Discussion Topics
1. Information technology has advanced dramatically in recent years. At the same time,
enormous changes in the business world have occurred as companies reflect global
competition and more pressure for quality, speed, and customer service. Did the new
technology inspire the business changes, or was it the other way around?
2. Internet-based sales have shown explosive growth in recent years. How does B2B
interaction differ from consumer-based Internet marketing, and why is it growing
so rapidly?
3. This chapter described seven guidelines that a systems analyst might use when considering
an architecture. In your view, are all the items of equal weight and importance,
or should some be ranked higher? Justify your position.
4. One manager states, “When a new system is proposed, I want a written report, not
an oral presentation, which is like a sales pitch. I only want to see the facts about
costs, benefits, and schedules.” Do you agree with that point of view?