Q1]1.
Define Big Data and discuss its basic characteristics
Ans:-
Big Data:-
“Big Data are high volume, high velocity, or high-variety information assets that require
new forms of processing to enable enhanced decision making, insight discovery, and
process optimization.” (Gartner Definition)
• Data generated up to 2003 = 5 billion gigabytes
– The same amount of data was generated over only two days in 2011
– By 2013, this volume was generated every ten minutes
• With the development and increase of apps and social media and people and
businesses moving online, there’s been a huge increase in data. This huge volume of
data is useless unless processed properly
• Big Data = A collection of huge data sets that traditional computing techniques cannot
process
• Big data = Data + Framework Tools + Techniques
• Organizations can capture very large amounts of data that stream into their businesses
and apply analytics to transform it into actionable insights
Sources of Big Data:-
Black Box Data
– This is the data generated by airplanes, including jets and helicopters. Black box data includes flight
crew voices, microphone recordings, and aircraft performance information.
• Social Media Data
– This is data developed by such social media sites as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and
Google+.
• Stock Exchange Data
– This is data from stock exchanges about the share selling and buying decisions made by customers.
• Power Grid Data
– This is data from power grids. It holds information on particular nodes, such as usage information.
• Transport Data
– This includes possible capacity, vehicle model, availability, and distance covered by a vehicle.
• Search Engine Data
– This is one of the most significant sources of big data. Search engines have vast databases where they
get their data.
Big Data - Characteristics:-
Volume: Amounts of big data that companies manage and analyze. vast 'volumes' of data generated from
many sources daily, such as business processes, machines, social media platforms, networks, human
interactions etc.
• Value: Value of big data usually comes from insight discovery and pattern recognition that lead to more
effective operations, stronger customer relationships and other clear and quantifiable business benefits
• Variety: Diversity and range of different data types, including unstructured data, semi-structured data
and raw data
• Velocity: The speed at which companies receive, store and manage data – e.g., the specific number of
social media posts or search queries received within a day, hour or other unit of time.
• Veracity: The “truth” or accuracy of data and information assets, which often determines
executive-level confidence
• Variability: Changing nature of the data companies seek to capture, manage and analyze – e.g., in
sentiment or text analytics, changes in the meaning of key words or phrases.
Q2] Write a note on Cloud Computing.
Ans:-
Cloud Computing:
– Companies/Individuals can perform computing work using virtualized IT
infrastructure in a remote location
– On-Demand delivery of IT resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications
and services) over the internet
– Users don’t have to actively manage IT Infrastructure
– Pay-as-you-go pricing
– Convenient alternative to buying and maintaining IT infrastructure
– Services Provided: Storage, Computing Power, Databases etc.
• Why do organizations avail cloud computing services?
– Data Backup
– Software development and testing
– Web applications
– Big data analytics
– Disaster recovery
Cloud Computing – Essential Characteristics
On Demand Self-Service
– Customers can obtain computing capabilities such as server time or network storage as needed
automatically on their own
2. Ubiquitous Network Access
– Cloud resources can be accessed using standard network and internet devices, including mobile
platforms
3. Location-Independent resource pooling
– Computing resources are pooled to serve multiple users (virtual resources are dynamically assigned
according to user demand)
– The user generally does not know where the computing resources are located
4. Rapid Elasticity
– Computing resources can be rapidly provisioned, increased or decreased to meet changing user demand
5. Measured Service
– Charges for cloud resources are based on amount of resources actually used
Cloud Computing – Types of Services:-
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
– Customers use processing, storage, networking and other computing resources from cloud service
providers to run their information systems
– For example, Amazon uses the spare capacity of its IT infrastructure to provide a broadly based cloud
environment selling IT infrastructure services
• E.g. Simple Storage Service(S3) for storing customers data and Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service
for running customers applications.
• Software as a Service(SaaS)
– Customers use software hosted by the vendor on the vendor’s cloud infrastructure and delivered as a
service over a network
– For example
• Google’s G Suite, which provides common business applications online
• [Link], which leases customer relationship management and related software services over the
internet
– Users access these applications from a web browser, and the data and software are maintained on the
providers remote servers.
Platform as a Service(PaaS)
– Customers use infrastructure and programming tools supported by the cloud service provider to develop
their own applications
– For example
• Microsoft offers Paas tools and services for software development and testing among its Azure cloud
services
• [Link]’s Salesforce Platform gives users the ability to develop, launch and manage applications
without having to deal with the infrastructure required for creating new software
Servers.
Advantages:-
Ease of Access: From any device connected to the internet
• Data Backup and Recovery
• Users only pay for resources that are actually used
• The huge amount of virtual storage offered by cloud may not be possible on personal computer systems
• Security is responsibility of service provider
• Reduced setup and maintenance costs
• Productivity and efficiency is increased due to high availability
Disadvantages:-
Users need to be always connected to the internet
• Users have limited control over services
• Moving services from one cloud provider to another may not be easy
• Danger of data theft, misuse.
[Link] Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
Ans:-
Transaction Processing Systems:-
Systems that keep track of elementary activities and transactions of the organization. For example:– Sales
, receipts, cash deposits, payroll, ticket booking/cancellation,
flow of materials etc.
• Computer based systems that gather data and store in company’s databases
– Data processing can be real time or batch processing
• Principal purpose of systems at this level:
– Answer routine questions
– Track the flow of transactions through the organization
– E.g. Is the salary credited to all employees? How many units of part X do we have in the store right
now?
At the operational level: tasks, resources, goals are pre-defined.
– Therefore the users of these systems do not have to make complex
decisions, these decisions are made by higher authorities and are coded in
the system during design and development phase
• The output of TPS serves as an input to other functional areas of
the business
• These systems are designed in such a way that:
– They are able to handle large volumes of data without compromising on speed, accuracy and security
– Simultaneous updates to the system from multiple locations (by authorized users) is error free and
secure. For example: Bank ATMs
– Transactions can be reversed and all related systems be updated simultaneously and accurately. For e.g.
cancellation of railway reservation
• TPS are central to any business. Failure of such systems, even for a few hours can lead to business
shutting down
[Link] different network topologies
a) Fully Connected Topology
● Every computer is connected directly to every other computer.
✅ ● Also called a Complete Mesh Topology.
Advantages:
● Very reliable — if one link fails, data can still travel through others.
❌ ● Fast communication between any two devices.
Disadvantages:
● Needs a lot of cables and ports.
💡
🅱️
● Very expensive and hard to maintain.
Example: Used in military or financial systems where reliability is most important.
b) Bus Topology
● All computers are connected to a single main cable (called a bus or backbone).
✅ ● Data travels in both directions along the cable.
Advantages:
● Simple and cheap to install.
❌ ● Requires less cable.
Disadvantages:
● If the main cable fails, the whole network stops.
💡 ● Not good for large networks.
Example: Small office or classroom networks.
🌳 Tree Topology
● It looks like a tree — has a main cable (root) and branches of smaller star networks.
✅ Advantages:
● Combines Star + Bus topologies.
● Easy to expand and manage.
❌ Disadvantages:
● Good for large organizations.
● If the main cable fails, entire branches can stop working.
💡 Example:
● Costly due to cables and hardware.
Used in universities or large organizations.
⭐ Star Topology
● All computers connect to a central hub or switch.
✅ Advantages:
● Data passes through this central device.
● Easy to install, manage, and expand.
● If one computer fails, others are not affected.
❌ Disadvantages:
● If the central hub fails, the entire network stops.
💡 Example: Common in offices and schools.
● Uses more cable than bus topology.
🔄 Ring Topology
● Each computer connects to two other computers, forming a circle (ring).
✅ Advantages:
● Data travels in one direction (or both, in a dual ring).
● Data moves quickly in a predictable path.
❌ Disadvantages:
● Equal access for all computers.
● If one connection fails, the whole network may fail.
💡 Example:
● Hard to add or remove devices.
Used in early LAN systems.
🕸️ Mesh Topology
● Each device is connected to every other device (like a spider web).
✅ Advantages:
● Can be full mesh or partial mesh.
● Very reliable and fault-tolerant.
❌ Disadvantages:
● Data can take multiple paths.
● Expensive (many cables and ports).
💡 Example:
● Hard to maintain.
Used in high-security or backbone networks.
🧩 Hybrid Topology
✅ Advantages:
● A mix of two or more topologies (e.g., Star + Ring, Star + Bus).
● Flexible and scalable.
❌
● Can be designed as per network needs.
Disadvantages:
💡 Example:
● Complex design and costly setup.
Used in large companies or university campuses.
🔁 Dual Ring Topology
● Similar to ring topology but has two rings — one for data and one backup ring.
✅ Advantages:
● Data can travel in both directions.
● Very reliable — if one ring fails, the other keeps working.
❌ Disadvantages:
● Fast data transmission.
● More expensive than a single ring.
💡 Example: Used in metropolitan area networks (MANs).
● Complex to manage.
📏 Linear Topology
● A type of bus topology — all devices are connected in a straight line.
✅ Advantages:
● Has two endpoints (called terminators).
● Easy to connect and set up.
❌ ● Requires less cable.
Disadvantages:
● If one cable section breaks, the network can stop.
💡 ● Not suitable for large networks.
Example: Small networks like labs or classrooms.
[Link] Knowledge Management
Ans:-
Knowledge Management
• Knowledge: understanding and skill gained by experience
• Knowledge Management: efficient handling of information and resources within a commercial
organization
• Knowledge Management System(KMS): It’s a process by which an organization collects, organizes,
shares and analyzes its knowledge in a way that is easily accessible to employees
• KMS harnesses the collective knowledge of an organization, leading to better operational efficiencies
• Knowledge includes: technical resources, FAQ’s, training documents and people skills
• Objectives of Knowledge Management :
– Performance Enhancement
– Competitive Advantage
– Innovation
– Continuous Improvement
• Acquiring a KMS
– Build in-house: Can be an exact fit for the organizations requirements
– Purchase: Faster way. Some customization may be needed.
KM Cycle:
•Process of transforming information into knowledge within an organization
•It explains how knowledge is captured, processed, and distributed in an organization
• The system is shown to be cyclical since knowledge is dynamically refined over time.
Create knowledge:
– When people discover new ways of doing things
– When people develop expertise in doing things
– External Knowledge (case studies etc)
• Capture knowledge:
– New knowledge must be valued and represented in a reasonable way
• Refine knowledge:
– Refinement = Facts + Human Insights (generally gained through experience)
– New knowledge to be placed in proper context so that appropriate actions can be taken
• Store knowledge:
– In an easy-to-access and secure manner
• Manage knowledge:
– Knowledge must be kept up-to-date
– Periodic reviews to be undertaken to ensure that knowledge is relevant and accurate
• Disseminate knowledge:
– Knowledge must be made available to authorized user at a time and place convenient to them
Benefits
– Increased Collaboration: Employees have access to each others expertise
– Faster Decision Making: Timely availability of Data
– Reduces duplication of efforts: Single Repository
– Enables Competitive Advantage: Achieve Differentiation/Cost Reduction
– Enables Innovation: Inputs from employees across functions
– Enables Faster Scalability: Successful Strategies/Tactics can be replicated
– Happy Customer: Experiences best practices
– Reduced Employee turnover: Happy Employees do not resign
• Challenges
– Acceptance by Employees: Resistance to Change, Fear of Failure
– Acceptance by Senior Leadership: Cost and Time Implications. Success not guaranteed
– Technology Fatigue
– Availability of Right Knowledge at the Right Time to the Right Personnel in the Right Format
– Keeping Knowledge Up to Date: Things that worked in the past, may not work in the future , therefore
constant updating needed
[Link] a note on Social Computing
Ans:-
[Link] Data Warehouse and Data Marts
[Link] are the potential benefits of social commerce to customers and to business?
Ans:-
What is Social Commerce?
Social Commerce means buying and selling products through social media platforms (like
Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp).
It combines social media + e-commerce, and MIS helps manage data, customer interactions, and
sales more efficiently.
[Link] CRM. Describe the different types of CRM
Definition of CRM
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) is a strategy and technology used by businesses to
manage interactions with current and potential customers.
It helps companies understand customer needs, improve relationships, increase satisfaction, and
👉
boost sales.
In short:CRM = Managing customer data + Improving service + Building loyalty
🧩 Types of CRM
CRM systems are mainly divided into three types (sometimes four). Let’s go through each one simply:
1️⃣ Operational CRM
● Focuses on day-to-day customer interactions.
● Helps in automating sales, marketing, and customer service.
● Example: sending automated emails, managing leads, or tracking customer complaints.
Includes:
● Sales Automation – managing leads, follow-ups, and deals.
● Marketing Automation – sending promotions and campaigns.
● Service Automation – handling customer service requests.
Goal: Improve efficiency and save time by automating routine customer-related tasks.
2️⃣ Analytical CRM
● Focuses on analyzing customer data collected from various sources.
● Helps management make data-driven decisions.
● Example: studying customer buying behavior to plan new offers or predict trends.
Goal: Understand customer preferences, identify loyal customers, and improve business strategy.
3️⃣ Collaborative CRM (Strategic CRM)
● Focuses on communication and collaboration between departments (sales, marketing, and
support).
● Ensures everyone shares the same customer information.
Example: customer issues reported on social media can be handled by support and marketing
together.
Goal: Provide a unified, smooth customer experience across all departments.
10. Write a note on Pervasive Computing
Pervasive Computing (also called Ubiquitous Computing)
Definition:
Pervasive computing means computing everywhere, anytime, by anyone.
It is a concept where computers and technology are integrated seamlessly into everyday life, so that
👉
people can use them without even realizing it.
In simple words:
Pervasive computing is when computers are all around us — in phones, watches, cars,
homes, and even clothes — working quietly to make life easier.
🧠 Key Idea
● Technology becomes invisible but always available.
● Devices are connected through networks (like the Internet or IoT).
● The system automatically collects data and acts intelligently.
⚙️ Examples
● Smart homes: lights or fans that turn on when you enter a room.
● Smartphones & Smartwatches: track your location, health, and reminders.
● Voice assistants: Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant.
● Smart cars: use sensors for navigation and safety.
● Healthcare devices: monitor heart rate or blood pressure automatically.
🌍 Features
1. Mobility – access information anywhere.
2. Connectivity – devices communicate with each other.
3. Context-awareness – systems understand surroundings (like temperature, location).
4. Intelligence – systems can make smart decisions.
5. Transparency – users don’t have to control or notice the technology directly.
🎯 Advantages
● Increases convenience and comfort.
● Improves efficiency and saves time.
● Enhances safety and monitoring (e.g., in healthcare, transport).
● Provides real-time data and smart decision-making.
⚠️ Disadvantages / Challenges
● Privacy issues: devices collect personal data.
● Security risks: chance of hacking or misuse of data.
● High cost: installing and maintaining smart systems.
● Complexity: managing large networks of devices.
11. Write a note on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
12. Explain any 2 Functional Area Information Systems (FAIS)
13. Explain the three types of reports generated by ERP systems
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System
ERP is a software system that integrates all departments of an organization — like finance, HR, sales,
production, and inventory — into one single system.
It helps in collecting, storing, and analyzing data from all business activities.
🧾 Types of Reports Generated by ERP Systems
ERP systems generate three main types of reports:
1️⃣ Strategic Reports
Used by top management (like CEOs, Directors).
Focus on long-term planning and overall business performance.
These reports help in decision-making at the organizational level.
Examples:
Annual performance reports
Market trend analysis
Long-term sales growth reports
👉
Purpose:
To help top management plan future strategies and business goals.
2️⃣ Tactical Reports
Used by middle management (like department heads or managers).
Focus on short- to medium-term decisions to improve departmental performance.
These reports summarize specific functions like sales, production, or finance.
Examples:
Monthly sales reports
Budget vs. actual reports
Inventory level reports
👉
Purpose:
To help managers monitor operations and take corrective actions.
3️⃣ Operational Reports
Used by lower-level employees or supervisors for day-to-day operations.
Contain detailed, real-time data about routine activities.
Help ensure smooth daily workflow.
Examples:
Daily production reports
Employee attendance reports
Order processing or delivery status reports
👉
Purpose:
To support daily decision-making and ensure efficient operations.