Understanding Information Systems - Literature review Example

Understanding Information Systems Business information systems which can also be simply termed as information systems (IS) perform numerous tasks that involve the conceptualization, establishment, creation, integration, continuance and utilization of frameworks for the purposes of transmitting information by the means of computer-assistance in a company-based or enterprise-wide network setting (Wigand et al. 2003). The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively explore the realm of business information systems by identifying their significance in the modern business environment in relation with how the framework can assist key business functions in achieving key organizational objectives. According to the assessment of Rocha et al. (2013), today’s businesses are often scrutinized for reserving substantial financial means in order to launch and execute information systems (IS) within the company and this action also seeks justification with regard to the modern organizational environment. With regard to this concern which places companies in a critical position for committing large amounts for the establishment of business information systems, a fundamental element in this case can be highlighted as the concept of globalization and associated components within the market that have put organizations in a highly competitive business scenario which essentially leads companies to deliver effective results and also accomplish tasks to the best of their capabilities (Rocha et al., 2013). Moreover, information systems have also aided what can be termed as the transformation of businesses by working in collaboration with the increasing popularity of information and communication technologies (ICT) on a worldwide scale. The association between globalization and information systems (IS) can also be determined by understanding how market competitiveness has ordered technology and innovation to appear at the forefront of business management due to the influx of opportunities, threats and challenges that emerge as a consequence of changing market trends, most of which have been prompted by globalization (Rocha et al., 2013). The premise of current modifications in business settings is led by the notion of ongoing and widespread innovation which has prompted companies to acknowledge that they cannot effectively manage their operations unless they integrate information systems (IS) as a wider part of their operations. This factor highlights that the rise in the need and popularity of information and communication technologies (ICT) has been invited by the factor of globalization and has played a critical role in evolution of how business operations are conducted and managed on an extensive scale. According to Wigand et al. (2003), the tasks of an information system are accomplished by the means of automating operations in an enterprise or company in scenarios where a certain function is being executed by a computer network or an individual who is responsible for governing the activities of the entire automated system. The attainment of an information systems’ (IS) ultimate long term goal is dependent upon the successful collaboration of certain components which are a part of the comprehensive framework. As noted by Wigand et al. (2003) these constituents can be recognized as the technology components within the larger category of computers and networks including hardware, software and data followed by procedures for the governance of information systems which have to be managed by people. In terms of explicating upon the technical foundations of information systems (IS), hardware can be recognized as comprising of all those components, equipments or devices that can be touched by an individual (Wigand et al., 2003). In general information systems establishment, key hardware elements can be recognized as the 1) central processing system (CPU) 2) Storage devices, also termed as external memory sources 3) equipment for data entry such as mouse and keyboard and 4) equipment for data display such as LCD or monitor (Wigand et al., 2003). As noted by Wigand et al. (2003) in information systems (IS) setting, the relationship that is shared by hardware and software can deemed as being analogous to the association between people and procedures with respect to the same network. According to Abramowicz, Maciaszek and Wecel (2011), the implications of applying the four-step model for solving issues and problems in an organizational setting are rooted in carefully understanding productivity and quality procedures for the aim of assessing how these issues can be resolved in the light of information system-relations problems. The chronological stages of the four-step approach are conducted by the means of planning, doing, checking and acting upon solutions to address inconsistencies and irregularities that can be damaging or hindering in the attainment of specified business goals. Thus, in the first phase it is important to design objectives and outline expected outputs as per the requirements of the entire process. Consequently, this action should be followed by the execution of new frameworks which can potentially resolve existing information system-relations issues. As noted by Abramowicz, Maciaszek and Wecel (2011), this is usually done by implementing small scale test scenarios whereby, prototyping and benchmarking is conducted. Accordingly, the second last phase involves checking how the execution of the designed framework has worked and whether it has performed as per identified expectations, this task can be completed by performing a comparative analysis of varying scenarios. As a final point, the last stage involves identifying inconsistencies in the proposed framework and devising solutions or suggesting improvements to realize whether a modified approach to business problem solving and addressing information systems-relations issues can yield better or even more effective results. In order to comprehend the role of information systems (IS) for enhancing business effectiveness in its entirety it is important to recognize certain business features in accordance with which information systems (IS) must be designed so as to ensure that designated objectives are met and attained in a timely manner. These elements can be recognized as the scale of the business for example whether the business is a small or medium enterprise, the customer base of the organization, financial resources and assets of the company and the human resources requirements and capabilities of the firm all of which are conducive for the achievement of a competitive advantage in a globalized environment. As noted by Wigand et al. (2003), business information systems have the capability and capacity to influence the functioning of each of the major areas of organizational functioning including sales and marketing, productions, human resources, management and finance. For example, a productions department employee a car manufacturer can benefit from the assistance and capabilities of information systems (IS) by carefully choosing and placing orders for specific parts by conducting a comprehensive research of existing suppliers and the packages that are being provided by them. Once, the employee has compared all available options by going into the company database and examining prior orders for the supplies of car parts, he/she can make an informed decision about placing an order of a large quantity or volume based on the past experience with that specific supplier. Similarly, the sales and marketing division of a car manufacturing firm can also be aided by the presence of business information systems (IS) because the presence of the network can allow salespersons and marketers to produce a sales forecasts for various models of the car for a given period of time. Wigand et al. (2003) assert that comprehensive planning and management systems that are aided by computer networks can also assist firms by aligning the expected demand for the product for a given period of time with the required productions capacity for coming years as well as the financial resources which may be necessary for meeting expected demand. In this manner, business information systems essentially aid multiple business divisions including sales and marketing, productions and manufacturing and accounting and finance at the same time by transmitting suitable information simultaneously. Moreover, with regard to aiding the business function of human resources, Wigand et al. (2003) employ the example of the airline industry in which multimedia systems can be incorporated for equipping employees with the necessary training and skills. This notion postulates that a comprehensive multimedia system allows companies to integrate multiple training tools and techniques in the same network to assist employees and train them at their own convenience, learning requirement and accessibility. In the light of the growing importance of incorporating business information systems (IS) within the wider organizational framework, the evolution of this aspect has led to the development of various career opportunities and fields for exploration. This aspect is largely associated with the people component of information systems because of the need for individuals who can operate, manage and maintain extensive business information systems (IS) in enterprise-based network and organizational settings. Accordingly, the varied skill set which is needed for the management of such systems integrates technical expertise of individuals in addition with problem solving skills for effectively dealing with and tackling unforeseen situations in the business environment. Moreover, this factor also promotes the need for having considerable experience in the information technology (IT) field for managing teams and assigning responsibilities. References Abramowicz, W., Maciaszek, L., & Węcel, K. (2011). Business Information Systems Workshops: BIS 2011 International Workshops and BPSC International Conference, Poznań, Poland, June 15-17, 2011. Revised Papers. (Business information systems workshops.) Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Rocha, Á., Correia, A. M., Wilson, T., & Stroetmann, K. A. (2013). Advances in information systems and technologies (Vol. 206). Springer. Wigand, R. T., Mertens, P., Bodendorf, F., König, W., Picot, A., & Schumann, M. (2003).Introduction to business information systems: With 79 figures. Berlin: Springer. Read More