Managing Information Systems - Essay Example

?Managing Information Systems Table of Contents INTRODUCTION In this age of technology extremely determined financial situation requiring the true IT and MIS based technology in industry as an important factor of success. Thus, at present almost every type of business is using some novel computer or information systems based technology whether it is simply a fundamental computer system or extremely sophisticated business management software to manage and handle sales and other areas of corporation. Additionally, now there are lots of prospects on the web to discover the right opportunity for business. In this scenario, information systems and business management applications have turned out to be a significant part of the business. This report presents a comprehensive analysis of some of the main areas along with issues for the D&D International Enterprises initiative for new technology based systems application at the business. In this scenario this report will analyze some of the main aspects such as responsibilities of IT and MIS at the business level and overall implementation issues for setting up an online business at D&D International Enterprises. OVERVIEW Currently every business utilizes information systems along with other new technology based objects at all the stages of business processes to gather, perform operations, and store business data. Additionally, this corporate data is collected as well as distributed in the type of effective business information required to perform diverse tasks of the company. In this scenario, every staff member of the company makes use of these information systems to perform assigned tasks. For instance, a car selling business that could utilize a computer database to manage products sell best, and a retail store could utilize a computer-based information technology artifacts as well as information system to sell products over the Internet. However, at the present, majority of businesses are paying attention on the web based business and more association of MIS with company to attain competitive advantage over other market place companies (Texas A&M University, 2011; Shelly et al., 2005; Norton, 2001). MIS TECHNOLOGY Management information system is a mixture of software and hardware utilized to perform operations of data and information automatically. Normally, organizations use management information systems to facilitate their staff members to use and change information. However, in many cases, the management information systems work behind the scenes, and the users of the information system are not often engaged or even aware of the operations that are managed or controlled by the system. In addition, the management and improvement of information technology systems and tools supports management as well as other staff members in carrying out several operations associated to the management of business information. Moreover, the management information systems and other business systems are particularly valuable in the collection of company data as well as the creation of corporate information to be employed like tools intended for decision making (BPC, 2010; Schauland, 2011; Lari, 2002). MIS AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO BUSINESS Management information system is a wide-ranging phrase intended for the computer structures in a business that offers information regarding its business processes. It is as well employed to submit to the people who handle and supervise these systems. Normally, in a huge business, “management information system" or the “Management information system department" refers to a centrally-harmonized or fundamental arrangement of computer administration and proficiency, frequently comprising mainframe systems however in addition comprising the company’s whole network of computer system resources. In the start, they were developed to perform some specific functions of the business such as calculating the payroll as well as managing accounts receivable and payable. As applications evolved and improved those offered executives with information regarding accounts, sales and additional data that would facilitate in handling the corporate, the idea as well as technology of "MIS" evolved to illustrate these types of functions. Nowadays, the idea is employed mostly in numerous arrangements plus comprises (however is not restricted to): people along with resource management applications, decision support systems, database recovery applications plus project management (Moore, 1999; Laudon & Laudon, 1999; Lucey, 2005). A management information system can be employed to process various orders simultaneously for the reason that it facilitates users in computerizing procedures linked with orders. In addition, other instances of modern management information arrangements are websites that process business operations for a business or yet those that provide support services to clients. In this scenario, a straightforward instance of a MIS may perhaps be the support website for a specific product, for the reason that it repeatedly gives back information to the end user following a number of preliminary inputs are offered (Schauland, 2011; Turban et al., 2005). BUSINESS OVERVIEW The business of D&D International Enterprises is presently running using simple business management arrangement. However, the top management of the corporation recognizes the significance of new technology based systems. In this scenario, they have decided to implement a new technology based IT, MIS support as well as business management system. The main intention of the business is to improve and augment the business performance as well as corporate services through new and more enhanced technology based arrangements. Thus, the management has decided to implement more enhanced business services those can better attract the customer and offer effective business support. MIS APPLICATIONS AREAS AT D&D This section will discuss some of the main areas of D&D International Enterprise those will utilize the new MIS and IT based technology systems. The main reason of this discussion is to evaluate the prime and fundamental areas of such business departments to better assess and study the working and operational support that new MIS technology can offer. At D&D International Enterprises the main and fundamental area where MIS technology can be implemented is the strategy support. In this scenario the management information systems provide better facility as well as operational support for corporate managers and administrators. In view of the fact that the computers are not able to produce business strategies by themselves however they are able to facilitate administration in distinguishing the outcomes of their strategies, as well as facilitate them to take effective decisions for the betterment of the corporation. ROLES OF IT AND MIS IN SETTING UP AN ONLINE BUSINESS E-commerce and online business support turns out to be a vital business element for every business. The web based platform are presently used for the enhanced business support and working. In case of D&D International Enterprises business the web based business support could enhance the business working. This section will discuss that how the IT and MIS technology can play a vital role in setting up an online business. After the application of the IT and MIS technology based arrangement at the D&D International Enterprises the fundamental business advantage that will be attained is regarding the better information recording. In case of electronic information supply as well as data recording the business data will be stored in a much better and flexible manner. This will definitely direct toward the most effective data recording and information management. This will as well lessen the potential information faults along with coherent data mistakes. In this manner the accurate data can be supplied to web based system for the enhanced business handling (Comptroller’s Handbook, 1995). SSADM Structured Systems Analysis & Design Method (SSADM) is an extensively utilized computer application development technique, and normally it is considered as a basic requirement for completing most of the projects. It is increasingly being accepted by the community particularly in system development. The working SSADM starts from dividing an application development of a project into phases, sections, responsibilities, steps as well as offers a structure for clarifying projects in a way suitable to organizing the project (Smith, 1999; Schumacher, 2001). In case of new MIS technology based project such as for the D&D International Enterprises, SSADM's main objective is to enhance project control and administration. In addition, it will help make more effective use of untrained and skilled personnel. Its main intention to build-up effective quality and featured systems and build projects flexibility to the failure of employees. In this scenario, SSADM facilitates projects to be maintained through computer-based tools like that computer supported software engineering systems. The use of SSADM in implementing MIS technology project for the D&D International Enterprises, would allow the management of a structure for high-quality communications among members in a project. Because SSADM includes those features of the life-cycle of a system from the practicability learning phase to the development of a physical blueprint; it is normally employed in combination with other techniques like that PRINCE, and it is mostly linked with the wider features of project management (Smith, 1999; Schumacher, 2001). SSADM LIFECYCLE FOR D&D PROJECT This section presents a detailed overview of the complete SSADM lifecycle. In this scenario I will outline the stages of this project regarding the new technology based system implementation: Generally, the fundamental idea of the SSADM established on a waterfall or flow analysis of systems development, in that there is a sequence of phases, all of those guides to the subsequent phase. In addition, at each phase, SSADM offers a sequence of methods, events, and principles intended for recording and sharing details related to these stages, together in pictorial as well as wording format. In this scenario, SSADM is an extremely wide-ranging paradigm, and a quality of the technique is that projects can utilize simply those components of SSADM which are suitable to the project (Smith, 1999; Schumacher, 2001). Analysis of current system problems For the new IT, MIS and web based system applications at D&D International Enterprises, the initial stage of SSADM will be regarding the effective analysis of the current system problems. In this scenario the present business structure is experiencing diverse problems regarding the traditional legacy structure. I have outlined below some of the major problems and issues: Time consuming and complicated business process cycle Inflexible management of customers and employees records Business information intricacy Production of dirty data due to use of legacy system Missing entries (human errors) Absolutely not or minimum data sharing More chances of data duplication or redundancy More costly to manage data and information Specification of requirements In this stage of development of new MIS system application for the D&D business we will specify the business requirements. These requirements will be based on the business needs which were specified by the employees and management. Some of the prime business requirements can be: More accurate or consistent data Enhanced data communication Better support for resolving business issues Better data exposure Better security features for data safety Back-up and recovery facility Support for management decision making Online data support and communication Selection of Technical option In this stage of new technology based MIS system implementation for the D&D business we will survey the marketplace for the assessment of majority resourceful technology along with system for the business management. In this scenario we will opt for the most successful technology base system that can manage the system competently. Logical design The logical design for the system will involve the development of the system artifacts those will be based on the UML system design methodology. Moreover, at this stage, system will be designed to test it for an enhanced system working and develop it in a much better way. Physical design This stage will involve the physical system design to fulfill all the system’s working and operational requirements. At this stage, the main aspect will be the designing of system database. For this purpose we will design the system database that will better facilitate the business new technology based system. RECOMMENDATIONS This section presents the recommendations for the new technology based system application at the D&D business. This section is mainly intended to recommend some of basic technology aspects which can help the D&D Enterprise to get an enhanced business support. All the corporations share one common resource, despite of type and size of corporation. Additionally, it does not matter whether the company manufactures goods or it is a service provider. And this common asset is a very important element of any corporate entity, it does not matter it is a sole proprietorship or an international firm. That common resource is information because it is the information which helps the corporations to establish the need to produce new services or products. In addition, corporations decide on the basis of this information whether they should reach into new markets or to take out from other markets. Thus, without information, organizations cannot produce goods, cannot take new orders, cannot purchase new material, cannot ship the orders, as a result cannot collect payments from customers, finally the corporation cannot survive. In this scenario, an information system could be an excellent solution for collecting, processing and storing this precious asset because an information system is a computer system that presents management and other workers working within a corporation with current information regarding the corporation’s performance; for instance, current stock and orders processing. Moreover, these systems provide information in a structure that can be used at all levels of the corporation for instance, planning, creating strategies, and operational management (Moga & Turner, 2011; Ingram, 2011). The D&D Business is operational through traditional paper based practice that is more costly and harder to manage. The idea of the new technology based system application is completely revolutionary that will enhance the overall corporate working and will offer better market and business support. Currently it is assessed that the new technology based business applications have offered a comprehensive management and operational facilities for an effective business management. Thus, having an effective technology based business management system that is able to manage information could be a biggest success for the business. In addition, each aspect from client trailing to economic data, project development to payroll must be structured and effectively quantifiable. In this regard, the effective management of information systems plays a very important role in any business. Thus, this is the responsibility of business managers to make vital decisions that are able to influence the business' fortune one way or the other. For instance, a business having sales channels or distributors spread over a wide geographic region might desire to enhance the logistical functions of managing all the areas of business. In this situation the most effective solution will be the implementation of a latest technology based application or MIS (Management Information System) (Ray, 2011; ZeroMillion, 2009; Lucey, 2005; Assimakopoulos, 1989). MIS (management information system) offers the facility of business data management (like finding, storing and examining business data). In addition, an organization uses a variety of information systems as a result the needs of employees, executives and clients are nicely considered. In this scenario, working in cooperation with clients/ consumers, MIS professionals are capable to play a prime role in corporate activities such as information integration, safety as well as sharing (Texas A&M University, 2011; Shelly et al., 2005; Norton, 2001). The newly proposed management information systems can be employed at D&D International Enterprises to change data into information with the intention that later on this information could be utilized in decision making process. In addition, management information systems can be very helpful to offer monetary or financial statements as well as performance information to help examine, develop and execute business strategy. Moreover, the management information system can offer a helpful utility to D&D International Enterprises in a sense that they are competent to gather information and data in form of consistent reports uncontrollable levels of data that would or else be generally ineffective to decision makers. Thus, by analyzing these business reports decision makers could be able to recognize diversified models and trends that would have sustained to be concealed if the raw data were handled and checked manually (BPC, 2010; Dutta, 2011). D&D International Enterprises can implement MIS to utilize raw data to execute simulations, imaginary states which respond a variety of ‘what if’ inquiries regarding transformations in business strategy. For instance, MIS systems are competent to suggest forecasts regarding the influences on sales that a change in cost would have on a commodities or goods. Moreover, these types of Decision Support Systems (DSS) offer extra knowledgeable decision making power inside a business than would be probable in the absence of MIS (BPC, 2010; Dutta, 2011). At D&D International Enterprises, MIS technology will utilize data processing systems. Seeing that the management information systems not only facilitate in gathering huge volumes of business data; however they as well offer an important time saving advantage to the staff. While in the previous times company information had to be by hand processed intended for analysis and record. It could be entered rapidly and with no trouble onto a computer by means of a data processor, helping in quicker decision making and faster responses for the D&D International Enterprises all together (BPC, 2010; Dutta, 2011). D&D International Enterprises will also be able to facilitate through the MIS technology that has to be designed as well as handled in such a way that it collects information, examines the company's actions and various functions as well as improves communication and cooperation among staff members (BPC, 2010; Dutta, 2011). The main advantage that MIS technology will offer is about more acceptable and defined data logs or records. Such data will be able to offer better data distribution among all the business departments. Moreover, this data sharing will be entirely free from data repetition problem. Furthermore, such type of data sharing and management of data will offer Web based business arrangement to utilize the centralized business storehouse. Here this data can be used for acquiring user information for the marketing of several advertisements. In this scenario, from the back-end this MIS will serve as a centralized business data storehouse of D&D International Enterprises as well as server of the E-Commerce system database. In this way, all business dealings and entries from the web based platform will be supplied to that database. Thus, both data from MIS business and the web based data will together serve as the inputs to the business decision support system. This kind of arrangement will be employed for the effective business data management since it facilitates the management to take valuable business decisions effectively (Comptroller’s Handbook, 1995; Ray, 2011). In this section I have assessed some of main areas and features regarding the new technology that can completely transform the traditional business practice of the D&D business. In case of new MIS system application we are expecting that business will attain a better competitive edge in the market. The new MIS technology will also facilitate in managing customer relationship effectively and have more enhanced business management. CONCLUSION Management information system is a mixture of software and hardware utilized to perform operations of data and information automatically. Normally, organizations use management information systems to facilitate their staff members to use and change information. Management information systems (MISs) offer the facility of business data management (like finding, storing and examining business data). In addition, an organization uses a variety of information systems as a result the needs of employees, executives and clients are nicely considered. This report has presented a comprehensive analysis of system development for the D&D business. In this report I have presented a comprehensive assessment of the new MIS technology based system. In this report I have as well outlined the fundamental SSADM lifecycle and recommendations. Bibliography Assimakopoulos, N.A., 1989. Establishment of a Management Information System. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 89(2), pp.2-79. BPC, 2010. What are Management Information Systems. [Online] Available at: http://www.bestpricecomputers.co.uk/glossary/management-information-system.htm [Accessed 21 February 2011]. Comptroller’s Handbook, 1995. Management Information Systems. 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