CITM-001 Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) Questions and Answers

 Distributed databases provide several advantages over centralized databases, including improved scalability, availability, performance, flexibility, fault tolerance, and security1. Here are some of the advantages of distributed databases:

• Increased availability: Distributed databases can tolerate failures of individual nodes or sites without affecting the overall system functionality. Users can access data from other sites if their local site is down or unreachable. Data replication and backup mechanisms can also enhance data availability and recovery2.
• Easier expansion: Distributed databases can be scaled horizontally by adding more nodes to the network. This allows for increased capacity and performance as data and user demand grow. Adding new sites or units to the distributed system does not require significant efforts or disruption in the existing functions2.
• Improved performance: Distributed databases can offer faster response and lower communication costs by locating data near the users who normally use that data. Distributed query processing and transaction management can also optimize the use of network and computing resources. Furthermore, distributed databases can exploit the parallelism of multiple nodes to execute operations concurrently13.

References: What Is a Distributed Database? {Features, Benefits & Drawbacks}, Advantage and Disadvantage of Distributed Database Management System (DDBMS) - Bench Partner, Advantages of Distributed database - GeeksforGeeks

According to the CITM certification, there are six trends that have drastically altered the way organizations use technology. These are:

• Cloud computing: The delivery of computing services over the internet, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Cloud computing enables organizations to access scalable, flexible, and cost-effective IT resources on demand.
• Big data and analytics: The collection, processing, and analysis of large and complex data sets to generate insights and value. Big data and analytics enable organizations to improve decision making, optimize operations, enhance customer experience, and create new products and services.
• Social media and collaboration: The use of online platforms and tools to communicate, share, and interact with others. Social media and collaboration enable organizations to engage with customers, employees, partners, and stakeholders, as well as to foster innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Mobile and wireless: The use of devices and networks that allow users to access information and services anytime and anywhere. Mobile and wireless enable organizations to extend their reach, improve productivity, and offer convenience and personalization.
• Internet of things (IoT): The network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems. IoT enables organizations to monitor and control their assets, processes, and environments, as well as to create new business models and opportunities.
• Cybersecurity: The protection of information systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. Cybersecurity enables organizations to safeguard their assets, reputation, and trust, as well as to comply with laws and regulations.

References:

• CITM certification, page 9
• McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2023
• Here’s how technology has changed the world since 2000
• 10 Ways Technology Has Reshaped the Modern Workplace

Reciprocal interdependence occurs when two organizations depend on each other in a cyclical manner, such that the output of one becomes the input of the other and vice versa. This type of interdependence is the most complex and difficult to manage, as it requires constant coordination and communication between the organizations. An example of reciprocal interdependence is the relationship between a software development company and a software testing company, where each one relies on the feedback and quality of the other’s work. References: Three Types of Interdependence in an Organizational Structure, Interdependence in International Organization and Global Governance

Development cost is the type of cost that is considered as actual costs of analysis, design, and installation for the system. Development cost includes the expenses incurred during the planning, designing, building, testing, and deploying of a system. Development cost is usually estimated before the start of a project and is used to measure the feasibility and profitability of a system. Development cost is also used to monitor the progress and performance of a project and to control the scope and quality of a system. References: CITM Course Outline, Module 4, Corporate IT Strategy, page 9. CITM Training Course, Cost, page 14. CITM Certification Overview, Exam Information, Course Outline, Module 4.

According to the CITM course outline1, there are five data collection techniques that are commonly used in business analytics. They are:

• Observations: This technique involves watching and recording the behavior, actions, or events of interest. Observations can be either direct or indirect, structured or unstructured, participant or non-participant.
• Interviews: This technique involves asking questions to individuals or groups of people who have relevant knowledge or experience on the topic. Interviews can be either structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the level of flexibility and standardization of the questions.
• Surveys: This technique involves administering a set of questions to a sample of respondents who represent the population of interest. Surveys can be either quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type and scale of the questions.
• Focus groups: This technique involves gathering a small group of people who share some common characteristics or opinions on the topic and facilitating a discussion among them. Focus groups can be used to explore attitudes, perceptions, feelings, or preferences of the participants.
• Documents: This technique involves reviewing and analyzing existing documents or records that are relevant to the topic. Documents can be either primary or secondary, depending on the source and authenticity of the information.

References:

• 1: 7 Data Collection Methods and Techniques | SafetyCulture
• 2: CITM 500 Data and Information Management | The Chang School of Continuing Education - Toronto Metropolitan University
• 3: Data Collection Methods | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples - Scribbr
• 4: Data Collection - Methods Types and Examples - Research Method

Processing modes are the ways of organizing data and operations in a computer system. Batch processing, time-sharing, and online are all examples of processing modes, but process is not. A process is a program or a set of instructions that is executed by the CPU. A process can run in different processing modes, depending on the system design and the user requirements. For example, a process can run in batch mode, which means that it is executed without user interaction and with a set of input data. Alternatively, a process can run in time-sharing mode, which means that it is executed in a shared environment with multiple users and with interactive input and output. Finally, a process can run in online mode, which means that it is executed with continuous connection to a network and with real-time input and output. References: EPI-USA, CITM Course Outline, Module 2: IT Infrastructure, Slide 9. GAQM, CITM Exam Objectives, Domain 2: IT Infrastructure, Objective 2.1: Understand the basic concepts of IT infrastructure. Includehelp, MCQ | Modes of Operations in Block Cipher.

A worm is a type of malicious code that can distribute itself without using having to attach to a host file. Unlike a virus, which needs to infect an existing program or file to spread, a worm can create copies of itself and send them to other devices through a network. A worm can consume network bandwidth, slow down the system performance, or deliver a payload that can damage or compromise the security of the infected device. According to the CITM study guide, a worm is “a self-replicating program that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself” (p. 70). Some examples of worms are Stuxnet, Conficker, and Blaster. References:

• CITM Study Guide, Chapter 5: Information Security, pp. 69-71
• 12 Types of Malware + Examples That You Should Know1
• What is Malicious code?2
• Cyber Awareness Challenge 2022 Malicious Code3
• Malicious Code—What is it and How to Prevent it?4

A DBMS is software that monitors and maintains accurate, quality data in a data structure. It helps organizations optimize, store, retrieve and manage data in a database. A DBMS consists of a group of programs that manipulate the database and accept requests for data from an application or user. A DBMS can also provide security, redundancy, abstraction, and multiple views of the data. A DBMS that stores data in tables and uses relationships between them is called a relational DBMS or RDBMS. Some examples of popular DBMS software are PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, SQLite, IBM Db2, etc. References: What is DBMS? Database Management Systems, Explained, What Is a DBMS? - LearnSQL.com, Database management system (DBMS) | Definition & Facts.

Important decisions may require more care in analyzing data because they have higher stakes, greater uncertainty, and more complexity. Data analysis can help managers to identify patterns, trends, correlations, and causal relationships that can inform their decision making. Data analysis can also help managers to evaluate alternatives, test hypotheses, and predict outcomes. However, data analysis is not a substitute for judgment, intuition, and creativity. Managers should also consider the quality, reliability, and validity of the data, as well as the ethical and social implications of their decisions. References: CITM Course Outline, Sample Exam - GAQM, TEST 1 2020, questions and answers - CITM 102 TEST BANKS … - Studocu

 An Integrated Global IT approach is a strategy that aims to align the IT functions and capabilities of a firm with its global business objectives and needs. One of the benefits of this approach is that it enables the firm to provide more consistent customer service internationally, by leveraging common platforms, standards, processes, and data across different regions and markets. This can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention, as well as reduce costs and risks associated with IT fragmentation and duplication. References: Integrated Global IT approach customer service, Toward an integrated technology operating model, Managing Global Customers: An Integrated Approach, Five steps to an integrated customer experience

Step three (3) in undertaking of object-oriented analysis does not define the methods, but rather identifies the states of each object and the events that affect them. Methods are defined in step four (4), which is the object-oriented design phase. Methods are the operations or functions that an object can perform to achieve its objectives or respond to events. References: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design | OOAD - GeeksforGeeks, Steps to Analyze and Design Object Oriented System - GeeksforGeeks, OOAD - Object Oriented Analysis - Online Tutorials Library

Data warehousing and data mining are closely related technologies that support business intelligence and analytics. Data warehousing is the process of collecting, integrating, and organizing data from various sources into a centralized repository that can support complex queries and analysis. Data mining is the process of applying various techniques and algorithms to extract useful information and patterns from the data stored in the data warehouse. Data mining can help discover hidden relationships, trends, anomalies, and insights that can improve decision making and performance. One of the main reasons for building a data warehouse is to enable data mining, as data warehouses provide a consistent, reliable, and comprehensive source of data that can be mined for various purposes. Data warehouses also facilitate data mining by providing data quality, data cleansing, data transformation, data aggregation, and data indexing services that can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of data mining. Data warehouses and data mining are complementary technologies that work together to deliver business value and competitive advantage. References: Data Warehousing and Data Mining 101, Data Warehousing and Data Mining - Topcoder, Difference between Data Warehousing and Data Mining

Restrictions on Internet access and efforts to censor web sites may impede the development of a global information system by limiting the availability, diversity, and quality of information that can be accessed and shared across borders. Such restrictions may also hamper the innovation, collaboration, and communication that are essential for the advancement of technology, science, and society. According to the CITM study guide, a global information system is “a system that collects, processes, stores, and disseminates information that is relevant to the needs of users in different countries” (p. 26). The benefits of a global information system include “improved decision making, enhanced coordination, increased efficiency, reduced costs, and greater customer satisfaction” (p. 26). However, these benefits can be undermined by various forms of internet censorship, such as:

• Manipulating search results to favor certain sources or viewpoints, or to hide or distort information that is unfavorable to the censoring authority.
• Blocking access to specific sites or domains that contain information that is deemed illegal, immoral, or politically sensitive by the censoring authority.
• Shutting off internet access altogether or imposing bandwidth limitations during times of crisis, protest, or conflict to prevent the dissemination of information that could challenge the status quo or mobilize opposition.
• Requiring users to register or obtain licenses to access certain sites or services, or to use encryption or VPNs, which can deter or restrict internet usage and expose users to surveillance or prosecution.
• Monitoring, filtering, or deleting online content or communications that are considered harmful, offensive, or subversive by the censoring authority, or imposing self-censorship through legal or social pressure.

These forms of internet censorship can have negative impacts on the development of a global information system, such as:

• Reducing the amount and variety of information that is available to users in different countries, which can limit their knowledge, awareness, and understanding of global issues and perspectives.
• Lowering the quality and reliability of information that is available to users in different countries, which can impair their ability to make informed and rational decisions, or to verify and challenge the information they receive.
• Restricting the opportunities and platforms for users in different countries to exchange and share information, ideas, opinions, and feedback, which can hinder their collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
• Violating the rights and freedoms of users in different countries to access and express information, which can undermine their participation, representation, and empowerment in the global society.

References:

• CITM Study Guide, Chapter 2: Global Information Systems, pp. 25-32
• Internet Censorship in 2024: The Impact of Internet Restrictions1
• Internet Censorship 2024: A Global Map of Internet Restrictions2
• Internet Censorship: Definition, Types, & How It Can Affect You3
• How Countries Censor and Control the Internet4

The conceptual level is a high-level description of the data and its relationships in the database, without specifying how the data is physically stored or implemented. It defines the main entities, attributes, and constraints for the entire database, and is independent of any specific database management system or application. The conceptual level is also known as the logical level, and it is usually represented by an entity-relationship diagram (ERD). References: Conceptual schema - Wikipedia, Navigating the Three Levels of Database Design: Conceptual, Logical, and Physical

Interpreting information means understanding its meaning and implications in a given context. Two factors that are important while considering interpreting information are external and situational. External factors refer to the sources, reliability, validity, and timeliness of the information. Situational factors refer to the purpose, audience, and expectations of the information. These factors help to evaluate the relevance, accuracy, and usefulness of the information for a specific situation or problem. References: Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) - gaqm.org, page 7; Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM) - GAQM, Module 2 – Understanding and Interpreting Information.

Systems analysis is the second step in the Systems Design Life Cycle (SDLC), which is a process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying an information system. Systems analysis involves gathering and analyzing the requirements of the system, such as the user needs, the business objectives, and the functional specifications. Systems analysis also involves modeling the system using various techniques, such as data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and use case diagrams. Systems analysis helps to define the scope and boundaries of the system, as well as the inputs, outputs, processes, and data structures. Systems analysis is essential for ensuring that the system design meets the expectations and needs of the stakeholders. References: 1, 2, 3, 4

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/system-design-life-cycle-phases-models-and-use-cases/

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/system-development-life-cycle/

Rotational delay is the time it takes for the desired sector of the disk to rotate under the read-write head after the head has been positioned at the correct track. It depends on the rotational speed of the disk and the position of the sector relative to the head. It is one of the components of data access delay, along with seek time, transmission delay, and processing delay. References: Delays in Computer Network - GeeksforGeeks, Access time - Wikipedia

An ER diagram (Entity-Relationship diagram) is a type of diagram that consists of object types and relationships. An object type is a category of objects that share common attributes and behaviors, such as a class, an entity, or a component. A relationship is a connection or association between two or more object types, such as an inheritance, an aggregation, or a dependency. An ER diagram is used to model the structure and semantics of a system, such as a database, a software system, or a business domain. An ER diagram can show the cardinality, optionality, and constraints of the relationships, as well as the attributes and operations of the object types. References: What is an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)?, Object Diagrams | Unified Modeling Language (UML), The Easy Guide to UML Class Diagrams | Class Diagram Tutorial, Class diagrams vs Object diagrams in UML

Systems software is software that provides a platform for other software and manages the basic functions of a computer. Examples of systems software include operating systems, device drivers, firmware, utility software, and boot loaders. Operating systems are the most important type of systems software, as they provide the foundational framework for all other software and applications to run on the computer. Linux and Unix are examples of operating systems that are widely used in various domains, such as servers, desktops, embedded systems, and supercomputers. Device drivers are another important type of systems software, as they allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as printers, scanners, and graphics cards. A device driver is a software component that acts as an interface between the hardware and the operating system, providing the necessary commands and data to control the device. Internet Explorer and Adobe Photoshop are not examples of systems software, but application software. Application software is software that allows users to perform specific tasks, such as browsing the web, editing images, creating documents, or playing games. Application software runs on top of the systems software and uses the services and resources provided by the operating system and the hardware. References: System software - Wikipedia, What is System Software? – Definition, Types, Examples and More, What is System Software: Definition, Types, Language Processors - Toppr.

A byte is the smallest unit of data storage that consists of eight bits. A bit is a binary digit that can have two values: 0 or 1. A byte can store one character, such as a letter, a number, or a symbol. An octet is another name for a byte, but it is not commonly used. A character is a symbol that represents a letter, a digit, or a punctuation mark, but it is not a unit of data storage. A field is a group of bytes that stores a specific type of data, such as a name, a date, or a number, but it is not the smallest unit of data storage. References: Data Storage Units of Measurement Table, What are the units of measurements for data storage?, Data Storage Units

Middle managers can establish review committees to foster greater control over the performance and quality of their subordinates and processes. Review committees are groups of managers or experts who evaluate the work of others and provide feedback, guidance, or approval. Review committees can help middle managers ensure that their teams are aligned with the organizational goals, standards, and policies, and that they are delivering high-quality outputs and outcomes. Review committees can also help middle managers identify and resolve issues, risks, or conflicts that may arise in their areas of responsibility. Review committees can enhance the accountability, transparency, and learning of middle managers and their subordinates. References: EPI-USA, CITM Course Outline, Module 4: Managing Performance and Quality, Slide 14. [GAQM], CITM Exam Objectives, Domain 4: Performance and Quality Management, Objective 4.2: Implement performance and quality management processes and tools.