⋆
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INF1505: Introduction to Busi-
ness Information Systems
OCT/NOV Examination 2026 — Covers Exam Papers 2023 to 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Information Systems — School of Computing — UNISA
Exam Revision Guide
INF1505
Module Code:
Introduction to Business Information Systems
Module Name:
Oct/Nov 2023, Oct/Nov 2024, Oct/Nov 2025
Exam Coverage:
Oct/Nov 2026 Examinations
Prepared For:
60 MCQ (True/False and Multiple Choice)
Format:
2 Hours — 60 Marks
Duration:
Study for understanding, not memorisation. Every concept connects.
Exam Revision Notes | INF1505 | 2026
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
Oct/Nov 2023 Exam — Questions and Answers 60 marks
The 2023 Oct/Nov exam was a 60-question closed-book MCQ paper (True/False and 4-option
multiple choice). All 60 marks are captured below in confirmed question order.
Q1 1 mark
Question: One method of conducting voice-based e-commerce is using a digital wallet.
Select one: True / False
Answer: False
Voice-based e-commerce uses speech recognition technology and voice commands to complete
transactions — not digital wallets. A digital wallet stores payment card details for online or
contactless card payments and is unrelated to voice-channel commerce.
Key Concept
Voice-based e-commerce uses interactive voice response (IVR) or AI-powered
speech recognition so customers can place orders by speaking. Digital wallets (e.g., Ap-
ple Pay, Google Pay) are a separate payment mechanism for card or NFC transactions.
Q2 1 mark
Question: Which is a difference between the systems development life cycle (SDLC) and
extreme programming (XP)?
a. Developers following the SDLC cannot move to the next phase until the current phase
is finished, whereas in XP developers can move to any phase from the current phase.
b. The SDLC has a separate planning and analysis phase, whereas XP combines both into
one phase.
c. In the SDLC, changes cannot be made once a system is delivered to the user, whereas
XP delivers the system and then makes changes suggested by the user.
d. The SDLC develops an entire system at once, whereas XP uses incremental steps to
improve an information system’s quality.
Answer: d
The SDLC is a traditional, sequential approach — all requirements are captured upfront and
the full system is built before delivery. XP (Extreme Programming) delivers working software
Page 2 of 27
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
in small, frequent increments, gathering user feedback after each release.
Table 1: SDLC vs. Extreme Programming (XP)
Aspect SDLC Extreme Programming (XP)
Approach Sequential phases Iterative, incremental
Delivery Whole system at once Frequent small releases
Change tolerance Low (changes are costly) High (embraces change)
User involvement Mainly at start and end Continuous throughout
Testing After development Continuous test-driven
Q3 1 mark
Question: Which problems are resolved by distributed processing?
i. Lack of coordination in centralised processing
ii. Lack of responsiveness in centralised processing
iii. Lack of security in decentralised processing
iv. Lack of individuality in decentralised processing
v. Lack of coordination in decentralised processing
a. (ii) and (iv) b. (i), (ii) and (iii) c. (iii), (iv) and (v) d. (i) and (ii)
Answer: c — (iii), (iv) and (v)
Distributed processing sits between purely centralised and purely decentralised systems.
It fixes the weaknesses of decentralised systems: the absence of security standards (iii), loss
of individuality/customisation (iv), and poor coordination between nodes (v), while retaining
local processing speed.
Key Concept
Centralised processing: one large computer handles everything. Problems: lack of
responsiveness, single point of failure.
Decentralised processing: each department runs its own system. Problems: no
coordination, inconsistent security, duplicated data.
Distributed processing: combines local processing power with central coordination
and security standards.
Page 3 of 27
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
Q4 1 mark
Question: Porter’s Five Forces model is used to:
a. Analyse internal strengths and weaknesses of an organisation.
b. Determine the competitive forces affecting an industry.
c. Identify the phases of system development.
d. Measure the performance of information systems.
Answer: b
Michael Porter’s Five Forces framework analyses competitive forces in an industry to de-
termine long-term profitability and strategic position.
Key Concept
Porter’s Five Forces:
1. Rivalry among existing competitors
2. Threat of new entrants
3. Bargaining power of buyers (customers)
4. Bargaining power of suppliers
5. Threat of substitute products or services
IS can be used strategically to shift these forces in an organisation’s favour — for exam-
ple, using a customer loyalty database to reduce the threat of substitutes.
Exam Tip
SDLC phases and Porter’s Five Forces appear in almost every INF1505 exam. Know
both thoroughly.
Q5 1 mark
Question: An extranet is a network based on Web technologies that allows selected out-
siders such as business partners and customers to access authorised resources of a com-
pany’s intranet.
Select one: True / False
Answer: True
An extranet extends a private intranet to selected external parties (suppliers, partners, cus-
tomers) via secure internet connections, giving them controlled access to specific internal re-
Page 4 of 27
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
sources.
Table 2: Intranet vs. Extranet vs. Internet
Feature Intranet Extranet Internet
Access Employees only Trusted outsiders Anyone
Ownership Organisation Organisation No single owner
Security High (firewall) Medium (VPN/auth) Low
Q6 1 mark
Question: Which is one of the forces of the Five Forces Model created by Michael
Porter?
a. Rivalry among customers b. Threat of new entrants c. Government regulations
d. Technological innovation
Answer: b — Threat of new entrants
New entrants bring fresh capacity and ambition into an industry, which pressures existing
firms on price, cost, and the rate of investment needed to retain customers.
Q7 1 mark
Question: Wearable devices may provide which possible benefit in the manufacturing
field?
a. Improve employee safety by providing a hands-free work environment.
b. Ability to store more data than a personal computer.
c. Storage of web pages for access over the Internet.
d. Magnetic tape backup.
Answer: a
In manufacturing, wearables such as smart glasses and AR headsets let workers receive real-
time instructions while keeping both hands free, reducing injury risk and improving efficiency.
Example
A factory worker wearing smart glasses can see assembly instructions overlaid on the
physical part being built, without stopping to consult a screen or manual — directly
improving safety and throughput.
Page 5 of 27
, INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
Q8 1 mark
Question: A is a large collection of data that is processed to extract patterns
and useful summaries of data for business use.
a. Data warehouse b. Data mart c. Database d. Spreadsheet
Answer: a — Data warehouse
A data warehouse integrates large volumes of historical data from multiple operational sys-
tems into a single repository optimised for analysis and reporting.
Key Concept
Data warehouse: subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, non-volatile store of data
used for decision support.
Data mart: a smaller, department-specific subset of a data warehouse (e.g., a sales
data mart).
OLTP (Online Transaction Processing): operational databases that handle day-to-
day transactions.
OLAP (Online Analytical Processing): tools that query the data warehouse to
identify trends.
Q9 1 mark
Question: Which statement best describes a Management Information System (MIS)?
a. A system that helps executives make long-term strategic decisions.
b. A system that provides routine summary reports to middle managers to help plan, con-
trol and make decisions.
c. A system that helps frontline workers process transactions.
d. A system that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose problems.
Answer: b
An MIS targets middle management. It takes raw data from Transaction Processing Sys-
tems and turns it into structured summary reports (weekly sales, inventory levels, staffing
costs) that managers use to plan and control operations.
Page 6 of 27
* ⋆
]]
INF1505: Introduction to Busi-
ness Information Systems
OCT/NOV Examination 2026 — Covers Exam Papers 2023 to 2025
⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆ ⋄ ⋆
Information Systems — School of Computing — UNISA
Exam Revision Guide
INF1505
Module Code:
Introduction to Business Information Systems
Module Name:
Oct/Nov 2023, Oct/Nov 2024, Oct/Nov 2025
Exam Coverage:
Oct/Nov 2026 Examinations
Prepared For:
60 MCQ (True/False and Multiple Choice)
Format:
2 Hours — 60 Marks
Duration:
Study for understanding, not memorisation. Every concept connects.
Exam Revision Notes | INF1505 | 2026
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
Oct/Nov 2023 Exam — Questions and Answers 60 marks
The 2023 Oct/Nov exam was a 60-question closed-book MCQ paper (True/False and 4-option
multiple choice). All 60 marks are captured below in confirmed question order.
Q1 1 mark
Question: One method of conducting voice-based e-commerce is using a digital wallet.
Select one: True / False
Answer: False
Voice-based e-commerce uses speech recognition technology and voice commands to complete
transactions — not digital wallets. A digital wallet stores payment card details for online or
contactless card payments and is unrelated to voice-channel commerce.
Key Concept
Voice-based e-commerce uses interactive voice response (IVR) or AI-powered
speech recognition so customers can place orders by speaking. Digital wallets (e.g., Ap-
ple Pay, Google Pay) are a separate payment mechanism for card or NFC transactions.
Q2 1 mark
Question: Which is a difference between the systems development life cycle (SDLC) and
extreme programming (XP)?
a. Developers following the SDLC cannot move to the next phase until the current phase
is finished, whereas in XP developers can move to any phase from the current phase.
b. The SDLC has a separate planning and analysis phase, whereas XP combines both into
one phase.
c. In the SDLC, changes cannot be made once a system is delivered to the user, whereas
XP delivers the system and then makes changes suggested by the user.
d. The SDLC develops an entire system at once, whereas XP uses incremental steps to
improve an information system’s quality.
Answer: d
The SDLC is a traditional, sequential approach — all requirements are captured upfront and
the full system is built before delivery. XP (Extreme Programming) delivers working software
Page 2 of 27
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
in small, frequent increments, gathering user feedback after each release.
Table 1: SDLC vs. Extreme Programming (XP)
Aspect SDLC Extreme Programming (XP)
Approach Sequential phases Iterative, incremental
Delivery Whole system at once Frequent small releases
Change tolerance Low (changes are costly) High (embraces change)
User involvement Mainly at start and end Continuous throughout
Testing After development Continuous test-driven
Q3 1 mark
Question: Which problems are resolved by distributed processing?
i. Lack of coordination in centralised processing
ii. Lack of responsiveness in centralised processing
iii. Lack of security in decentralised processing
iv. Lack of individuality in decentralised processing
v. Lack of coordination in decentralised processing
a. (ii) and (iv) b. (i), (ii) and (iii) c. (iii), (iv) and (v) d. (i) and (ii)
Answer: c — (iii), (iv) and (v)
Distributed processing sits between purely centralised and purely decentralised systems.
It fixes the weaknesses of decentralised systems: the absence of security standards (iii), loss
of individuality/customisation (iv), and poor coordination between nodes (v), while retaining
local processing speed.
Key Concept
Centralised processing: one large computer handles everything. Problems: lack of
responsiveness, single point of failure.
Decentralised processing: each department runs its own system. Problems: no
coordination, inconsistent security, duplicated data.
Distributed processing: combines local processing power with central coordination
and security standards.
Page 3 of 27
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
Q4 1 mark
Question: Porter’s Five Forces model is used to:
a. Analyse internal strengths and weaknesses of an organisation.
b. Determine the competitive forces affecting an industry.
c. Identify the phases of system development.
d. Measure the performance of information systems.
Answer: b
Michael Porter’s Five Forces framework analyses competitive forces in an industry to de-
termine long-term profitability and strategic position.
Key Concept
Porter’s Five Forces:
1. Rivalry among existing competitors
2. Threat of new entrants
3. Bargaining power of buyers (customers)
4. Bargaining power of suppliers
5. Threat of substitute products or services
IS can be used strategically to shift these forces in an organisation’s favour — for exam-
ple, using a customer loyalty database to reduce the threat of substitutes.
Exam Tip
SDLC phases and Porter’s Five Forces appear in almost every INF1505 exam. Know
both thoroughly.
Q5 1 mark
Question: An extranet is a network based on Web technologies that allows selected out-
siders such as business partners and customers to access authorised resources of a com-
pany’s intranet.
Select one: True / False
Answer: True
An extranet extends a private intranet to selected external parties (suppliers, partners, cus-
tomers) via secure internet connections, giving them controlled access to specific internal re-
Page 4 of 27
,INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
sources.
Table 2: Intranet vs. Extranet vs. Internet
Feature Intranet Extranet Internet
Access Employees only Trusted outsiders Anyone
Ownership Organisation Organisation No single owner
Security High (firewall) Medium (VPN/auth) Low
Q6 1 mark
Question: Which is one of the forces of the Five Forces Model created by Michael
Porter?
a. Rivalry among customers b. Threat of new entrants c. Government regulations
d. Technological innovation
Answer: b — Threat of new entrants
New entrants bring fresh capacity and ambition into an industry, which pressures existing
firms on price, cost, and the rate of investment needed to retain customers.
Q7 1 mark
Question: Wearable devices may provide which possible benefit in the manufacturing
field?
a. Improve employee safety by providing a hands-free work environment.
b. Ability to store more data than a personal computer.
c. Storage of web pages for access over the Internet.
d. Magnetic tape backup.
Answer: a
In manufacturing, wearables such as smart glasses and AR headsets let workers receive real-
time instructions while keeping both hands free, reducing injury risk and improving efficiency.
Example
A factory worker wearing smart glasses can see assembly instructions overlaid on the
physical part being built, without stopping to consult a screen or manual — directly
improving safety and throughput.
Page 5 of 27
, INF1505 | Exam Revision Oct/Nov Examinations 2026
Q8 1 mark
Question: A is a large collection of data that is processed to extract patterns
and useful summaries of data for business use.
a. Data warehouse b. Data mart c. Database d. Spreadsheet
Answer: a — Data warehouse
A data warehouse integrates large volumes of historical data from multiple operational sys-
tems into a single repository optimised for analysis and reporting.
Key Concept
Data warehouse: subject-oriented, integrated, time-variant, non-volatile store of data
used for decision support.
Data mart: a smaller, department-specific subset of a data warehouse (e.g., a sales
data mart).
OLTP (Online Transaction Processing): operational databases that handle day-to-
day transactions.
OLAP (Online Analytical Processing): tools that query the data warehouse to
identify trends.
Q9 1 mark
Question: Which statement best describes a Management Information System (MIS)?
a. A system that helps executives make long-term strategic decisions.
b. A system that provides routine summary reports to middle managers to help plan, con-
trol and make decisions.
c. A system that helps frontline workers process transactions.
d. A system that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose problems.
Answer: b
An MIS targets middle management. It takes raw data from Transaction Processing Sys-
tems and turns it into structured summary reports (weekly sales, inventory levels, staffing
costs) that managers use to plan and control operations.
Page 6 of 27
