Guided Reading Exercise - CIS 211 - Management Information Systems

Independent Work Policy

On this assignment, students must work independently. Actions such as directly collaborating with students currently enrolled in the class, referring to the work students formerly enrolled in the class, and using other people to complete the assignment are all examples of violations of this policy. Students should use the instructor for any questions about completing the assignment.

Academic Integrity

Students who choose to violate the independent work policy must cite the use of other people's work by including the names of those people in a conspicuous location. By providing citations, students avoid violating the Elon Honor Code. Students who both violate the independent work policy and fail to cite the names of contributors are subject to the Elon University Academic Integrity Policy.

Format

Students must write their answers on exactly one sheet of standard letter paper (8.5 inches by 11 inches, as found in all Elon campus printers). It is recommended but not required that students use word processing software to print their work.

Directions

Respond to the following items by reading Chapter 4 of the Baltzan textbook (pages 36 through 45).

  1. The opening paragraph of Chapter 4 discusses the concept of ROI. Use the textbook or the Web to define and explain ROI. If you use the Web, ensure to cite the source of your findings.
  2. A business decides to measure the ROI of its web site by tracking total costs to build and maintain the site and tracking the total sales generated from the site. Is this an efficiency metric or an effectiveness metric? Why?
  3. The same business ensures the confidentiality of customer data by using secure transactions and other security measures to protect data stored in their databases. What is the effect of security measures on effectiveness and efficiency? Which is more important in this situation: effectiveness or efficiency?
  4. Figure 4.6 on page 41 lists a number of Web site metrics. Pick two that you believe are most important for Facebook to measure about facebook.com. Explain your answers.
  5. Consider a grocery store. Give an example of a metric that a store manager wants to maximize but that the customer wants to minimize. (Hint: where are the eggs and milk usually located?)

Delivery

Students must submit their work in person and immediately at the beginning of class on the due date listed. Students may not submit their work electronically and may not have other students submit their work. Late work will not be accepted. Students are advised to print their work prior to their arrival in the classroom.