MBA chapter 1 info. systems

other IS careers

- consultants of large firms - technology company employees - small business entrepreneurs starting their own IS business - IS entrepreneurs or freelancers (write programs, work on IS projects with larger businesses, or write phone apps)

systems anaylst

- consults with management and users - defines scope of and requirements for new info. systems - brings business and information systems together

programmer

- converts program design into a working program written in one of many computer languages

software developer

- creative mind behind computer programs - develops applications and operating systems - tests, debugs, and upgrades software

web developer

- designs and maintains web sites - may monitor web site performance/capability

shadow IT pros

- enables business to test quick solutions to business needs without delays brought on by involvement of info. systems - can create a innovative, synergistic partnership between info, systems department and other business units - provides opportunity to evaluate and test many more info. system initiatives

competitive advantage

- generates more sales - achieves superior profit margins - gained through cost leadership, differentiation, focus - requires considerable effort to sustain - mangers key role: identify and use info. systems to gain a competitive advantage

business analyst

- improves company competitiveness and performance - evaluates and solves business challenges - must possess a broad set of business knowledge and skills

strategic planning considerations

- long-term impact of each strategy on revenue and profit - degree of risk involved - amount and types of resources required - potential competitive reaction

people

- most important element of information systems - employee requirements for success: - training and understanding for need for info. system - motivation to use the info. system - access to system support people as needed

information systems security anaylst

- plans, designs, implements, and maintains integrity of systems and data - analyzes security measures to identify and implement improvements - develops and delivers security measures training - creates security breach program plans - may work for computer companies, consulting firms, or business and financial companies

strategic planning benefits

- provides a framework and clearly defined direction to guide decision making - provides effective use of organizations resources - allows organizations to be proactive - improves communication

shadow IT cons

- systems and process developed may lack necessary levels of security required to meet compliance standards - can create tension between CIO and who has responsibility for technology within org. and business managers who want more of role in info. system decision - individual departments may buy services, software, and hardware that the company get a better deal through central purchasing - may be wasteful and duplicate work already being done by IS org. - issues can arise over response to fix "nonapproved" solutions

chief information officer (CIO)

-employs IS departments equipment and personnel - achieving's org. goals - understands finance, accounting, return on investment

structure

a definition of the relationships among the members of an org. including their roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority necessary to complete various activities

supply chain

a key value chain whose primary processes include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service

Leavitt's diamond

a model that states an organizations information systems operate within a context of people, technology, infrastructure, processes, and structure

strategic planning

a process that helps managers identify desired outcomes and formulate feasible plans to achieve their objects by using available resources and capabilities

value chain

a series (or chain) of activities that an org. performs to transform inputs into outputs in such a way that the value of the input is increased

information system

a set of interrelated components that work together to support fundamental business operations, data reporting and visualization, data analysis, decision making, communications, and coordination within an organization accomplish work-related tasks and everyday living activities analyze large amounts of data

procedure

a set of steps that need to be followed to achieve a specific end result, such as entering a customer order, paying a supplier invoice, or requesting a current inventory report

process

a structured set of related activities that takes input, adds value, and creates an output for the customer of that process

technology infrastructure

all the hardware, software, databases, networks, facilities, and services used to develop, test, deliver, control, or support the information technology applications and services an org. requires to meet the needs of its customers, suppliers, key business partners, regulatory agencies, and employees

IS goals

cost center/service provider: control/reduce IS costs, improve IS operations and services business partner/peer: improve IS/business partnership control IS costs; expand IS services game changer: drive business innovation; deliver new products and services

typical projects

cost center/service provider: eliminate redundant or ineffective IS services business partner/peer: implement new systems and technology infrastructure; redesign business processes game changer: provide new ways for customers to interact with org.

strategic plan focus

cost center/service provider: inward looking business partner/peer: business focus game changer: outward looking

strategy

cost center/service provider: react to strategic plans of business units business partner/peer: execute IS projects to support plans of business game changer: use IS to achieve competitive advantage

interorganizational IS

enables sharing information and conducting business electronically across organizational boundaries

personal information system

improves the productivity of individual users in performing stand-alone tasks

enterprise information system

organizations uses to define structured interactions among its own employees and/or with external customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other business partners

certification

process for testing skills and knowledge - results in a statement by certifying authority that confirms an individual is capable of performing particular tasks - frequently involves specific, vendor-provided or vendor endorsed coursework

workgroup information system

systems that support teamwork and enable people to work together effectively, whether team members are in the same location or dispersed around the world

shadow IT

the information systems and solutions built and deployed by departments other than the information systems department - enables business managers to quickly create highly innovative solutions to real business problems and test out solutions - may employ non-approved vendors, software, or hardware and may not meet IS department standards