Final Exam

MIS 303

Deans

Summer 2020

 

Answer the following questions concisely.  The questions require thought – you will be graded on your logic and understanding of the issues discussed in class.  Visualization is also important. When you write your answers think about how you are presenting your answer.   I like my information concise, to the point and uncluttered but not leave out important points (bold, bullet points, numbers, make it pop).  It should be easy to follow and understand.  Do not copy and paste from internet or other sources.  Answers should be in your own words and references when needed should be provided at the end of each question.

 

 

Question 1  Making the Business Case                                  10 points

Evaluating business cases will be a valuable tool in your tool kit.  You need to develop a sharp eye for technology solutions and business value.    Companies will be looking to emerging technologies to address issues moving forward.  If you can add value to the company’s bottom line you are more likely to be viewed as a valuable asset.

Given the business case examples presented in class, make a comparison across these based-on criteria you set up (maybe rubric). Which one would you invest in first and justify your reasons.  For the one you choose to invest in first evaluate the financial justification.

 

Question 2  Organizational Impacts of Technology              10 Points

 

Developing and emerging technologies (Blockchain, AI, AR, IoT, 5G, etc.) will have a major impact on organizations, the workplace, people, processes and b-models.  Company CEOs believe that the biggest challenge will be creating the culture that can embrace and adapt to the technological change of the next decade.

 

As a C-level leader, what strategies would you employ to create the culture for this new environment?  You can list major directions you would take.

 

Question 3    The CIO and the C-Suite                                 10 points

For a company you choose (it might be one you want to work for, will interview with, or currently work now) research the C-Suite and determine the structure and roles of C-level executives in the company.  Describe the CIO role and reporting structure and the relationships you think the CIO has with other C-level leaders.  You may describe in words or with a diagram and words.  Name the company: (Deloitte)

 

Question 4           Chief Data Officer                                     10 points

Suppose you have decided to interview for a newly created position in your company (gov., non-profit, law firm, university, etc. or you can choose a company).  The position is Chief Data Officer.  You feel that you have the vision and expertise to lead this effort in the industry that you know well.

In preparing for this interview comment on your response to the following questions:

First – set the stage – what company, size, some background on the company, etc.)

1. Why do you believe you would be the best candidate for this position?
2. Describe your “big vision” picture for this role and the high level strategy.
3. Why do you think it is important for the company to move in this direction?
4. Where do you see the strengths and weaknesses now in terms of data and information management? Do you see information as our most important asset?
5. How will you integrate your efforts with the CIO and Chief Digital Officer (if there is one)?
6. Security is a big concern for data management. How will you address the security issues?
7. What are the major obstacles in terms of buy-in for the organization, employees, and C-level executives? How will you address “change management”?
8. Describe the first areas you will focus on – where do you see the low hanging fruit and early wins? What are the critical areas to address early on?
9. Based on where the company stands today (in your opinion) where will we (the company) be in five years from a data / information management perspective under your leadership?
10. Who will you need to hire in the initial phase? Why and explain.
11. What is Hadoop? How does that fit in the scheme of things?
12. What question do you wish you had been asked in this interview?

 

Question 5  Technology Terminology                                        20 points

Answer the following in about one sentence.  These are things you may be asked and need a quick answer to show you understand the technology.

1. What are the advantages of 5G over 4G? Why should I be excited that Verizon is rolling out 5G?
2. Give an example of a business application of Drone technology.
3. How does Internet of Things (IoT) intersect with the concept of smart cities.
4. What is machine learning?
5. Explain why blockchain technology is considered secure and recognized for this feature.
6. What is mixed reality?
7. Who leads the world in robotic technology?
8. Why are Radio Frequency Identification Chips (RFID) superior to bar codes?
9. What is the current state of telepresence?
10. Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing is advancing to 4D printing.  What is 4D printing?

 

Question 6  Waves of Technology over Time                              20 points

Suppose you have been asked to speak at the monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce in the Washington D.C. area.  Your audience will be business managers and executives from a range of industries.  You have been asked to talk about the emerging technology landscape – the five technologies you believe will have the most impact on business in the next decade and why. Follow this with what you believe will be the 5 most pressing social or consequential issues based on these technological advancements.    There is so much change right now companies do not know where they should focus their resources and time. This is broad but at the same time you have to prioritize.  Do not use a list straight from some article.  I want you to think and synthesize.

You can decide the title for your talk.  I want you to give me your five main points for each part of the talk and a brief reason why it is one of your points.  You do not need to write the speech.  I want to know what your thoughts are.  Make sure that the points integrate.  After you write this answer come back to it later and think about it again from the audience perspective.  Will they walk away with some value that will make a difference?

 

Question 7           Digital Transformation                                      5 points

Give an example of how a company is addressing digital transformation.

 

Question 8  Global Mindset                                                   10 points

Developing your Global Mindset will be an important part of your career strategy.  Taking into account each of the three dimensions of Global Mindset, describe your short-term and long-term strategy.  Start by assessing where you think you are currently in each dimension.  Then list specific action steps to address at least one short-term and long-term item for each of the dimensions.

You plan to have lunch with Abdula this week.  You will have some input into his potential promotion.  Your objective is to evaluate his global mindset because that is an important trait for executives in this company.  You will have a general conversation but you have one question in mind that is a make or break question. (Abdula does not know your objective).  What is that question?

Question 9  Take Aways                                                        5 points

What are five main take aways for you from this class? It could be learning to make the business case, facilitation skills, or a new way of thinking about something, etc.

 

 

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