Assignment 4,5,6 technological matrixing and types of computers

We build for the future
TITLE PAGE
PROGRAMME: BACHELOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (MAK-JINJA)
COURSE CODE: JBI - (Evening)
COURSE UNIT: BIT 1106 – INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
LECTURER: MR. LWOMWA JOSEPH
TASK: GROUP ASSIGNMENT 4, 5, and 6: Technological Matrixing, and types of
Computers..
DUE DATE: THURSDAY, 10TH
OCTOBER, 2013
EVENING GROUP MEMBERS:
Name Reg. No. Student No Signature
1. Mulinda Sadat 13/U/21076/EVE 213008565 ……………………….
2. Tusaba Pauline Joan 13/U/21363/EVE 213003883 ……………………….
3. Mpeirwe Nobles 13/U/21046/EVE 213005087 ……………………….
4. Mukalele Rogers 13/U/21067/EVE 213024492 ………………………..
5. Okol Leo Marcellus 13/U/22637/EVE 213023313 ………………………..
6. Ninsiima Moris 12/U/21939/PS 212009781 ………………………..
INSTRUCTIONS:
• This is group coursework and no plagiarized work shall be accepted.
• Please answer the question allocated
• Demonstrate your answers with examples. Examples from the slides will not
be accepted, create your own examples.
• The coursework should be submitted in softcopy
• In groups of 5 people Attempt the following Assignments 4,5,6
• Assignment 4,5,6 is Due 10th
Thursday Oct 2013
• You’ll Submit a Soft Copy (Not hand written) in power point slides for presentation
and word documents
• Maximum of 10slides excluding the front page
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Makerere University – Jinja Campus
• Use Line spacing of 1.5, font size 12, font type “Cambria”.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE................................................................................................................................................. 1
EVENING GROUP MEMBERS:............................................................................................................................. 1
INSTRUCTIONS:....................................................................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................................... 2
4.0 ASSIGNMENT FOUR........................................................................................................................................ 4
4 a) Define Technological Matrixing..........................................................................................................9
4 b) Identify the various technologies that ABZ has adopted in order to become a
Technology-Form organization. How have these technologies impacted organizational
productivity?........................................................................................................................................................ 9
ABZ has adopted the following technologies:....................................................................................9
The above technologies have impacted organizational productivity as follows:.............10
5.0 ASSIGNMENT FIVE....................................................................................................................................... 12
Read about Other types of Computers e.g. Special purpose, General Purpose, Dedicated
Computers, Business, Scientific and Studio Computers, etc. ........................................................12
5.1 Special purpose, .................................................................................................................................. 12
5.2 General Purpose, ................................................................................................................................ 12
5.3 Dedicated Computers, ......................................................................................................................12
5.4 Business computers, ......................................................................................................................... 12
5.5 Scientific Computer............................................................................................................................ 13
5.6 Studio Computers................................................................................................................................ 13
6.0 ASSIGNMENT SIX.......................................................................................................................................... 14
6.1 What is the difference between a Laptop and a PDA?...............................................................14
6.2 What are Supercomputers and where are they used?..............................................................14
6.3 A Workstation is an exaggerated Microcomputer, discuss.....................................................15
6.4 What factors should a user consider while choosing a type of Computer for a given
Institution?......................................................................................................................................................... 18
REFERENCES:........................................................................................................................................................ 21
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4.0 ASSIGNMENT FOUR
Adopting Information Technology in Traditional Organisations:
An example illustrates how IT can be applied to the design of an
organization. Assume that a traditionally structured manufacturing firm
wishes to take advantage of new technology to become a Technology-
Form organization. ABZ is an actual company whose name has been
changed to protect the innocent and the guilty. ABZ is a manufacturer of
electronic components Currently, ABZ has a very traditional organization
structure; it has headquarters with a small staff and a number of
manufacturing plants in the U.S. and abroad. The largest of these plants
is responsible for most information technology in the company. The firm
has generally under-invested in technology and is behind its competitors
in the industry. Fortunately for ABZ, its products are of high quality, and
the company has not needed to compete on information technology.
Suppose that management has heard about the Technology-Form
organization (T-Form Orgnisations) and would like to adopt it. What
could the company do? ABZ is currently being forced into becoming a
virtual supplier by its customers who are moving to just-in-time
production. ABZ needs to develop the capability to "inquire against" and
monitor its customers' production control and scheduling systems so
that it can send products without the customer even having to order
them. Electronic linking can be used to link production planning, order
entry, and marketing. The sales force does not need individual offices.
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Representatives can use notebook computers and can work from
home to concentrate on working with customers. Control can be
enhanced by developing information systems which make control
information available to various levels of management. Technological
leveling is accomplished by reducing layers of management and
providing communications tools such as electronic mail and groupware
to managers.
ABZ has a large number of administrative support staff members and
others not involved in direct production in the factories. It is this support
staff that adds overhead and is an excellent candidate for leveling. In the
factory, the company has successfully moved towards production
automation. Expanded efforts should focus on the creation of an
electronic manufacturing environment. Orders arrive electronically from
customers, and each order generates a bar code to describe the customer
and product. When production begins, a worker attaches a bar code to
the physical tray that holds the product through the production cycle. At
each stage a worker wands the bar code at a workstation to bring up a
screen with instructions on what operation to perform. At the end of
production after quality testing, the only paper necessary is a label for
the shipper.
Electronic mail and groupware can be used for technological matrixing.
They address the informal communications vital to managing a company.
ABZ can quickly form task forces and other informal groups to address
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problems. This approach is particularly valuable for
communications among plants. For example, one U.S. plant sends "kits"
of a product to be completed to a plant in Mexico. Various problems
between the plants can be resolved quickly using electronic
communications rather than physically traveling between sites.
Technological matrixing also facilitates a reduction in managerial levels
as it encourages employees to take the initiative in solving problems.
Suppose that a customer contacts a marketing manager to ask if it would
be possible to access ABZ's production-scheduling system to schedule
products to be built for the customer.
In a matter of minutes, the marketing manager using e-mail and
groupware can form a task force that includes personnel from
production planning, marketing, information systems, and other
interested areas. There is no need to pass this request through layers of
management in different departments. ABZ needs to connect
electronically to customers to provide them with a virtual inventory. It
can also take advantage of more extensive electronic customer supplier
relationships. For example, ABZ can put up a home page on the Web to
describe its products and then allow its customers to order from the
Internet. What is the result of ABZ's adoption of IT design variables?
Extensive use of electronic communications and linking results in less
management layers and flattens the structure of the organization. Fewer
layers combined with the availability of information at all levels in the
organization will push decision making down to lower levels of
management. Easy electronic communications encourage employees to
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contact appropriate colleagues to solve a problem, rather than
refer it up the hierarchy through a supervisor. Employees will be able to
take on more responsibility and have an IT infrastructure to support
them. Some employees, especially the sales force, at ABZ will no longer
have offices.
ABZ will move toward complete electronic integration with customers
and suppliers. Electronic mail for informal communications, Electronic
Data Interchange for routine transactions, and in some cases direct links
into customer information systems, will increase the firm's
responsiveness to customers and suppliers. Electronic workflows in
production will eliminate paper and, more importantly, provide better
service. Production lots will not get lost if they are tracked electronically
and production workers will have accurate information on what tasks to
perform for each order.
To accomplish this restructuring will take ABZ a long time since it has
not kept up-to-date with technology. It will have to invest in a
technological infrastructure and people to develop the kind of IT
applications described in this chapter. ABZ's product quality has helped
it attain a commanding market share, and adopting a Technology-Form
organization will help it sustain this position and meet the threats of
competitors who currently obtain more from their investment in IT than
ABZ.
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We should add a note of caution: IT is not the solution for every
problem. Competent managers can use the different IT strategies
presented in this case-study to improve the organization. They can also
use them to create significant problems. For example, a colleague
recently reported on a company where a manager only communicates
with the staff via e-mail and rarely listens to any of them. It is likely that
his strong staff will find other places to work. Using I.T is one approach
to improving the organization; outstanding managers will use I.T
strategically to design efficient and effective organizations.
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Discussion questions
4 a) Define Technological Matrixing.
• By definition, from www.businessdictionary.com, ‘matrixing’ is an organizational
structure that facilitates the horizontal flow of skills and information within the
organization.
• Electronic mail and groupware can be used for technological matrixing, by
facilitating the vital informal communications among form task forces and other
informal groups, in order to define, evaluate and address problems concerned with
technology integration in the organization.
4 b) Identify the various technologies that ABZ has adopted in order to become a
Technology-Form organization. How have these technologies impacted
organizational productivity?
ABZ has adopted the following technologies:
• ABZ has taken advantage of new technology to become a Technology-Form
organization.
• Electronic linking has been be used to link production planning, order entry, and
marketing.
• Representatives are using notebook computers to work from home to
concentrate on working with customers.
• ABZ has developed information systems which make control information available
to various levels of management.
• Communications tools such as electronic mail and groupware to have been provided
to the managers.
• In the factory,
• The company has successfully moved towards production automation.
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• An electronic manufacturing environment has been created, where by
Orders arrive electronically from customers, and each order generates a
bar code to describe the customer and product.
• At each stage a worker wands the bar code at a workstation to bring up a screen
with instructions on what operation to perform.
• . ABZ has connected to customers electronically to provide them with a virtual
inventory.
• ABZ has put up a home page on the Web to describe its products and then allow its
customers to order from the Internet.
• Extensive use of electronic communications and linking has resulted in less
management layers and flattened the structure of the ABZ organization.
• ABZ has invested in technological infrastructure and personnel who have developed
the kind of IT applications and technologies above.
The above technologies have impacted organizational productivity as follows:
• Availability of information at all levels in the organization has pushed decision
making down to lower levels of management.
• Electronic mail for informal communications, Electronic Data Interchange for
routine transactions, and in some cases direct links into customer information
systems, have increased the firm's responsiveness to customers and suppliers.
• Electronic workflows in production have eliminated paper and, more importantly,
provided better service.
• With the new technologies, production lots no longer get lost if they are tracked
electronically and production workers get accurate information on what tasks to
perform for each order.
• ABZ's product quality has helped it attain a commanding market share, and
adopting a Technology-Form organization has further sustained this position and
met the threats of other competitors who were obtaining more from their
investment in IT than ABZ.
• On a negative note However, IT is not the solution to every problem. Over
dependence on IT can cause problems for ABZ. For example a manager who only
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communicates with the staff via e-mail and rarely listens to any of them is
likely to cause his strong staff to find other places of work!
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5.0 ASSIGNMENT FIVE
Read about Other types of Computers e.g. Special purpose, General Purpose,
Dedicated Computers, Business, Scientific and Studio Computers, etc.
5.1 Special purpose,
A special purpose computer is designed to operate on a restricted type of problems.
They have instructions permanently stored in them to perform the given task quickly and
efficiently. Most special purpose computers have the capability of performing just one task.
Examples of Special Purpose Computers
• Automatic Teller Machines (ATM),
• Pocket calculators,
• Computers that operate lifts.
• NB: Most analog computers are special purpose computers.
5.2 General Purpose,
General-Purpose Computers are designed to solve a wide range of problems.
They are also able to act in response to new programs created to meet different needs.
A general-purpose computer is one that has the ability to store different programs of
instruction and thus to perform a variety of operations. Most PCs (Desktops, laptops and
palmtops) are general purpose.
5.3 Dedicated Computers,
(Dedicated computer) A computer specially configured to perform a single, data-processing
function such as performing security tasks at a computer centre.
5.4 Business computers,
A business computer is a customised computer with specifications required to perform
tasks in a particular business line.
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Business-class computers come in a broad range of quality and thus price.
However, generally, the reason most business desktops and laptops are more
expensive than the consumer side is two main factors, quality and support.
Buying small business computers can affect business profitability, efficiency and employee
productivity in profound ways.
5.5 Scientific Computer
A scientific Computer is used for constructing mathematical models and quantitative
analysis techniques and using computers to analyse and solve scientific problems.
In practical use, it is typically the application of computer simulation and other forms of
computation from numerical analysis and theoretical computer science to problems in
various scientific disciplines.
5.6 Studio Computers
A studio computer is a computer system specially designed, configured and optimized for
recording in studios. The complete setup includes software programs for compiling and
editing audio and other media in studio labs.
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6.0 ASSIGNMENT SIX
6.1 What is the difference between a Laptop and a PDA?
Laptop Computer: A laptop computer is a personal computer for mobile use. A laptop has
most of the same components as a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a
pointing device such as a touchpad
and/or a pointing stick, and speakers
all manufactured as a single unit. A
laptop is powered by mains
electricity via an AC adapter, but be
used away from an outlet using
a rechargeable battery. Laptops are
also sometimes called, notebooks,
ultrabooks or netbooks.
WHILE
PDA: A PDA is an acronym for Personal Digital Assistant. A handheld device that combines
computing, audio communication, browsing and networking features and serves as an
organizer for personal information.
6.2 What are Supercomputers and where are they used?
 Super Computers are computing systems that have the highest processing
capacities. These computers can process billions of instructions per second. They
have a high storage capacity and are huge in size. They generate large amounts of
heat and therefore need complex cooling systems. A supercomputer channels all
its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible. Super computers are
the most expensive ones.
 They are used for applications which require intensive numerical computations
such as weather forecasting.
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6.3 A Workstation is an exaggerated Microcomputer, discuss.
 A microcomputer is a computer with a microprocessor as its central
processing unit. They are single user (they support one person at a time) and are
the most widely used computers in our everyday life. Microcomputers include
laptops, palmtops and Desktops.
 A workstation is a powerful, high-end microcomputer. They contain one or more
microprocessor CPUs. They may be used by a single-user for special applications
requiring more power than a typical PC (rendering complex graphics, or performing
intensive scientific calculations).
 Alternately, workstation-class microcomputers may be used as server computers
that supply files to client computers over a network or the Internet. This class of
powerful microcomputers can also be used to handle the processing for many users
simultaneously who are connected via terminals; in this respect, high-end
workstations have essentially supplanted the role of minicomputers (see below).
 Note! The term “workstation” also has an alternate meaning: In networking, any
client computer connected to the network that accesses server resources may be
called a workstation. Such a network client workstation could be a personal
computer or even a “workstation” as defined at the top of this section. Note: Dumb
terminals are not considered to be network workstations (client workstations on
the network are capable of running programs independently of the server, but a
terminal is not capable of independent processing). Resources on the workstation
can be used by many network users at the same time.
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 Formerly, this term was applied to a particular type of powerful computer
used for scientific and engineering calculations, e.g. the Sun Workstation.
Comparison between workstations and personal computers
A workstation is more powerful than the ordinary microcomputer used for personal use. It
is used for the professional and organizational use instead of just an ordinary use. The
applications used in the workstations are specially structured for the companies and firms.
It has a large capacity to store data and a very high speed processor and high quality
graphics to meet the needs of the engineers and the organizations. In some cases a
workstation also means a central computer used as a server which actually is like an
ordinary personal computer connected too many.
While desktop computers; are the computers which are used for the domestic purposes not
for commercial use like a home PC or laptop. Children use it for playing games and it is
used for recreation mostly instead of working
 Workstations are manufactured in a manner that they can word with high load of
work. It is designed to perform difficult projects and for professional purposes. It is
not a modern invention it was first made in 1959 by international business
machines known as IBM and it was introduced with a name of IBM 1620. At that
time too it was designed for the big tasks and professional use like engineers and
architectures. These workstations have very high capacity of random access
memory called RAM and high features of the picture quality and graphics for real
effects of the work.
On the other hand the personal computers now a days PCs are also being used in the offices
for the professional use but not for very big tasks it is mostly used for playing games
processing the works as a multimedia and many other tasks on common basis. In the recent
PCs computers have also enough capability to work as a main server it can also be
connected with the local area network and can attached to many computers to exchange
the data.
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Advantages of the PCs
1. It can b used for domestic use like a personal computer to play games official work
and to browsing the internet and as a multimedia like playing music watching
movies.
2. PCs are cheap and easily available a person can buy several PCs because of the low
price.
3. These computers are ideal for house home based offices ans as well as small and
large business.
4. The life of the PCs is more than 10 years it depends on the manufacturer and on the
user how one uses it.
5. It is easy to repair and if there is any fault it is easy to remove and the maintenance
is easy and cheap.
Disadvantages of the PCs:
1. It cannot be used on the place of the work stations because of compatibility.
2. Like the workstation it can run many printers and other output devices
3. It is not very good for engineering and medical purposes.
Advantages of Workstation:
Workstation is better in many ways like
1. It bears high quality graphics and high performance.
2. It can work with many CPUs at a time while the PCs cannot do so.
3. It is used in some special fields like in engineering and for research purposes in
medical field.
Disadvantages of Workstation:
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1. These are bulky in the size.
2. Not easily available and cannot used for domestic use have high prices.
3. Repairing is not easily available and not so easy.
6.4 What factors should a user consider while choosing a type of Computer for a given
Institution?
While choosing a type of computer for a given institution, the first question to ask your self
is, what are the tasks that the institution is going to use the computers for? Secondly, what
is their budget? Do the computers need processing power for huge tasks, greater graphic
support, networking capability and audio playback? The following factors should be
considered in order to choose the computer with most appropriate specifications for the
institution:
 The most important part of the computer is the CPU. It is considered the brain of the
computer. It is responsible for the overall speed whenever it is processing any task.
 The motherboard is the device where all the parts and devices are attached. Some
motherboard comes with onboard components which include video card, sound
card, LAN card and modem. It is also important to consider what devices you are
going to attach to the ports of the motherboard, and buy accordingly.
 The RAM (random access memory) is the part responsible for the overall
performance of the computer. The bigger the RAM, the faster the computer can
process data. If you have enough budget, purchase the maximum RAM supported by
your motherboard.
 The video card is another important component. The quality of the image is due to
the capacity of the video card. If you are into graphics designing and gaming, it is
best to choose the highest memory of video card 3D capable. The high quality video
card is also advisable to those who are fond of watching movies in their computer.
 The hard drive is the storage device where all programs and games are installed and
all other files are stored. If you love to collect a lot of videos and graphics, it is best
to choose the highest *capacity of storage. It is measured in terms of gigabytes.
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 The sound card is the part which processes audio signals going to the
speaker. If you are going to connect your computer to a 5.1 speaker, then
you should choose the best sound card capable of producing a surround sound. This
is important when playing a lot of music, watching videos or playing video games
often.
 The power supply is responsible in powering your computer. It should be able to
supply the necessary power for all the components of the computer. Never use
cheap types because it is prone to seriously damage any of the components of the
computer if it malfunctions.
 Also consider the bundled software which includes the operating system,
productivity software, anti virus and many other useful applications. If you are
going to use other software you need for your work, make sure that the computer is
capable of running it without any problem. Consider the compatibility of your
software versus the specifications of your computer unit.
 The first thing that most of us are constrained to is budget so this is the first thing
you should consider. We always want the best but we need to be grounded on what
we can afford. So Get a budget and stick to it.
 Graphics, now all computers come with some form of graphics built in. But my
recommendation is to go with something a little better possibly from NVIDIA.
 The last thing to do with the actual computer is a good virus and spy ware package.
Don’t be under any illusion this is possibly the most important part of protecting
your computer. It will get attacked at some point be prepared when it does.
 Finally the internet, get a good internet provider broadband at least, no computer I
complete without this basic of add-ons.
 Desktop Vs Laptop: A desktop computer is a good option if you have a home office
and you don't need to take the computer to other locations. A desktop computer is a
personal computer (PC) in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as
opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer.
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 Screen size. Screen size on a laptop is very much a personal preference. Most
screens have the same resolution and clarity regardless of size. It's generally
accepted that the larger the screen, the shorter the battery life. This can make it
harder to use the laptop while travelling. However, having a large screen can make
watching movies and videos more visually entertaining.
 Battery life You should check the battery life for a particular laptop or netbook. In
general, the larger the screen, keyboard and computer, the less amount of time your
computer can keep running on a charged battery.
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REFERENCES:
WALTERS, E.G. PRENTICE HALL INC. (2000), The Essential Guide to Computing: The Story
of Information Technology
SNYDER, L., ADDISON-WESLEY, (2007), Fluency with Information Technology: Skills,
Concepts, and Capabilities 3rd Edition.
MUKALELE ROGERS, SHADID S HAMDAN, (2013), Computer Studies Students’ Workbook
Volume 1,: Kampala, 1st
Edition. ISBN: 9789970916504
We used Google search engine and obtained some useful information from the web
addresses below:
 http://www.unm.edu/~tbeach/terms/types.html
 http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/choosing-a-computer
 http://en.wikipedia.org
 http://www.techterms.com
 http://ecomputernotes.com
 www.businessdictionary.com
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Assignment 4,5,6 technological matrixing and types of computers

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