Unit-3: Digital tools for business

Question 1

What are productivity tools, and why are they important in business?

Answer 1

Productivity tools are software applications designed to enhance efficiency in performing tasks. They are essential for streamlining operations, improving decision-making, and fostering collaboration.

Question 2

Name three common types of productivity tools.

Answer 2

Word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Question 3

Give examples of word processors.

Answer 3

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer.

Question 4

List three key features of word processors.

Answer 4

1. Text editing and formatting.
2. Integration of images, tables, and hyperlinks.
3. Templates for professional documents.

Question 5

How are word processors used in business?

Answer 5

For drafting contracts, preparing reports, and automating repetitive tasks with macros.

Question 6

Name three spreadsheet tools.

Answer 6

Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Apache OpenOffice Calc.

Question 7

What is ‘What-If Analysis’ in spreadsheets?

Answer 7

A feature used for forecasting and evaluating different scenarios to aid decision-making.

Question 8

Name two business applications of spreadsheets.

Answer 8

Budgeting and financial planning, and tracking sales performance.

Question 9

What are the benefits of presentation software in business?

Answer 9

Helps convey ideas effectively through visual storytelling and supports training, meetings, and pitches.

Question 10

List three examples of presentation software.

Answer 10

Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi.

Question 11

What are communication technologies, and why are they vital for businesses?

Answer 11

Tools that enable efficient communication and collaboration across teams, especially in remote or global settings.

Question 12

Name three types of communication technologies.

Answer 12

Email, instant messaging (IM), and video conferencing.

Question 13

What are some features of modern email tools?

Answer 13

Customizable inboxes, encryption, and integration with calendars.

Question 14

How is instant messaging used in businesses?

Answer 14

For quick internal communication, project updates, and informal team interactions.

Question 15

Name examples of instant messaging tools used in business.

Answer 15

Slack, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp.

Question 16

What are the advantages of video conferencing tools?

Answer 16

Reduces travel costs, facilitates remote training, and enables global team collaboration.

Question 17

Give examples of video conferencing tools.

Answer 17

Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams.

Question 18

What is cloud storage, and why is it important?

Answer 18

A service for storing, accessing, and sharing data online. It ensures scalability, data security, and disaster recovery.

Question 19

Name three cloud storage platforms.

Answer 19

Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive.

Question 20

What is version control in cloud storage?

Answer 20

A feature that allows tracking changes in documents and restoring previous versions during collaborative editing.

Question 21

What are open-source tools?

Answer 21

Software applications whose source code is freely available for modification and distribution.

Question 22

List three advantages of open-source tools.

Answer 22

Cost-effectiveness, customizability, and community-driven support.

Question 23

Name three open-source productivity tools.

Answer 23

LibreOffice Writer (word processing), LibreOffice Calc (spreadsheets), and LibreOffice Impress (presentations).

Question 24

What are the challenges of using open-source tools in business?

Answer 24

Compatibility issues, lack of dedicated customer support, and a steeper learning curve.

Question 25

Name an open-source alternative to Slack.

Answer 25

Rocket.Chat.

Question 26

What is the open-source equivalent of cloud storage platforms like Dropbox?

Answer 26

Nextcloud.

Question 27

How does Kenneth Laudon view the role of digital tools in business?

Answer 27

He emphasizes that these tools are integral to enhancing productivity, communication, and decision-making in organizations.

Question 28

What is one key advantage of spreadsheets highlighted by Laudon?

Answer 28

Their ability to simulate scenarios for forecasting and decision-making.

Question 29

According to Laudon, what is the main challenge of email as a communication tool?

Answer 29

Managing information overload while maintaining professionalism.

Question 30

How do open-source tools empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs)?

Answer 30

They offer affordable, flexible, and innovative solutions without heavy financial investments.