Final answer:
A. The false statement is that 'Today information systems are doing the basic things that they did over 40 years ago', as modern systems are vastly more integrated and connected compared to those from the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The false statement among the options provided is a) 'Today information systems are doing the basic things that they did over 40 years ago'. This statement is false because information systems today are far more advanced in terms of integration of system functions and connectivity compared to those from 40 years ago. As per the advancements in technology, modern systems exhibit a much higher level of integration allowing various functions to interact seamlessly and greater connectivity across dissimilar system components.
With the progress in communication technology, systems have evolved significantly. For instance, the rise of the internet and social media platforms has greatly accelerated the process of globalization, which wasn't conceivable four decades ago. Moreover, the advent of improved information and communication technologies has impacted the structure and competitive landscape of businesses, supporting both the proliferation of small businesses due to ease of reaching distant markets and the growth of larger firms that can manage operations globally.