MIS 301 · New and Improved

Victoria's Guide to Moore's Law & Hardware

Chapter 6 — Vocabulary, Key Concepts & Practice Quiz

Vocabulary

Moore's Law
Moore's Law, referring to computer chips, is how computing power doubles every eighteen months lowering costs and enabling better technology.
💭 Think:
In 2001, an iPod had 5 GB of storage and cost about $399.
In 2011, Apple's iCloud gave you 5 GB of online storage for free.
See! Moore's Law is improving price and performance by dropping the cost of storage per gigabyte.
Transistor
A semiconductor switch that can be turned off and on to represent binary digits (1's and 0's) used to store and process digital data.
💭 Think:
A light switch! Modern CPU's contain many of these!
Semiconductor
Materials that conduct electricity under certain conditions and inhibit others.
💭 Think:
Silicon! Inside computer chips that power your device.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The Central Processing Unit is the hardware in your computer that executes instructions and operations.
💭 Think:
Brain of your computer! In a Macbook, CPU: Apple M2 chip = runs all MacOS and all apps.
Parallel Work
The concept of doing many operations at the exact same time instead of in a sequential order.
💭 Think:
Worker 1 does Task A
Worker 2 does Task B
Worker 3 does Task C
all at the same time!
Microprocessor
A single chip that is a part of the computer executing the instructions.
💭 Think:
M2 chip from Apple!
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
A chip used to work in parallel used in AI, gaming, and video editing.
💭 Think:
Graphics and pictures! No hard handed commands needed.
Multicore Processor
A chip that contains two or more CPU cores.
💭 Think:
Multiple tasks can be done in parallel!
Fab (Semiconductor Fabrication Plant)
A manufacturing facility that produces semiconductor chips. They are extremely expensive to build and require massive amounts of power and ultra-purified water.
💭 Think:
A factory that makes chips, costs $20+ billion to build! TSMC in Taiwan is the world's biggest one.
TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)
The world's largest chip manufacturer, responsible for producing most of the world's high-end semiconductors for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.
💭 Think:
The company that physically makes the Apple M2 chip! Located in Taiwan, which is why it's a geopolitical risk.
Latency
The delay or lag time between sending a request and receiving a response.
💭 Think:
Lag = delay
Low latency = fast response = no lag.
Bandwidth
The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection at one time.
💭 Think:
Lanes on a highway, more lanes = more cars at once.
Bit
The smallest unit of data, represented as a single 0 or 1.
💭 Think:
Your WiFi speed is measured in bits, like 100 Mbps.
Byte
A unit of data equal to 8 bits, used to measure file and storage sizes.
💭 Think:
Your phone storage is measured in bytes, like 256 GB. Divide Mbps by 8 to get your real download speed in MB/s!
Emulator
A software or hardware system that mimics another computer system so programs designed for the original system can run on a different device.
💭 Think:
Video game emulator: lets you play games from an old console on a computer!
Compiler
A program that translates high-level programming code into machine instructions so a computer can run it.
💭 Think:
A translator, converts human-readable code into language the chip can actually run.
Konana's Ecosystem
The layered system of technology where each layer depends on the one beneath it: Hardware → OS → Database → Middleware → Enterprise Apps → Consumer Apps. Changing one layer can affect everything above it.
💭 Think:
Like a building, you can't renovate the 3rd floor without worrying about what's holding it up.
Price Elasticity of Demand
An economic concept where the lower the price of something, the higher the demand. In tech, as computing gets cheaper, people find more uses for it.
💭 Think:
Cloud storage used to cost a lot, now it's free or cheap so everyone uses it for everything!
E-Waste (Electronic Waste)
Discarded electronic devices that are no longer used. E-waste contains toxic materials like lead and mercury that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
💭 Think:
Old iPhones, laptops, chargers thrown away instead of recycled. 62 million tons of e-waste were created globally in 2022!
Memory (RAM)
Short-term, temporary storage that holds the data and programs your computer is actively using. It is volatile, meaning all data is lost if the power is cut.
💭 Think:
Your desk while you're working. Too many tabs open = desk overflows = slow computer!
Storage
Long-term, persistent storage that holds data even when the power is off. This is where your files, apps, and OS live permanently.
💭 Think:
Your filing cabinet. When you hit Save on a document, data moves from memory to storage!
Volatile
A property of memory meaning all data is lost when power is cut off. RAM is volatile, anything not saved disappears when you restart or lose power.
💭 Think:
Ever lost a document because your laptop died before you hit Save? That's volatile memory!
Non-Volatile
A property of storage meaning data is preserved even when power is cut off. Your hard drive and SSD are non-volatile.
💭 Think:
Your photos stay on your phone even after you turn it off. Non-volatile storage doing its job!
Supercomputer
A computer that is among the fastest in the world. Modern supercomputers are massively parallel, using many microprocessors simultaneously to solve extremely complex problems.
💭 Think:
Used for weather modeling, nuclear reactions, and AI research. Thousands of computers solving one giant problem!
Grid Computing
A way to connect multiple separate computers over a network to work together as a parallel system, sharing processing power to solve large problems.
💭 Think:
Like a group project where everyone works on different parts at the same time!
Quantum Computing
A type of computing that uses quantum bits (qubits) instead of traditional 0s and 1s, allowing it to solve certain complex problems much faster than regular computers.
💭 Think:
Not commercially available yet, but could one day break encryption and model the weather months ahead!
Wearable Technology
Small computing devices worn on the body that collect, transmit, and use data in real time.
💭 Think:
Disney's MagicBand, worn on your wrist to enter parks, pay for food, unlock your hotel room, and let Disney track you!

Practice Quiz, 5 Questions

Question 1 of 5
In 2005, Garmin was a dominant leader in the navigation industry because it produced specialized, high-end handheld GPS devices. Today, most people use the free GPS on their smartphones instead of buying a separate Garmin device.
Why did Garmin's specialized hardware lose its primary competitive advantage for the general public?
✅ Correct Answer: C

Moore's Law describes how computing power doubles roughly every 18 months while costs drop. This made the GPS chips inside smartphones just as powerful as Garmin's expensive standalone devices, and essentially free to include.
Question 2 of 5
A student is working on a final project in the PCL. They have 40 Chrome tabs open, Spotify playing, and a large Excel file running. Suddenly, their computer begins to lag and move very slowly, even though they have plenty of room left on their 512 GB hard drive.
Which diagnosis best explains the computer's slow performance?
✅ Correct Answer: B

Memory (RAM) is your computer's short-term workspace. When you open too many tabs and apps, you fill up the RAM, which slows everything down. Storage (the 512 GB hard drive) holds files long-term and is not what's causing the lag.
Question 3 of 5
A large corporation decides to upgrade all 5,000 employee laptops every two years. While this keeps the company productive, the IT manager is concerned about what happens to all the discarded machines.
Which concept is the IT manager most likely worried about?
✅ Correct Answer: B

E-waste refers to discarded electronics that often contain harmful materials like lead and mercury. Upgrading 5,000 laptops every two years creates a massive amount of electronic waste.
Question 4 of 5
Your WiFi plan advertises speeds of 200 Mbps. But when you download a movie, your download manager shows a speed of only about 25 MB/s. Your roommate thinks your internet is broken.
What best explains why your download speed appears so much lower than what your plan advertises?
✅ Correct Answer: B

Internet speeds are advertised in megabits (Mb) but files are measured in megabytes (MB). Since 1 byte = 8 bits, you divide your Mbps by 8. 200 Mbps ÷ 8 = 25 MB/s — perfectly normal!
Question 5 of 5
When Victoria visits Disney World, she wears a MagicBand on her wrist. It lets her enter the park, unlock her hotel room, pay for food, and board rides. Behind the scenes, Disney uses that data to decide how many staff to schedule, how to stock restaurants, and how to reduce wait times.
Which concept best describes how Disney is using the MagicBand data to improve park operations?
✅ Correct Answer: C

The MagicBand is a wearable device that continuously collects data on guest movement, purchases, and ride usage. Disney uses that big data to make real-time operational decisions.

MIS 301 · New and Improved

Victoria's Guide to Software for Managers

Chapter 7 — Vocabulary & Practice Quiz

Vocabulary

Software
Instructions that tell hardware what to do. Makes hardware useful for real tasks.
💭 Think: Without software, your laptop is just an expensive paperweight. Windows, Chrome, Excel — all software!
Operating System (OS)
Software sitting between hardware and the user, managing the computer's resources.
💭 Think: Apple bundles their own. Windows sells theirs. Linux gives it away free.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
The visual, clickable interface of software — no command typing required.
💭 Think: Before GUIs you typed every command. Now you just click. Apple introduced it!
Command Line Interface
A text-based interface where users type commands to interact with a computer.
💭 Think: The black screen with white text from hacker movies. Still used by developers today!
Closed Source (Proprietary)
Only the owning company's employees can view or modify the source code.
💭 Think: Windows, MacOS — you can use them but you can't see how they were built.
Open Source
Anyone with programming experience can view, modify, and redistribute the source code for free.
💭 Think: Linux — download it, change it, release your own version!
Open Standard
A standard where other companies can create compatible software or hardware without needing the owner's permission.
💭 Think: Windows and Linux, any developer can build apps that run on them without asking anyone for approval.
Closed Standard
The owner must give permission before others can develop compatible software or hardware.
💭 Think: Apple — developers need App Store approval to build for the platform.
Locally Executed
Runs directly on your device — no internet connection required.
💭 Think: Excel installed on your laptop — works with no WiFi!
Hosted (SaaS)
Runs on a remote server and accessed through a browser over the internet.
💭 Think: Google Docs, Canvas, Netflix — lives on someone else's servers, not yours.
Database Management System (DBMS)
Software that creates, organizes, and controls access to data in a database.
💭 Think: The organized library behind the scenes. SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL!
Middleware
The glue between apps and databases — moves data between separate systems automatically.
💭 Think: Register for classes and Canvas updates automatically? That's middleware!
Enterprise Application
Serves multiple users across an entire organization, integrating many business functions.
💭 Think: Canvas, SAP, Salesforce — used by the whole company, not just one person.
Consumer (User) Application
Software designed for a single user on their own personal device.
💭 Think: Excel, Chrome, Instagram — just for you, on your own device.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Integrates HR, manufacturing, inventory, sales, and purchasing into one shared database.
💭 Think: Pros: connects everything, saves money. Cons: costs millions, takes years, hard to use!
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Enterprise software that tracks customers across their lifecycle to support sales and marketing.
💭 Think: Salesforce — your sales team knows every past interaction before they call.
SCM (Supply Chain Management)
Enterprise software that manages suppliers, inventory, and logistics across the supply chain.
💭 Think: Tracks your product from factory → warehouse → store shelf. Reduces over-ordering!
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The full cost of owning and operating a technology system, including purchase price, implementation, training, ongoing support, and strategic development.
💭 Think: Buying a car is just $$ but gas + insurance + repairs = $$$$$$. Software is the same, the sticker price is only 20% of the real cost!

Practice Quiz, 5 Questions

Question 1 of 5
Sofia registered for classes using her university's online registration system. A few days later, she noticed that her new courses automatically appeared in Canvas without her doing anything. The registration system and Canvas are two completely separate pieces of software built by different vendors.
What type of software most likely made it possible for the registration data to move automatically into Canvas?
✅ Correct Answer: A

Middleware is the "plumbing" that connects separate software systems so they can share data without human intervention.
Question 2 of 5
During a study session, two classmates disagree about Excel. One says it's an enterprise application because large companies use it across every department. The other says it's a user application.
Which answer BEST resolves the disagreement, and why?
✅ Correct Answer: A

User applications support a single user's tasks. Enterprise applications like SAP or Canvas are built specifically to coordinate multiple users across an organization using shared data.
Question 3 of 5
A student is comparing two tools for her student org's treasurer role. The first is an accounting app she downloaded and installed on her laptop, she can open it and use it with no WiFi. The second is a web-based tool she accesses through Chrome, stores all records online, and can use from any device.
Which statement MOST accurately describes the execution model of each tool?
✅ Correct Answer: D

Locally executed means the software runs on your own device with no internet needed. Hosted (SaaS) means it lives on a remote server and requires a browser and network to access.
Question 4 of 5
A classmate says "The operating system is what actually processes all the instructions in a program, it's basically the brain of the computer." You remember your professor saying something different about this.
Why is your classmate's statement INCORRECT?
✅ Correct Answer: D

The OS is the manager and coordinator. The actual instruction processing happens in the CPU (the hardware). The OS is the middleman, the CPU is the workhorse.
Question 5 of 5
Nestle was selling 100,000 products in 200 countries but had 9 million vendor and customer records, about half were duplicates or outdated. The same vendor might be listed as "Acme Co." in one system and "Acme Corporation" in another. Nestle decided to do a full overhaul using SAP.
Which type of software did Nestle implement, and what was the key benefit?
✅ Correct Answer: C

SAP is an ERP system — it integrates all organizational functions into one shared database. The key benefit is eliminating data silos and inconsistencies across departments and locations.

MIS 301 · New and Improved

Victoria's Guide to Open Source Software

Chapter 8 — Vocabulary & Practice Quiz

Vocabulary

Open Source Software (OSS)
Source code that is publicly shared and can be changed and redistributed by anyone with programming experience.
💭 Think: Linux! Download it, modify it, release your own version. OSS runs most of the internet!
Closed Source (Proprietary) Software
Only company employees can view or change how the program works. Source code is kept completely private.
💭 Think: Windows, MacOS, ChatGPT — you use them but you can't see the code.
Source Code
The human-readable instructions written in a programming language that make up a software program.
💭 Think: Closed source = secret recipe (Coca-Cola). Open source = recipe posted publicly for anyone to remix!
Programming Language
A formal language with its own vocabulary and grammar used to write software. Examples: Python, Java, C++, Ruby, PHP.
💭 Think: Python prints "Hello World" in one line. Assembly needs 10+ lines for the same thing!
Compilation
The process of converting human-readable code into binary instructions a microprocessor can execute.
💭 Think: Translating English into machine language (1s and 0s) so the chip can actually run it!
Linux
Open source OS kernel created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds — given away for free. Basis for Android and most major studio productions.
💭 Think: Your Android runs on Linux. Toy Story was rendered on Linux servers. Free and powers the world!
LAMP Stack
Fully open source web stack: Linux (OS), Apache (middleware), MySQL (database), PHP/Python (apps). Powers Facebook, YouTube, Slack, Wikipedia.
💭 Think: L=Linux, A=Apache, M=MySQL, P=PHP/Python. The whole ecosystem, all free!
MEAN Stack
Modern OSS stack: MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js — all JavaScript-based, replacing LAMP for modern web apps.
💭 Think: LAMP is becoming MEAN! Same idea, updated for modern JavaScript development.
Why Open Source? (Benefits)
OSS is free, more reliable (more eyes = better), more secure, scalable, agile, and community-supported. Facebook scaled to 950M users on it.
💭 Think: "Keeping the lights on" does not create competitive advantage — spend that money on innovation instead!
Business of OSS
$60B industry. Vendors make money selling support and consulting, not the software itself. Frees up budget for innovation.
💭 Think: The software is free — but the expertise to configure it? That's where Red Hat makes billions!
Arguments Against OSS
More complex to manage, potentially higher TCO, no formal support contract — rely on community help, and legal/licensing concerns.
💭 Think: Free ≠ cheap! If your IT team spends 500 hours configuring it, the TCO can exceed the paid alternative.
OSS vs. Free-to-Use Software
NOT the same! Free-to-use = no cost but code is private. Open source = code is publicly shared regardless of price.
💭 Think: Google Sheets = free but closed source. Linux = free AND open source. Free ≠ open source!
Richard M. Stallman & the Free Software Movement
MIT scientist who founded the Free Software Foundation and started the open source movement. His GNU project + Linux = the foundation of modern OSS.
💭 Think: GNU + Linux kernel = the entire open source world we have today!
OSS in AI: Llama vs. ChatGPT
ChatGPT uses OpenAI's GPT model — NOT open source. Llama uses Meta's LLaMa model — IS open source. Same product type, opposite philosophies.
💭 Think: ChatGPT = closed (OpenAI keeps GPT private). Llama = open (Meta shared the code publicly).

Practice Quiz, 5 Questions

Question 1 of 5
A student is debating software choices for a new startup. She notices that Google Sheets is completely free to use and requires no payment. Her co-founder says, "Great — since it's free, it must be open source software." She's not sure that's right.
Why is her co-founder's statement INCORRECT?
✅ Correct Answer: A

Free to use and open source are two completely different things. Open source means the source code is publicly shared and modifiable by anyone. Google Sheets is free to use, but Google keeps its source code completely private — it is closed source (proprietary). Price and openness of code are separate dimensions. Options B, C, and D all confuse unrelated concepts.
Question 2 of 5
A startup wants to build a new web application from scratch. Their CTO suggests using the LAMP stack because it covers every layer they need. A junior developer asks why Linux is in the stack at all — "Isn't Apache the thing that runs the website? What does Linux even do that Apache doesn't?"
Which answer BEST explains the difference between Linux and Apache and why both are needed?
✅ Correct Answer: B

In Konana's Ecosystem, each layer has a different role. Linux is the OS — it sits just above hardware and manages all system resources. Apache is the middleware (web server) — it sits above the database and handles web traffic and requests. They are different layers doing different jobs, and both are needed. Options A, C, and D all misidentify what these tools actually do.
Question 3 of 5
A manager at a mid-sized company argues that the company should switch all its servers to Linux to save on licensing costs. A skeptical colleague pushes back: "If it's free, there must be a catch. What's the real cost?" The manager doesn't have a great answer.
Which response BEST represents a legitimate argument AGAINST adopting open source software?
✅ Correct Answer: C

According to the lecture, legitimate arguments against OSS include: it can be more complex to install and manage, it can have a higher TCO for some products because there is no support contract (you rely on community support), and there are legal and licensing concerns. Option A is wrong — scalability is actually a benefit of OSS (Facebook scaled to 950M users on it). Option B is wrong — the lecture says OSS is less hackable. Option D is simply false.
Question 4 of 5
Goldman Sachs, Walmart, and Exxon Mobile are all massive corporations worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Yet all three have open sourced major internal software tools — giving away valuable code they paid their own engineers to write. A business student finds this confusing: "Why would a company give away something it paid to build?"
Which explanation BEST captures why large firms contribute to open source despite giving the code away for free?
✅ Correct Answer: B

The lecture makes this point directly: OSS diverts funds that firms would otherwise spend on fixed costs so those funds can be spent on innovation or more competitive initiatives. "Keeping the lights on does not create competitive advantage." Infrastructure tools like data modeling or cloud management platforms are shared costs across the industry — no one firm benefits from hoarding them. Contributing also builds goodwill, attracts developer talent, and lets the broader community improve the tool for everyone.
Question 5 of 5
Two classmates are comparing AI assistants for their MIS project. One says she prefers ChatGPT because it's more powerful. The other prefers using Meta's Llama model because he values transparency in AI. The first student argues: "They're both AI chatbots — what's the real difference in how they're built?"
Which answer correctly identifies the key distinction between ChatGPT and Llama from a software perspective?
✅ Correct Answer: C

The lecture is explicit: ChatGPT uses OpenAI's GPT model and is NOT open source software. Llama uses Meta's LLaMa model and IS open source software. This is exactly the open/closed source distinction applied to AI. Option A confuses local vs. hosted execution with source code openness — those are different dimensions. Option B confuses open/closed source with open/closed standards. Option D is simply false per the lecture.

MIS 301 · New and Improved

Victoria's Guide to SaaS & Cloud Computing

Chapter 9 — Vocabulary & Practice Quiz

Vocabulary

Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software hosted remotely and delivered over the internet via a browser. The provider manages everything — users just log in.
💭 Think: Google Docs, Canvas, Netflix — open a browser, log in, works anywhere. No install!
Distributed Computing
Computing tasks are broken into pieces handled in different places — your device, a remote server, and the cloud can all be involved at once.
💭 Think: Online Excel: you type locally, data lives in UT Box, processing is on Microsoft's servers. Three places, one experience!
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Provider rents raw infrastructure (servers, storage, networking). Customer manages OS, data, and apps above it. Used by IT admins.
💭 Think: AWS, Azure — like renting an empty warehouse. They give the space, you set everything up!
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
The middle cloud layer. The provider manages infrastructure AND the platform (OS, runtime, middleware). The customer only manages their app and data. Used by software developers who want to build without managing servers.
💭 Think: Heroku, Cloud Foundry, OpenShift. Like renting a fully furnished kitchen — the equipment is set up, you just cook (write your app).
SaaS — Top Cloud Layer
Provider manages everything — infrastructure, platform, and app. End users just log in. No setup required.
💭 Think: Gmail, Trello, Slack — like ordering takeout. Everything handled, you just use it!
SaaS Business Model / Freemium
Revenue via monthly subscriptions, ads, or freemium (basic = free, premium = paid). Competes directly with desktop software.
💭 Think: Spotify free vs. Premium. Dropbox 2 GB free then charges. The free tier hooks you!
Cloud Computing Benefits for Enterprises
Faster deployment, lower upfront costs, higher quality hardware, remote access, and scalable systems that grow with the business.
💭 Think: Skip $500K in servers, use AWS, pay per use. Scale from 10 to 10 million users without buying hardware!
TCO — Components of Total Cost of Ownership
Purchase price is only ~20% of the real cost. The other 80% is hidden: implementation, training, efficiency loss, ongoing support, and strategic development.
💭 Think: Buying a car is just the start — gas, insurance, repairs are the real cost. That 80% iceberg will get you!
SaaS vs. Traditional TCO
Traditional wins on license cost. SaaS wins on deployment, support, and future development. SaaS = rental model — low upfront, steady ongoing cost.
💭 Think: Buying a house (on-premise) = huge upfront, all maintenance yours. Renting (SaaS) = predictable monthly, landlord handles the pipes!
SaaS Risks
Single vendor dependency, vendor viability concerns, forced migration risk, and fewer features than desktop software.
💭 Think: If Google shuts down Docs tomorrow, everyone scrambles. All eggs in one basket = major vulnerability!
Cloud Security
Off-site data creates security concerns, but AWS actually has a better track record than many firms (Target, AT&T). WiFi reliance = slower, less stable, less secure.
💭 Think: Target got hacked on their own servers. AWS never had a breach at that scale. Cloud is often MORE secure — but WiFi is the weak link!
Cloud Computing Challenges
Complex to migrate, costs can add up, and if your vendor fails — you go down too. Enter cautiously, especially for mission-critical systems.
💭 Think: When AWS goes down, Netflix, Airbnb, and Reddit all go down with it!
Why Traditional (On-Premise) Software?
Three reasons: unique business processes SaaS can't support, perceived security threats, and regulatory constraints requiring on-site data storage.
💭 Think: Hospitals and defense contractors may be legally required to keep data on their own servers — no AWS allowed!
SaaS Benefits for Developers
One platform to develop for, instant updates to all users, near-zero distribution costs, and piracy is impossible.
💭 Think: TurboTax pushes an update at midnight and millions of users have it instantly. No CD to pirate!

Practice Quiz, 5 Questions

Question 1 of 5
A student uses online Excel through her browser for a group project. She saves her file to UT Box. Later she tries to upload that same file from UT Box to the Flatworld assignment portal, but a completely blank file gets submitted.
What best explains why the uploaded file appeared blank?
✅ Correct Answer: C

Online Excel is a SaaS product that uses distributed computing — your work is stored on a remote server (UT Box), not locally. When the student uploaded the "local" file, it may have been just a pointer with no actual content. The real data lives on the cloud server, not the device.
Question 2 of 5
A startup's backend engineer wants AWS so she can configure the servers and install her own OS and database. The product manager wants Heroku so the team can deploy their app without worrying about servers at all. The CEO asks what the actual difference is.
Which answer correctly identifies the cloud service model each person is describing?
✅ Correct Answer: B

IaaS (AWS) gives raw infrastructure — you configure everything above it yourself. PaaS (Heroku) manages the infrastructure and platform for you; developers just deploy the app. Option D has the two swapped. Option C incorrectly labels both as SaaS — SaaS is a finished application for end users, not a dev platform.
Question 3 of 5
A CFO is evaluating whether to keep HR software on-premise or move to SaaS. Her IT director says the SaaS subscription fee is lower than their current license cost. The CFO pushes back, saying the comparison is more complicated than that.
Which framework best supports the CFO's argument that you cannot just compare the subscription fee to the license cost?
✅ Correct Answer: D

TCO captures the full cost — the purchase price is only about 20% of the total. The other 80% is hidden in implementation, training, efficiency loss, ongoing support, and future strategic development. You cannot just compare sticker prices.
Question 4 of 5
A large hospital is considering moving all its patient records and clinical systems to a major cloud provider. The IT team is excited about cost savings and scalability. However, the hospital's compliance team raises serious objections and says the hospital may not be able to move everything to the cloud regardless of cost benefits.
Which reason BEST explains why the compliance team might block a full cloud migration?
✅ Correct Answer: A

The lecture lists regulatory constraints as one of the three reasons firms keep traditional software. Healthcare data is heavily regulated and some laws require data to stay on-premise. Option B is wrong — the lecture says major cloud providers like AWS actually have better security records than many firms like Target and AT&T.
Question 5 of 5
TurboTax offers both a downloadable desktop version and TurboTax Online, a browser-based SaaS version. A developer at Intuit argues that the SaaS version is dramatically better for the company from a development and operations standpoint, even if some power users prefer the desktop version.
Which BEST captures why SaaS is operationally superior for Intuit as a software provider?
✅ Correct Answer: C

The lecture covers SaaS benefits for providers: develop for one platform, deploy fixes instantly to all users, near-zero distribution costs, and piracy is impossible. The desktop version requires managing multiple OS versions, shipping updates, and dealing with piracy. Option D is wrong — SaaS requires a connection and increases server dependency.

MIS 301 · New and Improved

Victoria's Guide to Software Project Management

Chapter 10 — Vocabulary & Practice Quiz

Vocabulary

Systems Development / Systems Analysis and Design
The process of creating and maintaining information systems. Involves all 5 IS components and requires business knowledge, not just technical skill.
💭 Think: You can't just install SAP and walk away — it always involves your company's unique people and processes!
The 5 IS Components
Every information system has: Hardware, Software, Data, Processes, and People. Programming covers software/data. Systems development covers all five.
💭 Think: A new HR system = servers + app + database + workflows + employee training. All five matter!
Project Management Triple Constraint
Three drivers always in tension: Scope, Resources (money/people/equipment), and Schedule. Change one, the others are affected.
💭 Think: "Good, fast, cheap — pick two." All three at once? Not possible!
Brook's Law
Adding more people to a late software project makes it even later — onboarding takes time and communication complexity grows.
💭 Think: You can't have a baby in one month by adding 8 more women. Some things can't be parallelized!
Diseconomies of Scale
As development teams grow, average contribution per worker decreases because coordination and communication overhead increase.
💭 Think: 2 people = 1 communication channel. 10 people = 45 channels. More people ≠ more output!
Scope Creep
Uncontrolled expansion of project requirements during development — causes budget overruns, delays, and project failure. One of the most common reasons IT projects fail.
💭 Think: Hired a contractor for the kitchen, now they're doing the bathroom and floors too. Project never ends, costs explode!
Waterfall Method
Linear, sequential approach — each phase must complete before the next begins. Very rigid, requires all requirements upfront. Responsible for many software fiascos.
💭 Think: Works great for building bridges. Terrible for software, where requirements always change mid-build!
Agile Method
The dominant methodology. Iterative cycles: Plan → Design → Develop → Test → Deploy → Review → repeat. Fast and flexible — products actually ship.
💭 Think: Spotify ships updates every two weeks. No waiting two years for a "perfect" version. That's Agile!
Prototypes and Wireframes
Mock-ups that help users evaluate requirements and bridge communication between users and developers. Some are designed to be thrown away.
💭 Think: A sketch of a house before building — way cheaper to move the kitchen on paper than after pouring concrete!
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An app combining editor, debugger, and compiler. Professional programmers use it to write, test, and run code all in one place.
💭 Think: Like Microsoft Word for programmers. Writing, debugging, and running all in one place. VS Code, IntelliJ, Xcode!
Compiled vs. Interpreted (Scripting) Languages
Compiled (C++, C#) = converted to machine code before running, faster. Interpreted/scripting (Python, Java, JavaScript) = run at runtime, more flexible.
💭 Think: Compiled = translate the whole book first. Interpreted = translate sentence by sentence. Same destination, different approach!
Low Code / No Code (LCNC)
Visual tools that let users build apps with little or no coding. Used by "citizen developers." $27B market in 2023. Risk: poorly designed systems can violate regulations (HIPAA, GDPR) or create security issues.
💭 Think: Power Apps lets an analyst build an app without code — fast, but could accidentally violate HIPAA!
AI and LLMs in Programming
LLMs generate code from natural language — solid for SQL, HTML, Excel, and basic Python, but imperfect. Bad code is hard to detect. Programming isn't going away.
💭 Think: Copilot writes code from one sentence — but also writes plausible code with hidden bugs. You still need to understand what it wrote!
Why Technology Projects Fail
Management failures: poor goals, weak leadership, scope creep, bad communication. Technical failures: bad tech choices, inadequate testing, politics, and deadline pressure.
💭 Think: HealthCare.gov launched Oct 1, 2013 and immediately crashed. Almost every failure mode hit at once!
Taking Responsibility for Requirements
"There are no IT projects — some business projects have an IT component." Business users must own requirements, manage scope creep, and give IS pros clear direction.
💭 Think: Hire a contractor but never explain what you want = not your dream house. YOU own the requirements. IT can only build what you describe!

Practice Quiz, 5 Questions

Question 1 of 5
A large retail company launches a project to build a new inventory management system. Halfway through development, the VP of Marketing asks the team to also add a customer loyalty program module, a social media integration feature, and a real-time analytics dashboard — none of which were in the original plan. The project manager is frustrated because the launch date hasn't changed but the workload has tripled.
Which concept BEST describes what is happening to this project, and why is it so dangerous?
✅ Correct Answer: C

Scope creep is the uncontrolled expansion of project requirements during development. Adding three major new features mid-project without adjusting the timeline or resources is a textbook example. The lecture lists scope creep as one of the most common reasons technology projects fail. Option A describes Brook's Law (a separate concept). Option B describes diseconomies of scale (also separate). Option D describes Waterfall, which is a methodology, not the problem itself.
Question 2 of 5
A software startup is six months behind on a critical product launch. The CEO decides to double the engineering team from 10 to 20 developers to get back on schedule. The CTO warns this will backfire. Two months later, the project is even further behind than before the new hires joined.
Which concept BEST explains why hiring more developers made the project later instead of faster?
✅ Correct Answer: B

Brook's Law states that adding more people to a late software project makes it later. New developers need onboarding time, existing team members must train them instead of coding, and communication complexity grows exponentially with team size. This is a classic diseconomy of scale specific to software development. The other options describe real concepts but don't explain why more people = slower progress on a late project.
Question 3 of 5
Two companies are building similar CRM systems. Company A uses the Waterfall method: they spend six months writing a comprehensive 200-page requirements document, then hand it to developers who build for 18 months without user input, then deliver the final product. Company B uses Agile: they release a basic working version in 6 weeks, get user feedback, improve it, and release again every two weeks. After two years, Company A's system is rejected by employees because it doesn't match how they actually work. Company B's system is widely adopted.
Which statement BEST explains why Agile outperformed Waterfall in this scenario?
✅ Correct Answer: C

The lecture explains that Waterfall is very rigid and requires precise forethought on all requirements upfront — making it responsible for many software fiascos when those requirements change. Agile's iterative Plan-Design-Develop-Test-Deploy-Review cycle allows constant adaptation. Requirements always change, and Agile is built for that reality. Option A is not stated in the lecture. Option B confuses programming language with methodology. Option D confuses Agile with LCNC.
Question 4 of 5
A marketing manager at a mid-size company builds a customer data tracking app using Microsoft Power Apps (a low code / no code tool) without involving IT. The app works well at first, but six months later the IT department discovers it is storing duplicate customer records, has no access controls, and may be violating GDPR data privacy regulations because it sends customer data to a third-party server without consent.
Which concern from the lecture BEST explains why this LCNC app created serious problems despite working as intended?
✅ Correct Answer: B

The lecture lists specific LCNC risks: poorly designed systems can collect inconsistent or duplicate data, create security concerns, and violate legal and regulatory requirements like HIPAA, FERPA, and EU GDPR. IT professionals bring specialized skills and enforce governance principles that "citizen developers" often aren't aware of. Systems development goes beyond just creating an app — this scenario is a perfect illustration of that point. Options A, C, and D all misidentify the cause.
Question 5 of 5
HealthCare.gov launched on October 1, 2013 and immediately failed — it was bug-ridden, couldn't handle national demand, lacked clear authority over the website, had no performance dashboard, and the user experience was described as horrible. A rescue team was brought in: clear leadership with authority was established, seasoned technologists set priorities, implemented results reporting, and held daily stand-up meetings. By mid-April, over 8 million users had successfully enrolled.
Which combination of concepts from the lecture BEST explains both WHY HealthCare.gov failed at launch AND what the rescue team did to fix it?
✅ Correct Answer: C

The lecture covers both the failure and rescue of HealthCare.gov directly. The failures match the "Why Technology Projects Fail" slides: weak leadership, no clear authority, inadequate testing, lack of reporting systems. The rescue applied Agile principles: clear leadership with authority, setting clear priorities, results reporting, coordination, and daily stand-up meetings — a core Agile practice. Within two months the system was fixed and 8 million users enrolled. Options A, B, and D all misidentify the causes and solutions.