1.

Procedurally a customer in any bank is required to get registered to a bank system

whenever new application from the customer side is made. Such a registration would
allow the customer to get service whenever the need arises. Abebe is customer of Bank X
and it has been more than 6 months since Abebe has been registered, when he went to the
one of the branches of Bank X after 6 months, the teller told Abebe that he needs to get
registered to the system so that he could get the required service. However, further
investigation of the problem revealed that Abebe is a registered customer of the bank but
when data was captured, data about Abebe personal information was entered in a wrong
manner. That’s why the Teller failed to provide the service. Based on the narration which
specific information characteristics did suffer?

From the narration, it appears that Abebe's personal information was entered into the bank
system incorrectly, which resulted in the teller not being able to provide him with the required
service. Therefore, the specific information characteristics that suffered in this scenario are
accuracy and completeness.

2. MIS as a technology based solution must address all the requirements across any
structure of the organization. This means particularly there are information to be shared
along the organization. In connection to this, a student has complained to MIS grade
recently submitted that he does not deserve C+. Following the complaint, the instructor
checked his record and found out that the student’s grade is B+, based on the request the
Department Chair also checked the record in his office and found out the same as the
Instructor. Finally, the record in the registrar office consulted and the grade found to be
B+. Therefore, the problem is created during the data entry of grades of students to the
registrar system. Based on the explanations provided, which of information
characteristics can be identified?

According to the explanations provided, the specific information characteristic that can be
identified as problematic is data accuracy. The data entry of grades in registrar system was not
done correctly, leading to an incorrect grade being recorded for the student, which caused the
complaint and subsequent investigation. If the data had been accurately entered into the registrar
system in the first place, this issue would not have occurred.

3. In order to perform this question I Considered Awash bank Hawasa branch in Ethiopia,
where I have close friend and family member working there and explained the
organization from systems characteristics perspectives particularly considering objective,
components (at least three) and interrelationships among these components with specific
examples

Awash bank of Hawasa branch in Ethiopia is a complex organization that operates in a highly
competitive industry. From a systems perspective, the bank's primary objective is to provide
financial services to its customers while maintaining profitability and ensuring regulatory
compliance.

One of the key components of the Bank of Awash's system is its technology infrastructure. The
bank relies heavily on information systems to process transactions, manage accounts, and
communicate with customers. For instance, customers can use the bank's mobile banking app to
access their accounts, transfer funds, and pay bills remotely. This system is integrated with the
bank's core banking system, which manages customer data and transaction records.

Another important component of the bank's system is its staff. The Hawasa branch employs
front-line staff, such as tellers and customer service representatives, as well as back-end support
staff who manage various administrative functions. These employees are responsible for
providing exceptional customer service while ensuring that all transactions are accurate and in
compliance with banking regulations. The bank places great emphasis on staff training and
development, including skills such as customer service and risk management.

A third component of the bank's system is its product and service offerings. The Bank of Awash
offers a wide range of financial products to customers, including savings and checking accounts,
loans, credit cards, and insurance packages. The bank has developed sophisticated underwriting
procedures to ensure that it can identify creditworthy borrowers while minimizing risk.

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The final component of the bank's system is its governance structure. The bank operates under
strict regulatory guidelines laid out by the National Bank of Ethiopia. The governance structure
includes a board of directors, various committees such as the audit committee and risk
management committee, and executive management who are responsible for developing and
implementing the bank's strategy. The governance structure provides clarity and accountability to
stakeholders and ensures the bank is structured to meet its objectives.

The interrelationships among these components are critical to the overall functioning of the Bank
of Awash's system. For example, the technology infrastructure relies on skilled staff to operate
effectively while staff relies on it to access customer data and complete transactions accurately.
Similarly, the effectiveness of the staff depends on their consistent adherence to compliance
procedures and guidelines established by the governance structure in place.

In summary, the Bank of Awash Hawasa branch's system is designed to achieve its objective of
providing financial services to customers while maintaining profitability and regulatory
compliance. Its components - technology infrastructure, staff, product and service offerings, and
governance structure - work together in an integrated fashion to support the achievement of this
objective. The effectiveness of these components is heavily dependent on the strength of their
interrelationships as each component requires others to function effectively.

4. When you were having a leisure time walk along one of the streets of Addis, you came
across an adult person helping an elderly customer of a bank to withdraw money from the
ATM. In principle ATM is a self-service Technology (SST) where customer will be
served without any assistance. Nevertheless the incident you have seen practically upset
the rationale of SST. Based on the case explained, which specific characteristics of
information systems can be identified?

Based on the scenario presented, the specific characteristic of information systems that
can be identified is the need for appropriate user interfaces and accessible design
principles, which act as a facilitator of transactions and a tool for inclusion. This is
because ATMs are generally designed to be user-friendly and accessible, but still require

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 a certain level of technical expertise to operate. If a user lacks such technical skills, he or
she will need help from someone else, therefore challenging the convenience and speed
of the technology.

As noted by Barnard and Jaferian (2017), easy-to-use user interfaces, including clear
layouts and prominent labeling, can contribute significantly to more efficient SST
experience. Moreover, the application of universal design principles, which provide an
inclusive understanding of technology's users to adapt to different abilities or limitations
(Mace 1991), will ensure that all users can use SSTs without excluding those with
physical/aptitude differences.

In conclusion, the presence of poorly designed user interfaces and inadequate

accessibility features can undermine the efficiency and inclusivity of information systems
such as SSTs, even if they are intended as self-service. Improving the design of both the
technology and user interface will reduce any hurdles in access to financial services for
vulnerable or under-represented groups in relation to banking services. Specially
Security: The incident raises questions about the security of the ATM system and
potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited if someone else has access to the
customer's account information.

5. Managers are strictly required to properly understand the role of Information Systems in
their organization. Failure to do so might have adversary effects on the existence of their
organization. In relation to role of IS in organization, there are practical examples where
IS has created a situation to replace roles organizations have assumed for years in
Ethiopian business environment. Mention at least two organizations IN Ethiopia whose
role has been replaced/ threatened by IS.

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 Some of the organizations whose roles have been threatened by Information Systems (IS)
in Ethiopia are listed below.

Travel industry With the advent of online travel booking platforms and mobile
applications, customers are now able to research and book travel arrangements online,
reducing the reliance on travel agencies. This has forced many travel agencies to
diversify their offerings or risk being left behind.
Another example is the Ethiopian Airlines Group has invested heavily in digital
technologies to improve customer experience and streamline operations. In 2019, the
company launched a new mobile app that allows customers to book flights, check-in, and
access other services from their smart phones. The app has been well-received by
customers and has helped Ethiopian Airlines maintain its position as one of Africa's
leading airlines.
Ethiopian Postal Service has faced significant challenges due to the rise of IS in the form
of email, instant messaging, and other digital communication channels. As more people
have turned to digital communication, the demand for postal services has declined,
leading to reduced revenues for the organization and a need to adapt to new realities.

References:

 Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2020) Essentials of management information systems. Pearson. -
Stair, R. M., & Reynolds, G. W. (2019) Fundamentals of information systems.

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 Barnard, Y., & Jaferian, P. (2017). User experience - the key to successful self-service
technology adoption. International Journal on Advances in Intelligent Systems, 10(1&2),
106-118.
 Yitagesu, A., & Demeke, G. (2016). Assessment on performance and challenges of
commercial banks in Ethiopia: The case of development bank of Ethiopia. Journal of
Economics and Sustainable Development, 7(19), 98-112.