Information System In Organizations - Essay Example

About ten years ago, many organizations are not open to its use and various restrictions are being applied, based on the level of the user. Today, internet access is part of the basic layout of every computers assigned to users and an indispensable tool in performing various tasks in the workplace. In many ways, internet usage in the context of the organization is a means to interact with its environment and face more opportunities (Willcocks, 1996). However, with these remarkable opportunities include accompanying risks, as it also exposes the information and technologies of the organization to a multitude of threats that must be recognized, mitigated and dealt with in such a manner that it will not obstruct the organization in meeting its goals.

From this overview, it is imperative for an organization to invest in securing its core assets and processes in order to maintain a productive and competitive structure (Willcocks and Lester, 1996). The increasing competition, especially on a multinational level, significantly also increase the number of companies that tap and invest in informational systems (IS) in order to gain their niche and put an edge over their competitors (Rotemberg and Saloner, 1991). More and more companies are also employin.

The use of IS approaches is also a method to realize and enhance workforce's effective response mechanisms towards the importance of e-commerce and concurrently, manage internal organizational processes that have a direct link to output and competence (Willcocks and Lester, 1996). Just like in any process, IS practices should also have its own means of evaluation mechanisms in order to be effective. It was found out that IS methods are successful in organizations that utilizes the procedure as a strategic, rather than a one-dimentional approach to develop the organization's overall performance (Rotemberg and Saloner, 1991).

Information systems play a vital role in synchronizing the different tasks assigned to the different groups within the organization. This coordinating ability of information systems is especially vital in large organizations that have different interests or subsidiaries. Information systems streamline the business processes to make it more uniform among the different groups within the organization, guaranteeing efficiency and better transition in terms of information transfer. The streamlining of processes also makes the organization resilient and flexible to varying changes within and outside its environment.

It also makes the organization more focused on updating its processes by removing any outdated practices that may impede in the development and growth of the organization (Willcocks and Lester, 1996). CASE STUDYThe Washington Post is one of the most recognized news and information organizations in the world. The organization traces its origin to as early as 1877 when Stitson Hutchins launched the "Democratic Daily Journal". Initially, the emphasis/focus of the organization is in the areas of publication and distribution of newspapers.