Unit 1: Introduction to IT in Business

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define Information Technology (IT). What are its main components?

  2. List three ways IT is used in modern businesses.

  3. What is digital transformation? Why is it important?

  4. Explain the difference between data and information.

  5. List three current IT trends transforming businesses.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Discuss the role and importance of IT in modern organizations. Include examples from different industries. (8 marks)

  2. Explain how IT supports different business functions: marketing, finance, HR, and operations. (6 marks)

  3. Describe the impact of digital transformation on business operations and competitive advantage. (6 marks)

  4. Discuss the future of IT in business. What emerging technologies will shape business in the next 5 years? (5 marks)

Unit 2: Computer Hardware

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. What is computer hardware? List its main categories.

  2. Define the CPU. What are its main components?

  3. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

  4. What is a storage device? List three types.

  5. List five input devices and explain their functions.

  6. List five output devices and explain their functions.

  7. What is a motherboard? What components are found on it?

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Describe the architecture of a CPU including ALU, Control Unit, and Registers. Explain the fetch-decode-execute cycle. (8 marks)

  2. Compare different types of memory: RAM, ROM, Cache. Explain the memory hierarchy. (6 marks)

  3. Compare HDD and SSD storage devices. Discuss advantages, disadvantages, and use cases. (6 marks)

  4. Describe various input devices: keyboards, pointing devices, scanners, voice input, and touch screens. Explain how each works. (6 marks)

  5. Describe output devices: monitors, printers, and audio output. Compare different technologies. (5 marks)

Unit 3: Computer Software

Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

  1. Define software. Differentiate between system software and application software.

  2. What is an operating system? List its main functions.

  3. What is application software? Give five examples.

  4. Define enterprise software. Give three examples.

  5. Explain the difference between custom and off-the-shelf software.

  6. What is software licensing? List three types of licenses.

Long Answer Questions (5-8 marks each)

  1. Compare system software and application software. Provide examples of each and explain their roles. (8 marks)

  2. Describe the functions of an operating system: process management, memory management, file management, and device management. (6 marks)

  3. Discuss enterprise software: ERP, CRM, and SCM systems. How do they support business operations? (6 marks)

  4. Explain the factors organizations should consider when choosing between building custom software vs. buying commercial solutions. (6 marks)

  5. Discuss web-based and mobile applications in business. What are their advantages and challenges? (5 marks)

Case Study Questions

Case Study 1: Hardware Selection for a New Office (10 marks)

A startup company is setting up a new office and needs to purchase computer hardware for 15 employees.

a) What factors should they consider when selecting computers? (3 marks) b) What types of computers would you recommend for different roles: executives, developers, and administrative staff? (4 marks) c) What peripherals and networking equipment would they need? (3 marks)

Case Study 2: Software Implementation (10 marks)

A growing retail business currently uses spreadsheets and paper records. They want to implement proper software systems.

a) What types of software would you recommend for their operations? (3 marks) b) Should they choose off-the-shelf software or custom development? Justify your answer. (4 marks) c) What implementation challenges might they face? (3 marks)

Answer Guidelines

Unit 1 Key Points

  • IT components: Hardware, Software, Data, Networks, People
  • Business functions: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Customer Service
  • Digital transformation: Technology-driven change in business processes

Unit 2 Key Points

  • CPU components: ALU, Control Unit, Registers
  • Memory types: RAM (volatile), ROM (non-volatile), Cache (high-speed)
  • Storage comparison: HDD (magnetic, cheaper), SSD (flash, faster)

Unit 3 Key Points

  • System software: OS, Utilities, Device drivers
  • Application software: Word processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Browsers
  • Enterprise software: ERP (integration), CRM (customers), SCM (supply chain)