MBA 703 DARBAN CHAPTERS 14 AND 15 EXAM QUESTIONS ANSWERED CORRECTLY LATEST UPDATE
2026
Computing Hardware - Answers Refers to the physical components of information technology,
including the computer itself and its peripherals like storage devices, input devices, and output
devices.
Software - Answers A computer program or collection of programs that is a precise set of instructions
that tells hardware what to do.
Hardware/Software Layer Cake - Answers An analogy illustrating that applications depend on the
operating system (OS), and the OS depends on hardware, requiring all layers to align for successful
digital strategy.
Operating System (OS) - Answers Software that controls the computer hardware and establishes
standards for developing and executing applications, making it easier for users to interact with
computers.
User Interface - Answers The mechanism through which users interact with a computing device.
Firmware - Answers Software stored on nonvolatile memory chips.
Embedded Systems - Answers Special-purpose software designed and included inside physical
products.
Application Software - Answers Software that performs specific tasks for users and organizations,
accomplishing work that users and firms are directly interested in.
Platform - Answers Products and services that allow for the development and integration of software
products and other complementary goods.
Desktop Software - Answers Applications installed on a personal computer, typically supporting tasks
performed by a single user.
Enterprise Software - Answers Applications that address the needs of multiple, simultaneous users in
an organization or work group.
Software Package - Answers A software product offered commercially by a third party.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems - Answers Software packages that integrate many
functions of a business using a common central database, providing an integrated real-time view of
core business processes.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) - Answers Systems used to support customer-related
sales and marketing activities, streamlining interactions with customers and managing leads.
Supply Chain Management (SCM) - Answers Systems that help manage aspects of a firm's value chain,
optimizing operations through improved logistics, inventory management, and demand forecasting.
Business Intelligence (BI) Systems - Answers Systems that use data generated by other systems to
provide reporting and analysis for decision-making.
Function Selection - Answers The process of identifying and selecting specific functions that align with
business needs, such as SAP offering over 3000 functions.
Process Matching - Answers The practice of matching system functions with current processes and
avoiding major modifications during integration.
Customization - Answers The process of modifying software to meet specific user requirements.
Integration - Answers The process of combining different systems and software applications to work
together.
Data Mining - Answers The practice of analyzing large datasets to discover patterns and extract
valuable information.
Logistics - Answers The detailed coordination of complex operations involving people, facilities, and
supplies.
Inventory Management - Answers The supervision of non-capitalized assets, or inventory, and stock
items.
Demand Forecasting - Answers The process of predicting future customer demand for a product or
service.
Configuration - Answers Prefer system configuration over customization to reduce costs and
complexity. Configuration involves setting up system features without altering code, while
customization is costly and complicates future updates.
Integration Considerations - Answers Ensure smooth integration with existing tools, as real-time data
flow is essential for efficiency.
, Cloud vs. On-Premise Solutions - Answers Cloud solutions are scalable with lower upfront costs, while
on-premise solutions offer more control over data and security.
User Training and Support - Answers Implement comprehensive training and establish ongoing
support channels.
Adopting Minimal Changes - Answers It is typically best to perform only minimal changes to enterprise
software, and instead, change the way the firm works to align with the software's established best
practices.
Phased Implementation of ERP Systems - Answers Companies do not need to implement all modules
at once; a gradual, phased approach makes the transition manageable and less risky.
Bottom Line - Answers Enterprise systems force a company to fully integrate all business processes,
usually requiring massive changes in structure and organization, and are difficult to implement.
Packaged Enterprise Systems - Answers Can save millions of dollars and turbocharge organizations.
Packaged Enterprise Systems Benefits - Answers Can streamline processes, make data more usable,
and ease the linking of systems with software across the firm and with key business partners.
Efficient Systems Impact - Answers Efficient and integrated systems may make firms more attractive
acquisition targets or facilitate acquiring other firms.
Database Management System (DBMS) - Answers Software essential for creating, maintaining, and
managing data effectively.
DBMS Purpose - Answers Enables businesses to store and retrieve data efficiently, supporting
enterprise applications seamlessly.
DBMS Key Functions - Answers Data Storage (organizing data) and Data Retrieval (quick and accurate
access).
DBMS Benefits - Answers Enhances data uniformity and integrity across the organization and
improves analytical capabilities for better decision-making.
Distributed Computing - Answers A form of computing where systems in different locations
communicate and collaborate to complete a task.
Server - Answers A program that fulfills the requests of a client. In a hardware context, it's a computer
configured to support requests from other computers.
Client - Answers A software program that makes requests of a server program.
Architectural Components - Answers Software Components: Data storage/Database, Data access
logic/layer, Application server/logic, Presentation layer.
Hardware Components - Answers Client computers (desktop, laptop, handhelds, cell phones), Servers
& Mainframes, Networks (to connect computers).
Server-Based Architecture - Answers The server performs all application functions, and the client
captures keystrokes and sends them to the server.
Server-Based Architecture Good - Answers Simple, Single point of control.
Server-Based Architecture Bad - Answers Server processes all messages, can become overloaded
leading to slower responses and expensive upgrades.
Client-Based Architecture - Answers Clients are personal computers on a network, and the server
stores data.
Client-Based Architecture Good - Answers Less expensive hardware.
Client-Based Architecture Bad - Answers Network can quickly become overloaded as all data must
travel to the client for processing.
Client-Server Architecture - Answers Balances/splits processing between 'client' and 'server'.
Client-Server Architecture Benefits - Answers Distributed processing makes it efficient.
Client-Server Architecture Limitations - Answers More complex because applications must be written
for both client and server (apps have two parts).
Client-Server Tiers - Answers The functions of a network can be partitioned between server and client.
3-tier architecture - Answers Data storage and access logic on one server, application logic on
another, and client responsible for presentation logic (3 sets of computers).
Multi-tiered client/server architecture (N-tier) - Answers Balances load of network over two or more
servers.
Evolution of Application Architecture - Answers Originally, companies used on-premises mainframes
as central data repositories. Applications were then split using a client-server architecture. With the
rise of the internet, three-tier/multi-tier architecture became prominent. The most recent trend is
microservices, where applications are split into small, independently running services based on
functionality, aligning with cloud best practices.
2026
Computing Hardware - Answers Refers to the physical components of information technology,
including the computer itself and its peripherals like storage devices, input devices, and output
devices.
Software - Answers A computer program or collection of programs that is a precise set of instructions
that tells hardware what to do.
Hardware/Software Layer Cake - Answers An analogy illustrating that applications depend on the
operating system (OS), and the OS depends on hardware, requiring all layers to align for successful
digital strategy.
Operating System (OS) - Answers Software that controls the computer hardware and establishes
standards for developing and executing applications, making it easier for users to interact with
computers.
User Interface - Answers The mechanism through which users interact with a computing device.
Firmware - Answers Software stored on nonvolatile memory chips.
Embedded Systems - Answers Special-purpose software designed and included inside physical
products.
Application Software - Answers Software that performs specific tasks for users and organizations,
accomplishing work that users and firms are directly interested in.
Platform - Answers Products and services that allow for the development and integration of software
products and other complementary goods.
Desktop Software - Answers Applications installed on a personal computer, typically supporting tasks
performed by a single user.
Enterprise Software - Answers Applications that address the needs of multiple, simultaneous users in
an organization or work group.
Software Package - Answers A software product offered commercially by a third party.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems - Answers Software packages that integrate many
functions of a business using a common central database, providing an integrated real-time view of
core business processes.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) - Answers Systems used to support customer-related
sales and marketing activities, streamlining interactions with customers and managing leads.
Supply Chain Management (SCM) - Answers Systems that help manage aspects of a firm's value chain,
optimizing operations through improved logistics, inventory management, and demand forecasting.
Business Intelligence (BI) Systems - Answers Systems that use data generated by other systems to
provide reporting and analysis for decision-making.
Function Selection - Answers The process of identifying and selecting specific functions that align with
business needs, such as SAP offering over 3000 functions.
Process Matching - Answers The practice of matching system functions with current processes and
avoiding major modifications during integration.
Customization - Answers The process of modifying software to meet specific user requirements.
Integration - Answers The process of combining different systems and software applications to work
together.
Data Mining - Answers The practice of analyzing large datasets to discover patterns and extract
valuable information.
Logistics - Answers The detailed coordination of complex operations involving people, facilities, and
supplies.
Inventory Management - Answers The supervision of non-capitalized assets, or inventory, and stock
items.
Demand Forecasting - Answers The process of predicting future customer demand for a product or
service.
Configuration - Answers Prefer system configuration over customization to reduce costs and
complexity. Configuration involves setting up system features without altering code, while
customization is costly and complicates future updates.
Integration Considerations - Answers Ensure smooth integration with existing tools, as real-time data
flow is essential for efficiency.
, Cloud vs. On-Premise Solutions - Answers Cloud solutions are scalable with lower upfront costs, while
on-premise solutions offer more control over data and security.
User Training and Support - Answers Implement comprehensive training and establish ongoing
support channels.
Adopting Minimal Changes - Answers It is typically best to perform only minimal changes to enterprise
software, and instead, change the way the firm works to align with the software's established best
practices.
Phased Implementation of ERP Systems - Answers Companies do not need to implement all modules
at once; a gradual, phased approach makes the transition manageable and less risky.
Bottom Line - Answers Enterprise systems force a company to fully integrate all business processes,
usually requiring massive changes in structure and organization, and are difficult to implement.
Packaged Enterprise Systems - Answers Can save millions of dollars and turbocharge organizations.
Packaged Enterprise Systems Benefits - Answers Can streamline processes, make data more usable,
and ease the linking of systems with software across the firm and with key business partners.
Efficient Systems Impact - Answers Efficient and integrated systems may make firms more attractive
acquisition targets or facilitate acquiring other firms.
Database Management System (DBMS) - Answers Software essential for creating, maintaining, and
managing data effectively.
DBMS Purpose - Answers Enables businesses to store and retrieve data efficiently, supporting
enterprise applications seamlessly.
DBMS Key Functions - Answers Data Storage (organizing data) and Data Retrieval (quick and accurate
access).
DBMS Benefits - Answers Enhances data uniformity and integrity across the organization and
improves analytical capabilities for better decision-making.
Distributed Computing - Answers A form of computing where systems in different locations
communicate and collaborate to complete a task.
Server - Answers A program that fulfills the requests of a client. In a hardware context, it's a computer
configured to support requests from other computers.
Client - Answers A software program that makes requests of a server program.
Architectural Components - Answers Software Components: Data storage/Database, Data access
logic/layer, Application server/logic, Presentation layer.
Hardware Components - Answers Client computers (desktop, laptop, handhelds, cell phones), Servers
& Mainframes, Networks (to connect computers).
Server-Based Architecture - Answers The server performs all application functions, and the client
captures keystrokes and sends them to the server.
Server-Based Architecture Good - Answers Simple, Single point of control.
Server-Based Architecture Bad - Answers Server processes all messages, can become overloaded
leading to slower responses and expensive upgrades.
Client-Based Architecture - Answers Clients are personal computers on a network, and the server
stores data.
Client-Based Architecture Good - Answers Less expensive hardware.
Client-Based Architecture Bad - Answers Network can quickly become overloaded as all data must
travel to the client for processing.
Client-Server Architecture - Answers Balances/splits processing between 'client' and 'server'.
Client-Server Architecture Benefits - Answers Distributed processing makes it efficient.
Client-Server Architecture Limitations - Answers More complex because applications must be written
for both client and server (apps have two parts).
Client-Server Tiers - Answers The functions of a network can be partitioned between server and client.
3-tier architecture - Answers Data storage and access logic on one server, application logic on
another, and client responsible for presentation logic (3 sets of computers).
Multi-tiered client/server architecture (N-tier) - Answers Balances load of network over two or more
servers.
Evolution of Application Architecture - Answers Originally, companies used on-premises mainframes
as central data repositories. Applications were then split using a client-server architecture. With the
rise of the internet, three-tier/multi-tier architecture became prominent. The most recent trend is
microservices, where applications are split into small, independently running services based on
functionality, aligning with cloud best practices.
