Welcome to your ultimate guide on how to pass the Information Systems Management WGU C724 OA! Whether you’re navigating the module structure at Western Governors University for the first time or you’re nearing graduation, this article is designed to provide you with all the resources and insights you need. We understand the challenges that come with mastering a complex subject like Information Systems Management, and our goal is to make your learning journey as smooth and effective as possible. In the coming sections, we will cover:
So, whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced student, take this advice to heart, and prepare to achieve your best in the C724 course. Let’s dive into the essential strategies and tips that will help you excel!
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About the module Information Systems Management WGU C724 📖
Welcome to Information Systems Management! The course is an important step in your academic life at Western Governors University, which is designed to give you a deep knowledge of information systems and their significance in business. In this course, you will explore the different aspects of information systems that are involved in the improvement of the business operations and the support of the business strategy. You will be taught about the way IT and organizational strategy interact, stressing the need to see IT as an organizational resource that needs to be managed correctly.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore the role of information systems within businesses, examining how computer hardware and software underpin business functions and facilitate operations. You’ll also acquire skills in effective data management techniques, which are essential for enhancing business decision-making and efficiency. The course will introduce you to the primary networking technologies that support business communications and data exchanges, alongside strategies for developing information systems and using decision support tools that boost business effectiveness. Another critical area covered is the management of information security and privacy, which is paramount in protecting organizational information assets. Additionally, the impact of e-commerce and social media on contemporary business practices is discussed, highlighting the opportunities these platforms offer for business innovation and growth.
After finishing this module, you will acquire the following competencies;
- Competency 1: The learner describes the role of information systems and the challenges of managing information technology in supporting essential business functions.
- Competency 2: The learner describes the characteristics, functions, and evolution of computer hardware and software in support of business functions.
- Competency 3: The learner describes effective techniques for managing databases and data warehouses for business optimization.
- Competency 4: The learner describes primary technologies and the application of telecommunications, wireless, and the Internet in business.
- Competency 5: The learner describes effective strategies for systems development and the use of various decision-support tools.
- Competency 6: The learner interprets approaches for managing information security and privacy, averting ethical issues, and minimizing negative societal effects in business.
- Competency 7: The learner describes the impact of e-commerce and social media on the business environment.
It’s important to note that the C724 module was updated on February 5, 2024. Students who enrolled before this date will encounter different study materials from those who joined afterward. This guide focuses exclusively on the newer version of the module, which incorporates the latest educational strategies and insights to equip you with relevant and effective knowledge in the field.
Whether you are just beginning with this course or are revisiting the material as part of your continued education, Information Systems Management is designed to be insightful and directly applicable to your professional development in the realm of information systems management. Let’s embark on this educational journey, fully equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by modern information systems.
Study Guide for Preparing for the OA📝
As mentioned above, please note that we will be only focusing on the newer version of the module. The sections from here on out will only be applicable to the students who enrolled in C724 after the 5th of February 2024. The information provided in the study guide is well-researched to show you the easiest and the most effective path through the course content and accomplish the OA. Take the time to thoroughly engage with the course material, as your primary objective should be to deepen your understanding, not merely to pass the OA. Remember, everyone has their own unique pace of studying. It’s important to find what works best for you and focus on doing your best.
Step 1 – Download the Study Guide document
Before diving into the course material, it’s crucial to first understand the expected learning outcomes for each topic. This initial step will help you align your study efforts with the specific objectives of the module, ensuring that you focus your attention on the most relevant content. By grasping the intended outcomes, you can tailor your study approach to effectively meet the goals of the course. To learn the outcomes, navigate as mentioned below to download the “C724 Study Guide” document provided by WGU.
1. Log on to the WGU student portal by using your credentials
2. Go to the “Degree Plan” from the WGU homepage
3. Find and select the module “Information Systems Management – C724”
4. Once you are on the module page, go to the course search section. (Refer to the below image)
5. Click on the “C724-Information Systems Management Course Resources” (Refer to the below image)
6. Here you will see the Link to the study guide (Refer to the below image)
Download the document and go through it. Note down the learning outcomes for each topic in your notebook to refer back to, when going through the course content.
Step 2 – Study the course content
To pass module C724, you will have to face an objective assessment (OA) that will test your knowledge of this module. As the OA is based on the TextBook provided by WGU, we recommend that you read through the textbook from the beginning to the end to understand all the content this module has to offer. Remember, your goal is not just to pass the OA, hence take your time to read through the 7 chapters of the TExtBook and understand the material. While you are going through each chapter, refer back to the learning outcomes learned in the previous step and focus on those key concepts. To assist you with this, take short notes on the important concepts and regularly revisit them to commit them to your memory.
Another important task to accomplish in this step is to attempt the chapter-end quizzes that you can find at the end of each chapter of the TextBook. These quizzes will help you evaluate your knowledge of each chapter as well as give you an understanding of what type of questions to expect in the OA. So go through all the quizzes as you come across them in your studies.
To find the TextBook, Click on the “Go To Course Material” button on the module page (Refer to the below image).
Step 3 – Watch the recorded videos
After you have completely gone through the TextBook, you should have a basic understanding of what the module offers. To deepen your knowledge of the course content, we recommend that you watch the recorded videos of C724 provided in the “Course Search”. You can find these videos in the same section where you found the Study Guide document.
These videos will delve into each topic once again, and discuss the contents deeper. This will allow you to revise what you have already learned, as well as gain more knowledge on the chapters. Pay close attention to the advice given by the course instructors in these videos to help you accomplish the OA.
Step 4 – Revise the terms and definitions
To successfully pass the OA, you will have to have a clear understanding of the terms and definitions of this module. So memorizing these terms and definitions is a crucial aspect of your studies. You can use the short notes that you have taken previously to revise the terms and definitions of each chapter accordingly. If you are struggling to find the correct information, you can use the “ Information Systems Management Definitions” document provided in the course chatter by a former WGU student to accomplish this goal. This document contains all the significant terms and definitions you will need to memorize before attempting the Pre-A and the OA.
Step 5 – Complete the Pre-A
Now that you have revised the important concepts of the course material, It is time to face the Pre-A. Pre-A is a mock assessment that will allow you to evaluate your knowledge of the module and verify if you are ready to take the OA. To get an accurate result on the Pre-A, you should attempt it as you would attempt a real exam. Put your notes aside and answer all the questions from your memory. Try to achieve the best score possible and do your best.
Once you have completed the Pre-A, a coaching guide will be auto-generated on top of the Pre-A section.
This report will allow you to understand your knowledge in each chapter by evaluating your results on the Pre-A. From this report, identify the topics where you have scored the lowest, and revisit those identified topics again to revise your memory. To revise the knowledge, you can use the chapter summaries and quizzes in the TeextBook as well as the short notes you have taken in your studies. Attempt the Pre-A again and again until you receive at least 80% overall marks.
Step 6 – Attempt the OA
Passing the Pre-A is the last milestone you need to achieve before attempting the OA. By passing the Pre-A you have proven that you have the necessary knowledge required for the OA and you are well prepared for the challenge ahead. So take a deep breath and schedule the OA as early as possible.
To take the C724) OA, you should:
- Schedule the OA at a convenient time and date for you
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone.
- Follow the proctoring instructions and rules carefully.
- Use the same strategies and skills that you used for the Pre-A
- Relax and be confident in your abilities.
Good Luck!!
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Key Topics to Focus on🔑
We have identified the below topics to be significant when it comes to the OA of the module “Information Systems Management WGU C724”. So while you are working your way across the course content, focus on these concepts and get a clear understanding of them to assist you in the OA. In this section, we will only share a brief overview of these concepts, so make sure to take your own notes in your studies.
Different types of networks
The different types of networks—LAN, CAN, MAN, and WAN—refer to various scales of network arrangements, each serving different purposes and geographic ranges. Each of these network types serves different purposes, scaling from localized networks within a building to expansive networks connecting devices across continents.
- LAN (Local Area Network): A LAN is a network that is localized to a small area, like a single building or a campus. It is the tool that connects computers and other devices in a small area, thus, allowing for fast communication and sharing of resources like files and printers among the connected devices. LANs are widespread in office buildings, schools, and homes where there are multiple devices that need to be connected to each other in a close range of area.
- CAN (Campus Area Network): A CAN covers a much larger geographical area than a LAN, encompassing a number of buildings across a campus or a business park. Such a network is perfect for universities, large schools, or corporate campuses where different buildings need a strong internal network to communicate and share resources effectively throughout the whole area. It provides more comprehensive coverage than a LAN but is usually limited to a particular spatial area that the organization owns.
- MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): A MAN is a network which covers a bigger geographical area, unlike a LAN or CAN, which usually only covers a city or a metropolitan area. It is a method of connecting several LANs within a city so that there is a smooth communication between the different organizations or locations of the city. MANs are either owned by a single organization or are a shared service that enables many organizations to access a high-speed network and other services.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): A WAN is the broadest area of the network, which is normally used to connect networks in cities, regions or countries. WANs, unlike LANs or MANs, use long-distance transmission media and network devices to do the communication and data transfer over long distances. This sort of network is the foundation of the Internet, and it connects smaller networks around the globe, thus facilitating the communication and resource sharing among businesses and individuals on a worldwide level.
Types of information systems
Executive support systems (ESS)
Executive Support Systems (ESS) are the decision support systems that are used by the senior executives to assist them in the strategic decision-making processes. They make it easier to access both internal and external information by using graphical displays and high-level summaries, which take the place of detailed data. ESS is oriented to the comprehension of the whole company’s position and strategic chances through features like trend analysis and key performance indicators.
Management Information Systems (MIS)
MIS are the structures that coordinate and manage the organization’s data, technology, and people to support the decision-making processes. MIS collects, processes, stores, and disseminates data from internal and external sources, which is responsible for the conversion of raw data into useful information. This information is then safely kept and swiftly transmitted to the stakeholders by means of reports, dashboards and alerts. Thus, MIS helps in the decision-making at all levels of management, from the strategic, to the tactical, and the operational, thereby improving the organizational efficiency, increasing the accuracy of the decision, and supporting the achievement of the strategic goals.
Decision Support Systems (DSS)
DSS are interactive, computer-based systems that are designed to aid managers and executives in decision-making by giving them useful information and analytical tools. DSS aid in difficult decision-making situations, especially when the data is incomplete or uncertain. These systems do the integration of raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and business models to analyze situations, compare various scenarios and choose the best course of action. Created to be flexible and user-friendly, the DSS improve the organization’s ability to make decisions that are well-informed and effective at any level of management and solve both the operational and strategic problems.
Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)
TPS are essential computerized systems that handle and record the daily routine transactions that are needed for business operations. These systems are made to handle the large number of repetitive transactions, such as sales orders, payroll, reservations, and billing, thus, they make the processing fast, consistent and accurate. TPS are the basis of any organization and provide the necessary information that supports the functioning of other business systems such as the Management Information Systems (MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). They collect transaction data, process it in line with the pre-set business rules, store the data securely, and generate the vital outputs like reports and financial statements, all at the same time making sure that the system is reliable and the data can be easily accessed for ongoing business operations and analytical decision making.
Differnce Between ESS, MIS, DSS, TPS
| System Type | Purpose | Primary Users | Key Features |
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TPS (Transaction Processing Systems)
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To process and record the daily routine transactions necessary for business operations.
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Operational staff
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High volume transaction processing, data integrity, speed, and efficiency.
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MIS (Management Information Systems)
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To process data provided by TPS and generate structured reports for management decision-making.
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Middle managers
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Reporting and tracking, performance monitoring, and decision support for routine operations.
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DSS (Decision Support Systems)
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To assist in complex decision-making by providing analytical tools and models to analyze data.
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Business analysts and professional managers
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Interactive software, data modeling, scenario analysis, and support for ad-hoc queries.
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ESS (Executive Support Systems)
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To provide top executives with easy access to internal and external information relevant to strategic decision-making.
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Senior executives
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High-level data summaries, trend analysis, dashboards, and drill-down capabilities.
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FAQ❓
1. Q: How has the C724 module changed after the update on February 5, 2024?
A: The updated module includes revised content that reflects the latest trends and technologies in information systems management. This update aims to provide more relevant and up-to-date material, focusing on current industry practices and future challenges.
2. How long do students typically take to complete the C724 course?
A: Completion time can vary based on individual study habits, prior knowledge, and time availability. Most students complete the course within one term, but WGU’s competency-based model allows you to move faster or slower depending on your personal pace.
3. What is the importance of the learning outcomes in the C724 course?
A: Learning outcomes define the expected skills and knowledge that you will acquire by the end of the course. Understanding these outcomes helps you focus your study efforts on the essential aspects of the course and aligns your preparation with what is assessed in the OA.
4. What should I do if I find certain topics in the course particularly challenging?
A: If you encounter difficulties, it’s recommended to reach out to your course instructor for personalized assistance or seek additional resources such as tutorials, supplementary readings, and online explanatory videos that can provide a different perspective.
5. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the C724 course?
A: There are no specific prerequisites for the C724 course. However, having a basic understanding of business operations and information technology will help you grasp the concepts more effectively.
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Conclusion 📄
As we wrap up this guide on the Information Systems Management WGU C724 module, we hope you now have a clearer understanding of what to expect from the course and how to effectively prepare for the OA. We’ve covered the key topics you’ll encounter and answered some frequently asked questions to ease your journey through the module. To succeed, it’s essential to adhere to the advice and strategies discussed here, but also remember the importance of sticking to your own pace and utilizing study techniques that work best for you. Dive into your studies with confidence and curiosity, and good luck with your Objective Assessment and the exciting learning experiences ahead in your academic journey!
