i) Question Type The following are guidelines on the type of questions and their approximate weightings:

Transcription

1 Purpose Information Systems Strategy [MS2] Examination Blueprint 2014/2015 The Information Systems Strategy [MS2] examination has been constructed using an examination blueprint. The blueprint, also referred to as the test specifications, outlines the content areas covered on the examination and the weighting allotted to each content area. This document also lists the topics, the level of competence for each topic, and the related learning objectives and competencies. In addition, information is provided on the proportion of each question type presented in the examination (that is, multiple choice, quantitative problems, and so on). Use Students should use the examination blueprint to prepare for the course examination. The blueprint may not include all the topics listed in the course materials; however, students are still responsible for acquiring a broad-based knowledge of all topics not listed in the blueprint since these topics will be tested in assignment and review questions. The topics not listed in the blueprint will also provide students with a greater depth of understanding of Management Information Systems concepts. Examination Objectives The objective of the four-hour comprehensive examination is to test CGA students on the prerequisite knowledge that is required for advancement into PA1: Issues in Professional Practice and PA2: Strategic Financial Management, so as to ensure that the students have the broad-based knowledge in Management Information Systems needed to function properly in the Association s capstone courses. Examination Guidelines for Questions i) Question Type The following are guidelines on the type of questions and their approximate weightings: Question Item Multiple-choice questions Short-answer and/or short case-type problems of both a qualitative and quantitative nature. Description Questions may take a conceptual basis or they may require technical or analytical skills to derive the correct solution. Questions may focus on technical or analytical aspects of the material. Short, integrative cases may be used to pull together related issues. For example, a problem may require students to outline alternatives, supporting their recommendations with numerical analysis. Percentage 20% 30% 70% 80% ii) Question Content The following table is organized according to content area and provides information on topics, learning objectives, weighting, competencies and levels of competence. The competencies applicable to a particular module are identified independent of the learning objectives. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 1 of 12

2 Table 1. Information Systems Strategy [MS2] Examination Blueprint Note: Competency codes (such as PK:FN:11) have been added to the column for all Level 4 and PACE examination blueprints. These codes are used to identify the competencies. They do not affect students use of the blueprint. Please see the CGA Competency Framework for more information. Content 1. Strategic importance of IS IS as an integral part of strategic planning 1.2 IS for competitive advantage 1.3 IS to achieve business transformation 1.4 IS and globalization 1.5 Managing IS human resources 1.6 IS s rapid pace of change 1.7 The ethics of information Evaluate the role of an IS strategy as part of an organization s overall strategic plan. Evaluate a company or industry using Porter s five forces and Barney s resourcebased view of the firm, and formulate several strategies that allow an organization to develop competitive advantage. Identify the types of strategies that produce a competitive advantage for an organization. Recommend how to leverage and use IS to create and maintain a competitive advantage. Recommend applications and processes through which IS can contribute to organizational and business transformation. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of IS in relation to the globalization of business. Explain the structure of the IS function and the kinds of people that work in a typical IS department. Explain the challenges in managing people who design and operate information systems and support the firm in using them. Discuss the human resource challenges in IS management and how these affect IS planning. Discuss the role of the CIO and understand its strategic significance. Assess the implications of managing rapid change. Explain how competencies in ethics and Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 2 of 12 PK:IT:01: Advises on the development of IT strategy LD:SO:02: Evaluates the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats LD:SO:03: Develops, implements, and updates the organization's strategic plan LD:SO:04: Evaluates and advises on the impact of specific changes in strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats PK:IT:03: Aligns financial and related information systems with the organization's strategic and business plans LD:OE:04: Conducts business process reviews of existing systems, processes, and controls within the organization PK:MA:07: Recommends organizational improvements based on results from management accounting systems PK:BE:02: Advises on business decisions in the context of larger economic and geopolitical conditions LD:SO:06: Develops, implements, and updates the organization's operational plan in alignment with the strategic plan PK:BE:10: Advises on organizational structure LD:IT:01: Builds and motivates high-performance individuals and teams to achieve goals and objectives LD:IT:09: Aligns organizational goals and objectives with individual and team goals through the use of a performance management system LD:IT:10: Provides career planning, coaching, training and development opportunities to facilitate staff retention and succession planning PK:IT:04: Evaluates and advises on the impact of new technologies on business processes LD:SO:05: Manages change in the organization caused by internal and external factors

3 provision for CGAs professionalism equip CGAs to help make ethical strategic choices in business. Identify the ethical value added by accountants working in the IS area. Relate the role of accountants as information producers, analysts, and distributors to work in the IS and IT areas. PR:ET:04: Protects the public interest Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 3 of 12

4 2. Information technology governance: Organization and planning for IS IT governance 2.2 Short- and long-range technology planning 2.3 Data and information management issues 2.4 IS economics 2.5 Developing an IS strategic plan Evaluate the critical decisions about IT that organizations make, and the different governance arrangements for making those decisions. Identify the roles of the financial manager and other stakeholders in IT governance. Assess the challenges of taking an IS plan from theory to practice. Assess the principal drivers of hardware and software decisions in organizations. Identify the specific issues in hardware and software planning. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of centrally determined technology standards. Relate the issues of data integrity, security, and integration as they apply to IS planning. Assess the business value of an information system from a financial perspective. Identify the four elements that make up the total cost of ownership of IS, and defend the importance of considering non-capital costs when evaluating IS acquisitions. Relate the relevance of Moore s Law and Metcalfe s Law to IS management. Evaluate the issues associated with IS planning and developing an IS strategic plan. Compare the scenario planning approach to more traditional approaches of structuring the planning process. PK:IT:01: Advises on the development of IT strategy LD:OE:03: Advises on issues of corporate governance PK:BE:10: Advises on organizational structure LD:SO:06: Develops, implements, and updates the organization's operational plan in alignment with the strategic plan PK:IT:02: Selects and uses appropriate business technology tools in the workplace PR:IA:03: Evaluates implications and assesses the appropriateness of solutions beyond the immediate or short term PR:SF:01: Anticipates and meets the needs and expectations of internal and external stakeholders PK:IT:07: Evaluates and advises on the safeguarding of IT assets to ensure organizational ability to meet business objectives PR:ET:06: Ensures confidentiality of stakeholder information LD:OE:02: Designs, evaluates, and reports on internal control systems to ensure organizational effectiveness PK:IT:03: Aligns financial and related information systems with the organization's strategic and business plans PR:IA:02: Evaluates the interrelationship of an issue on different functions of the organization and applies concepts and approaches within and across functional areas to develop integrative solutions PK:MA:03: Identifies, assesses, and advises on information required for management decision making Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 4 of 12

5 3. Systems development overview and issues Systems development 3.2 Systems development methods and techniques 3.3 Make, buy, or subscribe decisions Identify and describe the six activities of systems development. State the factors that influence the success or failure of systems development. State the importance of systems development methodologies. Compare and contrast the waterfall method for developing systems with prototyping, rapid application development, end-user development, purchased applications, and outsourcing. Evaluate the factors to consider when choosing whether to make or buy an information system. PK:IT:05: Advises on the design, development, and implementation of IT projects including specific applications software LD:SO:08: Assumes leadership at various phases of planning, implementation, and evaluation PK:IT:06: Advises on implications of IT acquisitions and vendor selection PK:MA:06: Analyzes and evaluates information from management accounting systems, and makes decisions PR:CM:07: Facilitates resolution between differing viewpoints PK:BE:05: Prepares and advises on contract structure and enforcement policies 3.4 Acquisition of software and hardware Prepare a basic request for quotations and a basic request for proposal, and evaluate vendor proposals Vendor selection and contractual issues Determine the challenges in selecting vendors for information systems and approaches to minimizing problems in vendor relationships. Plan the contract negotiation process, and explain the key clauses in a hardware or software contract. 3.6 Project management Evaluate the issues and challenges in managing IS projects. Compare the techniques of PERT and Gantt charts and define their role in project management. Design simple PERT and Gantt charts 3.7 Feasibility and cost-benefit analyses Support a decision to continue or abandon a project using feasibility and cost-benefit analysis. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 5 of 12

6 4. Systems analysis and design Analysis and design overview 4.2 Systems analysis: Requirements gathering 4.3 Process modelling: Data flow diagrams 4.4 Data modelling: Entity relationship diagrams 4.5 Logic modelling: Structured English 4.6 Use case analysis 4.7 Systems design Distinguish between logical and physical models. Evaluate the steps in developing a system in particular the phases of analysis and design. Plan the requirements-gathering phase of systems analysis. Assess situational factors and choose between the different approaches to requirements gathering. Justify process modelling. Design a simple data flow diagram (DFD). Identify the way entity relationship (ER) diagrams can be used in data modelling. Design a simple entity relationship diagram. Represent processing flow using Structured English. Construct decision tables to document the processing logic of a set of procedures. Design a simple use case to support systems design. Analyze the primary decisions and activities in the systems design phase. Evaluate and discuss user interface in terms of design. PK:IT:02: Selects and uses appropriate business technology tools in the workplace PR:CM:02: Prepares information in formats appropriate for specific purposes PK:IT:05: Advises on the design, development, and implementation of IT projects including specific applications software PR:PS:01: Defines the scope of the problem PR:PS:02: Collects, selects, verifies, and evaluates information relevant to the problem PR:SF:01: Anticipates and meets the needs and expectations of internal and external stakeholders PR:IA:01: Aggregates information from a variety of sources and perspectives to assess the impact of issues on the organization PK:IT:02: Selects and uses appropriate business technology tools in the workplace PR:IA:02: Evaluates the interrelationship of an issue on different functions of the organization and applies concepts and approaches within and across functional areas to develop integrative solutions PR:CM:05: Follows up to ensure that communications are clearly understood PR:PS:03: Integrates and analyzes data for patterns, relationships, and trends PR:ET:01: Applies professional ethical standards PR:ET:02: Exercises integrity and a high level of professional judgment PR:ET:06: Ensures confidentiality of stakeholder information 4.8 Systems analysis and design in smaller organizations 4.9 Ethical issues in systems development Differentiate between the systems analysis and design phases of small and large projects. Assess the ethical issues of situations that arise during systems analysis and design. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 6 of 12

7 5. Systems implementation, testing, and support Systems installation and conversion 5.2 Testing in systems implementation 5.3 Quality assurance in system development 5.4 Systems maintenance 5.5 Systems enhancement and reengineering Recommend and defend a strategy for converting from an existing system to a new system, based on situational factors. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of the four different conversion strategies. Distinguish between the different methods of testing in systems implementation and formulate strategies to mitigate the limitations of testing. Identify the different characteristics of systems quality. Distinguish between quality assurance and quality control. Explain the basic tasks of systems maintenance. Defend the need for sufficient systems maintenance Assess a non-it manager s role in evaluating systems enhancements. PK:IT:05: Advises on the design, development, and implementation of IT projects including specific applications software PK:BE:06: Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates enterprise risk factors PK:BE:08: Implements and advises on measures to mitigate enterprise risk PR:PS:04: Generates and evaluates alternative solutions PK:IT:03: Aligns financial and related information systems with the organization's strategic and business plans PK:FA:06: Ensures the preparation of timely, reliable, and relevant financial information PK:IT:07: Evaluates and advises on the safeguarding of IT assets to ensure organizational ability to meet business objectives LD:OE:04: Conducts business process reviews of existing systems, processes, and controls within the organization PK:IT:04: Evaluates and advises on the impact of new technologies on business processes 5.6 Legacy system issues Relate the issues that surround legacy systems to the challenges of replacing them. 5.7 Measuring system benefits Assess the possible benefits of a new system and evaluate some strategies for measuring those benefits. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 7 of 12

8 6. Networks of networks: Internet, extranet, intranet, and Web The Internet as a business tool 6.2 Use of the Internet to streamline operations 6.3 Technologies to support decisions and virtual meetings 6.4 Intranet and extranet 6.5 Strategic uses of Internet technologies Evaluate the use of the Internet as a business tool for organizations. Analyze the ways in which the Internet streamlines business operations. Identify the different types of decision support technologies used by businesses and the situations they support. Distinguish between an intranet and an extranet and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each. Evaluate how the Internet contributes to cost reduction, differentiation, customer lock-in, and strategic alliances, and how it supports the value chain of an organization. PK:IT:02: Selects and uses appropriate business technology tools in the workplace PK:IT:04: Evaluates and advises on the impact of new technologies on business processes LD:SO:09: Evaluates the social costs and benefits of securing resources to meet the organization s objectives LD:OE:04: Conducts business process reviews of existing systems, processes, and controls within the organization PR:CM:01: Selects an appropriate medium to convey information, ideas, and results considering the need for confidentiality and privacy LD:SO:06: Develops, implements, and updates the organization's operational plan in alignment with the strategic plan 6.6 Web 2.0 and beyond Evaluate recent Internet and web trends and their impact on the organization, using Web 2.0 as an example. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 8 of 12

9 7. Electronic commerce and EDI E-business, e-commerce, and e-service 7.2 E-business opportunities and challenges 7.3 Planning e-commerce operations 7.4 Funding issues Distinguish between e-business, e-commerce, Internet commerce, web commerce, and electronic data interchange (EDI). Evaluate the rationale for e-business and distinguish between the different business models for e-business. Evaluate the principal challenges and opportunities presented by the Internet for incumbent and new businesses, and explain their relevance to managers making e-business decisions. Analyze the strategic and tactical decisions that form the core of e-commerce planning. Compare the different approaches to pricing and paying for goods and services on the Internet. Distinguish between the typical methods of securing the initial financing for e-commerce ventures. PK:IT:02: Selects and uses appropriate business technology tools in the workplace PK:IT:03: Aligns financial and related information systems with the organization's strategic and business plans PK:BE:03: Anticipates and recognizes market factors and stakeholders' interests, and adapts business decisions and processes PK:IT:05: Advises on the design, development, and implementation of IT projects including specific applications software PK:FN:01: Advises on financing to meet the organization's goals PK:IT:07: Evaluates and advises on the safeguarding of IT assets to ensure organizational ability to meet business objectives PK:TX:01: Determines and advises on taxpayer's regulatory requirements and exposure PK:BE:04: Advises on business decisions in the context of the legal framework PK:IT:04: Evaluates and advises on the impact of new technologies on business processes 7.5 Security, privacy, taxation, and jurisdictional issues Explain the importance of security for e- business operations and the key issues in assuring secure transaction processing. Outline the taxation and other jurisdictional issues presented by the spread of e-business. 7.6 Electronic data interchange and XML Explain the importance of XML to facilitating EDI. 7.7 Web-based reporting and XBRL Define and explain XBRL. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 9 of 12

10 8. Managing telecommunications and networks Overview of telecommunications 8.2 Strategic uses of telecommunications 8.3 Network basics 8.4 Trends in network management 8.5 Network security issues Compare the different channels used in telecommunications networks. Justify the purpose of communication protocols, and list the most common protocols in use today. Analyze the strategic importance of telecommunications to the organization. Distinguish between the different ways of classifying networks and the kinds of networks that these approaches describe. Assess the benefits and limitations of a networked system. Evaluate the implications of the major trends in network management. Evaluate the key security challenges that relate to organizational networking. PK:IT:05: Advises on the design, development, and implementation of IT projects including specific applications software LD:SO:06: Develops, implements, and updates the organization's operational plan in alignment with the strategic plan PK:BE:06: Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates enterprise risk factors PK:IT:04: Evaluates and advises on the impact of new technologies on business processes PK:IT:07: Evaluates and advises on the safeguarding of IT assets to ensure organizational ability to meet business objectives PK:IT:02: Selects and uses appropriate business technology tools in the workplace LD:SO:09: Evaluates the social costs and benefits of securing resources to meet the organization s objectives 8.6 Planning and managing wireless networks Assess the benefits and limitations of WiFi networking. Compare three technological approaches to wireless networking in the organization and briefly explain their application. 8.7 Remote computing management issues Evaluate the social costs and benefits, management, and maintenance of remote computing and telecommuting. Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 10 of 12

11 9. IS operational and security issues Outsourcing and outsourcing models 9.2 IS security: Threats and vulnerability 9.3 Dealing with security threats 9.4 Role of auditing in IS security 9.5 Ethical issues Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing information systems, and assess different outsourcing models. Evaluate the key factors to address when considering an outsourcing arrangement. Assess the different threats to information systems security, including physical and electronic threats and intentional and unintentional threats. Assess an organization s IS risks using the risk assessment framework. Design the critical elements of an organization s security plan. Justify the purpose and scope of a disaster recovery plan. Evaluate the role of auditing in a security plan. Identify the five key ethical challenges related to information technology and interpret different ethical principles, including the CGA-Canada Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct, in guiding decision making about these challenges. Assess the importance of stakeholder analysis and involvement in ethical decision making PK:IT:06: Advises on implications of IT acquisitions and vendor selection PR:SE:02: Knows when and how to refer to other professionals and experts PK:BE:05: Prepares and advises on contract structure and enforcement policies PK:IT:07: Evaluates and advises on the safeguarding of IT assets to ensure organizational ability to meet business objectives PK:BE:06: Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates enterprise risk factors PK:BE:08: Implements and advises on measures to mitigate enterprise risk PK:IT:08: Evaluates and advises on the development of IT disaster recovery plans PK:BE:09: Advises on the development of business continuity planning PK:AS:01: Evaluates and consults on the organization's internal and external reporting needs and related assurance requirements PR:ET:01: Applies professional ethical standards PR:ET:02: Exercises integrity and a high level of professional judgment LD:IT:01: Builds and motivates highperformance individuals and teams to achieve goals and objectives Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 11 of 12

12 10. Human side of IS management Managing internal and external resources 10.2 Change management 10.3 End-user computing and training issues 10.4 Managing expectations 10.5 Social responsibility Assess the challenges in managing external partners, and describe the critical skills and activities managers must master to successfully manage internal and external resources. Assess the importance of change management to the development and implementation of information systems. Identify issues of change management in projects using the Lewin-Schein and Leonard-Barton models of change. Assess why people resist change and interpret how resistance to change is manifested. Evaluate the critical elements required to successfully manage change and reduce resistance. Distinguish between end-user computing and end-user development. Evaluate the different outcomes of user training and end-user support, and explain their importance to new and ongoing IS initiatives. Evaluate the different sources and methods of IS training and the process by which effective IS training in organizations is developed and implemented. Compare the different types of expectations users may have about information systems and the importance of the expectation gap, and evaluate how an expectation gap can be minimized. Assess the social responsibilities associated with developing and implementing information systems. PR:SE:02: Knows when and how to refer to other professionals and experts PR:CM:03: Communicates information in a timely, clear, and concise manner PR:CM:04: Projects a professional image in communications LD:SO:05: Manages change in the organization caused by internal and external factors PK:IT:05: Advises on the design, development, and implementation of IT projects including specific applications software LD:SO:08: Assumes leadership at various phases of planning, implementation, and evaluation LD:IT:06: Communicates need for changes in the way things are done LD:IT:04: Solicits and acts on input from individuals and teams in order to optimize individual and team effectiveness PR:SF:01: Anticipates and meets the needs and expectations of internal and external stakeholders PR:CM:07: Facilitates resolution between differing viewpoints LD:IT:01: Builds and motivates highperformance individuals and teams to achieve goals and objectives LD:IT:02: Leads and empowers individuals and teams to achieve the organization s goals and objectives LD:IT:10: Provides career planning, coaching, training and development opportunities to facilitate staff retention and succession planning LD:SO:09: Evaluates the social costs and benefits of securing resources to meet the organization s objectives PR:ET:04: Protects the public interest Examination sessions: March 2015; June 2015 Page 12 of 12