Week 8 Questions

1. Explain the business benefits of using wireless technology.
Wireless is known as the ability to give users a live connection via satellite or radio transmitters. According to Baltzan et al (201 pp. 309) ‘wireless refers to any type of electrical or electronic operation tt is accomplished without the use of a ‘hard wire’ connection’

Wireless can be very beneficial to a business beca

use;
-People to be more moviled and have more access to information than before.
-They allow for business to centralize critical information and eliminate unnecessary processes
- It allows for user convenience. When users are out an about either travelling or stuck in traffic they are still able to access internet and continue to conduct business 24/7. They are able to gather information when they want and where they want.
- It is easier to add another computer to a network when needed reducing the cost of upgrading or adding computers.-It is able to reach a broad amount of people on the same network
For more information visit the following link.

http://www.bizhelp24.com/tech/how-can-a-wireless-network-benefit-your-business.html

2. Describe the business benefits associated with VoIP

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This is a system that allows for voice communication through an IP networks e.g. the Internet. The biggest benefit to a business the fact that it is very cost efficient. The business no longer pays for line rentals and in majority of cases call costs. This can allow for business calls overseas and even conference calls at reduced costs.

According to Alltel 2010, other benefits can include:

- - easier to make changes; meaning that when new technologies emerge it is easier for a business to implement them

- - easier to relocate

- -can enable collaboration tools for an increasingly decentralised work force

http://www.alltel.com.au/voipbenefits.html

3. Compare LANs and WANs

LAN is a Local Area Network, which covers small areas for example a home or office. WAN however is Wide Area Networks which cover larger areas such as networks which link with business branch networks or even public network access systems,

A LAN would be great for small businesses as they are easier and cheaper to install than WANs. However, if operating a larger business a WAN would make-work across national networks easier.

LANs also operate on a single IP subnet where as a WAN runs multple subnets. Effectively, a WAN is made up of several LAN networks that are linked.

For more information about their differences and a comparative table visit:

http://www.diffen.com/difference/LAN_vs_WAN

4. Describe RFID and how it can be used to help make a supply chain more effective.

RFID stands for Radio frequency identification and are tags that use radio waves to transmit data.

RFID can produce more information about a product including price and where it was made. This technology helps manufacturers with the supply chain in ensuring their products are reaching destination and to keep track of what products are being sent where.

It also helps business with keeping track of inventory and tracking where their products are and what products their manufactures have made. It allows for the supply chain to remain flowing and efficient for consumers, as they know what products are in stock and what products they are able to order.

It also improves supply chain as inventory is taken automatically and continuously. It also provides more current and accurate information to the entire supply chain.

This form of technology is not only more efficient but it has also allowed for reducing costs in the supply chain (as there are less people scanning items) and increased safety of goods, therefore improving their business.

This video explains RFID:

5. Identify the advantages and disadvantage of deploying mobile technology

Advantages:

- Cut costs when needing to update and in the long run

-allows for business to run 24/7, where ever a mobile device is in range

- allows for business to be mobile

- Allows for business processes to be automatic

Disadvantages:

- devices can sometimes be unreliable

-limited bandwidth

-limited security

-initial setting up cost of technology

Week 7 Questions

1. List, describe, and provide an example of each of the five characteristics of high quality information.

Accuracy: Are all values entered correctly e.g. names spelt correctly

Completeness: Is there any values missing e.g. street names, contact numbers or incomplete addresses

Consistency: Is the summary or mass information consistent (in agreement) with detailed information e.g.

Uniqueness: Is the information only represented once in the database e.g. having duplicates of customers with multiple accounts at a bank.

Timeliness: Is the information current in respect the business requirements. E.g. updating contact information regularly (depending on what the information is, choices need to be made in reference to how often the database should be updated)

2. Define the relationship between a database and a database management system.

A database contains and maintains key information about various types of objects, events, people and places for an organisation. (Baltzan and Phillips et al 2010 pp 260) A Database management system (DMS) is the software that users and other key programs can use to interact, consult and manage the databases. (Baltzan and Phillips et al 2010 pp 260) Users enter information into the DMS and the DMS adjusts and manipulates the information into the database.

Example of what a database looks like

3. Describe the advantages an organisation can gain by using a database.

Having great information in databases can be so beneficial to an organisation. these advantages include:

1. Increased flexibility: A good database can handle changes quickly and efficiently. Through an organisation using a good database it increases flexibility allowing for each individual user to access the information in the best form that suites their needs. e.g. One user may want customers sorted by last names in alphabetical order where as another user may want customers sorted by their first name in alphabetical order. Both lots of information can be acquired from the same database.

2. Increased scalability and performance: Databases can handle a large increase in information and the scalability means how well it can adapt to an increase of demands and is able to conduct various processes and transactions in a fast manner. Today, databases can do both these things and it creates efficiency for organisations.

3. Reduced information redundancy: Databases reduce the duplication of information and prevents key information from being stored in multiple spots. Organisations can gather the same information multiple times and store it in different locations- Sometimes users cannot determine what is the most recent information and this can be confusing. Having reduced information redundancy means that the most up to date information is kept and that no over lapping occurs.

4. Increased information integrity (quality). A database can have integrity constraints built into it. Through having this, it can ensure that all information in a database is of high quality. There are two types of constraints 1)Relational integrity constraints that enforce basic information-based constraints e.g. making purchases for non-existing customers. 2) Business-critical integrity constraints: relate more specifically to the business itself and develops rules that are vital to that organisation.

5. Increased information security: Databases ensure the security of important information and provide security features that can prevent unauthorised users from accessing it. It can also through these features authorise who can view what information E.g. passwords are a great example of database security.

4. Define the fundamental concepts of the relational database model.

The relational database is a database that stores information logically in cells. It is a set of table that displays information in several ways without having to reorganise information. This means that relationships between information can be created so that it can be easily accessed and understood. The key concept o f it is having two or more tables inter relating with a common field that allows for information to be related.

Below is a tutorial showing the key concepts of a relational database:

The link below gives more information on relational databases.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/question599.htm

5. Describe the benefits of a data-driven website.

A data-driven website is an interactive site that is kept updated constantly and relevant to its users through a use of a database. It allows for users to select the information they want to view by inserting a quiry. An example of a data-driven website is Wikipedia.

(Picture: Baltzan and Phillips et al 2010 pp 267)

Having a data-driven website allows for several advantages for a business, these advantages include:

1. Development: t It allows for the owner to constantly make changes any time they please without having to rely on a developer or knowing how to use HTML programming.

2. Content management: Allows for quick updates for information creating efficiency and fast turnaround for the organisation

3. Future expandability: It allows for the site to grow faster. It is easier to change layouts, ad information, displaces and features to a data-driven sites

4. Minimizing human error: A good data driven website will have ‘error trapping’ devices that will make sure the information is filled out correctly and that the format is correct.

5. Cutting production and update costs: It can be updated by anyone who can use databases or administrative person. This is more convenient and economical for the business as it takes less time and wages to do. It is easy to train someone in data entry and therefore is better for the company.

6. More efficient: It keeps templates saved and other improtant documents so that users do not have to. It also allows for updates on layouts, procedures or site structure to occure in a fast and efficient manner. It improves reliability and stability of a site and reduces the breaking of it if new content is added.

7. Improved stability: Content is never lost. It allows for all content to be kept together and never taken from the company when programmers leave.

The link below explains databases and more benefits of data-driven websites:

http://www.dbnetsolutions.co.uk/Articles/DatabaseDrivenWebsites.aspx

Reference list:

Baltzan, P. Phillips, A. Lynch, K. & Blakey, P. , 2010, 'Business Driven Information Systems', 1st edt, Mc Graw Hill, North Ryde, Australia