WGU Information-Technology-Management WGU Information Technology Management QGC1 Exam Practice Test

Design Phase in SDLC:

During the design phase, detailed descriptions of system features and operations are developed. This includes creating architectural diagrams, prototypes, and technical specifications.

Key Activities in the Design Phase:

Translating business requirements into technical blueprints.

Defining user interfaces, workflows, data structures, and system behavior.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

B. High-level strategy and goals: Refers to the planning phase.

C. Requirements identification: Part of the analysis phase.

D. Refining project goals: Occurs during analysis, not design.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"System Design Practices in SDLC" (TechRepublic).

ITIL Technical Design Framework (Axelos).

Purpose of the IT Strategy Board:

The IT Strategy Board acts as a governance body responsible for aligning IT initiatives with organizational strategy.

Its primary goals include:

Identifying new technologies and trends that can benefit the organization.

Making recommendations to improve IT processes, resources, and outcomes.

Key Roles of the IT Strategy Board:

Discover and review IT developments (C): Ensures the organization stays ahead in technology adoption.

Recommend opportunities and actions (D): Provides actionable insights to maximize IT's contribution to business success.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A: Reporting issues to the CIO is an operational activity, not a strategic role.

B: Budget oversight is part of project or financial management, not the board’s primary responsibility.

E: Hiring decisions typically fall under HR, not the IT Strategy Board.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"IT Governance and Strategy Boards" (Gartner).

ITIL Service Strategy: Governance Best Practices (Axelos).

Definition of Expert Systems:

An expert system is a type of artificial intelligence that uses knowledge-based reasoning to solve problems, make decisions, or emulate the processes of skilled human experts.

It consists of a knowledge base and an inference engine to analyze data and draw conclusions.

Applications of Expert Systems:

Used in fields like medicine (diagnostic systems), engineering, and finance for decision support.

Example: A medical expert system might suggest potential diagnoses based on patient symptoms.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

B. Emulates the human brain: Refers to neural networks, not expert systems.

C. Longest stretch of activities: Refers to critical path in project management, unrelated to AI.

D. Knowledge-based system accomplishing tasks: Describes intelligent agents, not expert systems.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems" (Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig).

ITIL Knowledge Management Practices for Expert Systems (Axelos).

Planning Phase in SDLC:

The planning phase is the foundational step in the SDLC where project strategy, objectives, and goals are defined.

Key deliverables include a high-level project roadmap, scope definition, and resource allocation plans.

Purpose of the Planning Phase:

Ensures all stakeholders agree on the project objectives.

Sets the stage for subsequent phases by identifying potential risks, timelines, and budgets.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Corrections, additions, upgrades: Part of the maintenance phase.

B. Descriptions of features: Occurs in the design or analysis phase.

D. Checking interoperability: Occurs in the integration or testing phase.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"SDLC Best Practices for Project Planning" (Gartner).

ITIL Framework for Project Planning (Axelos).

Role of Executive Sponsors in a Project:

Executive sponsors are senior stakeholders responsible for providing financial resources and ensuring the project aligns with organizational strategy.

They advocate for the project at the executive level and help remove obstacles that could hinder its success.

Key Responsibilities:

Securing funding and allocating resources.

Ensuring alignment with business goals and priorities.

Supporting the project team by addressing high-level challenges.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Tracking milestones: This is typically the role of the project manager.

B. Developing the project plan: Also the responsibility of the project manager.

D. Representing staff interests: Sponsors focus on organizational priorities, not individual interests.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Executive Sponsorship in Project Management" (PMI Whitepaper).

ITIL Governance and Sponsorship Guidelines (Axelos).

Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system widely used for servers, cloud computing, and high-performance workstations. It offers flexibility, security, and customization, making it the preferred choice for enterprise and web hosting environments.

References:

Nemeth, E., Snyder, G., Hein, T. R., & Whaley, B. (2017). Unix and Linux System Administration Handbook. Pearson.

Definition of ERP Systems:

ERP systems facilitate data sharing and process integration across multiple departments within an organization, such as HR and purchasing.

These systems improve coordination and decision-making by maintaining a single source of truth.

Example of ERP Usage:

If the HR department needs to coordinate with the purchasing team for new employee resources, ERP ensures both have access to relevant information like budgets and procurement requirements.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Executive Support (ES): Caters to strategic decision-making, not operational collaboration.

B. Geographic Information System (GIS): Deals with spatial and geographical data, not departmental coordination.

D. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manages customer interactions, not internal department processes.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"ERP for Organizational Efficiency" (Forrester Research).

ITIL 4 Foundation: Enterprise Systems Overview (Axelos).

Definition of Elevation of Privilege Attack:

This attack occurs when an attacker exploits vulnerabilities in systems to escalate their permissions beyond what they are authorized for, gaining access to sensitive data or control over the system.

Example in the Scenario:

The attacker uses a guest account, a low-privilege account, to exploit a system weakness and escalate their privileges, altering user account information.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Packet tampering: Involves altering data packets, not access rights.

B. Spoofing: Involves impersonation, not privilege escalation.

D. Hoaxing: Refers to deceptive scams, unrelated to access rights.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Exploits" (CIS Controls).

ITIL Risk Management Framework (Axelos).

Definition of Strategy in Business Layers:

The strategy layer focuses on determining products or services, target customers, and competitive positioning.

It involves defining the organization's long-term goals and the means to achieve them in alignment with market needs and opportunities.

Why Strategy is Key to Product/Service Decisions:

Guides resource allocation to achieve competitive advantage.

Determines value propositions, customer segmentation, and market focus.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Systems: Focuses on technology infrastructure, not business direction.

B. Operating: Deals with day-to-day operations, not strategic decisions.

C. Corporate: Relates to governance and overarching organizational management, not product/service specifics.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Business Strategy Fundamentals" (McKinsey & Co.).

ITIL 4 Service Strategy Practices (Axelos).

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Purpose of a Prototype:

A prototype is an interactive model that demonstrates how a system or interface works.

It allows clients to experience the functionality and interaction before full-scale development.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option A: Prototypes are not detailed development instructions.

Option C: Prototypes are not blueprints but are functional models.

Option D: Prototypes are dynamic and interactive, unlike static examples.

References:

"Prototyping in Software Development" – Gartner

Best Practices in Prototyping – Agile Alliance

Definition of Acceptable Use Policy (AUP):An Acceptable Use Policy serves as the umbrella policy outlining how employees and users can utilize organizational IT assets and resources responsibly. It is the starting point for all other IT-related policies.

Purpose of AUP:

Provides general guidelines for using devices, networks, and data ethically and securely.

Sets the foundation for more specific policies such as email privacy and information privacy.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

Computer Use: A sub-policy derived from AUP, detailing how specific devices are to be used.

Email Privacy: Focuses specifically on email communication, not broader IT use.

Information Privacy: Covers the ethical handling of sensitive information, but not all IT usage aspects.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

ISO/IEC 27002 Standard (Information Security).

"The Role of Acceptable Use Policies in IT Governance" (ITIL Whitepaper).

Operational CRM Overview:

Operational CRM technologies support day-to-day customer interactions and data management.

Contact management is the specific technology used to store customer information, track interactions, and manage future sales opportunities.

Application in the Scenario:

Maintaining customer data and identifying prospective customers for future sales are core functions of contact management systems in CRM.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option A (Cross-selling): Cross-selling is a sales strategy, not a CRM technology.

Option B (Campaign management): Campaign management focuses on organizing marketing campaigns.

Option C (Call scripting): Call scripting aids in customer interactions but does not manage customer data.

References:

Operational CRM Tools Overview – Zoho CRM

Contact Management Best Practices – Salesforce

Simulation is a prototyping method that replicates how a system or solution would function in real-world scenarios. It allows businesses to test various data inputs, business rules, and operational conditions before full implementation. This method helps identify potential issues and optimize decision-making.

References:

Banks, J., Carson, J. S., Nelson, B. L., & Nicol, D. M. (2010). Discrete-Event System Simulation. Prentice Hall.

Pidd, M. (2004). Computer Simulation in Management Science. John Wiley & Sons.

Information of Everything (IoE):

Refers to the phenomenon of using information derived from every connected device, system, and user in a knowledge-based global society.

Growth in information industries enables the collection, analysis, and sharing of vast amounts of data to drive decision-making, automation, and innovation.

Business Impact:

Creation of a knowledge-dependent society where data is the key driver of value creation and economic growth.

IoE facilitates smart systems, global connectivity, and the integration of diverse industries.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

Autonomous Agent: Refers to self-governing systems, not a societal impact.

Ambient Digital Experience: Focuses on pervasive and seamless digital interfaces.

Virtual Assistant: A specific application, not a broad societal impact.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

Gartner’s “Top Technology Trends: Information of Everything.”

ITIL 4 Digital Strategy Guide (Axelos Publications).

Benefits of In-House Development and Maintenance:

In-house teams gain deep knowledge of the organization’s business processes, enabling better alignment between IT systems and business needs.

Combines technical expertise with business insights, resulting in a workforce that understands the company’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Why Other Options are Incorrect:

A. Financial savings: In-house development often incurs higher costs due to salaries, training, and infrastructure.

B. Utilizing state-of-the-art resources: This is typically a benefit of outsourcing, not in-house development.

D. Fastest development time: In-house development is often slower compared to outsourcing due to limited resources.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"In-House vs. Outsourced Development: A Comparative Analysis" (Forrester).

ITIL Service Design and Workforce Development (Axelos).

RFID Tagging Benefits in Supply Chain Management:

Unique Product Identifier: RFID tags provide a unique identifier for each product, enabling precise tracking and inventory management.

Product Tracking: RFID tags allow continuous tracking of products throughout their journey in the supply chain, from manufacturing to delivery.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option A: While RFID can streamline certain activities, it does not automate the entire supply chain.

Option D: RFID is not designed to discard incorrect or incomplete information but rather to provide accurate tracking.

References:

RFID in Supply Chain Management – IEEE

"Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility with RFID" – Gartner

Purpose of Internet Use Policy in IT Ethics:

An Internet Use Policy is a subset of an organization’s IT ethics policy. It outlines acceptable use of the organization’s internet resources by employees.

By defining clear guidelines, the policy aims to minimize time wasted on personal browsing and ensure internet use aligns with business goals.

Relation to Worker Productivity:

The policy is designed to prevent misuse of the internet (e.g., excessive social media use or visiting non-work-related websites), which can negatively impact productivity.

Encouraging responsible use fosters a professional environment and helps employees focus on work-related tasks.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option B: Email monitoring may be part of broader IT security policies but is not the focus of Internet Use policies.

Option C: Branding guidelines apply to communication policies, not internet usage policies.

Option D: Printer usage is covered under equipment policies, not internet use policies.

References:

"Employee Internet Use Policy Guidelines" – SHRM

IT Ethics and Acceptable Use Policies, ISO 27002

Importance of Audience Awareness for IT Leaders:

When presenting to the board of directors, it is critical to tailor the content to their level of technical understanding and focus on strategic implications rather than technical details.

The board typically focuses on business outcomes, risks, and opportunities, not technical minutiae.

Key Considerations:

Highlight how IT initiatives align with business goals and deliver value.

Use concise, clear, and non-technical language while ensuring key points are well-supported with data.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Provide all technical details: The board is more interested in business-level insights.

B. Focus on problems: Solutions and strategic outcomes are more relevant to the board.

C. Brevity: While being concise is important, it should not come at the cost of clarity or relevance.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Effective Communication Strategies for IT Leaders" (Harvard Business Review).

ITIL Leadership and Communication Practices (Axelos).

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) is used for monitoring and managing network devices such as routers, switches, and servers. It allows administrators to gather network performance data and configure devices remotely.

References:

Stallings, W. (2013). Foundations of Modern Networking. Pearson.

Definition of Systems Thinking:

Systems thinking refers to the ability to understand and analyze how different components of a system interact and influence each other, especially at a broad organizational and strategic level.

For an IT leader, this means bridging the gap between technical operations and corporate strategy, enabling effective communication and alignment across all levels of the business.

Why Systems Thinking is Important for IT Leaders:

Ensures alignment of IT initiatives with organizational goals.

Facilitates problem-solving by understanding the broader impact of decisions.

Encourages cross-functional collaboration and holistic decision-making.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

B. Coordinate: While coordination is a skill, it does not encompass the strategic perspective described.

C. Courage: An important leadership trait, but not specific to systems-level thinking.

D. Breadth: Refers to having a wide range of knowledge, but lacks the systems-oriented focus.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

ITIL 4 Leadership Practices: Systems Thinking (Axelos).

"Systems Thinking for IT Leaders" (Harvard Business Review).

Definition of Project Assumption:

A project assumption is a factor considered true, real, or certain without proof or demonstration during project planning.

Assumptions are critical for estimating resources, timelines, and risks.

Examples of Project Assumptions:

Availability of key resources or team members.

Stable technical infrastructure during project execution.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

A. Project Requirements: Specify what the project must achieve, not assumptions.

B. Project Theory: This is not a standard term in project management.

D. Project Objective: Refers to the desired outcomes, not underlying assumptions.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Project Planning Essentials" (PMBOK Guide).

ITIL Project Management Framework (Axelos).

Global Team Formation:

Organizations often form global teams when they face talent shortages in their local markets. Expanding globally provides access to a larger and more diverse talent pool.

Global teams enable the organization to leverage regional expertise, foster innovation, and reduce dependency on local markets.

Incorrect Options Analysis:

B. Security via private cloud: Relates to infrastructure decisions, not team formation.

C. Digital transformation: Involves adopting technology, not directly forming a global team.

D. U.S. Military as a client: Security and compliance measures may be involved, but this is not necessarily linked to global team creation.

References and Documents of Information Technology Management:

"Global Talent Acquisition Strategies" (McKinsey).

ITIL Human Resources Alignment Best Practices (Axelos).