6ISSM

Information Systems for Strategic Management

QCF
Thursday 8 December 2016, Afternoon

1.

Time allowed: 3 hours.

2.

Read the instructions at the top of each section carefully.

3.

No books, dictionaries, notes or any other written materials are allowed in this examination.

4.

Calculators, including scientific calculators, are allowed provided they are not
programmable and cannot store or recall information. All other electronic devices, including
mobile phones, are not permitted.

5.

Candidates who break ABE Examination Regulations will be disqualified from the
examinations.

6.

Question papers must not be removed from the examination room.

Structure of paper: Answer all three sections

Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4

16 marks
20 marks
16 marks
16 marks

Section B: Answer one question

Either Q5 or Q6

16 marks

Section C: Answer one question

Either Q7 or Q8

16 marks

Section A: Answer all four questions

Total marks available for the paper

6ISSM1216

The Association of Business Executives 2016

100 marks

T/601/3907

This paper consists of three sections.

Follow the instructions at the top of each section.
Section A
You must answer all four questions in this section.

Q1

No two organisations are the same; to deploy an Information System (IS) effectively, it is
necessary to understand the interaction between people and technology.
Critically evaluate this statement, using appropriate theory to support your answer.

(16 marks)

Q2

Critically assess the benefits, risks and limitations of e-Commerce to organisations, giving
examples where appropriate.
(20 marks)

Q3

As a result of developments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) over the last
two years, a significant number of virtual organisations have appeared; and more traditional
organisations move towards becoming networked organisations.
Critically evaluate the culture, structure and physical impact of networked and virtual
organisations as a result of these developments.
(16 marks)

Q4

(a) Explain how technical developments have enabled the growth of the digital economy.
(8 marks)
(b) Discuss the opportunities that the growth of the digital economy has created for business-toconsumer (B2C) interaction. Use examples to support your answer.
(8 marks)
(16 marks)

End of Section A

6ISSM1216

Section B
You must answer one question in this section. Do not answer both Q5 and Q6.

EITHER:
Q5

Critically evaluate formal and informal approaches to IS project assessment in terms of their
suitability to particular organisational structures. Give practical examples to support your
answer.
(16 marks)

OR:
Q6

An online retailer is considering the introduction of a new website. They have asked you to consult
with them on this project, to plan the stages of a pre-investment assessment.
Discuss the stages of a pre-investment assessment that you would propose for the online
retailer.
(16 marks)

End of Section B

Section C
You must answer one question in this section. Do not answer both Q7 and Q8.

EITHER:
Q7

(a) Discuss why IS projects are more susceptible to failure than other types of business
investment.
(8 marks)
(b) Critically analyse the key risks that could pose a threat to the achievement of a successful IS
project.
(8 marks)
(Total 16 marks)

OR:
Q8

A wholesale fruit and vegetable company has a system based on telephone and email orders,
a 2-hour delivery service to customers who are within a 30 miles (50 kilometres) radius,
and 7-day credit terms. It wishes to move to an online processing system.
(a) Explain two critical success factors that are specific to the online service.

(4 marks)

(b) Discuss six essential data sets or system functions that would need to be included in the sales
order processing system to meet organisational needs.
(12 marks)
(Total 16 marks)

End of Section C
End of question paper

6ISSM1216

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6ISSM1216