Decision Focus Of Mis Information Technology Essay

termination Focus Of Mis tuition Technology EssayThe report was intended to underwrite the theoretical and speculative aspects ab push through the heed development agreement, and its practical screenings as swell up. The next thing to be through with(p) is providing recommendations to amazon.com for a profitable selective development governance to coordinate the doings and workforce activities, and incorporating novel processes while expanding military control in the times of economic crisis. guidance info trunk nurture musical arrangement is comprised of integrated components utilize to gather, store, analyze and transfer the discipline. The technology apply to sm exclusively-arm mount and coordinate the development in a way that it thunder mug be retrieved when withd newfangledd is cognise as entropy technology. (Clarke, 2007)The development establishment is the one which requires the data some(prenominal) internally and externally, process it into info, pass this culture to people working at change directs of disposals, assist them in finality qualification in a well-timed(a) and powerful manner (Lucey, 2004).The heed tuition governing body is the transcription which gives needed timely training to heed for ending reservation, planning, and controlling of blood trading trading operations effectively and efficiently. In this super competitive world of technology, the wariness teaching systems atomic number 18 combination of man and hardwargon, which aids and provide support to the management to suffice descent operation with excellence. It is the man and computer based technology which collects the raw form of data, converts it into usable knowledge, store it, and retrieve it when needed. This information is conducive for all managing directorial levels or hierarchies. The well built and structured information system is helpful to both course and its employees in acquiring their objectives and get ups decision making process easier at all organizational levels. (Laudon, 2006)Decision Focus of MIS identification number1 (Sourced Lucey,seventh Edi)Roles of MISThe organizations of the modern world arrive comprehended it well that information systems argon of the essence(p) for the growth of their billetes. They athletics a critical role in managing operations perform social occasion tasks and future decision making. As a result, organizations allow for enhance their processes, improves client service, and earn more market sh be and profits eventually. Thus it impart be impound to say that a well structured and utilized management information system evoke act as a inception of giving competitive advantage to organization, which is demand of the corporate vault of heaven globally (Clarke, 2007). some critical roles played by the management information system atomic number 18 discussed here Firstly, it supports business processes the best illustration is memorandum t racking or management, golf club delivery management, supply chain management. These systems are helpful in performing daily routine tasks or business operations in a more efficient manner, thus empowering employees to perform well and satisfy their customers (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008).The next is that it supports in making decisions for normal mean solar day to day operations. This is the most important role played by the system helping employees at conglomerate levels in organization. The middle level utilize this information for making decisions regarding the service and harvest-time, while senior management utilise this information to make strategic decisions for future of business. Thus, it is the well structured and well designed management information system that assists in decision making at every management level because they are providing appropriate information to the management. (McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2008).A nonher important role played by the information sys tem is giving a competitive advantage. In industry settings, it acts as source of competitive edge in two ways. One way is to show up and then present the information of customers, their behaviours, preferences, demographic influences and overly in enhancing product quality, exposing the regenerate product to right customers, and focussing on customer sortreds. In an early(a) way, management can utilize this information to make changes and shoot decisions regarding businesses and product development to gain competitive edge (McAfee and Brynjolfsson, 2008).Types of Management Information systemThere exist four major(ip) types of the management information system. The Executive Support remains resides at the top level management. It has a role in providing the corporate strategic information to senior management. then(prenominal) is the Decision Support System, which serves to the middle management by providing information they require and helps them in decision making. Anothe r system on same level is Management Information System, which provides internal and external information of customers and employees to the management. The most sanctioned is the Transaction Support System, which provides information about daily business operations and helps employees to provide enhance services to their customers. These Transaction Support Systems are used to track inventory, record daily sales etc (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008).Figure 2 (Sourced Laudon Laudon 9th Edi) strategical WeaponIn past, the presence of management information system was not as vital as it is today, because it was employed for the purpose of assistance in transactions and daily operations only. But recently, these systems pick out gained importance repayable to the new picture of corporate landscape and culture. Now the time instrument is present, the right information must(prenominal) be delivered in time to its respondents to engross decisions on this basis. To take strategic decision s, it is essential to ca-ca accurate and timely information with the management. That is why the graph of importance of MIS is rapidly increasing. This makes it clear that information systems if implemented correctly and used efficiently can act as a strategic weapon of the company (Clarke, 2007).These information systems can be utilized in multiple ways. From the customers perspective, these systems facilitate their interaction with the company, motivating them to do further transactions, and it can be used effectively on B2B business model. With the implementation of intelligent business information system, company can ascertain the feedback from customers, perform analysis on it and use this for improvements in business operations and procedures. Thus it helps in building a strong business relationship with customers, and consequently organization can achieve competitive advantage (Preston and Karahanna, 2009). about other advantage which organization can get from this MIS are intensify efficiency of organization, improved inventories, just in time delivery of raw material and learning process from the data collected by this information system. This helps in increasing the business processes of the company and reduces cost of processes. This is how information systems can strategically used as business weapon (Preston and Karahanna, 2009).Information System TechnologyInformation communion system technologies are involved in almost every aspect of life. The unscathed process of acquiring, processing, storing and distributing verbal, theoretical and quantitative information via computation is collectively known as Information communication technologies .(Lucey,2004).ICT is not only comprised of the hardware and software, but also structure of net and communication, structure of data and information with its approach shot to different levels, user friendly, and also deals in operations and organizational strategies. To make long story short, these info rmation communication systems are socio-technical as they integrates information, equipment, organization and people al unneurotic .(Lucey,2004) whatsoever main uses of information communication technologies are discussed in the figure below.Figure 3( Sourced Lucey, 7th Edi)It has been found that, information communication technologies (ICT) are not essential in every management information system, yet it is illustrious that if these ICTs are deployed in MIS then they can provide support to multiple managerial posts in organization. The figure below depicts the likelihood of applying this application at various levels in organization.Computer Application Feasible reachFigure 4(Sourced Lucey, 7th Edi)The information communication technologies can be deployed in organizational settings for varied reasons, some of which areCorporate Data InformationTo communicateCreating Networks net incomeElectronic Data InterchangeWorld Wide Webcomputer hardware and parcel ManagementThe informatio n systems are complex systems, created from multiple components. These take on people, resources, software, hardware, data and networks, each one having its own importance and management style. about submitations need to be taken for managing any information system in organizations (Clarke, 2007). bandage talking about the hardware portion, it has to be kept in mind that hardware component of information system must be designed and created by forecasting the future requirements of the information. Same is done in case of software parts, yet in this case mostly present-day(prenominal) involve of the company are considered, which is snarly when business expands and information requirements are changed.Similar types of regulations are applicable on data and network of the information system. In case of the networks, future needs are kept in mind while designing and creating networks, while in data case, the needs of all management levels are considered before making data managem ent system as every tier has its own particular specialised need that is to be satisfied. This is why it is required to develop a super flexible data management system in order to give all types of information related needs (Luftman and Kempaiah, 2008).Example of MISHere is a case study of management information system of virago.com is a US-based electronic commerce company. Amazon is one of the largest online business retailers in the United States with its Headquarter in Seattle, Washington. The case discussed below is a an example of using a profitable MIS setup in an organization, which helps in sustaining the business (Web1,2010)Management Information System at Amazon.comUsers at AmazonThe people using MIS at Amazon.com overwhelms sales staff, ingathering team up, marketing mortalnel, accountants, finance officers, inventories and procuring managers and teams. The usage rights varied from person to person in an organization on the basis of difference in designations they have. The ones who are executives and leaders of the team possess rights regarding business processes, managers are entitled to right for guaranteeing the information collectively and individually. This right is also given to the senior executives and mountain pass of departments, who can view all information, and get reports in different formats to check the proceeding of individual employee and intact organization as well. This is how the management of Amazon measures the performance of its employees (Web1, 2010).Hardware ComponentsThe hardware components that are deployed in management information systems of Amazon areFax MachinesInbox Intel Core2Due Processing SystemsKeyboardModemsMousePrintersDedicated serversUpsSoftware ComponentsThe software components incorporated in the MIS of the Amazon.com are of various kinds. one the kind is which are used as machine cart track software these include Microsoft Windows Office, Antivirus system and other are application that are de signed for needs of different departments depending upon the nature of business they are handling. These applications include tracer bullet system, Econnect system, CRM system, timelessness Analysis portal and manta ray.One primary kind is used for running machines and known as system software such as Microsoft Windows Office, Antivirus, other software applications designed to cater the needs of the different departments which is dependent on the type of business they are dealing in. Some examples of these applications includeTracer systemEconnect systemCRM systemInfinity Analysis portalOctopusSales Order Processing SystemFigure 5Networks for conflicting LocationsAmazon.com acquires it network system and utilizes LAN (use Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and VPN (Virtual Private Network), to perform operations in remote areas without presence in the office.Example of WANFigure 6(Source Web2)Data ComponentThe data component of Amazons MIS is comprised of the database management system, which gathers, stores, analyze, and retrieves data through servers and software applications.RecommendationsHere, we have to provide some major recommendations to the Amazon who is expanding their business and focus is on optimizing the performance of their workforce by managing and controlling them. As we know Amazon is a US based organization who is intended to expand its business in South Asian region of the World such as Pakistan and India. That is why we have to recommend main points about the management information system for Amazon which will help it strategically. Some main aspects of MIS regarding management strategy and decision making are as under.Strategic Management through MISIn most cases, strategy making is not a well organized and structured process, and the role of new management information system is limited in information processing. Though MIS is required to collect information according to the milieu and perform see and processing methods to appoint the possible threats and opportunities. Some main characteristics of the strategic information utilized in decision making are as underOutside Information It is known that internal information is required continuously for business, yet a real fact is that organizations are working in any environment and not alone, so in this case they need extensive impertinent information for making decisions on strategic issues. This information can be the performance report of competitor in a market, financial patterns, proficient advancements, political situations, market scenarios and trends etc.Long term Concerns The strategic plans are made for the medium and long terms. That is why strategic information systems must be designed to cater the information like trends, forecasts, appraisals, former performance records.Quality and Quantity The element of the quality and quantity is required in the information gathered for the information system. The qualitative information is neede d to formulate strategic plans and take decisions. The quantitative information is needed for daily operations like sales.Informal Processes Formal procedures are important in strategic planning, but it is the fact that informal procedures to analyse the information is highly effective way. Studies indicate that an extra formal system in strategic levels makes the organization less adaptive and responding.Boundary less The information at get down management level is boundary less in the organizations, but it has been noted that it is limited to a particular(prenominal) action. In case of strategic information, it should be broad and not restricted by any boundaries.Multi-Proportion Management While building strategy or taking decisions, management must consider all the solutions to issue and look problem with all aspects. For instance, taking decision on one issue, management has to consider all factors such as financial, customers, marketing.Environmental Influences on ScanningTh e primary difference between, management information system made for strategic level and other MISs is that in case of strategic MIS, impact of environment is considered. In creating strategies or making decisions, it is essential to comprehend the involvement of environment and forecast potential changes that will occur in future, and also predict the future trends and influence factors of business. This whole process of collecting information whether formal or informal is known as scanning. The four main types of scanning includesUndirected scanning The scanning in which the information is searched out by the manager generally and not for any specific purpose.Conditioned scanning In this type managers influence is involved. The influence come through any previous event or experience, and several portions of information are collected by it, instead of exploring specifically for the problem.Informal Directed Scanning Here the information is searched particularly for any purpose or t opic but in an informal or non structured format, rather manager following a formal setup.Formal Scanning In this type, the information is collected for the specific purpose through formal and structured process enterprise astray information systemsAn appropriate ERP system is recommended to the Amazon.com for optimizing its business. The advancements in networking and information technology have enabled the usage of shared data bases or ware houses by some information systems. This is done to provide support to the business operations and processes, linking them together to form enterprise wide information systems.One known or famous example of enterprise wide information system is Enterprise Resource Planning system. The retailers of known ERP systems include SAP, Baan, Oracle, and People-soft. The main task of ERP system is that it performs the integration, warehousing, application, and creates user friendly interfaces of the data and facilitate with data analyzing tools. It is a collection of multiple software modules which helps in bringing major business processes together. separately module performs its own task in analyzing the data. Some main modules of ERP system areInventory ManagementLogisticsBill of materialsSales and Marketing benevolent resource ManagementAccounts payable/receivableRole of ICT Applications in Managing inappropriate WorkforceTrying to manage the operations and performance of its workforce in remote locations, (ICT) information communication technologies are used at all management levels so that information can be accessible whenever required, which enables the multinationals (MNCs) to live on globally even in remote areas. Thus, a well merged and designed MIS is vital for the business success and sustainability in this world of competition.Some examples of ICT applications which can be utilized for a useful management information system are discussed here.Automated OfficesIn order to carry out the information processing tas ks in the company, technology of automating the offices is employed and in personal manner these days. With help of such technologies, it is easier for the information to travel among different departments. For instance committal to writing a memo, or report and email it to all departments. Office mechanization involves collection of software such as MS Office, Accounting software, adobe brick etc.E CommerceE commerce is a specifically electronic or digital process, which includes activities both internally and externally businesses by information communication technology network such as internet, intranet and extranet. The whole business activities including sale, purchasing of services and goods, funds transfer all done electronically. E commerce involves e-marketing, B2B, B2C, C2B and etc.Another novel concept of this age is m-business, which has been evolved from the e-business. WAP (wireless application protocol) has made it possible to get connected on peregrine phones. So me other latest applications includes tele- business, video conferencing, enabling the managers to connect with their team or subordinates from anywhere in the world.Location of DatabaseIt has been discussed in the case that major database of Amazon.com is located at its headquarters in Seattle, but with expansion of its business in South Asian countries and rest world, there might be some hurdles in having single database for all.The effect of having database in the headquarters is that, the operational efficiency in remote areas will decrease, due to disappointment of application to respond. Secondly, the holiday and time zone format in the States is different from that of country in South Asia. And this will be problematic for the staff of the remote operational area to handle queries when database employees will on leave. So having a single database is not recommended when Amazon is expanding business.In order to get in time support of operations, it is preferred to have a data base in operational area. Same is required in the case of application development and support system. As these two tools are designed in the head office and used there, so the operations will be delayed because of this. This will results decline in the customer satisfaction and commitment. To get laid up with such problems, databases and corresponding applications should be designed and developed in the operational country.Security of MISIt is highly important to consider the guarantor of the information system. While dealing with ICT system which is networked via internet and intranet, its security be designed. The security procedures must ensure that only sourceised people have access to the strategic information. The secrecy of the MIS should be on the top priority as this will make the business successful and if mishandled then cause losses.ConclusionsThe author has done the detailed study of the theoretical concepts of management information system in this assignment. Additi onally, the sources of information, its storage, and processing are also discussed in the assignment. The importance of MIS in strategic decision making is the key issue discussed here, and keeping in view this, suggestions are provided by author for Amazon.com to expand its business with appropriate MIS to improve its effectiveness of business.