CITM-001 Sample Questions Answers

A client-server environment is a type of distributed system that divides the application logic into three layers: presentation, application, and data. The presentation layer is responsible for the user interface and interaction, the application layer contains the business logic and functionality, and the data layer manages the storage and retrieval of data. Each layer can run on a different machine or server, allowing for scalability, modularity, and security1234 References:

• 1: Client Server Architecture: Types, Examples, & Benefits
• 2: Client-Server Model - GeeksforGeeks
• 3: What is Three-Tier Architecture | IBM
• 4: Figure 1. The Client/Server Computing Environment - IBM

Globalization is the process of increasing economic, political, and cultural integration and interdependence across the world. Some of the impacts of globalization are:

• Rationalized manufacturing: Globalization enables firms to produce goods and services in different locations according to their comparative advantages, such as lower costs, higher quality, or better access to markets. This leads to more efficient and competitive production, as well as increased specialization and trade.
• Managing risk across currencies: Globalization exposes firms and individuals to fluctuations in exchange rates, which affect the value of their assets, liabilities, and incomes. To manage this risk, they may use various financial instruments, such as hedging, derivatives, or currency swaps, to reduce their exposure or benefit from favorable movements.
• Worldwide purchase: Globalization expands the range and availability of goods and services that consumers can purchase from different countries and regions. This increases consumer choice, lowers prices, and improves quality and variety. It also creates opportunities for cross-cultural learning and exchange.

References: 

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/effects-economic-globalization/

https://byjus.com/commerce/globalisation/ https://byjus.com/commerce/globalisation/

Information can be defined as data that has been processed or organized in a meaningful way that reduces uncertainty. Information can be either tangible or intangible, depending on whether it has a physical form or not. For example, a printed report is tangible information, while an email is intangible information. Information can also be static or dynamic, depending on whether it changes over time or not. For example, a historical record is static information, while a stock price is dynamic information. However, the question asks for the two entities that define information, not the two attributes that describe information. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B, tangible and intangible. References: Sample Exam - GAQM, page 2, question 6.

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.

Tacit knowledge is the knowledge that is acquired from one’s own experience, which cannot be easily expressed through words or pictures. It is personal, subjective, and based on intuition and insights. It is difficult to explain because it is often implicit, uncodified, and context-specific. Examples of tacit knowledge include facial recognition, riding a bike, or playing a musical instrument. References: Tacit Knowledge Vs. Explicit Knowledge, Difference Between Explicit Knowledge and Tacit Knowledge, Tacit vs explicit knowledge: Exploring the key differences, Different Types of Knowledge: Implicit, Tacit, and Explicit, Explicit Knowledge: Definition, Examples, and Methods

Organizations are linked extensively to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in achieving their goals. By reducing cycle times, organizations can deliver their products or services faster and more responsively to their customers. By improving accuracy, organizations can reduce errors, waste, and rework, and enhance their quality and reliability. These outcomes can also increase the capability of the organization to meet the changing needs and expectations of the market and the stakeholders. References: Sample Exam - GAQM, page 1, question 1; The Future of Flexibility at Work, paragraph 4.

 A relation is a type of association that describes how two or more entities are related to each other. A relation can have different properties, such as cardinality, optionality, and directionality, that specify the nature and constraints of the association. A relation can also have attributes that store information about the association. For example, a relation between Employee and Project entities can have an attribute called Role that indicates the role of each employee in each project. A relation can be represented by a line connecting the entities in an entity-relationship diagram (ERD). References: Association and Associative entity - IBM, When to use Associative entities? - Stack Overflow, [Entity-Relationship Model - Tutorialspoint].

 An Integrated Global IT approach is a strategy that aims to align the IT functions and capabilities of a firm with its global business objectives and needs. One of the benefits of this approach is that it enables the firm to provide more consistent customer service internationally, by leveraging common platforms, standards, processes, and data across different regions and markets. This can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention, as well as reduce costs and risks associated with IT fragmentation and duplication. References: Integrated Global IT approach customer service, Toward an integrated technology operating model, Managing Global Customers: An Integrated Approach, Five steps to an integrated customer experience

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.

 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

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 foreign key is a column or a set of columns in one table that references the primary key of another table. It is used to create a link and relationship between tables in a relational database. A foreign key ensures that the values in the referencing table match the values in the referenced table, thus maintaining the referential integrity of the database12. A foreign key can also be used to implement constraints such as cascading updates or deletes3. References: 1: CITM Study Guide, Chapter 3: Database Management Systems, Page 41. 2: Types of Keys in Relational Model (Candidate, Super, Primary, Alternate and Foreign) 3: Database Keys: The Complete Guide (Surrogate, Natural, Composite & More)

A field is a unit of data that can store one or more characters, such as a name, a date, or a number. Fields are used to organize and store data in databases, spreadsheets, and other applications. A byte is a unit of digital information that consists of eight bits, which are binary digits that can have two values: 0 or 1. An octet is another term for a byte, especially in the context of network protocols and data transmission. A decimal is a number system that uses ten symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Decimals can also have a decimal point to represent fractions, such as 3.14 or 0.25. References: Certified IT Manager (CITM) Course Outline, Grouping Symbols and Order of Operations, A group of characters is called as a

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

The spiral model is a software development lifecycle model that extends the waterfall approach by recognizing the different cycles of planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation. The spiral model allows for iterative and incremental development, where each cycle produces a prototype or a deliverable that can be evaluated by the customer and the project team. The spiral model also incorporates risk management throughoutthe project, as each cycle involves identifying and resolving potential risks before proceeding to the next cycle. The spiral model is suitable for large, complex, and uncertain projects that require frequent feedback and adaptation. References:

• Spiral Model vs. Waterfall Model: Definitions and Differences
• Waterfall Methodology: The Ultimate Guide to the Waterfall Model

Functional design is a design approach that focuses on the functionality and performance of a system, rather than its structure or appearance. Functional design usually begins with specifying the desired output, such as the goals, objectives, and requirements of the system, and then derives the input, processes, and data needed to achieve the output. Functional design can be applied to various types of systems, such as software, hardware, or business processes. Functional design is often contrasted with other design approaches, such as organizational design, object-oriented design, and structured design, which have different emphases and methods. References:

• System Analysis & Design - System Design1
• Process models in design and development2
• B. Engineering Design3

Data warehousing and data mining are closely related technologies that support business intelligence and analytics. Data warehousing is the process of collecting, integrating, and organizing data from various sources into a centralized repository that can support complex queries and analysis. Data mining is the process of applying various techniques and algorithms to extract useful information and patterns from the data stored in the data warehouse. Data mining can help discover hidden relationships, trends, anomalies, and insights that can improve decision making and performance. One of the main reasons for building a data warehouse is to enable data mining, as data warehouses provide a consistent, reliable, and comprehensive source of data that can be mined for various purposes. Data warehouses also facilitate data mining by providing data quality, data cleansing, data transformation, data aggregation, and data indexing services that can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data mining. Data warehouses and data mining are complementary technologies that work together to deliver business value and competitive advantage. References: Data Warehousing and Data Mining 101, Data Warehousing and Data Mining - Topcoder, Difference between Data Warehousing and Data Mining

Managerial control is the process of ensuring that the organization’s activities and outputs are aligned with its goals and plans. Coordination is the process of integrating the efforts of different units and individuals within the organization to achieve a common purpose. Both control and coordination are essential functions of management that aim to improve the performance and efficiency of the organization. They are closely related because they both involve setting standards, measuring performance, and taking corrective actions. They also both require communication, feedback, and cooperation among the managers and employees12345 References:

• 1: The Control Function of Management - MIT Sloan Management Review
• 2: Managerial Control | Definition, Types & Features - Study.com
• 3: Relationship between planning and controlling - Management Study Guide
• 4: Question Bank - Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - DACC
• 5: 4 Different Relationship between Planning and Control Expalined - Toppr

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

 System analysis is the process of understanding problems and needs and arriving at solutions that meet them. It involves identifying, defining, and specifying the requirements of a system, as well as designing, developing, testing, and implementing the system. According to Wikipedia1, system analysis can be broken into five phases: scope definition, problem analysis, requirements analysis, logical design, and physical design. However, according to MasterStart2, there are seven stages of system development life cycle (SDLC), which include planning, requirements analysis, designing, development and testing, implementation, documentation, and evaluation. Therefore, depending on the perspective and the methodology, system analysis can involve three to seven stages, but the most common number is three: requirements analysis, logical design, and physical design. References: Wikipedia; MasterStart

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.