Harambee University

School of Project Management

Name: - EYOB YOHANNES

ID No.: - HU/MBA/222996/15 R
Individual Assignment

Date :- December -12-2023

1. Justify why Should take this course?
Taking a project management course can offer several benefits that can enhance your professional skills and
career prospects. Here are some justifications for taking a project management course:

Skill Development: Project management courses provide you with a structured curriculum to develop
essential project management skills. These skills include planning, organizing, communication, risk
management, and leadership – all of which are crucial in various professional settings.

Career Advancement: Many employers value individuals with project management skills, as they are
essential for overseeing and completing projects successfully. Holding a project management certification or
having completed a relevant course can make you stand out and open up opportunities for career
advancement.

Increased Employability: In today's competitive job market, employers often seek candidates with a
diverse skill set. A project management course adds a valuable skill to your profile, making you more
attractive to potential employers across different industries.

Efficient Resource Utilization: Project management helps you learn how to manage resources effectively,
including time, budget, and personnel. This knowledge is transferable to various roles and industries,
improving your ability to contribute efficiently to any project.

Global Recognition: Many project management courses are based on globally recognized standards such as
the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Having this
certification or a similar one demonstrates your commitment to a global standard of project management
practices.

Adaptability: Project management skills are versatile and applicable across different sectors, from IT to
healthcare to construction. Learning these skills equips you with the ability to adapt to various work
environments and industries.

Improved Leadership Skills: Project management involves leading and guiding a team to achieve common
goals. By taking a project management course, you can enhance your leadership skills, making you more
effective in leading teams and influencing project outcomes.

Risk Management: Successful project managers are adept at identifying and mitigating risks.
Understanding how to assess and manage risks is not only beneficial in project management but also in
making informed decisions in various aspects of your professional and personal life.
Networking Opportunities: Project management courses often provide opportunities to connect with
professionals in the field, both during the course and through associated events and forums. Networking can
open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Personal and Professional Growth: Project management courses not only teach technical skills but also
foster personal and professional growth. They challenge you to think critically, solve problems, and manage
complex tasks – skills that are valuable in any career path.

Ultimately, a project management course can serve as an investment in your future by enhancing your skills,
making you a more well-rounded professional, and increasing your competitiveness in the job market.

2. Discuss all types of information systems based on three Criteria to classify them.
Information systems can be classified based on three criteria: organizational level, functionality, and
processing type. Here's an overview of the types of information systems based on these criteria:

Organizational Level:

a. Strategic Level Information Systems (Executive Support Systems): These systems support top-level
management in making strategic decisions. They provide summarized information from various sources and
help executives analyze long-term trends and plan for the future.

b. Management Level Information Systems (Management Information Systems - MIS): These systems serve
middle management by providing regular reports and summaries of the organization's performance. They
assist in monitoring, controlling, and decision-making at the managerial level.

c. Operational Level Information Systems (Transaction Processing Systems - TPS): TPS support day-to-day
operational activities. They are involved in transaction processing, data entry, and routine tasks. Examples
include payroll systems, order processing systems, and inventory control systems.

Functionality:

a. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): These systems handle routine transactions, such as order
processing, inventory management, and payroll. TPS ensure the efficient and accurate processing of a large
volume of transactions.
b. Management Information Systems (MIS): MIS focus on providing management with reports and
information to support decision-making. They aggregate and summarize data from TPS for middle
management.

c. Decision Support Systems (DSS): DSS assist in decision-making by providing interactive tools and
access to databases. They help users analyze data, simulate scenarios, and make informed decisions.

d. Executive Support Systems (ESS): ESS provide top-level executives with information needed for
strategic decision-making. They offer a summarized and graphical view of key performance indicators and
external factors affecting the organization.

e. Knowledge Management Systems (KMS): KMS help in capturing, organizing, and applying
organizational knowledge. They facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among employees.

f. Office Automation Systems (OAS): OAS streamline routine office tasks such as document preparation,
communication, and scheduling. Examples include word processors, email systems, and scheduling
software.

Processing Type:

a. Batch Processing Systems: Batch processing systems collect and process data in batches, usually at
scheduled intervals. Payroll processing is a common example of a batch processing system.

b. Real-time Processing Systems: Real-time processing systems handle data immediately as it is entered.
They provide instant feedback and are critical for applications that require immediate responses, such as
airline reservation systems.

c. Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) Systems: OLTP systems support transaction-oriented applications,
allowing multiple users to simultaneously interact with the system. They are common in e-commerce and
banking applications.

d. Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) Systems: OLAP systems focus on complex queries and data
analysis. They are used for decision support and business intelligence applications.

Understanding these classifications helps organizations choose and design information systems that align
with their specific needs at different organizational levels and for various functions and processing
requirements.
3. Discuss all the functions, components of information system and depict/show using a
diagram.
Functions of Information Systems:
 Data Collection and Storage: Information systems collect, store, and organize data from various
sources within and outside the organization.
 Processing and Analysis: Information systems process data to convert it into meaningful
information through various analytical techniques and algorithms.
 Transmission and Retrieval: Systems facilitate the transmission of information within the
organization and enable users to retrieve relevant data when needed.
 Decision Support: Information systems provide tools for decision support, including reporting,
analytics, and modeling, to aid in strategic and operational decision-making.
 Communication and Collaboration: Information systems support communication and
collaboration among users and stakeholders through various platforms and tools.
Components of Information Systems:
1. Hardware: This includes the physical components of the information system such as servers,
computers, networking devices, and storage devices.
2. Software: Information systems rely on various types of software, including operating systems,
database management systems, enterprise applications, and analytics tools.
3. Data: Data is a critical component of information systems, and it includes structured, unstructured,
and semi-structured data that is used for analysis and decision-making.
4. Procedures: Procedures encompass the processes, rules, and protocols governing the use and
management of information systems within an organization.
5. People: The human component of information systems includes the users, administrators, developers,
and other stakeholders who interact with the system.
6. Communication Networks: This component encompasses the infrastructure and protocols used for
data transmission and communication within and outside the organization.
Diagram depicting the Components of an Information System:
The diagram depicts the interconnected components of an information system, illustrating their roles and
relationships within the system. The hardware, software, data, procedures, people, and communication
networks are shown as interdependent components that work together to facilitate the collection,
processing, storage, and dissemination of information within the organization.
4. Discuss the Strategic use of ICT Solutions using strategic Positioning / matrix
The strategic use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions involves leveraging
technology to achieve organizational goals and gain a competitive advantage. Strategic positioning and
matrices help organizations assess and plan their ICT strategies by analyzing their current and potential
positions in the market. Two widely used strategic matrices for this purpose are the SWOT analysis and the
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix.

1. SWOT Analysis:
 Strengths (Internal): Identify internal strengths related to ICT capabilities, such as advanced
technology infrastructure, skilled IT workforce, and proprietary software.
 Weaknesses (Internal): Recognize internal weaknesses in ICT, such as outdated technology, lack
of skilled personnel, or inadequate cybersecurity measures.
 Opportunities (External): Evaluate external opportunities for strategic ICT use, such as emerging
technologies, market trends, or potential collaborations.
 Threats (External): Assess external threats that can impact ICT strategies, such as technological
disruptions, cybersecurity risks, or changes in regulatory environments.

Strategic Implications:

o Build on strengths and capitalize on opportunities.

o Mitigate weaknesses and defend against threats.
o Align ICT strategies with overall business strategies.
2. BCG Matrix:
 Stars (High Market Share, High Market Growth): Identify ICT solutions that have a high market
share in a rapidly growing market. These solutions are strategic and should be invested in for further
growth.
 Question Marks (Low Market Share, High Market Growth): Explore emerging ICT solutions
with growth potential. These may require additional investment to increase market share and become
future stars.
  Cash Cows (High Market Share, Low Market Growth): Identify established ICT solutions with a
stable market share in a mature market. These solutions generate consistent revenue and can be used
to fund other initiatives.
 Dogs (Low Market Share, Low Market Growth): Evaluate ICT solutions with low market share
in a slow-growing or declining market. Consider divestment or strategic redirection.

Strategic Implications:

o Invest resources in stars to maintain and expand market leadership.

o Strategically manage question marks to either turn them into stars or phase them out.
o Leverage cash cows to fund other strategic initiatives.
o Address or phase out dogs to reallocate resources effectively.

Examples of Strategic ICT Use:

1. Cloud Computing Strategy:

 Strengths: Robust cloud infrastructure, skilled IT personnel.
 Opportunities: Growing demand for scalable and cost-effective solutions.
 Strategic Move: Invest in expanding cloud services, targeting high-growth markets.
2. Cybersecurity Strategy:
 Strengths: Advanced cybersecurity technology, skilled cybersecurity team.
 Weaknesses: Limited awareness of cybersecurity importance among employees.
 Strategic Move: Implement comprehensive cybersecurity training programs, capitalize on the
increasing demand for secure solutions.
3. Data Analytics Strategy:
 Stars: Advanced analytics solutions with high market demand.
 Question Marks: Emerging analytics tools with growth potential.
 Strategic Move: Invest in R&D for new analytics tools, market aggressively to increase market share.

In summary, strategic ICT use involves a thorough analysis of internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as
external opportunities and threats. The use of strategic matrices like SWOT and BCG helps organizations
make informed decisions on where to invest, how to prioritize initiatives, and how to align ICT strategies
with overall business objectives.