1. Describe the information age. What is it and what are its defining characteristics? Describe the differences between data, information, business intelligence, and knowledge. Provide examples of each.
2. Explain systems thinking and how management information systems enable business communications. Provide an actual example from industry (research the subject on the web- provide your source(s)) where MIS enabled enhanced business communication.
3. Describe Porter's Five Forces Model in depth and explain each of the five forces. Give specific examples for each of the five forces.
4. Demonstrate how a company can add value by using Porter's value chain analysis (VCA) and define the various aspects of VCA. Note that VCA is NOT the same thing as Porter's five forces (it is often used in conjunction with it).
5. Explain why competitive advantages are temporary. Research the web and provide two examples of the temporary nature of competitive advantage.