In management information systems, the organization that interconnects its internal systems and external partners via the Internet, intranets, and other networks is best described as which of the following?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Internetworked enterprise

Explanation:


Introduction:
Modern organizations rarely operate as isolated islands. Instead, they connect employees, branches, suppliers, and customers using a mesh of internal and external networks. This strategic use of connectivity enables collaboration, end-to-end digital processes, and data-driven decision making across the enterprise and its ecosystem.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The enterprise uses the public Internet for outward communication.
  • It also employs private intranets and extranets for internal and partner access.
  • The question asks for the best descriptive term for such an organization.


Concept / Approach:
The term Internetworked enterprise captures an organization whose processes and stakeholders are tightly integrated through networking technologies. It implies seamless information flow across departments and with external partners, often spanning web applications, APIs, VPNs, and cloud services. Other terms in the options either describe a general technology category or a specific architecture pattern and thus are not the best label for the enterprise as a whole.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify scope: not just a single LAN or client/server pattern, but enterprise-wide and partner-facing connectivity.2) Match to terminology: “Internetworked enterprise” denotes organizational structures enabled by interconnected networks.3) Exclude generic or overly broad phrases (e.g., “business applications of telecommunications”).4) Select the most precise descriptor.


Verification / Alternative check:
Management information systems textbooks routinely use “internetworked enterprise” to describe organizations that leverage Internet, intranets, and extranets for integrated operations.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Information super highway: colloquial phrase for the Internet, not a type of organization.
  • Business applications of telecommunications: category of use cases, not an enterprise descriptor.
  • Client/Server networks: an architecture style, not a holistic enterprise label.
  • None of the above: invalid because option A is the precise term.


Common Pitfalls:
Choosing a technology buzzword instead of the organizational term the question seeks.


Final Answer:
Internetworked enterprise

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion