Information Systems and Operations in an Organization - Case Study Example

? Information Systems and Operations in an Organization Instiotution: Information Systems and Operations in an Organization Introduction According to Shim and Siegel, information and operations system is a crucial part of the organization since they play a vital role in the formulation and implementation of strategies within the organization (1999). They can be better evaluated in order to be improved by the use of various theories and information systems. According to research, the most successful operations to the overall business or the economy have been shown to be information systems that include e-business. The main importance of such strategies is to ensure that the relationship with customers is enhanced in order to improve the processes of sales and marketing. Nonetheless, the lack of or presence of internet security is likely to be a major topic of discussion among different countries as well as in a large number of corporations (Peng, 2008). Part One: Option 4 Summary of the text; Achieving Operational Excellence and Customer Intimacy Technology has been extensively applied in transforming the shape of marketing as is used in different organizations. However, with the development and implementation of these advanced technologies a number of changes are experienced within the operational functions of the business. There is thus need to safeguard and protect the information systems, data as well as other information technologies. In this chapter, the major processes associated with advanced technology in the form of online and internet use of the computer is highlighted. The number of challenges is depicted to be related to Facebook whose users are warned to watch out. In relation to this, there have been a number of reported cases related to theft and presence of malicious software. These are associated with spam, malware as well as other serious security issues. With time, several destructive elements have been introduced into these systems. Similarly to the other viruses circulating within the computer system, these areas were faced with the introduction of Koobface worm in December 2008, the 18 month hacker scam for passwords, which resulted in the entry of the Trojan horse. It is as a result of this that financial data was stolen around the year 2009. The other main challenge was the emails that were created in May 2010 with an intention of stealing logins (Laudon & Laudon, 2013). In comparison to other online tools such as e-mails social sites and especially Facebook is shown as the main target that is used by hackers. It has been related to a high gullibility level of the users. This is despite the high security measures that have been placed by its dedicated team to include up-to-date measures. The hackers thus make use of “social engineering” malicious software to develop the attacks aimed at the consumers. As such, it is indicated that there main activities include the theft of passwords and data as well as using botnets. As Laudon and Laudon indicate, it is because of this that different organizations are faced with the task of constantly developing advanced security policies. This is done through the people who include stakeholders within the organization. With this, the organization and specifically its management are presented with the duty to deploy a serious security team to ensure that security is always maintained. These have to be achieved through the application of current technological advancements. They may include the implementation of the website security system, technology that is able to authenticate and security technologies that are applied on an individual basis (2013). The most appropriate way to attain this is through the identification of most of the malicious codes normally used, to identify the different sources of spam and to protect user data. All this is stated as the effort towards responding while making use of the information systems and operations. As such, these steps enhance the action towards providing a number of business solutions since with proper evaluation, the malicious codes made use of by most hackers will be reduced. As a result, the author contends that a large amount of data will be increasingly protected hence leading to the reduction of operational costs. With regard to offering of security, it is necessary for an organization to identify the security threats posed to the business through the internet and WiFi. It is thus important that they make use of latest technological techniques in relation to the essential tools that safeguard resources associated with information. Most of the organizational systems are found to be vulnerable due to problems such as improper use or crime damages that occur in the hardware, errors of programming and installation that occur within the software, disaster related circumstances such as power failure, floods and fire. The other technological reasons for their easy attack is the ability to use the computers outside the control of the firm through networking with outside sourcing vendors or other domestic operators. Laudon and Laudon provide several examples of the challenges and vulnerabilities of the security systems in different organizations. They are related to each of the applications present in Web based tools. These include the servers, corporate information and database linked systems that are operated by the web client. They are related to disruptions in the network such as power failures, floods, fires and other electrical problems that can take place at any moment. For instance, it is shown that the client user may be faced with errors related to unauthorized access. On the other hand, communication lines can be tampered with through tapping, and touching. They can, however, be prevented by constant monitoring (2013). Part Two Case analysis on Ninak Each department had at least two more line managers under the departments. Ninak fireworks are extremely highly organized with the different departments that include operations and warehousing being divided (Roy, 2007). With this, each of this is able to perform its specialized role. It thus enables the easy identification of successes as well as any weaknesses brought about by variation in presented challenges. For instance, the sales and marketing department is able to solely deal with issues of sales and customer relationships. The ensuring that each department is also led by a competent leader is one of the steps towards making certain that the different organizational activities are performed in the appropriate way and expected standards. The most appropriate model to describe this is the input-process output model which is based on the evaluation of information and customer needs. The Ninak organization makes sure that they have a broad market segment by ensuring that they possess a price range that fits under both categories of businesses and individual customers. Additionally, in relation to the value chain analysis process, they are shown to consider the preferences of different customers in relation to their products (Sekhar, 2009). It is because of this that they have expanded their market base to ensure that they are able to satisfy as many clients as possible. As a result of the various tastes and preferences of customers they have attempted to produce different products that include different fireworks operations. These are mines, Catherine wheels, rockets, fountains, sparkles and candles to cater for the varied social preferences. From this, customers can choose the type of sparks they would be interested in hence satisfying people of different ages as well as different occasions. Moreover, in connection with the business process mapping a variety of goods is offered to evaluate the business processes of the idea. Within the Ninak organization the people need to be hired in large numbers. The management mainly applies skills, which are related to the improvement in technology in the strategic management operations. In the organization, the IT infrastructure that manage data and information are used to improve the operations through cutting costs and reaching more people. The database system is thus promoted and the ideas related to operations within the organization are improved. As such, the systems and operations of this organization can be improved through the introduction of efficient computerized systems. With this, it will manage to achieve success in the areas of system and operations management. The organization structure at Ninak is comprised of departmental leaders who are the overall authority in their respective departments. However, an extremely efficient hierarchical structure is present to ensure that duties are sufficiently delegated within the departments. This is because of the fact that each line of management contains additional several lines of managers. With this, a higher number of employees feel integrated within the organizational activities. Since they feel closer to the authorities they are able to feel significantly involved leading to an increased input. With this, they have ensured that the organization, which is represented by its management has recruited a large number of personnel to make certain that there is efficiency in most of the process. It is highly related to a significant element of systems and operations management in the organization where many employees need to be employed in the security team to minimize associated risks. Logistics is a key element in running the procedures at Ninak. This is in relation to the sales and marketing department at Ninak that incredible works to create awareness about their products to a wide range of customers through the provision of samples and their prices. By making their sales to two major customers who include individuals in the form of the general public and businesses who include retailers and events organizations, it is a strategy to ensure that as many customers as possible can benefit from the products. Strength and weaknesses analysis as well as opportunities, enable the Nanik business to identify high peak seasons when they make maximum sales. This ensures that although they make sales throughout the year due to the presence of holidays and events, they can assess when to increase production in relation to the increase in demand. They mainly include the Nw Year’s Eve and the Independence day in the USA where fireworks are highly purchased and used. The technological issues on the other hand are lack of up-to-date mechanisms These are connected to the designing function of the information system in the sense that the various functions need to be conducted by a computerized system. However, certain challenges are presented owing to the difference in the classification system applied in the US and other countries. Ninak company has, nonetheless been able to overcome this area by conducting different ways of labeling and classifying the products. It, however, reflects the high demand made on the logistics and management systems with regard to taking part in additional international business. The company is thus in need of a scalable, which will have to be developed by the relevant department. It thus calls for the use of advanced technology for the company to make an expansion in international marketing activities hence an increase of sales. It would also be an effort towards achieving a coordinated effort between, activities of sales, operations and logistics. In addition, as is indicated by the head of the sales and forecasting department; Claire Forest, there is also need for online sales and marketing in order to improve on sales and beat the other competitors in the market (Mahadevan, 2010). Though they present various challenges, a number of technological improvements have to be made by the company in order to reach the other companies within the same industry. For instance the sampling of products should be done in a way that numerous customers can be reached. Additionally, the use of websites and other web based procedures would be more appropriate for the communication of orders unlike with the use of the telephone. This is because several customers can be communicated to at the same time. Moreover, other interested customers may also come across such information that may subsequently prove to be helpful. It is, however, proper that the sales people meet the customers to maintain customer relations. On the contrary, an efficient computerized system should be provided to ensure that orders are no longer taken on paper (Price, Mueller, & Fenstermacher, 2007). With information gained from Bensoussan and Fleisher, it can be noted that since some of the private details of customers may be provided under these circumstances, it is necessary that high level of security is provided to ensure that they maintain their trust in the company. With the large number of employees and stringent security measures at the operations department, it will be a sure way to make certain that vital information is protected (2008). The step to provide discounts for both sets of customers in the company is advantageous since it ensures that customers are maintained and attracted thus the increase in profits made from such sales. The firm infrastructure is composed of various departments that are headed by different personnel. However, the level of technology and procurement procedures is not up-to date in relation to the other companies. Thus through the use of internal and external logistics, the operations with regards to conduction of sales and marketing procedures in the provision of different services should be improved. Bibliography Bensoussan, B. E., & Fleisher, S. C. (2008). Analysis Without Paralysis: 10 Tools to Make Better Strategic Decisions. New York: FT Press. Laudon, K., & Laudon, J., 2013. Managing information systems: managing the digital firm. New York: prentice hall. Mahadevan, B. (2010). Operations management: theory and practice. Upper Saddle River: Pearson. Recklies, D. (2001). The Value Chain. Retrieved 14 May 2013 from http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/fisheries/docs/ValueChain.pdf Roy, N. R. (2005). A modern approach to operations management. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd. Publishers. Peng, W. M. (2009). Global business. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Price, B., Mueller, P. J., & Fenstermacher, S. (2007). Mastering System Center Operations Manager 2007. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sekhar, S. G. V. (2009). Business policy and strategic management. S.l.: I K International Publi. Shim, J. K., & Siegel, G. (1999). Operations management. Hauppauge, NY Barron's Educational Series. Read More