The Role of Knowledge Worker Information Systems Infrastructure - Assignment Example

Course Work Questions Introduction IT infrastructure consists of both the hardware and software components of a computer system. It includes other aspects such as the internet and all related services, which are vital for organizations operations (Turban et al., 2001). The infrastructure helps organizations to carry out their IT operations to satisfy all the stakeholders’ needs. Since its creation and inception, IT infrastructure has gone a long way to in its current state. The paper addresses different aspects in relation to IT as a thesis of this work. Dq5.1 1. Describe three to four stages in the evolution of infrastructure? The electronic accounting machine represented the first period. This lasted between 1930 and 1950. It was mainly represented by the usage of large unsophisticated machines with software whose job was just to sort, add, and report data. Mainframe computers represented the second period. This began in 1959 until the 1970s. Mainframes had the ability to perform multiple tasks, and they had the ability to store memory virtually. The third stage was represented by the introduction of the Personal computer. This began in 1981 to date. The pioneer of the PC period was IBM PC. It had a big demand then and, therefore, it became widely spread. At this stage, it was not possible to connect to the network. The fourth period was represented by the introduction of servers. This was adopted from 1983 to date. In this period, the processing of computer information was divided between the server and the client. The fifth and current period was first introduced in 1992. It was represented by the adoption of the internet technology. The internet enables many networks to be interconnected, and it has accelerated the rate at which information flows among the different parts of the organization. Question 2 What is the significance to knowledge worker information systems infrastructure? The knowledge Worker information system (KIWS) is a computer application that enables knowledge workers collect, organize, and manage work activity information. The information also enables them to discover new knowledge, prioritize, and complete tasks efficiently and effectively. KIWS incorporates technologies and methods from workflow, information management, work scheduling, work measure measurement, and software agent. KIWS helps an organization improve its efficiency and effectiveness. It also enables it to improve its focus, and eliminate rework and work elimination (Davenport, 2005). Dq5.2 Question1 What is a database server? A database server is a program in the computer that gives database services to other computers or computer programs. It also describes computer that is reserved to run such a program. The database is designed to allow multiple users to access the same information using different applications. It presents the stored information to the users in a more organized manner. In large organizations, the database is set up in a manner that many users can access the information without the need to generate a computer program. What is the server's role in an infrastructure for knowledge-worker information systems? The role of a database server is to bring together data. This is through shaping it in a way that resonates with the activities it supports to give out information. A database makes sharing of accurate and updated information easy. It also improves the business performance since it enables employees to work from various locations at any given time. A database server also serves the critical role of effective decision-making in an organization. This is because it avails information relating to marketing, purchases, production, customer relationships, and suppliers. The database server helps to reveal areas where there is a difficulty hence making it easier for managers to tackle them out (Kroenke, 2011). Consider some new approaches to data provisioning? Data provisioning can be like the offering of services to customers in network terms. In order for the network to be, there has to be an equipment to receive the network and there has to be a network design or plan installed in place. Provisioning helps users get access to data and information at all levels. It provides any user access to both organizational systems and other useful resources such as computers and cell phones (McNurlin et al., 2009). Dq5.3 What do you consider the main infrastructure component in your organization's knowledge worker information system? A well-developed information system support change by enabling a company to be agile. In order to develop an agile company, our organization has developed a strong knowledge-worker information system, which consists of hardware, software, and telecommunications network. It also consists of data warehouse and a database server. All these components are important as they work together to produce useful information to the organization and its customers. They enable the organization to connect internally and externally. Our organization also operates as a virtual organization. Therefore, it is well spread through the world. It has several virtual workforce, virtual offices, and virtual leadership. The organization thus has a complex infrastructure, which requires consistent and extensive planning for the global market. The organization requires scientifically collected information that is constantly available in order to handle transformations and other activities like merging and acquisition. Its knowledge-worker information with the above-mentioned components acquires and disseminates important information to workers, managers, suppliers, customers, partners, and others. Every party of the information system is, therefore, important; as it ensures that, the organization receives and offers the targeted information (Robson, 2014). However, according to me, the database server, as a component of the information system is the most important part. Why? Even though, the other components of the information are equally important, a database server has the upper hand, as it is a platform where the organization can acquire important information about customers’ needs and markets. It also enabled the company to give out important information to its customers thus selling itself. Even though, it cannot operate on its own without putting into maximum use the works of the other parts, a database server is more important. A database server is important as through it; the organization maintains it agility and that of its workers. It helps in the acquisition of information from the customers. It thus, enables the organization to maintain its market share. Furthermore, a database server enables the organization to sell itself to new customers. It also helps the company maintain its customers through notification of products and services. Just as had earlier been mentioned, every component of information system is important. However, the fact that the importance of a database server has direct impacts to the success of the organization gives it a cutting edge as compared to the others (Cervo & Allen, 2011). Include its role in value creation for the organization? Through the database server, the organization can interact with its current and prospective customers. A database server enables a company to interact with its members and the external members of the society. It is a platform where people can acquire clear information about the company. The database server also serves as collection center for information pertinent to the organization. Through various questions and opinions that people sent, the organization can identify important information, which it can use to restructure itself. For example, through various opinions and questions, the organization can be able to categorize the acceptance of a particular product in the market. Through that realization, it can then put up measures in response to the view of the market. Did the value creation consideration change your priority? Through its database server, the organization has been able to acquire the views of its customer. Unlike in the past, the organization had no easy access to its customers. Technology has enabled it to access its current and prospective customers easily. Through the database server, the organization has acquired customers’ opinions and demands that have changed the priority of the organization. Before, the priority of the organization was to receive maximum profits through production of more products. Even though, the priority is still valid, the organization has discovered that the easiest way to achieve high profits it true responding to the customers’ needs. The database server has thus altered the priority of the organization to the accomplishment of the demands of customers. Therefore, an organization’s knowledge-worker information system is crucial to any organization. It helps workers and managers to acquire important information, which they can then use to shape their industry or organization. For instance through its database server, my organization has been able to receive important information about its market. The information that it has been able to acquire changed its priorities and ways of doing things. Conclusion Technological improvement has help companies and organizations improvement their businesses. Technology helps managers and workers acquire information that they can then use to shape their companies and organizations. For instance, knowledge-worker information system (KIWS) is a computer application that enables knowledge workers collect, organize, and manage work activity information. Information that is enables companies and organizations improve efficiency and effectiveness and eliminate rework and waste of resources References Cervo, D., & Allen, M. (2011). Master data management in practice: Achieving true customer MDM. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Kroenke, D. (2011). Using MIS (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Davenport, T. H. (2005). Thinking for a living: How to get better performance and results from knowledge workers. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Press. McNurlin, B. C., Sprague, R. H., Jr., & Bui, T. X. (Eds.). (2009). Information systems management in practice (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall Robson, T. (2014). Showing up: How to make a greater impact at work. London: Oxford University Press. Turban, E., Rainer, R. K., & Potter, R. E. (2001). Introduction to information technology. New York: John Wiley. . Read More