIS.”
5. Describe your role in IS security.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
Why is Introduction to MIS the most important class in the business school?
The digital revolution
Evolving capabilities
Moore‟s Law
Metcalfe‟s Law
Other forces pushing digital change
This is the most important class in the school of business
How will MIS affect me?
How can I attain job security?
How can Intro to MIS help you learn nonroutine skills?
Why are MIS-related jobs in high demand?
What is the bottom line?
What is MIS?
Components of an information system
Management and use of information systems
Achieving strategies
What is your role in IS security?
Strong passwords
Password etiquette
How does the knowledge in this chapter help you?
Learning Catalytics is a "bring your own device" student engagement, assessment, and
classroom intelligence system. It allows instructors to engage students in class with real-
time diagnostics. Students can use any modern, web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet,
or laptop) to access it. For more information on using Learning Catalytics in your course,
contact your Pearson representative.
SO WHAT?
,A is for Alphabet
1. The feature identified the Internet as a catalyst for the Information Age. What other
innovations have contributed to the era of unprecedented access to information via
computers?
Student answers will vary. Several important innovations that may be mentioned
include the development of the PC, wireless networking technologies, development of
smart mobile devices, the cellular communication system, satellite communication
systems.
2. Think about your daily use of phones, tablets, and traditional desktop/laptop
computers. How many searches do you perform each day? What types of things do
you search for on the Internet? Do you use Google for these searches? If not, what
search engine do you use? Why do you use that search engine?
Student answers will vary, depending on each individual‟s routines regarding search.
For some context, studies show that over 6.5 billion searches are conducted using
Internet search engines each day (globally). As of April 2017, 77% of those searches
were conducted using Google. Notably, that percentage is up 10% from the previous
year. (See http://www.smartinsights.com/search-engine-marketing/search-engine-
statistics/ for up to date information).
3. Conduct an Internet search to find a project or product offered by Alphabet that you
had not heard about before reading this feature. Are you surprised at the diversity of
the company and its projects and research initiatives?
Students are likely to discover unexpected projects in a wide array of areas. If
necessary, have your students look at https://x.company to learn more about the
Alphabet company that is termed a “moonshot” factory: tackling huge problems with
radical solutions and breakthrough technologies.
4. What technological innovation do you think will drive the next great era in humanity?
What do you think the defining elements of that era will be?
Student responses will vary. This question should generate some interesting
discussion. As a starting point, try focusing the discussion on the area of artificial
intelligence and machine learning using the self-driving car context.
COLLABORATION EXERCISE 1
Before you start this exercise, read Chapter Extensions 1 and 2, which describe
collaboration techniques as well as tools for managing collaboration tasks. In particular,
consider using Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft SharePoint, or
some other collaboration tool.
Collaborate with a group of fellow students to answer the following questions. For this
exercise, do not meet face to face. Coordinate all of your work using email and email
,attachments only. Your answers should reflect the thinking of the entire group, and not
just one or two individuals.
1-4. Abstract reasoning
a. Define abstract reasoning, and explain why it is an important skill for business
professionals.
Abstract reasoning is the ability to construct and use a model or representation.
Being able to construct a model or representation of a complex situation through
abstract reasoning is an important skill for business professionals, who frequently
must make decisions under uncertain and highly complex situations. This is a
highly marketable skill. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of
an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
b. Explain how a list of items in inventory and their quantity on hand is an
abstraction of a physical inventory.
The inventory list and quantity on hand is a representation of the actual items on
shelves in the warehouse. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components
of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
c. Give three other examples of abstractions commonly used in business.
Student answers will vary, but some examples include projects plans, budgets,
and business process models. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the
components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
d. Explain how Jennifer failed to demonstrate effective abstract reasoning skills.
Jennifer was unable to develop a model to evaluate prospects for 3D printing
opportunities. She identified parts that can‟t be 3D printed and listed future drone
models that don‟t have the capacity to carry cameras. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome:
Describe the components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective
Thinking)
e. Can people increase their abstract reasoning skills? If so, how? If not, why not?
Yes, abstract thinking skills can be developed with practice. Working with
existing models is a place to start, but creating actual models and examining their
usefulness is even more essential to develop these skills. (LO: 1, Learning
Outcome: Describe the components of an information system (IS), AACSB:
Reflective Thinking)
1-5. Systems thinking
a. Define systems thinking, and explain why it is an important skill for business
professionals.
Systems thinking involves identifying and modeling the components of a system
and connecting the inputs and outputs among those components into a sensible
whole, one that explains the phenomenon observed. This is an important skill
, because business people must be able to identify and understand the relationships
among the elements that form a complex situation. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome:
Describe the components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective
Thinking)
b. Explain how you would use systems thinking to define why Moore’s Law caused a
farmer to dig up a field of pulp wood trees. Name each of the elements in the
system and explain their relationships to each other.
Pulp wood trees are inputs in the production of paper. Moore‟s law implies that
more and more content will be stored digitally, and there will be less printed
material produced. Consequently, the demand for paper will fall. The farmer
recognizes that the value of his trees will decline over time as there is less demand
for paper, so he decides to use his land to produce a product with a higher
projected value. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of an
information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
c. Give three other examples of the use of systems thinking with regard to the
consequences of Moore’s law.
Student answers will vary. Some examples include Kodak shifting its business
away from film cameras and film development to digital cameras and photo
printers; Google‟s project of scanning and digitizing books; and Amazon and
Sony developing electronic reader devices. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe
the components of an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
d. Explain how Jennifer failed to demonstrate effective systems-thinking skills.
Jennifer was unable to understand and model the correct components and
relationships between parts that can be 3D printed and drones that can carry
cameras. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of an information
system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
e. Can people improve their systems-thinking skills? If so, how? If not, why not?
Yes, systems thinking skills can be developed with practice. Applying existing
models to different situations is a place to start, but creating actual models,
critiquing the models, and examining their usefulness is even more essential to
developing these skills. (LO: 1, Learning Outcome: Describe the components of
an information system (IS), AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
1-6. Collaboration
a. Define collaboration, and explain why it is an important skill for business
professionals.
Collaboration is the ability to work productively with others when developing
ideas and plans. A good collaboration results in a final work product that is
superior to one that would be developed by a person working alone. (LO: 1,
Learning Outcome: Describe the components of an information system (IS),
AACSB: Reflective Thinking)
b. Explain how you are using collaboration to answer these questions. Describe
what is working with regards to your group’s process and what is not working.
