Please note that the following abbreviations are used in this paper.

IS: Information Systems

IT: Information Technology

Question $1$

An IT asset can be regarded as an $$entry asset$$ or a $$strategic asset$.$

Examine this dual nature of IT assets, discussing what makes them entry or

strategic assets with real$-$world examples. $[10$ marks$]$

Question $2$

a$)$ Clarify the concept of Digital Strategy. $[8$ marks$].$

b$)$ Explain the term $$alignment$$ in the context of IS Strategy? You may want

to use a diagram or framework to illustrate your answer. $[10$ marks$]$

c$)$ Explain the consequences or drawbacks of 'misalignment' within the realm

of Information Systems Strategy. Provide concrete or specific examples to

illustrate the detrimental effects on organisations. $[8$ marks$]$

Question $3$

Pearlson and Saunders $(2013)$ states that managers must take a multiple of the

strategic landscape to understand the value of Information Resources. One of

these views is the Porter$$s Value Chain model.

a$)$ Explain the Value Chain model, preferably with the illustration of a figure.

$[14$ marks$]$

b$)$ Discuss how Information Resources can be used in the value chain to

create competitive advantage or strategic value for the organisation.

$[10$ marks$]$

Question $4$

Critically evaluate the following statement. $[15$ marks$]$

$$In this increasingly digital and globalised world, the shift to the cloud computing

is practically an imperative for small and medium enterprises $($SME$).$ The cloud

computing foster innovation and competitiveness in SMEs by accelerating their

computing capabilities.$$

Question $5$

a$)$ How have recent advances in IT $($e$.$g$.$ mobile computing and AI$)$ changed

employees$$ work? Discuss with examples.$[12$ marks$]$

b$)$ Define the term $$virtual team$$ and examine the challenges virtual teams

from the perspective of a manager. $[13$ marks$]$