Loans4Less provides microloans to individuals and small businesses. The company employs agents to act on its behalf during the loan approval process. In order to receive a loan, the prospective borrower must first apply to Loan4Less via the company's website. The loan request is then assigned to an agent who carries out a due diligence process to determine if the loan should be approved. Once this process is complete, the agent makes a recommendation to the company with regard to the loan. The application is reviewed by the loan committee and a final determination is made to accept or reject it. The committee also finalizes the loan terms and conditions.

Question One

1. List the eight elements of the work System and then provide examples of these elements from the scenario.
2. Give two examples of information infrastructure that could be useful in the scenario.
3. describe two qualities of information that would be well suited to the efficient and effective collection and dissemination of information in the scenario.

Question Two

For each of the following scenarios:

(a) State the management level responsible, and the functional area most suited for the description.

(i) provide training for agents

(ii) opening a branch office

(iii) increase the maximum amount that can be borrowed

(b) The loan application report is shared with the loan committee over the internet.

(i) State two suitable methods for sharing this report in an online environment.

(ii) For each method in part (b)(i), identify one privacy concern and explain how each could be addressed.

(c) The company would like to introduce a code of conduct to ensure ethical standards when lending money. Describe one policy that could be considered for such a code.

Question Three

The company would like to replace its old information system, ensuring that there is minimal downtime during the conversion process. It is critically important that the old system remains available until all employees are comfortable with the new system.

a) State with reasons the conversion method best suited for the task. Include a sketch of your chosen method.

b) Describe two benefits and one challenge of your chosen method.

c) State two common causes of failure when replacing information systems.

d) The company would like to utilize an e-commerce platform to accept payments. State three payment options that could be considered.

Question Four

Loan4Less has regional offices in Jamaica, Guadeloupe, and the Dominican Republic. The company's information system will be used to link all three offices and share reports.

a) Describe three challenges that must be overcome when implementing the information system in the three territories.

b) Given the multi-national nature of the company, state two factors that should be taken into consideration when implementing a website.

c) Describe two security measures that should be implemented in order for each office to have secure access to the online database management system provided by the head office.

d) Explain the term 'end user development' and describe how it might be applied in this scenario.