The pace of revolution of information technology is fast and has become even faster over the last decades. Consequently, many businesses have embraced the developments in information technology in a bid to avoid being looked out from the world of technology. One of the latest result based management practices is through the use of information systems in a business.
The role in which information systems play in management of a business is of great significance to the success of any businesses enterprise operating in the current world. Furthermore, it is worth noting that information systems are designed for collection, processing, retrieving, and distributing information in a business.
This helps to speed up the process of management and delegation of duties within a chain of command. Studies show that the current competitive business world requires organizations to have information systems to ease and speedup up the flow of information to many individuals.
The core functions of information system for managers are solving problems, which arise in a business model. In addition, information systems help in enterprise management and development of new products in a business. However, information systems are designed to be used by people in strategic departments according to the structure and operation of a business entity.
This is because every information system is developed for a specific function such as manufacturing, accounting, and marketing and human resource management. These systems help to simplify human labor and time, which is needed in a business operation. Arguably, the implementation of information systems in a business is a non-debatable issue (Gilman and Carl 56).
Business managers should also be keen to change their systems in line the recent innovations. This is due to the fact that systems change very fast and thus likely to affect the operation of a business. Moreover, information systems should be integrated with the global networks so as to receive the newest and latest updates on the technology. This is because global information is very important for global decision making in a business.
Nevertheless, information systems also benefit marketing departments. They provide managers with information about consumer needs thus contributing to designing of products for consumer’s preference. To adjudge, managers should embrace information technology through implementation of information systems, which will eventually lead to a good and better output (Daft 164).
Technology trend: Digitization
One of Moore’s law states that the power of computing and bandwidth communication has become cheap in a way that it should be taken as disposable. Moore’s law has huge impacts in the world of technology. To begin with, the there are many silicon inventions today which have been created to enhance flow of information.
Furthermore, the world has been made a global village in terms of flow of information using the digital technology. Electronics have been integrated each day thus helping to change many operations in the world. As a matter of fact, many organizations and business have not been left out in this change. That is the reason why many businesses have merged in the wake of the new technology (Huber 123).
Information flow has been made easier through use of information technology. This has been made easier using the information systems, which have enhanced a faster flow of information from one person to the other. The digital convergence has affected many industries such as the telecom industry, computer industry, media industry, and others.
This has resulted to improvements in mobility of data and information, connection of internet and electronic business. One of the changes, which have occurred within digital convergence era, is the ability of information to reach many individuals in a short period of time.
As a matter of fact, information can be processed and be distributed around the globe within a short period of time. Through connectivity of internet many people are enriched with information at their locations within the shortest time possible (Kurtz 199).
Due to the changed digital technology from analog technology, the enhancement of supply of information into markets, which has demand, has increased. Managers and other business owners have also benefited from the current technologies to find new consumers thus increasing their annual returns in their business. For instance, the media industry is one, which has benefited from the current developments of information technology.
This is because through digitization, the media can have many consumers all over the world to supply information thus get huge returns. Economic analysts argue that this has become a world of scarce information. This is because of the mere fact that every individual is in search for the newest information (Schultz 12).
Digital technologies have transformed the information systems into important systems in the world. Through the digital technologies, it is easier to analyze information and transform it into useful information. The second stage after analysis of information is the choices stage. Managers are now able to make rational decisions, which are based on the information, which has been collected.
Nevertheless, using the information systems, it is possible for managers to realize the loopholes, which exist in a business model. This shall help to control data and information, which circulate within a business circle.
However, through the interconnectivity of systems, it is possible for business managers to get information about their consumers in the marker almost free. This can help to improve planning of products and other consumer essentials (Gilman and Carl 56).
The present global economic situation is characterized by new trends in the marker. For instance, through digital technology, it is now possible to have electronic markets, which shall enhance flow of information. The electronic markets are very effective because they enhance delivery of products to the final consumers without wastage of time.
Electronic markets have become the latest form of business, which are substitutes for larger corporations and organizations within an economy. This is why marketing and sales departments are focused on the markets in order to tap the potentials they have. Moreover, the mechanisms for value exchange have also changed tremendously thus changing business transactions.
Managers should explore internet connections with the consumers who are connected to the internet all over the globe. Electronic markets have improved ordering efficiency, which helps to reduce stocks and give consumers reduced legal risks during the transactions. It is easier to trace goods and manufacturing companies thus making transactions safer (Khosrowpou 45).
Due to the changes in information technology, there has emerged a digital firm. This means that the relationship between the consumers and the manufacturers has been digitized. As a matter of fact, consumers can communicate directly with their employees.
This has also been extended to the suppliers and the employees. Today consumers can communicate directly with the members of the supply chain thus improving business. In addition, many critical business processes are now accomplished through the networks, which have been digitized. Most of the business functions and processes are now controlled using the digital technology (Gilman and Carl 57).
The emergence of digital firm has also contributed to agile and response sensing to the environmental changes. Form instance, the consumer problems, and issues can be responded to in an effective manner. This helps to improve the image of the business in addition to attracting more consumers to the business. It is assumed that consumers cannot be forced to consume what they do not want.
This is why some of the marketers consider consumers to be the kings of the business entities. For this reason, the digital technology has helped in the attraction of many consumers to the businesses. In addition to this, many businesses, which consider the e-markets, have achieved huge returns. The future management is thus based on e- markets, which have been enhanced by the innovations in technology.
Today many key corporate assets are managed through the digital technology. This has reduced the human personnel, which is very costly. Moreover, the cost of labor has also been reduced tremendously as a result of emergence of new technologies. This has been as a result of seamless information flow, which has been made easier by the new technology.
Most of the industrial processes such as banking are now done through the ability of a digital technology. A good example is how the banking industry has been changed in the global stage. It has changed to the point that all its functions can now be done through the digital technology. This has helped to improve business and also reduced all the problems, which occur in business (Khosrowpour 122).
The digital technology thus helps information systems to reduce all the delays, which may be found within the supply chain. This is made easier by reduction of the visits of customers in the business. In addition, through automation and precision of information helps errors, which occur in calculation, are reduced to a great extend.
Through the improved automation of processes, it becomes easier to send information faster and also reduce costs, which occur during information send of. The wireless retain shops are a good example of shops which reduce shrinkage and improve connection of businesses with the consumers. In addition, they also reduce the costs of handling of the goods to the consumers (Stair and George 154).
Change management in a business
One of the most successful forms of management is known as change management. It is characterized with innovation strategy, which helps to implement new policies and help in the achievement of the long term goals for the business. Innovation management helps to manage portfolios and projects in a business thus improving the service delivery.
Many projects are very complex but with the innovation of new information systems, it is easier to delegate duties within a supply chain. This is enhanced by through effective communication and creation of a platform for information flow within the chain. It is thus a general fact, that information systems have become a source of complacency within an organization (Schultz 155).
In order for management to have change, they should develop principles, which shall be the constant remainder of change within the supply chain. The principles should be in line with the vision of the organization and also help to reduce the obstacles, which might occur within a business. The systems of governance should also be changed to improve the effectiveness of supply chain.
Moreover, the structures of operation are one of the most critical things within a management and they can only be improved through changing of the information technology. These can be done through adaption to the current information systems, which are beneficial for the success of the business (Stair and George 77).
The management of any organization faces many problems, which occur during the implementation of the projects for the business. One of the problems, which occur in the management of a business entity, is the lateness of project completion. This is caused by lack of systems, which help to speed up the processes of implementation of the long term goals.
Secondly, costs, which increase due to late deliverances and slower imposition of delegated duties, are also a major problem to the business administration. In addition, when many goals and projects have been put together, they also contribute in the lack of implementation of a policy.
On the other hand, when there is an information system in an organization the management can perform many tasks at a single time thus enhance flow of information (Huber 177).
Through the internet, many companies are able to utilize many ways of innovating new products and come up with inventions, which shall help business to succeed and be competitive. Through information systems, it is easier to engage a variety of stakeholders in development and design of new products. This is achieved through cooperation with the consumers who define the kind of products they need.
Additionally, through information on the latest technologies to develop a specific product, it also becomes easier to a design and develops a new product. Supplies and other individuals may also be engaged in the development of new products and this enhances the process of innovation within a business (Daft 165).
Outsiders in a business offer many insights in the development of new products and this enhances the flow of information. Companies can reduce costs through taking new products into the markets, which have the potential. It is therefore important for any successful business to effectively manage its products and thus improve its chances for success.
This is through making of connections with companies and businesses of high profiles and stature. It is thus indispensable for any individual to argue that internet connectivity helps to improve the chances for success. It is thus a fact that every business should embrace internet connectivity in order to improve the chances of success and also improve its income level.
In order to perform a variety of tasks within the same time, companies should implement the information systems infrastructure and thus improve the chances of success within the management. This is because expanding the frontiers of automation and innovation helps to perform tasks more efficient.
The supply chain technologies help in the achievement of faster products and also having the best results because these technologies help to improve the processes.
Due to the changing system of management many global and renowned companies such as General Motors, General Electric and even Wal-Mart stores are using the automation technologies to speed up the flow of information from one supply chain to the other (Stair and George 155).
The management for companies should be engaged in fostering for innovations in the international market. This can be done through submission of ideas and information into the business models. Through engagement with the consumers, information flow is made easier and this encourages businesses to trade information in a quick manner.
The management of the successful companies has now understood that understanding the problems of the consumers is one of the ways, which helps to boost the economic status for business. It is therefore important to ensure valuation of offerings through experimentation of different individuals within the market. This helps to attract many consumers and also increase the status of the business among the competitors (Huber 127).
Through the usage of information systems in the strategic management, it is easy to visualize the role of information flow. Many business-to-business sites have specialized agents who help in the management of the information, which is vital for the survival of the business. In addition, there are also directories, which help to provide the management with the necessary information, which is needed for the business survival.
Through the process of digitization, companies are able to maximize the use of information through creation of by products and thus increase the capital base for the company. This helps to reshape the approaches of merchandise and also contribute in increasing profitability (Stair and George 125).
Information systems also help in expansion of business models. This is because of innovations and product differentiation strategies, which help in the creation of new products in the market. Companies should thus choose the model of competitive advantage to other competitors.
In addition, the information systems also provide companies with the platform to be more productive and also come up with products, which shall help the business to succeed in the long run. Information systems also help companies with project phases though performing of different functions, which help business to succeed.
Business information system is basically based on the use of information technology in the management of information within the business enterprise. In that regard, those assigned the duties of managing the business information systems; that is, the business information system managers should possess the required expertise in information technology.
Generally, information can be considered as a contemporary phenomenon, which has drastically transformed the manner in which business activities are carried out all over the globe (Daft 167). In order to succeed in the present business world, which is basically highly competitive, it is of great essence to make use of effective business information systems, which are considerably modern.
Business information system affects the manner in which firms undertake their marketing, as well as the manner in which communicate within the business entity. In addition, the business information systems dictate the process along with urgency through which the employees accomplish their jobs within the modern business organizations.
It is in that perspective that the business information system managers out to develop special softwares which meet the specified industry standards and assist in ensuring that the best practices are applied in the carrying out of business management. Moreover, information system managers should be in the position of constantly changing the business face in their day-to-day operations through the use of information technology.
Effective business information systems assist the contemporary business organizations in making impressive strides in the realization of operational efficiency. The human resources’ effectiveness is also achieved through the utilization of standardized business information systems (Schultz 22). Information gathering along with information storage, as well as, dissemination is presently undertaken through the use of personal computers.
In that regard, it is evident that the emerging novel business information systems have changed the manner in which internal operations within the business organization are carried out. Furthermore, the business information systems managers should appropriately make use of the advancing communication technology procedures.
It is of great essence to remain updated with the innovations occurring within the information technology sector so as to survive within the contemporary business world (Gilman and Carl 43).
The advances being experienced within the cellular phone expertise have revolutionized the processes through which business persons communicate with their suppliers, strategic partners, clients, as well as employees. In addition, the internet is set to revolutionize the marketing function on top of opening up numerous communication options.
The novel, innovative applications featured within the smart phones, which have introduced recently have transformed the manner in which business information system is carried out.
The smart phones facilitate the establishment of online customer relations management applications, which can even be utilized within the small business enterprises (Daft 63). For instance, potential customers can easily obtain information online through the smart phones without making physical visits to the respective business organizations’ premises.
Nevertheless, even though the information technology applied in the management of business information system is associated with bringing about success to the business organization, it is vital to note that there are several unique costs, which are put into consideration prior to implementing the preferable information technology solutions.
On top of considering the anticipated costs, it is also essential to ensure that the implementation process is carried out by highly qualified professionals who are capable of undertaking the maintenance, expansion, monitoring along with repair of the IT infrastructure.
It is vital to note that certain information systems are too complex to be implemented and they consume a lot of time in the implementation process (Khosrowpour 122). There are various types of information technology tools, which the business information system managers can utilize.
Database tools can be used in the management of business information systems. Databases assist in the organization of business information such that it becomes easily manageable, as well as, accessible. In addition, the databases facilitate easy updating of the stored information.
For example, the business information system managers can establish customer’s databases containing their contact information, placed orders along with their preferences. Moreover, the business information system personnel can also make use of data warehouses.
Data warehouses refer to centralized information storage area, which is mostly utilized in the event that a single business entity possesses various business systems. Data warehouse also refers to the utilization of numerous information systems featured in diverse digital formats. Several business enterprises store, retrieve, and manage information through the digital asset management procedure.
This system is considerably helpful while carrying out several business transactions online (Daft 163). However, the system is relatively technically complex and its task management procedures can only be carried out effectively by information technology specialists.
The business information system personnel can also make use of data mining. Data mining basically refers to the process through which the collected data is sorted out so as to examine the emerging patterns. For example, through data mining, the business information system personnel can find out the most popular products.
It can also be used in establishing the likelihood of a particular class of customers purchasing certain commodities from the firm. Moreover, while undertaking business information system management, it is of great essence to make use of reporting along with querying tools.
These tools are helpful in the creation of reports, which indicate the manner in which the obtained data has been interpreted. For instance, the business information system personnel can make use of these tools to establish the volume of sales, which has been handled by a specific employee (Gilman and Carl 59).
Furthermore, there are diverse web-base tools, which can be utilized in the management of the business information systems. The web-based tools are such as business intelligence portals, the internet along with search engines, intranet, extranet along with social software.
Business intelligence portals refer to the websites, which comprise of various types of resourceful information, for instance, legal issues along with the newly introduced business research findings. The internet along with search engines has always acted as powerful knowledge sources. However, it is of great essence to note that not all the information available online is credible.
Prior to drawing conclusions based on information obtained online, it is necessary to find out the credibility of such information. The credibility of the opinions of various online authors can be carried out by conducting a critical review of their previous works.
On the other hand, intranet refers to the secure private networks, which are only used internally within the business premises (Schultz 74). On the other side, extranets are closely related to intranets but the significant difference between them is that that they can be utilized by both the customers, as well as, suppliers.
Social software include of sites such as the wikis, social networking websites such as twitter or facebook, and blogs. The social software is specifically helpful because it facilitates the sharing of knowledge. The business information system personnel can obtain crucial information regarding the management of business information from the social software.
Basically, wikis refer to the websites within which users are allowed to quickly publish, as well as, edit the featured information. This enables like-minded individuals to record comprehensive information.
On the side of blogs, individuals share knowledge on diverse issues, which can also be related to business information system management with other persons. Informal communication while undertaking business management is carried through social networking websites.
In the process of carrying out business information system management, the personnel should also make use of the diverse customer analysis tools (Daft 161). These tools comprise of the management software specially designed to make better the customer relationship with the business management. This management software is helpful in the formulation of customers’ profile database.
It assists the management to reach the customers through various channels such as emails. The other mostly used customer analysis tool is the call-center system. In the event that the company sales are conducted through the telephone, a greater number of customers can be reached through the call-center system.
Furthermore, website log-file review can be utilized to examine the rate at which the customers obtain information from the company website so as to formulate strategies, which can make the company website more effective.
In general, the customer analysis tools can be used to make better customer service by identifying the kind of information, which should be available to them. Effective business information system also enables the systems file analysis to be done in an easy simple manner.
It is also necessary to make use the Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) software while carrying out business information system management (Leon 45). Actually, as at present, various renowned companies have already purchased the ERP software. This specific software entails of diverse modules, which are designed in such a way that they can handle a certain business facet such as information management.
These modules can turnout as helpful in the management of inventories, distribution along with accounting information, as well as human resources information. Every model functions as the information repository for all of the organization’s members.
For instance, once applied within the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) along with sales data, it saves the much time usually spent in carrying out information sharing, as well as, database management (Leon 76). There are diverse examples of ERPs.
Some of them are the 3i InfoTech, Sage ERP X3 along with the Oracle E-Business Suite. It is vital to bear in mind that the prices of this software are variable in relation to the business organization size, as well as the number of modules required.
The critical segment of the business information system is the analysis of all of the obtained information. From the very start, there is need for the IT specialist dealing with the management of the business information system to comprehend the newly introduced information systems within the IT world.
Moreover, IT specialist should be able to predict the information systems needs of a certain business entity and adjust the current information systems so that they can satisfy the established needs.
Besides, the IT analysts should make better the information systems such that people feel comfortable while using them. Fortunately, there are diverse techniques, which the IT specialists can make put into use so as to undertake business information system management effectively (Khosrowpour 127).
It is noteworthy to understand that discordance is emerging within the business information system sector. There are various factors, which can be attributed to the emergence of discordance. These factors are such as the widening gap between the haves along with have is not.
Another contributing factor is the disparity in the possession of Information Technology expertise. In addition, discordance is also brought about by privacy issues, as well as, security issues such as hackers along with contingency.
Within the IT field, various aspects are viewed as security threats. It is thus necessary to ensure that the information system being utilized within the business entity is well secured. Most of the security threats are ignited by password weaknesses along with proliferation. Spywares along with adware also threaten the security of the information systems being utilized within the business enterprises.
In order to establish a vibrant information system within the business organization, one has to seek the services of internet providers. It is through the internet that the information system users can take advantage of both intranet, as well as, extranet connections.
However, the internet providers aggravate security issues further within the business information system management because in most of the occasions they deny the attacks launched within their systems by hackers thereby leaving their clients in darkness (Head 69). Cybercrime has also affected negatively on the security of business information systems.
It is actually estimated that damages, which were brought about by issues related to cybercrime in the course of 2004, could reach the margin of 17.5 billion USD (United States Dollars), which was actual a 30% increase over the figure obtained in 2003.
All in all, the business information system managers should remain aware of the fact that the more the devices incorporated within the system the lesser the privacy and the more insecure they become. In other words, the information systems, which utilize numerous devices, are more prone to attacks by hackers.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is clear that Information Technology is an important aspect in the business world. Nevertheless, despite the aforementioned setbacks associated with the use of the information technology in the management of the business information system, there are various tangible benefits, which the business entities can achieve by utilizing them in an effective manner (Head 89).
The improved business performance associated with the use of information technology in the management of the business information system results to increased profit margins. Therefore, the business information personnel should formulate processes through which they can securely make use of information technology.
Works Cited
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