Managing Information Systems - Assignment Example

Management Information Systems Q In the contemporary business world, it would be inconceivable for one to expect to achieve success in business without making use of the current information technology in an age where information is one of the most valuable resources. Information technology facilitates numerous advantages for a business in the contemporary world, for one, it facilitates the speed through which decisions can be made by reducing the amount of time required to consult and carry out research.1 For example it the director of a firm needs to make an urgent decision for which he must consult with the partner, he simple has to organize a conference call that saves time and ultimately money. In addition, some firms have taken to using computers to analyze data gathered from studies using specialized software that makes them more effective and faster than human technicians. Once again, this tremendously increases both the effectiveness and time efficiency, which is crucial in keeping ahead, or up with the competition. Given the high level of competition, in most sectors, a business must quickly adapt to the latest technology so as to not only innovate the newest products but do it before the competition and thus secure early entry into target market which translates into competitive advantage. The function of a company’s information technology support system is to facilitate the operations of the firm and enhance communication and collaboration; it allows for quick relay of information on products between different departments and reduces the inefficacy that ultimately results when there is a communication breakdown. Ultimately, using ICT makes a business function in a more efficient and streamlined manner improving the quality of product this inevitably gives it an edge over the competition. In most cases the decisions made in a firm are based on available date which needs to be provided in a timely manner to the decision makes and technicians, technology systems guarantees the integrity and correctness of this data. Moreover, it can be relayed in real time and constantly updated when there are changes to be made, given the intensity of competition, it is critical that important decisions are taken as per scenario and to the immediate advantage of the organization. Q.2 Today, information is the basis of the organization and planning for the functioning of any business today, an effective and competent manager is therefore obligated to make use information technology to ensure their firm is functioning correctly. Given that the role of an information system is to provide accurate information so that managers can use it to make the best use of the resources that are availed to them. Managers are especially supposed to lead the organization and control production process, so as to maximize on the firms productivity, one of the way through which they can demonstrate that they are responsible is through using technology to maintaining g up to date records. Managers can use technological systems to secure information and separate different levels of access and clearance based on the positions, responsibilities of various staff members. For example, the manager can give allow the administrative passwords to supervisors and administrators so they can supervise the subordinate staff, in addition by protecting company data with passwords and restricting access they can reduce the risk of company secrets and strategies leaking to the completion by providing such data on a need to know basis.2 The manager should take advantage of the technological devices and software to store data relevant information, this way there will be records of the transactions and business deals for the sake of accountability. The information system today pronominally includes the internet, a responsible manager should take cognizance of the fact that there is a great deal of data available online that they can use to improve the efficiency of the organization. In addition, when employees are provided with technological resources, they sometimes misuse them through activities such as social networking and other time wasters. A responsible manager should put in place systems to ensure that the organization’s time and resources are not wasted in personal pursuits. Responsible managers should also use the IT infrastructure to supervise their employees especially through checking log files to ensure the staff is working efficiently, for example through the infrastructure, they can monitor the amount of time it takes employees to process requests and use it to grade their performance. Q.3 One would expect , given the demand and practicality of Appling internet and technological solutions to modern business that a manager requested to come up with computer based technological applications to boost competitive advantage would be all enthusiastic about it . However, considering some factors, they may have reservations since this technology is not entirely fail save and it does come with a unique set of challenges. For one, after implementation, information technology cannot be used indefinitely, and while the idea itself may be viewed as a long term investment individual concepts can have a very short lifespan. Technology is very dynamic and the field keeps changing with time, which requires management to keep lookout for the best and most promising technology so they can become competitive. For example, Nokia worked for a long time to develop the Symbian mobile platform on which most of their devices run, however when Android came into the market, Nokia was forced off the top of the mobile since the latter was more innovative and attractive to consumers3. Manager must always consider many factors before they invest in any technology since it could be suddenly phased out wrenching away their competitive advantage. Technology solutions also happen to be very pricey and managers cannot just acquire them because they are available or there is demand for them, at the end of the day the newest technology may be important but it should not come at a price the firm cannot afford. In addition new technology means the staff have to be trained and instructed in its usage, once again this is a costly affair since trading will take both time and money and there may be initial mistakes from the inexperienced staff which could cost the firm even more. Having the best or newest technology is not all it takes for a firm to effectively implement technological solutions, they also need to put up systems through which it will be managed and the necessary updates and training provided. Ergo, given the challenges that they stand to contend with though application of new technological solutions, it is understandable that a manager would be apprehensive and may want to consider these and many other factors balancing out the cost and benefits. Q.4 Numerous companies to create online store have used the internet can and through which they could transact business without having to use the traditional brick and mortar store. An example of this is Amazon.com which was one of the first virtual business pioneers, it operated as an online bookstore and its primary services were to deliver and broker bookstore services without the use or need of a physical retail store.4 With time Web 2.0 services have improve popularity of numerous businesses which use collaborative technology to reach out to customers, through PCI and DSS regulations, it has become possible for sales to be carried out safely and efficiently through the internet. In America, it is possible for groups or individuals to assemble and open a profit making organization online without having to incorporate of form a traditional company. Another example of how the internet and wireless technologies can be used to operate a business is virtual enterprises, which comprise of independent companies including; suppliers, customers supplier and competitors using ICT to share skills access and share each other’s market, and thereby promoting vertical integration. The advantages of operating a virtual company in as far as competitive advantage is concern include the fact that one can operate at reduced costs since they will not need to rent build or buy a physical building. This way they can sell their goods at considerably less than their brick and motor competition. In addition, online store are more agile and versatile since they are not limited to a geographical area, for example amazon can sell books to people anywhere in the world since internet access provides it with universal access. This gives it a significant edge over its traditional competition since most of them often focus on their physical stores and thus only make big sales in their home towns and are hardly known outside. The agility of an online business is further promoted by the fact that it is cheaper and easier to manage since one can work from home as they take part in other activities, for example stay at home mums of people with disabilities who may prefer to avoid the hustle of commuting to a convectional office can still effectively run a successful business. Q.5 In light of the prevailing global business environment, I agree unreservedly that the internet is without doubt the driving force behind the modern telecommunication networks and communication technologies. Today, the word network is synonymous with the internet; in fact it is rather difficult to conceive the ideal of communication networks without the internet most of them are entirely based on it. Consider some of the most common and important social networking sites such as Facebook and tweeter, without access to the internet users cannot access of communicate through them. The same can be said for emails sites such as Google and yahoo as well as a host of other internet related services such as Skype and internet calls. Since the around the mid 90’s, the internet has been the primary source of information for business information,5 it makes it possible for business people to know what is going on anywhere in the world from a central point. Through blogs, emails and numerous websites, one can gather data about a perspective business idea, the activities of the competition suppliers or any other stakeholder that can potentially affect their business. In addition to the networks, cloud computing which is becoming one of the foremost ways of storing data remotely and securely is dependent on the internet. Numerous companies are taking to storing their information in remote serves so that their employees can access data from anywhere in the world as well as to make sure their information is secure and safe from damage in case of mechanical damage of machines through fires or natural disasters. In fact the driving power of the internet is significant that without it, there would not be social networking email and most of the communication systems that people and organizations depend on for communication would be rendered obsolete. Q.6 There is an emerging trend in the field of internet and network technologies where individuals can access and use online services anywhere and at any time, this is likely to keep developing as technological improvements are made towards boosting the effectiveness of wireless devices and applications. Many laptops come with the capacity to use Bluetooth and wireless technology which makes it possible for them to be connected to wireless external pointing devices and keyboards. The cellular technology has facilitated mobile communication through cellphones more so smartphones which can today be used to access a wide range of services wireless and remotely. The wireless technology supports mobile, voice and data communication and it is also used to connect local areas through local area networks, (LAN) wide area network, WAN other similar services. Companies have also adapted to using specialized and customized networks through which employees can log on to their work stations remotely when they are either in the field or wish to telecommute. Most of these systems however require that one is connected to the World Wide Web and as a result, the demand for and effective expansive and reliable internet infrastructure is on the rise. One of the facilities that require a combination of wireless networks and the worldwide web is cloud storage, for firms to access data on their cloud, they need to have a wireless network that is administered and controlled from a central point through which they are allowed access to the cloud.6 However this data will have to be constantly downloaded and uploaded into the cloud, this calls for a fast and reliable internet connectivity which has seen many firms struggling to upgrade from 3g to 4g internet in the quest to be competitive and allows their staff and customers seamless access to the cloud. As a result of the increasing popularity and necessity of the wireless services, business are being hard pressed to upgrade their internet infrastructure and this will requires considerable investment in the short run as firms try to partner with the most effective and affordable ISP firm. In the long run, business will have to spend a considerable fraction of their budgets in ensuring that their employees have a near permanent online presence both on the internet and wireless networks to facilitate effectiveness and keep up with the demands of the digital times. Q.7 When technological solutions were initially introduced in offices in the late 80s and early 90’s they were often received with a mixture of excitement and a certain degree of technophobia. For many employees these represented a radical change in the way they worked but they were not sure they were ready for them. However today the internet and networking technologies have become a critical part of the office environment and the expectations of workers are much higher and bolder. In an office where employees have access to intranet or extranet, they do not expect for instance to waste time moving around to deliver documents since they can simply send of deposit them with the relevant party. Business people expect the internet to play a significantly bigger role than was the case in retrospect, the cost of printers and other devices that can be shared through LAN networks will undoubtedly be expected to reduce as is the price of hiring messengers and other staff whose jobs have been eclipsed by the internet. The internet is expected to provide a higher level of information security at a significantly lower price, for example, important data can be secured in soft copy through encrypted passwords as opposed to keeping it in bulky safes. Furthermore, business people expect more value from their employees who in some cases have the option of working from home of the office as long as they are connected. The most profound use the internet has for business people is however likely to be advertising, for most businesses, the internet provides a cheap and expansive media through which they can reach their clients and perspective customers.7 Adverts can be made through company websites social network pages or even in any of the many online fours such as magazines and blogs, which are relatively cheap owing to the intense competition. In addition, business people expect to have a near automatic connection with international market places, while the internet is becoming a vital for companies desiring to expend into the global arena. Trades can trade shares on the international stock market and they can monitor the performance of their businesses, subsidiaries and competitors through the World Wide Web. Bibliography Bickart, Barbara, and Robert M. Schindler. "Internet forums as influential sources of consumer information." Journal of interactive marketing 15, no. 3 (2001): 31-40. Gaw, Shirley, and Edward W. Felten. "Password management strategies for online accounts." In Proceedings of the second symposium on Usable privacy and security, pp. 44-55. ACM, 2006. Guha, Saikat, Bin Cheng, and Paul Francis. "Privad: practical privacy in online advertising." In Proceedings of the 8th USENIX conference on Networked systems design and implementation, pp. 13-13. USENIX Association, 2011. Mellahi, Kamel, and Michael Johnson. "Does it pay to be a first mover in e. commerce? The case of Amazon. com." Management Decision 38, no. 7 (2000): 445-452. Treacy, Ciaran. "Could Microsoft be the next Apple?." (2013). https://sociable.co/technology/could-microsoft-be-the-next-apple/ accessed 08 June 2013 Trilling, Bernie, and Charles Fadel. 21st century skills: Learning for life in our times. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Wu, Jiyi, Lingdi Ping, Xiaoping Ge, Ya Wang, and Jianqing Fu. "Cloud storage as the infrastructure of cloud computing." In Intelligent Computing and Cognitive Informatics (ICICCI), 2010 International Conference on, pp. 380-383. IEEE, 2010. Read More