CITM-001 Questions and Answers

Processed or meaningful data can be defined as information, which is data that has been organized, processed, or structured in a meaningful way according to the given requirement. Information is processed data which includes data that possess context, relevance, and purpose. Information is also the output of data processing, which is the collection and transformation of raw data into useful information. Information can be used for decision-making, analysis, or communication purposes. References: 

https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/data-analytics/what-is-data-processing/

https://www.lisedunetwork.com/definition-and-types-of-information/

Interviews are a user-oriented design technique that allows the systems analyst to spend a great deal of time with the users, understanding their needs, preferences, expectations, and problems. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the level of flexibility and depth required. Interviews can provide rich and detailed insights into the users’ context, goals, tasks, and pain points, as well as their feedback and suggestions for improvement. Interviews can also help to establish rapport and trust between the systems analyst and the users, which can facilitate the design process and user acceptance. References: User-Centered Design Basics | Usability.gov, User-centered design: Definition, examples, and tips

Important decisions may require more care in analyzing data because they have higher stakes, greater uncertainty, and more complexity. Data analysis can help managers to identify patterns, trends, correlations, and causal relationships that can inform their decision making. Data analysis can also help managers to evaluate alternatives, test hypotheses, and predict outcomes. However, data analysis is not a substitute for judgment, intuition, and creativity. Managers should also consider the quality, reliability, and validity of the data, as well as the ethical and social implications of their decisions. References: CITM Course Outline, Sample Exam - GAQM, TEST 1 2020, questions and answers - CITM 102 TEST BANKS … - Studocu

Multiprocessing is a feature that supports more than one processor in a computer system. It allows multiple processes to run concurrently on multiple CPUs (or cores), thus increasing the performance and throughput of the system12. Multiprocessing can be achieved by using either multiple physical processors or a single processor with multiple cores3. Multiprocessing can also be classified into symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP), depending on how the processors are coordinated and share resources4.

Multiprocessing is different from other features such as multiprogramming, multitasking, and multithreading. Multiprogramming is the ability of an operating system to keep multiple programs in the main memory at the same time, ready for execution5. Multitasking is the ability of an operating system to switch between multiple tasks (applications) on a single CPU, giving the illusion of parallelism6. Multithreading is the ability of an application to create multiple threads of execution within a single task, sharing the same memory space and resources7. These features aim to maximize the utilization of CPU and memory, but they do not require more than oneprocessor. References: 1: CITM Study Guide, Chapter 2: Computer Architecture, Page 24-25. 2: Multiprocessing 3: What is Multiprocessing? 4: Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Multiprocessing: What’s the Difference? 5: CITM Study Guide, Chapter 1: Operating Systems, Page 9. 6: CITM Study Guide, Chapter 1: Operating Systems, Page 10. 7: CITM Study Guide, Chapter 4: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, Page 64.

Data are often proprietary or confidential because they contain valuable information that can give a competitive advantage to the owner or affect the privacy of the individuals or entities involved. Data can be classified into different levels of sensitivity and protection, depending on the potential impact of unauthorized disclosure, modification, or loss. For example, data that contain personal, financial, or health information of customers or employees are usually considered highly confidential and require strict security measures. Data that contain trade secrets, intellectual property, or strategic plans are also typically proprietary and confidential, as they can affect the market position or reputation of the owner. Data that are public or non-sensitive, such as general information about products or services, may not require the same level of protection, but still need to be managed and maintained properly. References: CITM Course Outline, Module 6 - Data Management, Section 6.1 - Data Classification and Protection; Sample Exam, Question 72.

The conceptual level is a high-level description of the data and its relationships in the database, without specifying how the data is physically stored or implemented. It defines the main entities, attributes, and constraints for the entire database, and is independent of any specific database management system or application. The conceptual level is also known as the logical level, and it is usually represented by an entity-relationship diagram (ERD). References: Conceptual schema - Wikipedia, Navigating the Three Levels of Database Design: Conceptual, Logical, and Physical

A transitional strategy is helpful in seeking global efficiency while retaining local responsiveness because it combines the benefits of both standardization and adaptation. A transitional strategy aims to achieve high levels of global integration and local responsiveness by leveraging the interdependence and learning among different units of the organization. A transitional strategy requires a complex and flexible organizational structure, a strong global culture, and effective coordination and communication mechanisms12. References: 1: CITM Study Guide, Chapter 4: Global IT Strategy 2: Balancing Global Synergies and Local Responsiveness | SpringerLink

Dropbox is a cloud-based file sharing application that allows users to store, sync, and share documents, photos, videos, and other files across multiple devices. Users can access their files from any web browser, desktop app, or mobile app, and share them with others via links or folders. Dropbox also offers security features such as encryption, password protection, and remote wipe. References: File sharing - Easily share files, documents, and links - Dropbox, Best file sharing apps in 2024 | Tom’s Guide

According to the CITM course outline1, there are five data collection techniques that are commonly used in business analytics. They are:

• Observations: This technique involves watching and recording the behavior, actions, or events of interest. Observations can be either direct or indirect, structured or unstructured, participant or non-participant.
• Interviews: This technique involves asking questions to individuals or groups of people who have relevant knowledge or experience on the topic. Interviews can be either structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the level of flexibility and standardization of the questions.
• Surveys: This technique involves administering a set of questions to a sample of respondents who represent the population of interest. Surveys can be either quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type and scale of the questions.
• Focus groups: This technique involves gathering a small group of people who share some common characteristics or opinions on the topic and facilitating a discussion among them. Focus groups can be used to explore attitudes, perceptions, feelings, or preferences of the participants.
• Documents: This technique involves reviewing and analyzing existing documents or records that are relevant to the topic. Documents can be either primary or secondary, depending on the source and authenticity of the information.

References:

• 1: 7 Data Collection Methods and Techniques | SafetyCulture
• 2: CITM 500 Data and Information Management | The Chang School of Continuing Education - Toronto Metropolitan University
• 3: Data Collection Methods | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples - Scribbr
• 4: Data Collection - Methods Types and Examples - Research Method

Development cost is the type of cost that is considered as actual costs of analysis, design, and installation for the system. Development cost includes the expenses incurred during the planning, designing, building, testing, and deploying of a system. Development cost is usually estimated before the start of a project and is used to measure the feasibility and profitability of a system. Development cost is also used to monitor the progress and performance of a project and to control the scope and quality of a system. References: CITM Course Outline, Module 4, Corporate IT Strategy, page 9. CITM Training Course, Cost, page 14. CITM Certification Overview, Exam Information, Course Outline, Module 4.

Middle managers can establish review committees to foster greater control over the performance and quality of their subordinates and processes. Review committees are groups of managers or experts who evaluate the work of others and provide feedback, guidance, or approval. Review committees can help middle managers ensure that their teams are aligned with the organizational goals, standards, and policies, and that they are delivering high-quality outputs and outcomes. Review committees can also help middle managers identify and resolve issues, risks, or conflicts that may arise in their areas of responsibility. Review committees can enhance the accountability, transparency, and learning of middle managers and their subordinates. References: EPI-USA, CITM Course Outline, Module 4: Managing Performance and Quality, Slide 14. [GAQM], CITM Exam Objectives, Domain 4: Performance and Quality Management, Objective 4.2: Implement performance and quality management processes and tools.

Application software is a type of computer program that performs a specific personal, educational, or business function. It is designed to help users perform an activity or solve a problem. Application software can be classified into two basic categories: general-purpose and specific-purpose. General-purpose application software can be used for a variety of tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, or image editing. Specific-purpose application software is tailored for a particular domain, such as accounting, engineering, or gaming12

According to these definitions, Adobe Photoshop, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Word are examples of application software. Adobe Photoshop is an image editing software that allows users to create and modify digital images. Internet Explorer is a web browser software that enables users to access and view web pages. Microsoft Word is a word processor software that allows users to create and edit text documents. All these software are designed to help users perform specific tasks and are independent of the operating system or hardware.

On the other hand, Linux and Unix are not examples of application software. They are examples of system software, which is a type of computer program that controls and manages the operation of the computer and its peripherals. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, firmware, and utilities. Operating systems, such asLinux and Unix, are system software that provide the basic functions and services for running other software and applications. They are responsible for managing the hardware resources, such as memory, CPU, disk, and network, and providing the user interface, such as command-line or graphical. System software is essential for the functioning of the computer and is usually pre-installed or embedded in the computer123 References: 1: Application software | Definition, Examples, & Facts | Britannica, 2: What is Application Software? App Software Examples and Basics - Quickbase, 3: Application software - Wikipedia

 Distributed databases provide several advantages over centralized databases, including improved scalability, availability, performance, flexibility, fault tolerance, and security1. Here are some of the advantages of distributed databases:

• Increased availability: Distributed databases can tolerate failures of individual nodes or sites without affecting the overall system functionality. Users can access data from other sites if their local site is down or unreachable. Data replication and backup mechanisms can also enhance data availability and recovery2.
• Easier expansion: Distributed databases can be scaled horizontally by adding more nodes to the network. This allows for increased capacity and performance as data and user demand grow. Adding new sites or units to the distributed system does not require significant efforts or disruption in the existing functions2.
• Improved performance: Distributed databases can offer faster response and lower communication costs by locating data near the users who normally use that data. Distributed query processing and transaction management can also optimize the use of network and computing resources. Furthermore, distributed databases can exploit the parallelism of multiple nodes to execute operations concurrently13.

References: What Is a Distributed Database? {Features, Benefits & Drawbacks}, Advantage and Disadvantage of Distributed Database Management System (DDBMS) - Bench Partner, Advantages of Distributed database - GeeksforGeeks

Coordination is the process of aligning and integrating the activities, resources, and efforts of different units or individuals within an organization or a network of organizations. Coordination is a major problem for the global firm because it involves managing the complexity, diversity, and uncertainty of operating across multiple countries, cultures, and markets. Global firms face various challenges in coordinating their strategies, structures, systems, processes, and people, such as:

• Balancing the need for global integration and local responsiveness, which requires finding the optimal degree of standardization and adaptation of products, services, policies, and practices across different regions and markets.
• Managing the trade-offs between centralization and decentralization, which involves deciding how much authority and autonomy to delegate to the local units versus retaining at the headquarters or regional hubs.
• Fostering collaboration and communication across geographical, functional, and cultural boundaries, which requires overcoming the barriers of distance, time zones, languages, and norms.
• Leveraging the benefits of diversity and avoiding the pitfalls of fragmentation, which entails creating a shared vision, values, and culture that can unify the diverse and dispersed workforce and stakeholders.
• Coping with the environmental turbulence and uncertainty, which demands developing the capabilities to sense, respond, and adapt to the changing customer needs, competitor moves, and regulatory requirements.

Coordination is essential for the global firm to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, innovation, and competitiveness in the global market. However, coordination is not easy or costless, as it requires investing in various mechanisms and tools, such as:

• Formal structures and systems, such as organizational design, reporting lines, performance measurement, and control systems, that define the roles, responsibilities, and relationships among the different units and individuals.
• Informal practices and processes, such as culture, norms, values, and routines, that shape the behaviors, attitudes, and interactions of the organizational members.
• Information and communication technologies, such as intranet, email, video conferencing, and social media, that facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge across the organization.
• Human resource management, such as recruitment, training, development, compensation, and motivation, that attract, retain, and develop the talent and skills of the global workforce.
• Coordination by principles, such as mission, vision, strategy, and goals, that provide the direction, guidance, and alignment for the organization.

References: Practice coordination by principles: a contemporary MNC approach to …, Coordination Problems - Definition and examples — Conceptually, Emergence of Coordination in Growing Decision-Making … - Hindawi.

A malicious program that records a user’s keystrokes is an example of a Trojan horse. A Trojan horse is a type of malware that masquerades as a legitimate file or application, but secretly performs malicious actions in the background. A Trojan horse can be used to install other malware, such as keyloggers, on the victim’s device. A keylogger is a specific type of Trojan horse that captures and sends the user’skeystrokes to a remote attacker, who can use them to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.

The other options are not correct because:

• Adware is a type of malware that displays unwanted advertisements on the user’s device, often redirecting them to malicious websites or installing more malware. Adware does not necessarily record the user’s keystrokes, although some adware may have keylogging capabilities.
• An anti-virus program is a software that protects the user’s device from malware, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, etc. An anti-virus program does not record the user’s keystrokes, but rather scans and removes any malicious programs that may do so.
• A performance monitor is a software that measures and displays the performance of the user’s device, such as CPU usage, memory usage, disk space, network traffic, etc. A performance monitor does not record the user’s keystrokes, but rather provides useful information for troubleshooting or optimizing the device.

References:

• CITM Study Guide, Chapter 7: IT Security Management, pp. 131-132
• What Is a keylogger and how to detect keystroke logging - Norton
• Keylogger: how to recover the infected pc? - Panda Security

According to the CITM certification, there are six trends that have drastically altered the way organizations use technology. These are:

• Cloud computing: The delivery of computing services over the internet, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Cloud computing enables organizations to access scalable, flexible, and cost-effective IT resources on demand.
• Big data and analytics: The collection, processing, and analysis of large and complex data sets to generate insights and value. Big data and analytics enable organizations to improve decision making, optimize operations, enhance customer experience, and create new products and services.
• Social media and collaboration: The use of online platforms and tools to communicate, share, and interact with others. Social media and collaboration enable organizations to engage with customers, employees, partners, and stakeholders, as well as to foster innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Mobile and wireless: The use of devices and networks that allow users to access information and services anytime and anywhere. Mobile and wireless enable organizations to extend their reach, improve productivity, and offer convenience and personalization.
• Internet of things (IoT): The network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems. IoT enables organizations to monitor and control their assets, processes, and environments, as well as to create new business models and opportunities.
• Cybersecurity: The protection of information systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. Cybersecurity enables organizations to safeguard their assets, reputation, and trust, as well as to comply with laws and regulations.

References:

• CITM certification, page 9
• McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2023
• Here’s how technology has changed the world since 2000
• 10 Ways Technology Has Reshaped the Modern Workplace

Step three (3) in undertaking of object-oriented analysis does not define the methods, but rather identifies the states of each object and the events that affect them. Methods are defined in step four (4), which is the object-oriented design phase. Methods are the operations or functions that an object can perform to achieve its objectives or respond to events. References: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design | OOAD - GeeksforGeeks, Steps to Analyze and Design Object Oriented System - GeeksforGeeks, OOAD - Object Oriented Analysis - Online Tutorials Library

Lower level management, also known as supervisory or operational management, is the lowest tier of the managerial hierarchy. It consists of managers who oversee the work of employees and report to middle level managers. Lower level managers can make use of the managerial hierarchy to obtain approvals or additional guidance from their superiors when they face problems or challenges that are beyond their authority or expertise. The managerial hierarchy also helps lower level managers to communicate and coordinate with other managers and departments within the organization. References: 3, CITM Study Guide, Chapter 2: Organizational Structure and Design, Section 2.1: Types of Organizational Structures, Page 18.

Interpreting information means understanding its meaning and implications in a given context. Two factors that are important while considering interpreting information are external and situational. External factors refer to the sources, reliability, validity, and timeliness of the information. Situational factors refer to the purpose, audience, and expectations of the information. These factors help to evaluate the relevance, accuracy, and usefulness of the information for a specific situation or problem. References: Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) - gaqm.org, page 7; Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) - GAQM, Module 2 – Understanding and Interpreting Information.