Friday, December 27, 2019
The National Center For Educational Statistics - 1723 Words
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2015), the percentage of public school students in the United States who were English Language Learners (ELLs) in the academic year 2012-2013 was 9.2%, or roughly 4.4 million students. This trend towards the multicultural classroom, which has been steadily rising for over a decade, is one that is expected to continue. When we talk about a multicultural classroom, we are referring to the variety of races, languages, ethnicities, and social groups the students bring to that classroom. As these students come from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, so too will the learning context from which they are accustomed vary. It is therefore up to the teachers to†¦show more content†¦In addition, students of diverse cultures will often find themselves to be in the minority with regard to the classroom. That is, theirs will not be the dominant culture. It is paramount, then, that the classroom environment be structured in such a way as to account for the non-dominant culture, and to incorporate it in order to not only preserve it, but to help students overcome obstacles that they will encounter because of it. Cooperative Learning So, how can teachers make their teaching more inclusive of diverse students? Teachers need to recognize the value in the backgrounds and experiences that each student brings with them to the classroom. And while these backgrounds and experiences differ, taken as a collective knowledge pool, they can contain a wealth of resources that will strengthen classroom learning. By embracing students’ cultural differences, teachers are facilitating their inclusion into the classroom community,
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Night V. Life Is Beautiful Essay - 818 Words
Night vs. Life is Beautiful When people look at two extremely different stories such as Night and Life is Beautiful, they would not expect there to be many similarities. However, these two devastating tales are more alike than suspected. Both Night and Life is Beautiful may be two accounts of the holocaust, but that does not mean that they bring the same thing to the table. They both may include a somewhat similar father-son relationship, yet they still aren’t that same. Night, a tragic memoir of Eliezer Wiesel, and Life is Beautiful, a humorous and still somewhat depressing movie of Guido and his family, have numerous similarities as well as drastic differences between them. There were numerous differences between the two stories.†¦show more content†¦For example, Night and Life is Beautiful are both centered around their similar themes. Their common theme is that when someone has another person to love and something to hope for, they are capable of incredible thin gs. In Night, Elie and his father’s love and hope depend on each other. As long as they were both alive, Elie as well as his father had a reason to stay alive and maintain their hope. But once Elie’s father died, the one person Elie could put his love and hope into was gone. In Life is Beautiful, Guido’s family all depend on each other. The father depends on his son and wife; the son depends on his mother and father; and the mother depends on her son and husband. They each put a little bit of their hope and love into each other. So, when Guido dies, a little part of his wife and son dies as well taking a small part of their hope and love with him. Another similarity between these two fascinating stories is the father-son relationship. As stated in the previous similarity, they rely on each other. However, these two relationships are different within their similarity. Between Elie and Chlomo, Elie’s father, they had a strong relationship that kept them goi ng through everything. At one point, Elie even helped his father get the marching pattern right so Chlomo would not get hurt. Also, Elie gave his bread to his father even when the more logical thing to do was to keep it for himself since he was obviously the only one who had a chance at life then. In thisShow MoreRelatedRomeo and Juliet Narrative Essay1557 Words  | 7 PagesEssay Prompt: Think about Romeo and Juliet in terms of what qualities they represent. What might Shakespeare be saying about these qualities? In a well-written essay, discuss qualities you believe Shakespeare is attempting to reveal in the characters Romeo and Juliet. In the second half of your essay, discuss which of these qualities you see in yourself. Are you more a Romeo, a Juliet, or a combination of both? 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Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Ericsson Strategic Analysis Paper free essay sample
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the global telecommunications giant Ericsson and make recommendation as to how Ericsson can establish a stronger position by utilizing its strength to pursue market opportunities and how to address weaknesses and threats that we have identified. In the process, we will look at the company background, perform a vision and mission analysis, address its current and future products, look at the market and economy, evaluate its marketing strategies, analyze its financial situation, and review the companys internal and external relationships.In the end we will conclude with a summary of our findings and make recommendations how to improve Ericsson’s current position in the market. As source of information, our team used the Internet for topics related to news, finances, industry makeup of Ericsson. We were also able to use internal, non-confidential information regarding the company and the industry. To research sensitive information used in t he Marketing Analalysis section, we conducted interviews with senior executives at Ericsson. We would especially like to acknowledge and thank Mr.Roger Walland, Senior Vice President of Network Sales in the West Region of the United States and Mr Steven Smith, Senior Director of Network Sales in Los Angeles/San Diego/Las Vegas for their precious time and insights. Mr. Walland has spent 15 years with British Telecom and the past 6 years with Ericsson. Mr. Smith has spent over 10 years with Ericsson working mostly in China and the U. K. We hope to address and analyize critical issues surrounding Ericsson and the turbulent telecommunications industry.With the information we have researched, our goal is to offer recommendations that may help Ericsson stay the world leader in mobile systems 1. Company Overview 1. 1 Company Background ; History Ericsson is a world-leading supplier in the telecommunications and data communications industry, offering advanced communications solutions for mobile and fixed networks as well as consumer products. Ericsson is a total solutions supplier for all customer segments: network operators and service providers, enterprises, and consumers.Ericsson has more than 71,000 employees, representation in 140 countries, and clearly the world’s largest consumer base in the telecommunications field (Ericsson 2002). Ericsson is the largest supplier of mobile systems in the world. The world’s ten largest mobile operators are among Ericsson’s customers and approximately 40% of all mobile calls are made through Ericsson systems. Ericsson provides total solutions covering everything from systems and applications to services and core technology for mobile handsets (Ericsson 2002).The market Ericsson addresses is changing rapidly and is characterized by specific key trends: Convergence of industries, technologies, and services. The telecom and datacom industries are coming together as are the computer and media industries. Wireless is spreading into all aspects of communications in the future and represents a fundamental change that is transforming the way we live, work, and play. On April 1, 1876, mechanic Lars Magnus Ericsson opened a workshop to repair telegraph instruments in Stockholm, Sweden.A colleague named Carl Johan Andersson entered into a partnership with Ericsson a few weeks later. This was the same year that Alexander Graham Bell filed his patent application for a telephone in the United States. As the workshop grew in 1877, Ericsson prepared to enter into the telephone market, and his business was introduced in 1878 under the name LME. Over the next four years, Ericsson strengthened his company and eventually relocated to a new factory. During the 1890’s, LME sold its phones to over two-thirds of the countries in Europe, making the LME a dominant name in that market.By the time Ericsson retired as Chairman in 1901, his company was taking over telephone networks and had merged with Stockholm Allmanna Telefonaktiebolag (SAT). He remained on the Board of Directors until 1903. At that time, LME had business operations in most of Europe, including the United Kingdom, as well as in the United States. Over the next decade, LME entered the marketplace in Mexico, Russia, and Siam. During the first World War, LME was thrust into producing electric meters, switches, and railway signaling equipment.Not until the 1930’s did LME introduce a new radical design for a phone, one with a plastic casing. During this decade LME started to expand its product line. The second World War did not have a major effect on LME. During this time, LME had to take over numerous telephone operations networks in Europe due to the necessity of keeping communication open. From the war into the late 1950’s, LME started to venture into combining electronics and telephony switching. This was a crucial point for LME as it aggressively started to invest its money into research and development.From the 1960’s into the early 1970’s, LME grew into the major telephony provider in South America and Asia. During the late 1970’s, mobile telecommunication was the main focus of LME. The wide-scale need for mobile telephony wasn’t realized until the early 1980’s, when LME was the worldwide market leader. Today, Ericsson is nearly twice the size of the closest competitor in the mobile systems division. Four out of every ten mobile calls are handled by Ericsson equipment. (Coolwallstreet 2002) 1. 2 Business LocationEricsson is represented in over 140 countries around the world. Its corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden. The United States headquarters is located in Dallas, Texas. Many other country headquarters are located throughout the world but Stockholm and Dallas are the largest based on square footage and the number of employees. 1. 3 Officers ; Key Employees Kurt Hellstrom: President ; Chief Executive Officer Per-Arne Sandstrom: Chief Operating Officer Sten Fornell: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerCarl Olof Blomqvist: Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs Britt Reigo: Senior Vice President, People and Culture Jan Uddenfeldt: Senior Vice President, Technology Torbjorn Nilsson: Senior Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Business Development Henry Stenson: Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications Michael Treschow: Chairman An altered Ericsson organization has been introduced to better meet the dynamics of the market and the r apidly changing environment in a way which will achieve continual strong growth and favorable earnings.Ericsson’s key to success in the highly competitive market is a strategy built on customer focus with a customer-oriented and flexible organization, managed by a strong corporate structure responsible for strategic decisions. Ericsson’s operations are divided into three business segments that serve different types of customers. An Executive Vice-President, a member of the Corporate Executive Team, heads each business segment with consolidated profit and loss responsibility. The three segments are Network Operators ; Service Providers, Enterprise Solutions, and Consumer Products.They ensure a strong focus on customers and markets and establish customer responsibility at both the local and global levels (Ericsson 2002). 1. 4 Management Review After years of steady growth in the 1990’s, the new millineum has not been kind to top management at Ericsson. Kurt Hellstrom, the conservative Chief Executive Officer has been under tremendous pressure to return the struggling company to its days of prominence (BusinessWeek 2000). With the stock prices plummeting, critics have been both supportive and critical of Hellstrom’s leadership.Since a stock split in 2000, Ericsson shares have decreased from about $16 per share to approximately $0. 50 per share. The current financial conditions have forced top management to scale back on production, to discontinue and outsource products, and layoff employees because Ericsson has been in business for over a century, top management is performing well under continued pressure from the industry and its stakeholders (PressTelegram, 2002). Because Ericsson is a large and diverse company, its organizational structure is tall. From the production line employees to the ranks of upper management, tremendous numbers of layers separate them.Reorganizations have been made in the past year to flatten the organization. (CFO, 2001) With the changes in the telecommunications industry, Ericsson has attempted to adapt to best reflect the industry. However, Ericsson is still known to be a multinational, decentralized organization (Hellstrom, et al. , 2002). To strengthen Ericssons balance sheet , Hellstrom is making a controversial move. On April 22, he revealed that Ericsson aims to raise $3 billion by the end of the third quarter through a stock-rights issue selling additional shares at a discount to existing owners.The money isnt needed to fund day-to-day operations, which would be a sign of desperation. Instead, Ericsson says it will bolster its $5. 5 billion cash hoard and reduce debt. The stock-rights issue is a dent in Hellstroms reputation. During this right’s issue, his leadership was questioned by shareholders because this was a sign of distress in the once dominant company. An 18-year Ericsson veteran, Hellstrom was viewed as a corporate hero in Sweden for helping to propel the companys rise over the past two decades.He admits he needed a bit of persuasion from the board to trade in an assignment in Hong Kong for the job of Ericsson’s president in 1999. Hellstrom was promoted to CEO 17 months later. Even now, say acquaintances, his typical Swedish reserve leaves him uncomfortable in the limelight. Hes not the sort of person who stands on the barricades and shouts `follow me, says Ulf Avrin, a former Ericsson manager who now runs Stockholm e-mail startup Mobeon (Reinhardt et al. 2002). Hellstrom has a new partner to help straighten out the financial trouble.In March, former Electrolux CEO and one of Sweden’s most respected executives, Michael Treschow, 59, became the companys new chairman. Treschow replaced Lars Ramqvist, who resigned last October. Treschows cost-cutting zeal earned him the moniker Mike the Knife at Electrolux. The telecom industry neophyte is expected to deploy a similar strategy at Ericsson (BusinessWeek, 2002). He doesn’t flinch at cost cutting, but some critics say, â€Å"Cutbacks are not sufficient enough for ill Ericsson now. The company still falls way short on marketing and is operated under the old-line culture. (BusinessWeek, 2002). 2. Vision/Mission Analysis 2. 1 Future Vision/Mission Analysis Vision We believe in an â€Å"all communicating†world. Voice, data, images and video are conveniently communicated anywhere and anytime in the world, increasing both quality-of-life, productivity and enabling a more resource-efficient world. We are one of the major progressive forces, active around the globe, driving for this advanced communication to happen. We are seen as the prime model of a networked organization with top innovators and entrepreneurs working in global teams (Ericsson 2002). MissionOur mission is to understand our customer’s opportunities ; needs and provide communication solutions faster and better than any competitor. In doing so, we shall generate a competitive economic return for our shareholders (Ericsson 2002). 2. 2 Foreseeable Future We believe that Ericsson will be able to survive the current rough financial climate in the telecommunications industry. Ericsson has the history, knowledge, and competence to aid network operators in expanding its products and services going towards Third Generation (3G) networks. With 3G, networks will be better able to handle voice, data, and imaging at a greater rate.Because of the greater network capabilities, more opportunities to use this technology will be explored. Since 9/11, government agencies and private companies have started to rely on network operators to build private voice and data networks. Currently, the U. S. Army is the first of many industries that will rely on network operators to build special-use networks (WirelessWeek 2002). This is a possible trend in privatized networks and a segment of the market Ericsson could benefit from. Ericsson is going towards building one universal network.Because of the multiple networks currently in operations, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network (iDEN), and Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Ericsson sees a future in which all the mobile telecommunications standards will evolve into one or at least have the abiltity to communicate with each other. Currently, trying to use a GSM phone on a CDMA network is not possible, and is comparable to trying with use PC software on an Apple computer. It is not the same standard.Ericsson is striving towards developing software and components so that in the future, networks will be unified (Ericsson 2002). Five to ten years from now, we foresee Ericsson working in conjunction with wireless operators and service providers to provide high speed wireless access voice and data services. Because Ericsson is curr ently the leader in network infrastructure, we estimate that through innovation and solutions, it will continue to be at the forefront of network solutions. 2. 3 Driving Forces 1. Product/Service – Ericsson will continue to upgrade current wireless and wireline networks globally.With operators currently spending less on capital, Ericsson will provide software solutions and professional services to operators to better enable their networks to work at their potential. 2. Market Need – Service providers are looking at providing a premium product or service at the lowest possible cost, so they can pass their savings onto their customers. Market needs will be met by the service provider’s end-users, the customers, and networks that have less congestion yet optimal sound quality. 3. Manufacturing As Ericsson moves into the future, the dominant driving force is to reduce cost through manufacturing.Currently, many hardware components are outsourced to reduce cost overhead and inventory. 4. Profit ; Income – The main goal for Ericsson is increase cash flow. (Eweek, 2002) According to Ericsson’s site, the three main ways are to cut costs, maintain a strong balance sheet, and to keep a good customer base. 5. Technology – The domaniant driving force in technology is 3G. With the introduction of 3G, end-users will better be able to send voice and packet data using less â€Å"space,†thereby eliminating congested call areas. Bluetooth is a technology that uses radio signals in place of hardline connections.For example, if one were travelling with a laptop and wanted to print, all the individual would have to do is to point their Bluetooth-enabled laptop to the Bluetooth-enabled printer and print the document. No wires or drivers are necessary in the Bluetooth world. 6. Client/Customer base – Because of the instablity in the current telecommuncations industry, consolidation is key for network operators. Instead of spending more money on capital equipment, operators are spending less and partnering more with others to share spectrum space.The most prevalent rumour is the Cingular Wireless/Voicestream (T-Mobile) merger. Since Cingular Wireless has more spectrum space in the west and Voicestream is dominant in the northeast, they have agreed to use each other’s network instead of building a new network. Because of the network sharing, it is strongly suggested within the industry that these two companies will merge to become the #2 wireless provider in the United States, with 30. 2 million subscribers (100,000 less than current leader Verizon Wireless) (Cellular-News, 2002).Since both Cingular and Voicestream (T-Mobile) use Ericsson as a major vendor, this will be a great opportunity for Ericsson to sell more equipment to alleviate congestion problems and services to help Cingular/Voicestream more effortlessly run its merged network. 3. Product/Service Analysis The following seven catagories reflect the products and services that Ericsson offers. Over the past two years, Ericsson has relied on their BYB201 hardware and R8 software features that are products of their Mobile Systems division.During the current network upgrades on the path towards 3G, AXE810 hardware and R9 software is aggressively being sold to network operators. (Ericsson 2002) 3. 1 Current Product/Service 3. 1. 1 Mobile Systems Ericsson is the leading supplier in the whole range of 2G and 3G Mobile Systems, providing industry-leading end to end system elements: infrastructure, terminals, applications and expertise (Ericsson Network Operators, 2002). Ericsson’s Mobile Systems division is its cash cow. Having about 40% (Forbes, 2002) of the global market share, this is where Ericsson is the industry leader.Components including cellular base stations, wireless switches, emerging technologies and services, and networks are all part of the Mobile Systems division. Ericsson has long term contracts worth billions of dollars with large service providers in the world such as Vodafone, Orange, and British Telecom in the U. K. , Deutsche Telekom in Germany, and Cingular and AT;T Wireless in the United States. Looking ahead in the short term, the concentration is to sell network upgrades and network migration to service providers. Wireless networks need to be constantly updated to handle congestion and quality issues.Outdated technology such as TDMA in the United States is being phased out and replaced with GSM technology which provides better voice handling, data capabilities, and improved cost savings. Until last year Ericsson had a consumer product handset division. However, with the rapid decline in sales, outdated phone styles and enormous cost overheads, Ericsson partnered with Sony Electronics in Japan to form Sony Ericsson (Sony Ericsson). Sony Ericsson is a separate and independent entity not affiliated with Ericsson for the purpose of this report. It is a third party company with stakes belonging to Sony and Ericsson.Subsequently, information presented includes Mobile Systems in one category and the six divisions in another (Ericsson Mobile Systems, 2002). Major types of Ericsson Networks †¢ Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) GSM, is the most widely adopted mobile standard in the world. With over 578 million subscribers on 400 networks in 171 countries, more than one in ten people on the planet use GSM technology. Half of all GSM calls made anywhere in the world are connected by an Ericsson system because Ericsson is the number one supplier of GSM networks in the world.Third generation telecommunication networks will unite mobile radio with Internet technology to provide consumers with a new world of rich multimedia services via their mobile phones. 3G will enable mobiles to carry videos, graphics, and data as well as only voice. (Ericsson GSM, 2002) †¢ Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) TDMA is a technology for digital transmission of radio signals. The technology is also known as Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (D-AMPS). In TDMA, the frequency band is split into several channels which are stacked into short time units.This means that several calls can share a single channel without interfering with one another. TDMA is one of the world’s most widely deployed digital wireless systems. TDMA network operators provide mobile services to more than 80 million subscribers in over 100 countries. Somewhere in the world a new subscriber is hooked up to a TDMA network every five seconds. The technology is represented across all regions of the world and its escalating growth rate will continue for years to come. TDMA operators have the choice of following the GSM or CDMA technology evolution path to 3G, with Ericsson providing solutions for both options. Ericsson TDMA, 2002) Because of reduction in capital expenditure spending for network operators and service providers Ericsson has not been financing an aggressive R;D campaign. In fact, R;D spending has been reduced at Ericsson in the past year. (Ericsson Press Release, 2002) †¢ Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is aspread spectrum technology. By spreading information contained in a particular signal over a much greater bandwidth than the original signal, CDMA offers operators using other technologies a significant increase in coverage.CDMA enhances TDMA to a predominantly 2G digital system. With CDMA, operators can enlarge their capacity by up to eight to ten times and offer users better call quality (Ericsson CDMA, 2002). 3. 1. 2 Multi-service Networks Ericssons vision for future networks is of a new type of robust, broadband multi-service network infrastructure based on packet-switching and routing technologies and is designed for real-time services (Ericsson Multi-service Networks, 2002). Ericsson’s multi-service networks enable high-speed date roviders such as Broadcast Communications Limited in New Zealand and Telenor in Norway (Ericsson, 2002) enable users to access information more effectively (Ericsson Multi-service Networks). 3. 1. 3 Enterprise The products and services of Ericsson Enterprise are to aid small business or a multi-national corporations to create new opportunities and enhance market value through voice and data tools. PBX systems, dispatch networks, and small office mobile systems are a core of the products and services offered. Education, documentation, and help desk support for the Enterprise products are all under this division (Ericsson Enterprise, 2002). 3. 1. 4. Transmission and Transport Technologies Ericsson provides end-to-end solutions with combined microwave and optical systems, giving capacity anywhere at any time. Wireless Broadband Access (WBA) is a multi-service access solution for high-speed IP applications and voice services. Products that include optical networks, microwave systems, and wireless broadband products are components of this division (Ericsson Transmission and Transport, 2002). 3. 1. 5 MicroelectronicsEricsson provides microelectronic components for wireless applications, broadband communications, fixed access, and communication via fiberoptics for its products and for other companies, providers, and industries. Currently, this division produces power modules and optoelectronics (Ericsson Microelectronics, 2002). 3. 1. 6 Network Technologies This division of Ericsson concentrates on network infrastructure that combines telecom, datacom, and power technologies that supply parts and provide services and documentation. This is the â€Å"parts†division of Ericsson.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Management Information System Essay Example
Management Information System Paper Management Information Systems MANAGING THE DIGITAL FIRM, 12TH EDITION Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Learning Objectives Chapter 1 INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN BUSINESS TODAY VIDEO CASES Case 1: UPS Global Operations with the DIAD IV Case 2: IBM, Cisco, Google: Global Warming by Computer †¢ Understanding the effects of information systems on business and their relationship to globalization. Explain why information systems are so essential in Explain why information systems are so essential in business today. †¢ Define an information system and describe its management, organization, and technology components. 2  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Learning Objectives (cont. ) The New Yankee Stadium Looks to the Future †¢ Define complementary assets and explain how they nsure that information systems provide genuine value to an organization. †¢ Describe the different academic disciplines used to study information systems and explain how each study information systems and explain how each contributes to our understanding of them. †¢ Explain what is meant by a sociotechnical systems perspective. †¢ Problem: Yankee fans choosing to watch games on TV or choose other forms of entertainment †¢ Solutions: Use information systems to enhance experience. Game So ut o s Use o at o syste s to e a ce e pe e ce Ga e coverage, statistics, delivered via ubiquitous HDTV monitors, mobiles can order concessions, view replays , p y †¢ Cisco Systems provides technology to make Yankee Stadium the most wired in all of baseball most wired in all of baseball †¢ Demonstrates IT’s role in providing new products and services. †¢ Illustrates the benefits of utilizing networks and mobile applications to enhance entertainment, information. , 3  © Prentice Hall 2011 4  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Role of Information Systems in Business Today Information Technology Capital Investment †¢ How information systems are transforming business – Increase in wireless technology use, Web sites – Increased business use of Web 2 0 technologies Increased business use of Web 2. 0 technologies – Cloud computing, mobile digital platform allow more distributed work, decision? aking, and collaboration di ib d k d ii ki d ll b i †¢ Globalization opportunities pp – Internet has drastically reduced costs of operating on global scale global scale – Presents both c hallenges and opportunities 5  © Prentice Hall 2011 FIGURE 1? 1 Information technology capital investment, defined as hardware, software, and communications equipment, grew from 32 percent to 52 percent of all invested capital between 1980 and 2009. 6  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems We will write a custom essay sample on Management Information System specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Management Information System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Management Information System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Role of Information Systems in Business Today †¢ In the emerging, fully digital firm – Significant business relationships are digitally enabled and mediated – Core business processes are accomplished through digital networks digital networks – Key corporate assets are managed digitally MIS IN YOUR POCKET Read the Interactive Session and discuss the following questions Read the Interactive Session and discuss the following questions What are the advantages of using mobile handheld devices? What are the disadvantages? †¢ What feat res are needed in a mobile to make it a What features are needed in a mobile to make it a busi ness solution? †¢ What business functions can be performed by using handhelds alone? How have other companies handhelds alone? How have other companies utilized handhelds? 8  © Prentice Hall 2011 †¢ Digital firms offer greater flexibility in organization and management g – Time shifting, space shifting 7  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Role of Information Systems in Business Today †¢ Growing interdependence between ability to use information technology and ability to implement corporate strategies and achieve corporate goals †¢ Business firms invest heavily in information systems to achieve six strategic business objectives: to achieve six strategic business objectives: 1. . 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 9 †¢ Operational excellence: p – Improvement of efficiency to attain higher profitability fi bili – Information systems, technology an Information systems, technology an important tool in achieving greater  efficiency and productivity efficiency and productivity – Walmart’s RetailLink system links suppliers y pp to stores for superior replenishment system 10  © Prentice Hall 2011 Operational excellence New products, services, and business models New products services and business models Customer and supplier intimacy Improved decision making Improved decision making Competitive advantage Survival  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Role of Information Systems in Business Today New products, services, and business p , , models: – Business model: describes how company produces, delivers, and sells product or service to create wealth – Information systems and technology a major Information systems and technology a major enabling tool for ne w products, services, business models business models †¢ Examples: Apple’s iPod, iTunes, iPhone, iPad, Google s Android OS, and Netflix Google’s Android OS and Netflix 11  © Prentice Hall 2011 †¢ Customer and supplier intimacy: – Serving customers well leads to customers returning, which raises revenues and profits returning, which raises revenues and profits †¢ Example: High? nd hotels that use computers to track customer preferences and use to to track customer preferences and use to monitor and customize environment – Intimacy with suppliers allows them to provide i ih li ll h id vital inputs, which lowers costs †¢ Example: J. C. Penney’s information system which links sales records to contract manufacturer 12  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Role of Information Systems in Business Today Improved decision making – Without accurate information: †¢ Managers must use forecasts best guesses luck Managers must use forecasts, best guesses, luck †¢ Leads to: – Overproduction underproduction of goods and services Overproduction, underproduction of goods and services – Misallocation of resources – Poor response times Poor response times †¢ Operational excellence: – Improvement of efficiency to attain higher profitability †¢ New products services and business models New products, ser vices, and business models: – Enabled by technology †¢ Customer and supplier intimacy: Serving customers raises revenues and profits Serving customers raises revenues and profits – Better communication with suppliers lowers costs †¢ Poor outcomes raise costs, lose customers –E Example: Verizon’s Web? based digital dashboard to l V i ’ W b b d di it l d hb d t provide managers with real? time data on customer complaints, network performance, line outages, etc. complaints network performance line outages etc 13  © Prentice Hall 2011 †¢ Improved decision making – More accurate data leads to better decisions More accurate data leads to better decisions 14  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Role of Information Systems in Business Today †¢ Competitive advantage p g – Delivering better performance – Charging less for superior products – Responding to customers and suppliers in real time – Examples: Apple, Walmart, UPS p pp , , †¢ Survival – Information technologies as necessity of business – May be: Industry level changes, e. g. Citibank s †¢ Industry? level changes, e. g. Citibank’s introduction of ATMs †¢ Governmental regulations requiring record? Governmental regulations requiring record? keeping –E Examples: Toxic Substances Control Act, Sarbanes? l T i S bt C t lA t S b Oxley Act  © Prentice Hall 2011 16  © Prentice Hall 2011 15 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY The Role of Information Systems in Business Today The Interdependence Between Organizations and Information Technology Perspectives on Information Systems †¢ Information system: Set of interrelated components – Collect process store and distribute information Collect, process, store, and distribute information – Support decision making, coordination, a nd control †¢ Information vs. data – Data are streams of raw facts Data are streams of raw facts – Information is data shaped into meaningful form Figure 1. 2 In contemporary systems there is a growing interdependence between a firm’s information systems and its business capabilities. Changes in  strategy, rules, and business processes increasingly require changes in hardware, software, databases, and  telecommunications. Often, what the organization would like to do depends on what its systems will permit it to do. 17  © Prentice Hall 2011 18  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Data and Information Perspectives on Information Systems †¢ Three activities of information systems produce information organizations need 1. Input: Captures raw data from organization or external environment 2. Processing: Converts raw data into meaningful form 3. Output: Transfers processed information to people or activities that use it people or acti ities that se it Figure 1. 3 Raw data from a supermarket checkout counter can be processed and organized to produce meaningful information, such as the total unit sales of dish detergent or the total sales revenue from dish detergent for a specific store or sales territory. 19  © Prentice Hall 2011 20  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Perspectives on Information Systems Functions of an Information System Information System An information system contains information about an organization and its surrounding environment. Three basic activitiesâ€â€input, processing, and output produce the information organizations need. Feedback d db k is output returned to appropriate people or activities in the organization to evaluate and refine the input. and refine the input Environmental actors, such as customers, suppliers, competitors, stockholders, and regulatory agencies, interact regulatory agencies interact with the organization and its information systems. Figure 1. 4 †¢ Feedback: – Output returned to appropriate members of organization to help evaluate or correct input stage organization to help evaluate or correct input stage †¢ Computer/Computer program vs. information system – Computers and software are technical foundation Computers and software are technical foundation and tools, similar to the material and tools used to build a house build a house 21  © Prentice Hall 2011 22  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Information Systems Are More Than Are More Than Computers Using information systems effectively requires an effectively requires an understanding of the organization, management, and information technology shaping the systems. An shaping the systems An information system creates value for the firm as an organizational and management solution to management solution to challenges posed by the environment. Figure 1. 5 Perspectives on Information Systems Organizational dimension of information systems – Hierarchy of authority responsibility Hierarchy of authority, responsibility †¢ Senior management †¢ Middle management Operational management †¢ Operational management †¢ Knowled ge workers †¢D t Data workers k †¢ Production or service workers  © Prentice Hall 2011 24  © Prentice Hall 2011 23 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Levels in a Firm Business organizations are hierarchies consisting of three principal levels: senior management, middle management, and operational t d ti l management. Information systems serve each of these levels. Scientists and knowledge workers often work knowledge workers often work with middle management. Figure 1. 6 Perspectives on Information Systems †¢ Organizational dimension of information systems (cont. ) – Separation of business functions Separation of business functions †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Sales and marketing Human resources Finance and accounting Manufacturing and production Unique business processes q p – Unique business culture – Organi ational politics Organizational politics 25  © Prentice Hall 2011 26  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1:  INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Perspectives on Information Systems †¢ Management dimension of information g systems – Managers set organizational strategy for responding to business challenges – In addition, managers must act creatively: †¢ Creation of new products and services Creation of new products and services †¢ Occasionally re? creating the organization †¢ Technology dimension of information gy systems – Computer hardware and software – Data management technology Data management technology – Networking and telecommunications technology †¢ Networks, the Internet, intranets and extranets, World Wide Web – IT infrastructure: provides platform that system is built on 28  © Prentice Hall 2011 27  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Perspectives on Information Systems UPS COMPETES GLOBALLY WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Read the Interactive Session and discuss the following questions Read the Interactive Session and discuss the following questions †¢ Dimensions of UPS tracking system g y – Organizational: †¢ Procedures for tracking packages and managing inventory and provide information – Management: †¢ Monitor service levels and costs Monitor service levels and costs – Technology: †¢ Handheld computers, bar? ode scanners, networks, desktop computers, etc. 30  © Prentice Hall 2011 †¢ What are the inputs, processing, and outputs of UPS’s package tracking system? †¢ What technologies are sed b UPS? Ho are these What technologies are used byà ‚ UPS? How are these technologies related to UPS’s business strategy? †¢ What problems do UPS’s information systems solve? What would happen if these systems were solve? What would happen if these systems were not available? 29  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Perspectives on Information Systems †¢ Business perspective on information p p systems: – Information system is instrument for creating value – Investments in information technology will result in superior returns: in superior returns: †¢ Productivity increases †¢R Revenue increases i †¢ Superior long? term strategic positioning 31  © Prentice Hall 2011 †¢ Business information value chain Raw data acquired and transformed through stages that add value to that information stages that add value to that information – Value of information system determined in part by extent to which it leads to better decisions, hi h i l d b d ii greater efficiency, and higher profits †¢ Business perspective: – Calls attention to organizational and managerial nature of information systems 32  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems The Business Information Value Chain Perspectives on Information Systems Variation in Returns On Information On Information Technology Investment Although, on average, investments in information technology produce returns far above those returned by other investments, there is i t t th i considerable variation across firms. Figure 1. 8 Figure 1 8 Figure 1? 7 From a business perspective, information systems are part of a series of value? adding activities for acquiring, transforming, and distributing information that managers can use to improve decision making, enhance organizational performance, and, ultimately, increase firm profitability. l f d l l f f bl 3  © Prentice Hall 2011 34  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Perspectives on Information Systems †¢ Investing in information technology does not guarantee good returns †¢ C id bl Considerable variation in the returns firms i i i h fi receive from systems investments †¢ Factors: – Adopting the right business model – Investing in complementary assets Investing in complementary assets (organizational and management capital) 35  © Prentice Hall 2011 Complementary assets: p y – Assets required to derive value from a primary investment i i – Firms supporting technology investments Firms supporting technology investments with investment in complementary assets receive superior returns receive su perior returns – E. g. : invest in technology and the people to g gy p p make it work properly 36  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Perspectives on Information Systems Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems Contemporary Approaches to Approaches to Information Systems The study of information systems deals with issues and systems deals with issues and insights contributed from technical and behavioral disciplines. Figure 1. 9 †¢ Complementary assets include: – Organizational assets, e. g. †¢ Appropriate business model Appropriate business model †¢ Efficient business processes – Managerial assets, e. g. l †¢ Incentives for management innovation †¢ Teamwork and collaborative work environments – Social assets, e. g. g †¢ The Internet and telecommunications infrastructure †¢ Technology standards Technology standards 37  © Prentice Hall 2011 38  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems †¢ Technical approach pp – Emphasizes mathematically based models – Computer science, management science, operations research †¢ Management Information Systems Combines computer science, management science, operations research and practical orientation with operations research and practical orientation with behavioral issues †¢ Behavioral approach – Behavioral issues (strategic business integration, implementation, etc. ) p , ) – Psychology, economics, sociology 39  © Prentice Hall 2011 †¢ F Four main actors i t – – – – 40 Suppliers of hardware an d software Suppliers of hardware and software Business firms Managers and employees d l Firm’s environment (legal, social, cultural context)  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Management Information Systems CHAPTER 1: INFORMATION IN BUSINESS SYSTEMS TODAY Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems Contemporary Approaches to Information Systems A Sociotechnical Perspective on Information Systems †¢ Approach of this book: Approach of this book: Sociotechnical view †¢ Optimal organizational performance achieved by jointly optimizing both achieved by jointly optimizing both social and technical systems used in production d ti Helps avoid purely technological †¢ Helps avoid purely technological approach Figure 1? 0 Figure 1? 10 In a sociotechnical perspective, the performance of a system is optimized when both the technology and the In a sociotechnical perspective the performance of a sys tem is optimized when both the technology and the organization mutually adjust to one another until a satisfactory fit is obtained. 41  © Prentice Hall 2011 Management Information System Essay Example Management Information System Essay Faculty of Business, Economics and Public Policy University of Brunei Darussalam Negara Brunei Darussalam Semester II (2011/2012) Module Title: Management Information System (BB5107) Coursework: How can IS/IT help my Organization? A coursework submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Name| Hj Mohd Shril Hj Matsawali| Registration No. | 11M0030| Programme| Master of Business Administration| Lecturer| Dr Hj Mohammad Nabil Almunawarah| Deadline| 15th April 2012| - Abstract This research approaches the issues on role of Information System and how it help organizations, with the aim of finding some conditions that make the organizational context able to manage the change process needed to really get the potential benefits of these technologies. This paper will further explain the process, types, benefits and how to ensure effective implementation of information system. Introduction In any business organization, data is the most important thing. Different type of information is produced from data. When the amount of data is large, it becomes more difficult to process this data manually. In order to get quick results and timely information, an Information System is used in almost all organizations. Information Systems (IS) development raises many important challenges to organizations. Nowadays, depending on the type of organization, to some extent business processes are supported by some kind of IS. It is not unusual to have in some organizations information and procedures islands lacking from a desirable integrated access to information. Managers are increasingly recognizing the competitive and strategic value of information systems. We will write a custom essay sample on Management Information System specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Management Information System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Management Information System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It has been considered that information is the most valuable assets in any organization apart from its personnel, financial capital, plant and equipment because it describes these physical resources and the environment in which they exist. Owning and upgrading their information system is now not an option in this technology-driven era; it is a requirement because organization that use an up-to-date information system to gather, assimilate, and evaluate internal as well as external information are gaining competitive advantage over other firms. What is an organisation? Organization is a social unit of people, systematically structured and managed to meet a need or to pursue collective goals on a continuing basis (http://www. businessdictionary. com). An organization is a stable, formal social structure that takes resources from the environment and processes them to produce outputs. (http://phaariz. files. wordpress. com/2010/03/laudon-feature-3. pdf) They are also bureaucracies with clear-cut divisions of labor and specialization and arrange these specialists in a hierarchical manner in which everyone is accountable to someone and authority is limited to specific actions governed by abstract rules or procedures that must abide by laws. The organization is devoted to the principle of efficiency: maximizing output using limited inputs. Other features of organizations include business processes, organizational culture, organizational politics, surrounding environments, structure, goals, constituencies, and leadership styles. Organization is also considered to be an information entity (Lucas H. R. Jr (1994). This means that organization collect and assemble data from number of sources. Data is considered by scholar to be streams of raw facts representing events occurring in organizations or the physical environment before they have been organized and arranged into a form people can understand and use which is usually called information. Information is data that have been shaped into a form that is meaningful and useful to humans. The information however was viewed as an unfortunate, costly by product of doing business – simply â€Å"red-tape†(Laudon K. C, Laudon J. P. 1995). Thus, all of these features surrounding the organization must be acquired and analyzed and this affects the kinds of information systems used by organizations. How organization work traditionally before IS It is important to first understand how organization operates traditionally way before information system is introduced before it can show and compare how information system improve and help organisation. Under the old paradigm, the firm was governed by a relatively rigid functional structure inhibits cross-functional information flows. One of the other key problems identified in conventional organisation is working in silos. Silos are organisational units where there is a breakdown in communication, co-operation and co-ordination with both internal and external parties. In a paper quoting a 2003 Survey on Leadership Challenges by the American Management Association, Florence Stone notes that: â€Å".. getting people who have different agendas to work together is amongst the biggest obstacles facing business today†(Stone, 2004, p 11 cited at Fenwick et al p. ). In a recent paper Conrad Guelke notes that â€Å". organisational parochialism is characterised by a lack of co-operation between [and within] agencies. In a corporate environment where decision-making is being increasingly â€Å"unbundled†, and business unit fiscal performance is the priority, the values of teamwork and co-operation are often neglected†(Guelke, 2005, p 749 cited at Fenwick et al 2009 p. 3). Most organisations and organ isational units will have some silo characteristics at any given time. But silos become problematic when they are develop to a point that good performance suffers. The challenge is to indentify silos that are problematic or that threaten to become so, and to identify and take remedial steps. One of the ways to overcome this problem is by the setting up an information system in the organisation. What is Information System? An information system is a set of organized procedures that, when executed, provides information to support the organization (Lucas H. C. Jr 1994). According to Laudon K. C. et al. 1995), an information system is a set of interrelated components that sense, communicate, analyze, and display information for the purpose of enhancing perception, understanding, control and creative ability. Alter S. (1991) however argued that information system is a combination of work practices, information, people, and information technologies organized to accomplish goals in an organization. Information systems (IS) are sets of components that are organ ized in a way that supports the execution of some function(s) (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering IEEE, 1990 cited at Obeng S. 010). Nickerson (2000) does not limit the components to being only technical – such as computers and code – but sees that the people, the processes, and the information are also parts of an information system. Therefore it can be said that an information system is a system that provides management and other personnel within an organization with up-to-date information regarding the organizations performance; for example, current inventory and sales. Thus, it is important to understand the relationship or role of information ystem in any organization and how it would directly help them. An IS system isnt just a collection of hardware and software, its much more than that, its a tool. This tool can be used in a number of ways, and the value of it really depends on how a business opts to utilize it (Goessl L. 2008). Information systems are rarely innovative or out of the box business solutions. However manager will not be able to design new systems successfully or understand existing systems without understanding your own business organization. Relationship of Information System with Organization All businesses share one common asset, regardless of the type of business. It does not matter if they manufacture goods or provide services. It is a vital part of any business entity, whether a sole proprietorship or a multinational corporation. That common asset is information. The amount of information in organizations is heavily increasing and it has become vitally important to efficiently manage and share information inside the organization (Anna, 2009 cited at Obeng S. 2010). Information enables us to determine the need to create new products and services. Information tells us to move into new markets or to withdraw from other markets. Without information, the goods do not get made, the orders are not placed, the materials are not procured, the shipments are not delivered, the customers are not billed, and the business cannot survive. Information is considered to be the lifeblood of any organization (http://wiki. answers. com). It has far lesser impact when presented only as raw data. On the other hand damaged or lost data due to unorganized can cause disruptions in normal business activities leading to financial losses, law suits, etc. Companies have to be shifted in adopting new technology in order to remain competitive in a continuously developing business environment. This is where information systems (IS) come into play. In other words in order to maximize the value of information, it must be captured, analyzed, quantified, compiled, manipulated, made accessible, and shared through an information system (IS). It must be designed, developed, administered, and maintained which suits organizational needs and requirement. Information systems are organizational subsystems that perform ork related to information (Lucas H. C. Jr (1994) p. 52) Companies and other organizations are investing great sums in introducing information systems in the organization hoping to be able to make business more efficient and information sharing smoothly (Anna, 2009 cited at Obeng S. 2010). A sophisticated computer information system enables companies to monitor employees, to keep managers and employees informed, to coordinate activitie s among divisions, or even to sell their products to customers via the internet. Moreover, in the era of information technology like this, information has become valuable organizational asset just like human resources and inventories. Furthermore, a good information system can facilitate direct communication between firm and suppliers, manufacturers, dealers, and marketers. Together, they can create a value chain as though they were in one organization (Axos 2008). Information systems, which comprise hardware, software, data, applications, communication and people, help an organization to better manage and secure its critical corporate, customer and employee data. Information systems also improve integration and work processes and organization can gain continuous benefits. An information system can be a mainframe, mid-range or network computer concept that allows distributed processing for a group of users accessing the same software application. These systems provide management with control over their data, with various tools to extract data or view data structures and records. The role of an information system is to foster a data management environment that is robust and can be expanded according to an organizations strategic plan for information processing. An information system also satisfies diverse information needs in an organization Roles of Information System in an Organization One reason information system plays such an important role in organization and affect so many people is the soaring power and the decline on cost of computer technology. Organization nowadays can use powerful communication networks to access different locations around the world and coordinate activities across time and space. These networks are transforming the shape and the form of business enterprises. This report will not look into detail on the network used, instead will be focusing on the role and the capability of information system which required the organization to redesign, transform structure, scope of operations, reporting and control mechanisms, work practices, work flows, products and services (Lo P. 2005) Information system can flatten organizations which mean it can reduce number of employees and management levels. In other words, organization can reshape and retrench employee who is in redundancy and no longer need some of the positions. Thus, it reduces the number of levels in an organization by providing managers with information to supervise larger numbers of workers and by giving lower-level employees more decision-making authority. Team members can collaborate closely even from distance locations which means that the management span of control also been broadened. This means managers can manage and control more workers spread over greater distances. Through information system it is now possible to separate work from location and they can organize globally while working locally by the usage of e-mail, internet, and video conferencing. According to Laudon K. C. ; Laudon J. P. 2000, it can link people, assets and ideas to create and distribute products and services without being limited to traditional organizational boundaries or physical location and hence enabling different companies to join together to provide goods and services without physical linkage. It can also help to reorganize work flows and processes and have been progressively replacing manual work procedures with automated work procedures. It allows organization to cut costs significantly through displacing paper and manual routine as well as improving customer service. Redesigned workflows can also facilitate organization efficiency and can enable new organizational structures, products and services. Information system can increase flexibility to both small and large organizations by increasing their ability to respond to changes in the marketplace and to take advantage of new opportunities. It enables transactions such as payments and purchase orders to be exchanges electronically among different companies, thereby reducing the cost of obtaining products and services from outside the firm. Organization can share business data, catalogues or mail messages through such systems. It can create new relationships between organization, its customers and suppliers because information system automates the flow of information across organizational boundaries (Laudon K. C. ; Laudon J. P. (2000). Information System concepts Laudon K. C. ; Laudon J. P. (1995) p. 6 stated three common activities in an information system produce the information organizations need for making decisions, controlling operations, analyzing problems and creating new products or services. Input is the raw data from the world around us (Laudon K. C. et al (1995) p. 2). In other word input captures or collects raw data from within the organization or from its external environment. For example, Customers information, organization’s products and services, internal operations, competitors and all the external data on the economy, markets etc. Processing entails converting this raw data into a useful form which means that computers are used to store data and then manipulate, rearrange, and an alyze this data according to a set of instructions called a program or software. The result of processing on the other hand is called output. Output entails displaying information to users which means that it transfers the processed information to the people or activities where it will be used. For example, many organizations would want their information to be disseminated and shared to the external parties which include the public, stockholders, government and etc. Types of Information Systems in organization Information systems must be sufficiently flexible to meet the needs of users at different levels in an organization. Facilitating the input, processing and output as mentioned earlier requires the use of several different types of information system. Thus, there are different types of information system used in organization. These include transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision support systems and executive information systems. Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) Transaction processing systems help production workers to process transactions. Transaction means an event surrounding the production, distribution, sale and transportation of goods and services (Laudon K. C. et al 1995), cash deposits, payroll, credit decisions and the flow of material in the factory (Laudon K. C. ; Laudon J. P. 1995). The powerful feature of TPS is their ability to record routine and well-structured processes (Rowley J. 1996). It also helps to record sales, inventory or financial data. For example if an item were sold, the transaction processing system would ensure that the sale was posted in the sales journal and later when the invoice is raised to the accounts receivable file and to the inventory records. Output would be a printed list of detailed monthly statements for customers or a screen display of the stock levels of items in stock. Management Information System (MIS) Management information systems support managers in making decisions and to produce meaningful reports for managerial use (Rowley J. 1996). The purpose of this system is to help the business firm integrate new knowledge into the business and help organization control the flow of paperwork (Laudon K. C. ; Laudon J. P. 1995). MIS are suitable to use in decision making situations where the information requirements can be gathered and access in advance and the need for information occurs regularly. The highly structured information provided by these systems allows managers to evaluate an organizations performance by comparing current with previous outputs http://www. chris-kimble. com/Courses/World_Med_MBA/Types-of-Information-System. html. An example might be the decision to change the price of a given product. In order to make such a decision it is useful to have data on production costs, existing profitability of the product, past sales of that and other products, and the effect that a previous price rise had on sales, as well as data concerning the prices of comparable products from competitors. Decision Support Systems (DSS) Decision support systems help managers monitor, control, organize work, (Laudon K. C. et al 1995) decision making, and administrative activities (Laudon K. C. Laudon J. P. 1995). It is an information system that assists managers with unique, non-recurring strategic decisions that are relatively unstructured (Rowley J. 1996). According to Keen and Morton 1978, the systems support non-routine decision making (as cited in Laudon K. C. Laudon J. P. 1995, p. 13). A decision support system must be very flexible http://www. freetutes. com/systemanalysis/types-of-information-system. html It typically provides periodic reports rather than instant information on operations. It is therefore tend to support tactical and strategic decision making in situations where the risk associated with any error is high and a mistake can have serious consequences. These systems are often used to analyze existing structured information and allow managers to project the potential effects of their decisions into the future. An example is a relocation control system that reports on the total moving, house hunting, and home financing costs for employees in all company divisions, noting wherever actual costs exceed budgets. Executive Information Systems (EIS) Executive information systems are designed to assist top-level executives in the acquisition and use of the information that is necessary to support them in their top management of the organization (Rowley J. 1996). In other words it helps them to tackle and address key strategic issues and long term need, both in the firm and in the external environment. Executive Information System are designed to be operated directly by executives without the need for intermediaries and easily tailored to the preferences of the individual using them http://www. chris-kimble. com/Courses/World_Med_MBA/Types-of-Information-System. html. EIS support them by providing them quick access to detail and investigation of a problem once the problem or opportunity has been identified. Output on the screen often uses a mixture of graphics and tables. Benefits of using Information Systems Organization practicing pervasive as information systems has a wide range of significant benefits. They often view these as assets and a means to gain a competitive lead in their respective industry. There are number of benefits that organization could gain are as stated below: Enhance jobs Implementing Information Systems can make jobs more efficient in terms of releasing employees to do other important tasks. It is no longer for staff needed to spend valuable time sorting through statistics, data and other pertinent information because the system has ability to gather it for them. Information System provides a cost-effective way to conduct transactions, significantly cutting down the time involved in processing. Differentiation Information System provides the ability to strategically define organization in a way that makes the business stand out from the competition. Information systems can be integrated in such a way where customers can be offered something no one else provides. With a unique design that makes your business appealing to do business with, you can easily increase your customer base. Decision Making Information systems allow the vital element of providing real-time information. In todays competitive environment, a manager needs to make rapid decisions and to do this effectively and they need the most up to date information available to assist them. Properly designing their IS to custom fit the needs will enable them to accomplish this. Communication Information systems possess ways to effectively and efficiently share information. Automated communication is a time and resource saver and can add tremendous value to business. With the help of information system, communication can become cheaper, quicker, and more efficient. Organization can now communicate with anyone around the globe by simply text messaging them or sending them an email for an almost instantaneous response. The internet has also opened up face to face direct communication from different parts of the world thanks to the helps of video conferencing. Globalization IS has not only brought the world closer together, but it has allowed the worlds economy to become a single interdependent system. This means that organization can not only share information quickly and efficiently, but they can also bring down barriers of linguistic and geographic boundaries. The world has developed into a global village due to the help of information system allowing countries from different continent who are not only separated by distance but also by language to shares ideas and information with each other. Increasing Revenues IS used technology to generate revenue, for example by making information products available through computer systems (Lucas H. C. Jr 1994). There is an abundance of financial databases and services to which one can subscribe. It is possible to obtain hundreds of types of data about companies and their financial conditions. The Internet is the main source to advertise your products. Information system on the other hand has also helped to computerize the business process thus streamlining businesses to make them extremely cost effective money making machines. This in turn increases productivity which ultimately gives rise to profits that means better pay and less strenuous working conditions. Reducing Costs -One of the main benefits of implementing IS/IT in organizations has been cost savings. For instance, organization has automated clerical tasks to reduce costs. Insurance companies and banks on the other hand generate products that are really information; bills, notices, renewals, and so on represent output, products that must be printed and distributed to customers. These systems have resulted in elimination of existing positions, whereas others have reduced the number of additional employees needed in the future. Taking Ernst Young for example, the company has successfully reduced its office space by 2 million square feet by allowing their employees to work from home. http://www. bukisa. om/articles/20243_the-importance-of-information-system#ixzz1rMCWg2Uz Improving Quality One reason to use IS/IT is to improve the quality of output: computer aided design is a good example. An engineer or draftsman uses a computer terminal to create engineering drawings. He or she stores the drawing on a computer file; it can be recalled later for easy modification. A system like this will also plot a drawing copy; changes are redrawn in minutes. The syste m reduces much of the time of design work and has dramatically reduced the need for draftsman. Another example is through the usage of electronic data interchange (EDI) which connects firms to each other electronically. A typical application is order entry and acknowledgement. The use of EDI contributes to quality by reducing the opportunity for errors since data are entered only once. An information system offers a litany of benefits that help to make the process of managing information easier. Central access, easy back up, central distribution of information, easy record keeping, easy tax preparation, as well as easy customer trait identification http://www. blurtit. com/q8104822. html More and more people are working from their homes nowadays. Information technology has become so sophisticated it allows people to choose to work from home. Teleconferencing and video conferencing enable employees to beam in whenever needed How to ensure effective implementation of IS in organization When manager has decided to change processes along with software, they must create a phased in approach to their organizations changes in order to make the change successful. Usually the push towards a new software system is backed by a need to change business from the current way of doing things. Organization will become more efficient, to reduce paper usage, to provide better audit trail, to better market and care for a customer base and/or many other reasons. In order to implement change it is better to use conversion strategies in which to implement new system they cannot just simply forget the old system completely, it must done simultaneously so that change would become more effective. This is because if there is anything happen to the new system, the old system can still be easily retrieved. Changing too many things at once may overwhelm organizations staff. In addition, unless it is a very large company with a dedicated project team, it is very likely that they will not have the resources to properly supervise and implement both new software and new process. It is essential to really understand the full functionality of the system until it is implemented and are utilizing it for a period of time. Manager in organization will make better process decisions after going through the nuts and bolts pieces of the conversion and can now focus on all the bells and whistles the software offers. Organization need to provide sufficient training. It also allows staff to brainstorm with one another as they are getting used to the softwares functionality. It is vital to follow up training after implementation of the system, even if it is only a brief overview. Doing so, will allow manager to realize the full benefits of their system. It will also give organization updated information on the system. It is vital to involve the right people in the organization. It is also important to identify a champion in each key area of the organization that can ensure the success of the implementation. The champions do not necessarily need to be management, or supervisors. In fact, a trusted peer that is dedicated to the project may be able to better connect to the staff on the level of their daily duties (as well as provide excellent feedback regarding implementation details during the project). No matter what approach is being used by organization, implementing new software can definitely be a busy and stressful. Using these tips will assist more or less assist organization to a successful implementation. Conclusion In conclusion, it is surprising facts that there are many more companies still do not use information system in their organization. Information system enables companies to react, respond, cater, store, retrieve, disseminate, and control their new valuable asset that is information. In the years to come, a good information system within a company will be no longer an option; it will become a compulsory in determining success and to gain competitive advantage. Implementing a new system typically comes with a large price tag, but if business requirements and processes are properly and accurately identified, the payoffs can be big. Investing in information systems keeps a business competitive and helps an organization carry the ability to maintain visible status in the global economy. Without IS, a business will more than likely fall rapidly behind. The benefits of integrating technology within an organization can truly be limitless depending on the level of creativity, strategic planning and innovation in the decision making processes. REFERENCES Alter S. 1991, Information Systems: A Management Perspective, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company Inc. Axos 2008, The Importance of Information System http://www. bukisa. om/articles/20243_the-importance-of-information-system Fenwick T. et al. 2009, Reducing the Impact of Organizational Silos in Resilience, Resilient Organisations Research Report – 2009/01. http://www. resorgs. org. nz/pubs/Silos. pdf Laudon K. C. Laudon J. P. 1995, Essentials of Management Information System, Prentice Hall Inc. ________________________ 2000, Management Information Systems, Pren tice Hall, New Jersey http://www. bonissen. de/ib/summaries/Business%20Informatics%20(2-3). PDF Laudon K. C. et al 1995, Information Technology: Concepts and Issues, Boyd Fraser Publishing Company. Lo. P 2005, The Information System Revolution http://www. peter-lo. com/Teaching/M7011/L01. pdf Lucas H. C. Jr 1994, Information Systems Concepts for Management, 5th Edition, Mitchell McGraw Hill Rowley J. 1996, The Basics of Information Systems, 2nd Edition, Library Association Publishing Obeng S. 2010 Information System and Its Importance in Organizations: Case Study of LA General Hospital http://www. modernghana. com/blogs/270543/31/information-system-and-its-importance-in-organizat. html Benefits of Information System accessed from: http://www. mallbusinessbible. org/advan_disadvan_informationtechnology. html http://www. helium. com/items/1703037-the-benefits-and-challenges-of-using-information-systems-in-business http://www. basicsofcomputer. com/is_information_system_development_process. htm Types of Information System accessed from: http://www. ehow. com/list_6117086_types-information-systems-business-organization. html http://www. basicsofcomputer. com/information_system_in_a n_organization. htm http://www. freetutes. com/systemanalysis/types-of-information-system. html http://www. ocstoc. com/docs/53534622/Types-of-Information-System http://www. docstoc. com/docs/94523820/Types-of-IS http://www. chris-kimble. com/Courses/World_Med_MBA/Types-of-Information-System. html What is Organization Accessed from: http://phaariz. files. wordpress. com/2010/03/laudon-feature-3. pdf http://www. helium. com/items/853154-maximizing-information-systems-to-gain-a-competitive-advantage http://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/organization. html#ixzz1qhG5iYu7 http://wiki. answers. com/Q/Why_do_organizations_need_information_systems
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