When a generalized DBMS does not interface well with specialized computing languages, which class of managerial information tends to be most restricted or impaired?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: planning

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Organizations often need to combine operational data from a general-purpose DBMS with analytical models written in specialized languages (e.g., optimization, simulation, forecasting). If the interface between the DBMS and these languages is weak, certain types of managerial information become harder to produce reliably and on time.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Generalized DBMS store operational data efficiently.
  • Specialized languages produce analytical outputs for decision making.
  • Poor interfaces cause delays, manual extracts, and version issues.


Concept / Approach:
Planning information (budgets, forecasts, capacity plans) depends heavily on model-driven analytics that must ingest data and push results back to reporting layers. Weak interfaces impede iterative scenario analysis and timeliness of plans. Supervisory information is usually more transactional and can be produced directly from the DBMS with standard reporting. Priority setting information can also be derived from existing KPIs without complex model integration, but planning specifically suffers when models cannot easily exchange data with databases.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify information classes that rely on advanced models. Determine how integration friction impedes those classes. Recognize that planning requires frequent data-model-data cycles. Select “planning” as most restricted by poor interfaces.


Verification / Alternative check:
In practice, FP&A, S&OP, and capacity planning cycles slow dramatically without automated data/model integration, validating the choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Supervisory: Often available via direct operational reports from the DBMS.
  • Priority setting: Can be informed by dashboards and KPIs without heavy modeling.
  • Limitation: Not a defined information class; it is a generic term.
  • None: Incorrect because planning is clearly impacted.


Common Pitfalls:
Relying on manual spreadsheets for planning; losing data lineage between models and databases.


Final Answer:
planning

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