QUESTION ONE $[40]$

Read the following research article and answer the questions that follow:

Case Study: Enhancing Enterprise Efficiency through Building Information Systems Background:

In response to the ever$-$evolving business landscape, XYZ Corporation, a leading player in the construction industry, recognized the need to streamline its operations and enhance collaboration across different functional units. The company aimed to leverage information and knowledge management principles to improve decision$-$making and overall efficiency.

Challenge:

XYZ Corporation faced challenges in information silos, where critical data resided in isolated systems across departments, hindering collaboration and decision$-$making. Additionally, the manual processes in project management and communication were causing delays and inefficiencies.

Challenge Details:

XYZ Corporation, a construction industry leader, faced multifaceted challenges that impeded its operational effectiveness. The prevalence of information silos across departments hindered the flow of critical data. Project managers operated with limited visibility into cross$-$functional activities, leading to miscommunications, delays, and suboptimal decision$-$making.

Moreover, the reliance on manual processes in project management proved cumbersome. Project timelines were frequently extended due to inefficient workflows, and errors stemming from manual data entry further exacerbated the challenges. Communication breakdowns were evident as teams struggled to coordinate tasks, share project updates, and maintain a unified understanding of project objectives.

Solution Implementation Details:

To address these challenges comprehensively, XYZ Corporation embarked on the implementation of a Building Information System $($BIS$)$ with the following key components:

Centralized Data Repository:

The BIS incorporated a centralized data repository that aggregated information from various departments. This repository served as a single source of truth, ensuring that all stakeholders had access to up$-$to$-$date and accurate project data.

Collaboration Tools:

Robust collaboration tools were integrated into the BIS, enabling seamless communication and information sharing. Real$-$time document sharing, interactive project planning, and integrated communication channels facilitated cross$-$functional collaboration, breaking down silos.

Automated Project Management:

The BIS introduced automated project management tools, reducing the reliance on manual processes. Automation streamlined workflows, from project initiation to completion, leading to faster project delivery and a reduction in errors associated with manual data handling.

Knowledge Management:

Knowledge$-$sharing platforms were integrated into the BIS framework. These platforms allowed employees to access training materials, best practices, and lessons learned from previous projects. This facilitated continuous learning and empowered team members with the knowledge needed for optimal performance.

Analytics and Reporting:

The BIS included analytics and reporting functionalities. Decision$-$makers could leverage these tools to derive insights from the centralized data repository, aiding in informed decision$-$making. Key performance indicators, project milestones, and resource allocation could be monitored in real time.

The implementation of the BIS was not just a technological upgrade but a transformative initiative that addressed the root causes of XYZ Corporation's challenges. It not only automated processes but also fostered a collaborative and knowledge$-$sharing culture, fundamentally altering the way the organization approached its projects and operations.

QUESTION ONE $[40]$

In summary, the challenges encompassed disjointed data sources, inefficient manual processes, and inadequate collaboration tools, creating a pressing need for a holistic solution to transform XYZ Corporation's operational landscape.

Source: Khan,S $(2023)$ Questions:

$1\mathrm{.}1$ Discuss the primary challenges faced by XYZ Corporation before implementing the Building Information System $($BIS$).(10)$

$1\mathrm{.}2.$ Examine the solutions for XYZ Corporation and discuss the effectiveness of these solutions $(20)$

$1\mathrm{.}3$ Explain the risks involved inherent in information systems projects. $(10)$

QUESTION TWO $[30]$

$2\mathrm{.}1$ Discuss the components of a computer network. $(15)$

$2\mathrm{.}2$ Elaborate on the concept $$Unified Communications$$ and the importance of

merging all forms of digital communications. $(15)$

QUESTION THREE $[30]$

$3\mathrm{.}1$ Examine the security vulnerabilities associated with wireless internet. $(15)$

$3\mathrm{.}2$ Explain with the use of a relevant diagram for the four degrees of organisational change. $(15)$