SOUTH EASTERN KENYA UNIVERSITY 

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2013/2014

FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF COMMERCE

DIS 102: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

DATE: 6th August 2013					 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
a)	Answer questions ONE from section A(Compulsory)
b)	Answer ANY TWO questions from section  B

SECTION A (30 Marks) - Compulsory

Question One	

(a)	(i)	Name four categories of microcomputers.				(2 marks)
										
(ii)	Distinguish between RAM and ROM stating their implementation in 
microcomputers. 							(4 marks)

(b)	(i)	Explain the term expert system as used in specialized business systems.
											(2 marks)
(ii)	With the aid of a diagram, describe three types of decisions that could be made 
using information systems at different levels of management. 	(6 marks)

(c)	 Jane would like to carry out the following tasks using a computer:

(i)	create customized letters; 
(ii)	analyze data. 

Suggest the most appropriate application package she could use for each task 
justifying your answer.							 (4 marks)

(d) 	 Buri University intends to install a local area network (LAN) to improve its corporate image.
(i)	Explain two benefits the institution will derive from this decision.	(4 marks)

	(ii)	Describe two network topologies they could use.			(4 marks)

(e)	Fridah has a task of designing an information system. Describe two file organization 
methods she could consider for the database.					(4 marks)

SECTION B (40 Marks): ANSWER ANY TWO QUESTIONS
Question Two 

(a)	(i)	Describe the following types of printers giving an example in each case:

		I.	line printer;
		II.	impact printer.
											(4 marks)
	(ii)	Joseph would like to improve the performance of his laptop by adding 
memory. Explain three factors, other than cost, he should consider when 
selecting the memory.							(6 marks)				 
(b)	(i)	With the aid of a diagram, describe the categories of computer software.     
(6 marks)
	(ii)	Explain two functions of operating systems in a mobile phone.	(4 marks)

Question Three 

(a)	(i)	Distinguish between a field and a record as used in computer data processing 
giving an example in each case.					(4 marks)

	(ii)	Sadol University College intends to introduce an information system for the 
finance department. Describe three typical types of computer files likely to be 
included in the system.						(6 marks)

(b)	Explain two advantages of using questionnaires during information system 
development.									(4 marks)

(c)	Any information system or data processing system, whether computerized or 
not, must incorporate controls to ensure that it works efficiently. Explain three logical security measures that should be incorporated.				(6 marks)

Question Four 

(a)	Explain the function of following networking equipment:

(i)	terminator;

(ii)	switch.									(4 marks)

(b)	Rosa would like develop an information system. Describe the expected deliverable for 
each of the following system development phases:  

(i)	System analysis;
(ii)	System design.							(4 marks)

(c)	With the aid of a diagram, describe the data processing cycle.		(6 marks)

(d)	Evaluate the following binary arithmetic:
	(i)	1001001 + 10011
	(ii)	1001011 + 1000010 + 1001
(iii)	100101 – 110
(6 marks)

END