Application of Information Technology in Organizations - Essay Example

APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN ORGANISATIONS WITHIN A SOCIO-TECHNICAL CONTEXT Table of Contents Table of Contents 0 Critical Reflective Report 2 Introduction 2 Uses of Research in Information Technology in a Company 2 Conclusion 7 Introduction 8 Group Discussion 8 Conclusion 11 References 13 Critical Reflective Report Introduction In my Computer Sciences and Information technology classes, I was taught how to conduct effective research in Information Technology. I acquired the necessary and relevant skills to conduct research objectively. I was exposed to advanced valuable lessons that were related to various Information Technology that, included, the Accounting Information Systems (AIS). I comprehensively understood the use of information and communication technologies that are effectively used for management control and decision making purposes in companies. I particularly learnt how to model, analyze, prototype, evaluate and implement various aspects of information technology systems and research methods (Narayanan & Armstrong, 2005, p. 97). Uses of Research in Information Technology in a Company The paramount emphasis that I learnt in these lessons included among them Information Technology systems and various research methods that are widely used in the field of Information Technology. My understanding was evidently widened in the area of the Information Technology whereas I also learnt on various contemporary issues that the Information Technology profession faces. Among these challenges are: consulting opportunities, reporting models, lack of appreciation of information technology in various companies, the few disadvantages of information technology in companies and privacy rights (Jakobs, 2008, p. 73). The lessons were immensely valuable as they opened my understanding on the efficiency, design and deployment of information technology systems and other related technologies within an organization. I learnt that information technology use computer applications in creating and managing computer based databases either on desktops or on connected computers within a network. Information technology has various usages that I came to learn about which included the storage of information using the personal information management (PIM) which can also be used in small businesses and managing data (Khosrowpour, 2010, p. 182). This lesson taught me that information technology consisted of particular software that included Access 2010 database that was a windows file. It primarily must have a location known also as a path. The path indicates how the file can be made available and retrieved. I learnt how to create a database on the root directory on a folder that is easily recognizable. Access 2010 is an application that is used in creating computer databases. The application is well equipped with every tool needed to start a project, to end it, and effectively distribute it. This normally the interface side of the application but the creativity side of it should come from me. I learnt that it was my duty to define what product I wanted to create, its usage, type of user, and its application on where it will be used (Ray, 2004, 46). I adequately learnt that prior to creating a database in information technology, it was equally paramount for me to have a plan and how I will design it. An example would be that I should define the database type that I want to create. I learnt that I should create in writing a list of various objects the database would contain. This included customers, employees, transactions, payments, and products. Therefore, information technology was a management information tool that assists in storing information for analysis, reference and reporting. It also helps in overcoming the numerous limitations that are found in managing large information amounts (Stair & Reynolds, 2010, p. 53). My class of Information Technology enhanced my research capability and capacity. My skills were effectively polished on the various research methodologies that are usually used in Information Technology. Through research in information technology, I was able use systematic inquiry in informatics and information technology. Here, I used qualitative and quantitative approaches with prominence on organizational and individual users of information technology who work in the electronic environment. This included the synthesis, evaluation, analysis and reporting of theoretical and applied research normally used in the information technology field. I used my computer laboratory sessions to facilitate textual, graphical and statistical analyses of data that I came across in my research. I had the excellent opportunity to critically evaluate for myself the various research methodologies used in information technology (Laudon and Laudon, 2004, p. 81). My classes in research in information technology made me gain vast understanding and knowledge in the terminologies and concepts that are commonly used in informatics research and information technology. I comprehensively learnt how to appropriately evaluate selected quantitative and qualitative research methods. These methods are used in conducting various research studies usually used in different information environments. I was able to present various designs for particular research methods in information technology. I am confident using a number of computer programs in analyzing research data. Am now fully competent and knowledgeable in interpreting how data analyses supports decisions and theories for the use and users of information technologies. Through my informative lessons, I was able to synthesize and analyze technical and research reports in identifying various decision points, creation of action plans and agendas and development of strategic plans. My memorable moments and valuable lessons are when I was able to apply my research findings to the problems of the real world (Narayanan and Armstrong, 2005, p. 148). My valuable lessons in information technology made me knowledgeable on how to create various queries for an Access and excel database. I comprehensively learnt that queries are a vital part of any database used in information technology. One of my best application was the Query Designer helped me create and select query that returned data from a table that was single. I was able to create a select query, while at the same time being asked to enter parameters. I promptly received results that were uniform to the parameters that I had entered. I also used a formula in a query in order to calculate a sum. I was able to use the Query Wizard in creating a select query that in turn returned data from two tables. I used an expression to concatenate fields. This program was very effective to various companies since it assisted in perform accurate sums and compiling data that was used by the company’s management in making decisions (Hunter & Tan, 2007, p. 49). I was also able to learn the keyboard shortcuts used in information technology. I was able to access any menu and command any instructions on the desktop used in information technology. I used various keyboard shortcuts in order to work at the field list and the property sheet used in Excel and Access. This made my work much simpler as I was able to create more databases within a remarkably short time. Through this lesson, I was able to create reports that would enable other people to answer critical business questions, understand my data. Thus, my reports presented information visually (Ray, 2004, 94). The lessons in information technology enabled me to create various reports that would be useful to the employees and management of a company. These reports would enable someone to know the true position of a company in terms of its operations and profitability. These reports would enlighten the management to make informed and knowledgeable decisions. They would also assist in making strategic decisions for a company. I was also able to design and create a basic report very easily by use of information technology. I also grouped and sorted data in the various reports that I was able to create and generate so that I could comprehend them. From here, I was able to add various sums and subtotals in my various reports. My best part was creating reports manually with the Report Wizard. We were also taught on a number of ways of changing a report. These included the use of design and layout views (Laudon & Laudon, 2004, p. 176). At this point in the information technology classes, I could be able to construct descriptive statistical accurate graphic displays. I was able to enhance competently these graphs with added visual images and interpretative text. I was able to use online survey collection programs in collecting data in research in the information technology. Additionally, I was able to analyze survey data competently with the correct statistical method. I designed tables for the new databases, created various tables for the new databases and at the same time building relationships for the new database. I then was able to create queries for the database and create various forms. It was at this point that I learnt on how to start a database by use of the navigation Pane (Anderson, 2003, p. 127). The lessons taught me how to use various files used in the research in information technology. I learnt that each file had its own special purposes and each one of the files was categorized. I was familiarized to a number of uses of web databases and templates that are used in information technology. This lesson assumed that I had some knowledge on information technology and therefore I built some databases as well as understood the basics of various database design and table relationships. Therefore, this lesson escalated my knowledge by further whereby I learnt on how to use the backstage view. The Backstage view helped me to open already existing databases as well as in creating new databases. I also learnt on how to save an already existing files and databases used in information technology. It was particularly challenging at the beginning when I learnt on the key terminologies and concepts that are used in informatics research and information technology. At the end of my valuable lessons, I was able to create various forms, tables, queries and reports. Eventually, I was able to catch up, and I unquestionably liked the concept and the lesson was tremendously exciting when I learnt how to use the layout view of the various programs in the information technology to edit reports and forms. The layout view also assisted me in grouping data in to various reports (Hunter & Tan, 2007, p. 76). Most importantly, I learnt the fundamentals and the vast use of the internet in information technology. I learnt that the internet was the most paramount element that made the world a global village. No company would be able to operate without the use of an internet connection. The uses and advantages of the internet to a company were very numerous. Internet enabled communication, trading and knowledge on what the world was doing on real time. This is very essential to a company since it is always abreast with the right information regarding its customers, consumers, suppliers and other stakeholder who are vital to the operations of the company. Internet through information technology enabled smooth running of a company’s operations whereby both internal and external communication was made easy and it was a very reliable way of reaching everyone at a very short period (Ray, 2004, 159). I learnt of the common steps that I should use in creating a select query that included starting out by selecting a source for the query. The source has to be a record source that can be either one or more queries, tables or a combination of the two. From the record source, the next step is to select the fields that I want to be seen in the query. I then add any filtering, sorting or any other criteria selection to my queries. Having finished adding the fields and any other selection, I then run my query in order to see if will give me the correct results. I learnt that I could refine my query by removing or adding fields or by having changes in my selection criteria till I have the data required. Then I put the query to effective work (Narayanan & Armstrong, 2005, p. 262). Conclusion In conclusion, research in information technology lessons made me mightily knowledgeable where I came to learn that information technology allowed the users to work on large volumes of data. Different features and components used in information technology were quick to learn, easy to use, and are ultimately beneficial for large and even small companies. Among the main objects and components used in information technology, include forms, queries, tables, macros, reports and modules. The other major benefits of information technology are that a company’s operations run smoothly and harmoniously (Anderson, 2003, p. 152). Group Project Introduction Institutions in the present corporate world have constantly embarked on the initiative of incorporating information technology in daily operations and activities. Socio-technical context have an incredibly critical role in shaping the success as well as development of the contemporary organisations. Information technology on the other hand is universally known for necessitating transfers of knowledge and exchange of information, encouraging mutual assistance, facilitating smooth integration among all department in an organisation, bolstering strategic alliances as well as facilitating comprehensive and realistic decision making process (Weisbord, 2007, p. 27). Despite having positive outcome to the organisation’s success and development, modern information technology has some discouraging impacts to the operations and management of an organisation. Ineffective socio-technical context and interaction in an organisation may result to splintering of the organisation as opposed socially integrating the organisation (Galliers and Baets, 1998, p. 92). However, the introduction of modern technology has an exceptionally effective impact on the role and impact of social factors in the organisations’ operations and management. Technologies offer opportunities, corrective control, and consistent social interaction in an organisation (Damsgaard and Scheepers, 2000, p. 137). Group Discussion Different institutions use information systems and internet as a means facilitating social interaction in an organisation as well as between one organisation and the other. At present, a good number of organisations and businesses are adopting knowledge management technology with an aim of increasing the flow of knowledge and information at multiple levels. Knowledge management technology has so far turned out to be very effective in connecting employees and other stakeholders in an organisation both at the workplace and at home. Use of modern technology is also a means of facilitating effective interaction and communication between different organizations and between the organisation and the broader community members. For instance, by using the internet to advertise for a job opportunity, the organisation transforms their recruitment process from mechanistic process to organismic process. Using the internet to look for an employment opportunity also transforms individual academic and professional qualification from production-oriented qualification to knowledge- centred experiences. Knowledge management and information technology offers a technical framework that is required in information and knowledge sharing among various professionals in an organisation. Managers and supervisors in different organisations have as well been relying on information technology to manage and control the organization’s activities and operations. The emergence of modern information technology knowledge in modern entities as well as continued invention and innovation in contemporary organisations has as well advanced the technical and social interactions. Effective and consistent information and knowledge sharing is the main characteristics of entities that have adopted socio-technological systems (Avgerou 2002, p. 93). Organisation’s managers and overseers are using modern information technology and knowledge management technology to bridge epistemic gap in their organisations by developing virtual spaces for collaborative learning. Collaborative learning results to the establishment of autonomous work groups as well as adoption social cooperation, self-control and common values. Moreover, a good number of modern managers use knowledge management technology, information technology and e learning to facilitate social interaction both within the organisation and between different organisations. Numerous organisations use information technology both in primary groups’ level and in organisation level to link modern technology with human systems. For instance, a good number of organisations use e-learning technology to help community members to facilitate non-structured and structured interactions and training in their organisations. Modern entities, especially higher learning institutions use both e learning and online learning in their training process. As applied in contemporary organisations, e learning connects people with emerging technology. E-learning training’s open system nature has as well played an essential role in enhancing self-regulation, collaborative decision making, as well as in necessitating workgroup autonomy (Trist, 2001, p. 23). Several global organisations have also come up with distance learning and training programs that have intentional socio-technical designs. These programs have enabled employees and other trainees who are participating in practical work group to undergo a technological transformation. Technological transformation on the other hand enables employees to acknowledge the significance and validity of establishing new means of acquiring both professional and technical competence. E-learning programs also have both intellectual and emotional experiences that are brought about by the nature of interaction in the entire e-learning process. Generally, e- learning in most institutions takes place at three main levels, macro-social level, and individual level as well as in-group level (Shrader, James & Alan 2009, p. 51). A good number of researchers and scholars have also asserted that, individuals in an organisation have a bigger role to play in changing the manner in which organisations transfer and share their information through emerging information technology. To some extent, professionals in different organisations play a very essential role in incorporating modern technology in the organisation interaction and socialisation process. As a result, many traditional and modern higher learning institutions have embarked on the process of preparing students to become knowledge-based employees. Moreover, it is as well factual to state that, the 21st social and technological climate is appearing to have positive impact on socio-technical systems. Internet and other social media have as well significantly contributed in advancing the level of intelligence in modern families and community. The development of an intelligent society forms a basis for effective socio-technical organisation. Proper inclusion of information technology in an organisation enables shared leadership and collaborative decision-making process (Marcus & Daniel 2008, p.579). Despite the increased significance of information technology in enhancing socio-technical context, a good numbers of managers in different organisation are still reluctant to give their management and leadership powers to other people. Traditional leaders also beliefs that, decision-making process should be a top-down process and the implementation should be a bottom-up process. Post-modern organisational leaders have used modern information technology to get the relevant management and leadership information and feedback from junior leaders. Moreover, modern managers use modern technology to interact with other professionals on social and economic issues. The incorporation of modern information technology has resulted to the introduction of mechanistic model that helps managers to use their knowledge in the management of the organisation (Obstfeld, 2005, p. 109). Conclusion In the light of the above analysis, it is clear that, different managers and supervisor in different organisations applies information technology differently in the socio-technical content. Information technology has played a very essential role in enhancing collaborative decisions making process in different entities. Moreover, modern entities especially higher learning institutions have used on-line training mechanism to training employees on social and technical issues. However, in spite of the encouraging outcome of information technology in enhancing social interaction in different organisation, managers and other involved players ought to identify and execute the most effective means of training the employees and the public on the importance of information technology in socio-technical context. References Anderson, R. H. (2003). Effective use of information technology: lessons about state governance structures and processes. Santa Monica, CA, RAND. Avgerou, C., 2002, “Information Systems and Global Diversity”, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Damsgaard, J. & Scheepers, R., 2000, “Managing the Crises in Intranet Implementation: A Stage Model”, Information Systems Journal, 10 (2), 131–149. Galliers, R.D. & Baets, W., 1998, “Information Technology and Organizational Transformation: Innovation for the 21st Century Organization”, Chichester, UK: Wiley. Hunter, M. G., & Tan, F. B. (2007). Strategic use of information technology for global organizations. 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