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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

Use Line spacing of 1.5, font size 12, font type “Cambria”.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE................................................................................................................................................... 1

EVENING GROUP MEMBERS:...............................................................................................................................1

INSTRUCTIONS:.......................................................................................................................................................... 1

4.0 ASSIGNMENT FOUR.......................................................................................................................................... 3

4 a) Define Technological Matrixing............................................................................................................ 6

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?........................................................................................................................................................... 6

ABZ has adopted the following technologies:.....................................................................................6

The above technologies have impacted organizational productivity as follows:................7

5.0 ASSIGNMENT FIVE............................................................................................................................................ 8

Read about Other types of Computers e.g. Special purpose, General Purpose, Dedicated

Computers, Business, Scientific and Studio Computers, etc..............................................................8

5.1 Special purpose,........................................................................................................................................ 8

5.2 General Purpose,.......................................................................................................................................8

5.3 Dedicated Computers,............................................................................................................................ 8

5.4 Business computers,................................................................................................................8

5.5 Scientific Computer................................................................................................................. 9

5.6 Studio Computers.....................................................................................................................9

6.0 ASSIGNMENT SIX.............................................................................................................................10

6. 1 What is the difference between a Laptop and a PDA?...............................................10

6. 2 What are Supercomputers and where are they used?..............................................10

6.3 A Workstation is an exaggerated Microcomputer, discuss......................................11

6.4 What factors should a user consider while choosing a type of Computer for a given

Institution?............................................................................................................................................................ 14

REFERENCES:........................................................................................................................................... 17

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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 Page 4 of 19

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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. 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.

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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 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.

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

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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.

Advantages of the PCs

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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:

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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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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