1. What are some problems associated with assessing the costs of IT?
Some of the problems that are associated with assessing the cost of IT include the following:
- It is hard to determine the dollar value of IT investments.
- In particular it is difficult to allocate fixed costs among the many IT projects that are needed by the firm in the development, research and collection of data phases of the firm.
- The costs are ongoing and continue well beyond the installation process of the information system. Costs need to be given to accommodate for the maintenance and improving the system as new technology emerges.
2. What difficulties accompany the intangible benefits from IT?
The difficulties that accompany the tangible benefits from IT include:
- Improve customer or firm partner relations
- Improve decision making with more information and data available
- The usage of IT differs in the many ways that it is used. It is hard to quantify why its improved business performance.
- IT support systems and applications can provide strategic benefits through the implementation and upkeep of the firm’s IT infrastructure.
- The proposed systems must be cutting edge but there may not be any returns or value the company can receive from it.
3. Define NPV and ROI, and business case approaches.
NVP is net present value which is a calculation for cost benefit analysis. It allows personnel to convert future values of benefits to their present value equivalent by discounting them. This is a comparative analysis highlighting the future benefits compared to the cost of acquiring those benefits.
ROI is return on investment which is a method of analysing management effectiveness in generating profits with available business assets. This return is calculated by dividing the net income by average assets invested. The greater the value shown, the greater improvement the firm can receive.
Business cases approach is a written document that managers use to justify funding of one or more specific application processes. It evaluates how it can be done, what method would improve and the failure of prior plans or strategies.
4. What type of companies provide outsourcing service?
The types of companies provide outsourcing services include:
- Vendor’s like IBM, Oracle provide services for creating and maintain IT applications to the firm.
- An application services providers as ASP
- Outsourcing can be done by any external organisation or outside contractor in which the firm needs to maintain or acquire IT services.
5. Define ASPs and list their advantages to companies using them.
ASP is an Application Service Provider who is an agent or vendor who assembles the software needed by enterprises and packages them with outsourced development, operations, maintenance and other services.
The advantages of ASP include:
- Saves costs
- Reduce software maintenance and upgrades
- Reduce user training make the company more competitive by reducing time-to-market and enhance the company’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions
6. List some disadvantages of ASPs.
The disadvantages of ASP’s include:
- ASP’s might not offer adequate security protection
- Software might not be a perfect fit for the desired application
- Company must make certain that the speed of the Internet connection between the customer and the ASP is adequate to handle the requirement of the application.
7. List the major steps of selection of a vendor and a software package.
The main steps of selection of a vendor and a software package include:
1. Identify potential vendors: companies can identify potential software applications through things like, software catalogues, technical and trade journals and peer in other companies. The firm needs to establish some kind of criteria to eliminate the ones that are not suitable for the firm.
2. Determine the evaluation criteria: the firm must select a detailed set of evaluation criteria which should include characteristics of the vendor, functional requirements and quality of the vendor package. All of the criteria should be placed in the RFP which can then be sent to the potential vendors inviting them to submit a proposal on the benefits of their software package.
3. Evaluate vendors and packages: the goal of this is to determine the gaps between the company’s needs and the capabilities of the vendors and their application packages. The high score will allow the firm to select which vendor has the most potential.
4. Choose the vendor: the short listing of the vendors, allows the firm to negotiate the benefits and the modifications of the package that will suit the firm.
5. Negotiate the contract: at this stage, the firm and the vendor come together and determine the price of the software and the amount of support that the vendor agrees to provide.
6. Establish a service level agreement: these are formal agreements how the work is to be divided between the company and its vendors.
8. Describe a request for proposal (RFP).
A request for proposal is a document that is sent to potential vendors inviting them to submit a proposal that described their software package and explains how it would meet the company’s needs.
9. Describe SLAs.
Service Level Agreement is a formal agreements regarding the division of work between a company and its vendors.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Week 11- Chapter 9: Managerial Support Systems
1. Describe the decision-making process proposed by Simon.
The decision making process proposed by Simon consists of the following four steps:
a. Intelligence phase: which allows managers to examine a situation and identify and define the problem. This is a key element of the stage as the recognition of the problem allows the managers of the business to adequately devise plans to help combat the problem encountered.
b. Design phase: decision makers and managers create a model that simplifies the problem. This is commenced by making assumptions about the problem and to identify all of the variables surrounding the problem. These assumptions and variables that are identified are put to the test through the use of test data gathered by the organisation.
c. Choice phase: involves managers and key decision makers to test the devised solution from the test data retrieved. Upon its success, it is preceded to the next stage, implementation.
d. Implementation phase: allows managers to implement the strategy to combat the problem encountered by using the data and the research gathered in the previous stages. Success will flow if the recognition of the problem was accurate and will lead to the problem being resolved. If unsuccessful, the whole process will need to be completed again until the problem is resolved.
2. Why do managers need IT support?
Managers need Information Technology Support due to the extensive information collected and have been affected by the following trends:
- Numerous alternatives: innovations in technology, improved communications, and globalisation have allowed many methods and procedures to change the way firms do business. The capabilities of the internet and technology have created the need for IT support in the collection, dissemination and creation of new data to inform key business decision making.
- The degree of problems that are encountered by business’ need to be dealt with proactively. Due to the fluctuating nature of the business environment, information needs to be readily available to make informed decisions.
- New processes and methods need to be created to reduce or combat the complexities of the business environment.
- The information needs to be accessed rapidly, experts need to be consulted, collaborative decision making are available from all locations and departments of the firm. The need to bring all of these into one location quickly and inexpensively is a task which IT support is needed.
3. Describe the decision matrix.
The decision matrix is used to support the decision making process. It classes the problem structure and the three broad categories of the nature of decisions. The matrix consists of nine cells and establishes the roles low, middle and professional staff is required to do.
Lower-management usually perform the structured and operational control orientated tasks including accounts receivable, budgets and short term forecast reports and scheduling for production and inventory control.
Middle management are responsible for the financial management, warehouse location, distribution systems, budget preparations, project scheduling and establishing the finances for the operating of the firm.
Senior executives are responsible for activities including Research and Development, social responsibility planning negotiations, recruiting staff and merging and acquiring other firms in the same industry.
4. Describe the capabilities of data mining.
Data mining is the searching for valuable business information in a large database, data warehouse or data mart. It performs two basic functions of predicting trends and behaviours and identifying unknown patterns.
The capabilities of data mining include the following:
- Retail and sales: identifying sales, determining correct inventory levels and scheduling the distribution channel.
- Banking: forecasts expected expenditure, predicting customer spending patterns and trends and the amount of money that the customers require in a loan
- Manufacturing and production: accounting for the depreciation and usage of machinery and other equipment used in the manufacturing and production of the products.
- Insurance: determining the amount of insurance needed to cover workplace injuries and medical coverage for the firm’s employees and whether or not the customers will require the new insurance policies.
-Police work: determining trends in crime and criminal activity
- Health care: correlating the demographics of the patients with the types of illnesses that are suffered.
The business can then determine the relevant trends by identifying the symptoms and how it will be combated.
- Marketing: classifying the trends of the customers within a particular group and developing marketing strategies that can accommodate the changes in tastes.
5. What are some of the capabilities of digital dashboards?
A digital dashboard provides rapid access to timely information and the direct access to management reports.
Some of the capabilities of digital dashboards include:
- Drill down: which is the ability to go into detail at several levels which can be done by a series of menus on the computer using specific applications
- Critical success factors: are identified at each level of management, organisational level and by department and recognise the key factors for success.
- Key performance indicators: these are the specific measures of the critical success factors
- Status access: the latest data on the key performance indicators which are available in real time.
- trend analysis: identifies the short, medium and long term trends of the key performance indicators which are projected using various forecasting methods.
- Ad-hoc analysis: analyses made at anytime upon the demands of the firm that is relevant to particular factors or relationships of certain constructs.
- Exception reporting: recognises the deviations of plans that a firm aims to carry out.
The decision making process proposed by Simon consists of the following four steps:
a. Intelligence phase: which allows managers to examine a situation and identify and define the problem. This is a key element of the stage as the recognition of the problem allows the managers of the business to adequately devise plans to help combat the problem encountered.
b. Design phase: decision makers and managers create a model that simplifies the problem. This is commenced by making assumptions about the problem and to identify all of the variables surrounding the problem. These assumptions and variables that are identified are put to the test through the use of test data gathered by the organisation.
c. Choice phase: involves managers and key decision makers to test the devised solution from the test data retrieved. Upon its success, it is preceded to the next stage, implementation.
d. Implementation phase: allows managers to implement the strategy to combat the problem encountered by using the data and the research gathered in the previous stages. Success will flow if the recognition of the problem was accurate and will lead to the problem being resolved. If unsuccessful, the whole process will need to be completed again until the problem is resolved.
2. Why do managers need IT support?
Managers need Information Technology Support due to the extensive information collected and have been affected by the following trends:
- Numerous alternatives: innovations in technology, improved communications, and globalisation have allowed many methods and procedures to change the way firms do business. The capabilities of the internet and technology have created the need for IT support in the collection, dissemination and creation of new data to inform key business decision making.
- The degree of problems that are encountered by business’ need to be dealt with proactively. Due to the fluctuating nature of the business environment, information needs to be readily available to make informed decisions.
- New processes and methods need to be created to reduce or combat the complexities of the business environment.
- The information needs to be accessed rapidly, experts need to be consulted, collaborative decision making are available from all locations and departments of the firm. The need to bring all of these into one location quickly and inexpensively is a task which IT support is needed.
3. Describe the decision matrix.
The decision matrix is used to support the decision making process. It classes the problem structure and the three broad categories of the nature of decisions. The matrix consists of nine cells and establishes the roles low, middle and professional staff is required to do.
Lower-management usually perform the structured and operational control orientated tasks including accounts receivable, budgets and short term forecast reports and scheduling for production and inventory control.
Middle management are responsible for the financial management, warehouse location, distribution systems, budget preparations, project scheduling and establishing the finances for the operating of the firm.
Senior executives are responsible for activities including Research and Development, social responsibility planning negotiations, recruiting staff and merging and acquiring other firms in the same industry.
4. Describe the capabilities of data mining.
Data mining is the searching for valuable business information in a large database, data warehouse or data mart. It performs two basic functions of predicting trends and behaviours and identifying unknown patterns.
The capabilities of data mining include the following:
- Retail and sales: identifying sales, determining correct inventory levels and scheduling the distribution channel.
- Banking: forecasts expected expenditure, predicting customer spending patterns and trends and the amount of money that the customers require in a loan
- Manufacturing and production: accounting for the depreciation and usage of machinery and other equipment used in the manufacturing and production of the products.
- Insurance: determining the amount of insurance needed to cover workplace injuries and medical coverage for the firm’s employees and whether or not the customers will require the new insurance policies.
-Police work: determining trends in crime and criminal activity
- Health care: correlating the demographics of the patients with the types of illnesses that are suffered.
The business can then determine the relevant trends by identifying the symptoms and how it will be combated.
- Marketing: classifying the trends of the customers within a particular group and developing marketing strategies that can accommodate the changes in tastes.
5. What are some of the capabilities of digital dashboards?
A digital dashboard provides rapid access to timely information and the direct access to management reports.
Some of the capabilities of digital dashboards include:
- Drill down: which is the ability to go into detail at several levels which can be done by a series of menus on the computer using specific applications
- Critical success factors: are identified at each level of management, organisational level and by department and recognise the key factors for success.
- Key performance indicators: these are the specific measures of the critical success factors
- Status access: the latest data on the key performance indicators which are available in real time.
- trend analysis: identifies the short, medium and long term trends of the key performance indicators which are projected using various forecasting methods.
- Ad-hoc analysis: analyses made at anytime upon the demands of the firm that is relevant to particular factors or relationships of certain constructs.
- Exception reporting: recognises the deviations of plans that a firm aims to carry out.
Week 10- Chapter 8:Organisational Information Systems
1. What are a Transactional Processing and the role of TP systems. State the key objective of TP/TPSs. Transaction Processing systems monitor, collect, store and process data generated from all business transactions. These are inputs into the organisation’s database. The role of the TPS is to handle the high volume and large variations in volume efficiently and avoid errors, recording information accurately. It is a standardised process.
The key objectives of the TPS include:
- The collection of data by persons or sensors and are gathered into the computer.
- It batch processes or online processes the transactions that occurs and are then processed online as soon as they occur.
2. What is a functional area information system? List its major characteristics.
A functional area information system provides information mainly to lower and middle level managers in the functional area. The functional areas of the business include Accounting, Legal, Financial, Marketing etc.
The major characteristics of the FAIS the routine reports that it produces which include the Drill down reports, Key indicator reports and comparative reports.
3. How does an FAIS support management by exception? How does it support on-demand reports?
The FAIS supports management by exception as the system firstly creates the performance standard and the IT systems monitors the performance. It compares the actual performance to the standards and identifies the predefined exceptions.
The FAIS sends the managers information to the corporate data warehouse supporting present and future decision making. FAIS create routine or ad-hoc (on demand) reports which are then given to management.
4. Define ERP and describe its functionalities.
Enterprise Resource Planning systems integrate the planning, management, and the use of all of an organisations resources. The objectives of this system is to tightly integrate the functional areas of the organisation and to enable the transferring of data to seamlessly flow to and from the functional areas.
5. List some drawbacks of ERP software.
The drawbacks of the ERP system are:
- Extremely complex
- Expensive
- Time consuming to implement
6. Define a supply chain and supply chain management (SCM).
A supply chain refers to the flow of material, information, money and services from raw materials suppliers, through to factories and warehouses to the final customer.
The aim of supply chain management is to plan, organise and optimise the supply chains activities. It reduces the friction between moving from one intermediary to another and reduces the uncertainties of decreasing or obsolete inventory.
7. List the major components of supply chains.
The major components of a supply chain:
a. upstream- where sourcing or procurement from external suppliers occurs
b. internal- where packaging, assembly, or manufacturing takes place
c. downstream- where distribution takes place, frequently by external distributors
8. What is the bullwhip effect?
The bullwhip effect refers to the erratic shifts in orders up and down the supply chain.
9. What are some solutions to supply chain problems?
Solution to supply chain problems include:
- Using inventories as insurance against supply chain uncertainties
- Information sharing
10. Define EDI and list its major benefits and limitations
Electronic data interchange is a communication standard that enables business partners to exchange routine documents such as purchasing orders, electronically.
The major benefits of EDI:
- Minimises data entry errors because each data entry is checked by the computer
- Messages are shorter and secured
- Reduces the cycle time
- Increases productivity
- Enhances customer service
- Minimises paper usage
The major limitations of EDI:
- Implementation of an EDI involves significant initial investment
- Continuous operating costs are high, expensive
- Inflexibility of the EDI makes it difficult to implement changes to suit the business environment
- Business processes need to be restructured to suit the EDI The differing standards can produce difficulties in communicating with personnel within the firm.
Week 9- Chapter 7: Wireless, Mobile Computing and Mobile Commerce
1. Identify common wireless devices and their application to business
Common wireless devices and their application to business include:
a. Bluetooth: is used to create small personal area networks. Its application to business is that it connects computer devices close to one person to the firm.
b. ultra-wideband: is a high bandwidth wireless technology with transmission speeds in excess of 100 Mbps. It is a good choice for business as it streams multimedia from a personal computer to a television.
c. Near-field Communications: has the smallest range of any short-range wireless networks. It joins the consumer with the business by transferring funds to the point of sale terminals.
d. Wi-Fi: is a wired LAN but does not have the cables. These wireless devices allow the business to connect its employees to internet access in a radius outside the firm.
e. Wireless mesh networks: uses multiple Wi-Fi access points to create a WAN that can be as large as 135 miles. By using many WAN access points it interconnects them for extended use.
f. Wireless broadband: is a wireless access point that allows for broad coverage and internet access. This is suitable for personnel that are in sales and need constant internet access.
2. Describe the various types and general characteristics of wireless transmission media/technologies - microwave, satellite, infrared and radio waves.
Wireless transmission media allows the user to broadcast media, transmit signals without wires over the air or in space.
The general characteristics of wireless transmission are as follows:
a. Microwave transmission: are widely used for high volume- long distance, line-of-sight communication. The line of receiving needs to be in line with the other. The advantages of using this are that it has high bandwidth and is relatively inexpensive form of transmitting technology.
b. Satellite: use communication satellites. It has high bandwidth capabilities and covers large areas
c. infrared: is infrared light that is not commonly visible to human eyesight. It is present in remote controls of DVD players, VCR’s and CD players.
d. Radio waves: send data directly between transmitters and receivers. It can travel through physical objects, inexpensive and easy to install in the business. There are various types of radio signals that can be used. These include digital radio and satellite radio.
3. What is Bluetooth/how is it used?
Bluetooth is a wireless application that has a small area network through some computers and mobile phones. It is a personal area network application that allows two users of Bluetooth to connect to one another and transfer data or information.
4. What are WLAN's, Wi-Fi, WWAN's, WiMax?
WLAN (wireless local area network) is a computer network in a limited geographical area that uses wireless transmission for communication.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wired LAN without the cables. The transmission of data is enabled by linking the transmitter with a wireless access point and that WAN access point connects to a satellite which then provides the user internet access.
WWAN (wireless wide area network) connects the user to the internet over a geographically dispersed territory. The two categories of this is cellular radio and wireless broadband.
WiMax has a wireless access range of 31 miles and can transfer data at rates of up to 75 Mbps over a secure system and offers features of voice and video capabilities.
5. What are the drivers of mobile computing and m0bile commerce?
The drivers of mobile computing and mobile commences include:
- Salespeople and other employees that are constantly travelling can be linked to the internet through wireless networks and have access to the firms information as if they were in the office.
- Mobile computing can connect the user to a connection between a mobile and the other computing devices
- The mobility of mobile computing allows personnel to carry a mobile with them and can initiate a real time contact with other systems from wherever they are.
- The broad reach of the mobile can allow the user to be contactable at anytime, anyplace.
- Businesses and individuals can interact in mobile commerce, which allows the business to deliver new services to the customers and to attract new customers.
6. Explain the nature of RFID
RFID or Radio Frequency Identification technology allows the manufacturers to attach tags with antennas and computer chips on goods and then track their movement through radio signals. This form of tracking has replaced barcodes.
7. Identify the 4 main security threats that arise from the use of mobile technologies
The four main security threat arising firm the use of mobile technologies include:
i. rogue access point is an unauthorised access point to a wireless network. A person can use your information through being able to connect to your wireless access point. From this point the person can obtain personal details, passwords and account numbers
ii. war driving is the act of locating WLAN’s while driving around the city which allows a person to intrude the network, gaining information, data and other business resources.
iii. eavesdropping refers to the efforts by unauthorised users to access data that are travelling in wireless networks.
iv. radio frequency jamming is a person or device that intentionally or unintentionally interfering with the transmissions of the wireless networks of the business.
Common wireless devices and their application to business include:
a. Bluetooth: is used to create small personal area networks. Its application to business is that it connects computer devices close to one person to the firm.
b. ultra-wideband: is a high bandwidth wireless technology with transmission speeds in excess of 100 Mbps. It is a good choice for business as it streams multimedia from a personal computer to a television.
c. Near-field Communications: has the smallest range of any short-range wireless networks. It joins the consumer with the business by transferring funds to the point of sale terminals.
d. Wi-Fi: is a wired LAN but does not have the cables. These wireless devices allow the business to connect its employees to internet access in a radius outside the firm.
e. Wireless mesh networks: uses multiple Wi-Fi access points to create a WAN that can be as large as 135 miles. By using many WAN access points it interconnects them for extended use.
f. Wireless broadband: is a wireless access point that allows for broad coverage and internet access. This is suitable for personnel that are in sales and need constant internet access.
2. Describe the various types and general characteristics of wireless transmission media/technologies - microwave, satellite, infrared and radio waves.
Wireless transmission media allows the user to broadcast media, transmit signals without wires over the air or in space.
The general characteristics of wireless transmission are as follows:
a. Microwave transmission: are widely used for high volume- long distance, line-of-sight communication. The line of receiving needs to be in line with the other. The advantages of using this are that it has high bandwidth and is relatively inexpensive form of transmitting technology.
b. Satellite: use communication satellites. It has high bandwidth capabilities and covers large areas
c. infrared: is infrared light that is not commonly visible to human eyesight. It is present in remote controls of DVD players, VCR’s and CD players.
d. Radio waves: send data directly between transmitters and receivers. It can travel through physical objects, inexpensive and easy to install in the business. There are various types of radio signals that can be used. These include digital radio and satellite radio.
3. What is Bluetooth/how is it used?
Bluetooth is a wireless application that has a small area network through some computers and mobile phones. It is a personal area network application that allows two users of Bluetooth to connect to one another and transfer data or information.
4. What are WLAN's, Wi-Fi, WWAN's, WiMax?
WLAN (wireless local area network) is a computer network in a limited geographical area that uses wireless transmission for communication.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wired LAN without the cables. The transmission of data is enabled by linking the transmitter with a wireless access point and that WAN access point connects to a satellite which then provides the user internet access.
WWAN (wireless wide area network) connects the user to the internet over a geographically dispersed territory. The two categories of this is cellular radio and wireless broadband.
WiMax has a wireless access range of 31 miles and can transfer data at rates of up to 75 Mbps over a secure system and offers features of voice and video capabilities.
5. What are the drivers of mobile computing and m0bile commerce?
The drivers of mobile computing and mobile commences include:
- Salespeople and other employees that are constantly travelling can be linked to the internet through wireless networks and have access to the firms information as if they were in the office.
- Mobile computing can connect the user to a connection between a mobile and the other computing devices
- The mobility of mobile computing allows personnel to carry a mobile with them and can initiate a real time contact with other systems from wherever they are.
- The broad reach of the mobile can allow the user to be contactable at anytime, anyplace.
- Businesses and individuals can interact in mobile commerce, which allows the business to deliver new services to the customers and to attract new customers.
6. Explain the nature of RFID
RFID or Radio Frequency Identification technology allows the manufacturers to attach tags with antennas and computer chips on goods and then track their movement through radio signals. This form of tracking has replaced barcodes.
7. Identify the 4 main security threats that arise from the use of mobile technologies
The four main security threat arising firm the use of mobile technologies include:
i. rogue access point is an unauthorised access point to a wireless network. A person can use your information through being able to connect to your wireless access point. From this point the person can obtain personal details, passwords and account numbers
ii. war driving is the act of locating WLAN’s while driving around the city which allows a person to intrude the network, gaining information, data and other business resources.
iii. eavesdropping refers to the efforts by unauthorised users to access data that are travelling in wireless networks.
iv. radio frequency jamming is a person or device that intentionally or unintentionally interfering with the transmissions of the wireless networks of the business.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Breakout sessions
Company Info
Company Name: The Hangover
What Company Does: Events management, social planning
Departments: Accounting / IT / HR / Marketing
Company Mission: The aim of our company is to provide quality service to clients through the provision of ‘gnarly’ social events.
Further Information: The Company is to be run solely as an e-business, operating through the social networks of myspace and facebook. Through the use of these websites, we intent to create a network of teenagers (between the ages of 18-25) in order to organise and promote various parties. The company will first organise a venue and entertainment for a night, with the event having a prescribed entrance fee. In a separate arrangement with the owners of the venue, we will negotiate a percentage of the door takings.
Business Functional Areas and IT Architecture
Within the group we have the majors of Marketing, Accounting, Management and Law.
Within the field of Marketing, IT would be used in order to create advertising campaigns, gain information about customers (CRM) and store and provide relevant internal and external information about the business through the use of databases.
Within the field of Accounting, IT would be used primarily to store the financial information of the business and prepare various accounts as required. It is also possible that IT would be used for the various calculations and mathematical processes required by accountants.
Within the field of Management, IT would be essential for the provision of information about the business as well as being used as a primary source of communication. Through the use of databases containing pertinent information about the business, managers would be able to make the required decisions to ensure the operation of the business. IT would also be essential for managers to communicate to people both internal and external to the business.
Within the field of Law, IT has become incredibly useful as the majority of legal information (cases, court documents and legislation) are now available digitally through websites such as CaseBase and Austlii.
IT Infrastructure and Hardware
In order to map out the IT infrastructure of the business, it is essential to evaluate the Hardware needs of each department.
Accounting: This department would require the use of several accounting programs and possible the transferral of information to other departments. The required computers would be desktop PC’s with accounting software. This department would also require a combined Printer/Fax machine.
IT: The IT department of the business would be required to maintain the internet links which are essential to the operation of the business. Because of this, the employees of this department would require computers (either Mac or PC) with high speed modems. Also due to the requirement of this department to oversee the IT of all other departments, employees would require mobility and should b provided with ultramobile PCs.
HR: Human Resources requires the ability to be in constant contact with employees and will b required to give staff training through presentations. It is recommended that in addition to Desk-top PCs, this department should be given mobile phones in order to have constant communication with employees. It is also recommended that this department be provided with a data projector for training presentations.
Marketing: Marketing is the creative soul of the business, and the primary source of consumer information. Because of this, it is essential that this department is provided with Mac computers in order to develop more creative files such as video streams. As Marketing employees would b required to gather information about customers and collate this info it is essential tat they have adequate and portable storage units, therefore they should be provided with USB storage devices.
Security and Ethics
Essential Points of Code of Ethics;
1) Employees shall act in a manner consistent with social ideals.
2) Employees shall not at any time use information about clients which they have obtained in any unauthorised manner.
3) Employees shall seek to ensure that the company’s activities are not inconsistent with social values.
4) Employees shall adhere to professional standards of conduct.
5) Employees shall act with honesty and integrity in all dealings related to business activities.
Security threats to The Hangover
Possible security threats and the adequate responses for our business include;
Data Loss: It is possible that our main data storage facilities may be compromised, the proper response to this is to have procedural back-ups of data and an alternative data storage plan.
SPAM: SPAM e-mails are a likely security threat considering the virtual nature of our business. To combat this, the business will require an adequate SPAM filter for our e-mail utilities.
Denial of Services: Considering the virtual nature of the business, any denial of internet access would be catastrophic. In order to prevent this, the business should have multiple network access points to ensure that we are able to access the internet whenever it is required.
Disaster Recovery Plan;
Due to the nature of our business and the virtual storage of essential information such as client contacts, it is essential that we allow for the proper back-up of all data in several locations around the country.
In the event of a natural disaster, the proper protocol is for the business to move from its base of operations in Sydney to another capital city. In order to do this, all staff would b required to shift to the new capital city and a new network of customers would have to be established via social networking sites. Also it would be necessary to begin negotiations with venues within the new city in order to continue operations.
E-Commerce
Our company will operate as a pure e-business with the only physical interaction with customers being at the events held.
On our website we will have;
Business Contact Details
Pictures of previous events held (for social marketing purposes)
A Feed-back Forum
An ‘Upcoming Events’ Blog
The form of marketing e will use is B2C.
Our Website Applications will be;
Portals
Blogs
Social Networks
Company Name: The Hangover
What Company Does: Events management, social planning
Departments: Accounting / IT / HR / Marketing
Company Mission: The aim of our company is to provide quality service to clients through the provision of ‘gnarly’ social events.
Further Information: The Company is to be run solely as an e-business, operating through the social networks of myspace and facebook. Through the use of these websites, we intent to create a network of teenagers (between the ages of 18-25) in order to organise and promote various parties. The company will first organise a venue and entertainment for a night, with the event having a prescribed entrance fee. In a separate arrangement with the owners of the venue, we will negotiate a percentage of the door takings.
Business Functional Areas and IT Architecture
Within the group we have the majors of Marketing, Accounting, Management and Law.
Within the field of Marketing, IT would be used in order to create advertising campaigns, gain information about customers (CRM) and store and provide relevant internal and external information about the business through the use of databases.
Within the field of Accounting, IT would be used primarily to store the financial information of the business and prepare various accounts as required. It is also possible that IT would be used for the various calculations and mathematical processes required by accountants.
Within the field of Management, IT would be essential for the provision of information about the business as well as being used as a primary source of communication. Through the use of databases containing pertinent information about the business, managers would be able to make the required decisions to ensure the operation of the business. IT would also be essential for managers to communicate to people both internal and external to the business.
Within the field of Law, IT has become incredibly useful as the majority of legal information (cases, court documents and legislation) are now available digitally through websites such as CaseBase and Austlii.
IT Infrastructure and Hardware
In order to map out the IT infrastructure of the business, it is essential to evaluate the Hardware needs of each department.
Accounting: This department would require the use of several accounting programs and possible the transferral of information to other departments. The required computers would be desktop PC’s with accounting software. This department would also require a combined Printer/Fax machine.
IT: The IT department of the business would be required to maintain the internet links which are essential to the operation of the business. Because of this, the employees of this department would require computers (either Mac or PC) with high speed modems. Also due to the requirement of this department to oversee the IT of all other departments, employees would require mobility and should b provided with ultramobile PCs.
HR: Human Resources requires the ability to be in constant contact with employees and will b required to give staff training through presentations. It is recommended that in addition to Desk-top PCs, this department should be given mobile phones in order to have constant communication with employees. It is also recommended that this department be provided with a data projector for training presentations.
Marketing: Marketing is the creative soul of the business, and the primary source of consumer information. Because of this, it is essential that this department is provided with Mac computers in order to develop more creative files such as video streams. As Marketing employees would b required to gather information about customers and collate this info it is essential tat they have adequate and portable storage units, therefore they should be provided with USB storage devices.
Security and Ethics
Essential Points of Code of Ethics;
1) Employees shall act in a manner consistent with social ideals.
2) Employees shall not at any time use information about clients which they have obtained in any unauthorised manner.
3) Employees shall seek to ensure that the company’s activities are not inconsistent with social values.
4) Employees shall adhere to professional standards of conduct.
5) Employees shall act with honesty and integrity in all dealings related to business activities.
Security threats to The Hangover
Possible security threats and the adequate responses for our business include;
Data Loss: It is possible that our main data storage facilities may be compromised, the proper response to this is to have procedural back-ups of data and an alternative data storage plan.
SPAM: SPAM e-mails are a likely security threat considering the virtual nature of our business. To combat this, the business will require an adequate SPAM filter for our e-mail utilities.
Denial of Services: Considering the virtual nature of the business, any denial of internet access would be catastrophic. In order to prevent this, the business should have multiple network access points to ensure that we are able to access the internet whenever it is required.
Disaster Recovery Plan;
Due to the nature of our business and the virtual storage of essential information such as client contacts, it is essential that we allow for the proper back-up of all data in several locations around the country.
In the event of a natural disaster, the proper protocol is for the business to move from its base of operations in Sydney to another capital city. In order to do this, all staff would b required to shift to the new capital city and a new network of customers would have to be established via social networking sites. Also it would be necessary to begin negotiations with venues within the new city in order to continue operations.
E-Commerce
Our company will operate as a pure e-business with the only physical interaction with customers being at the events held.
On our website we will have;
Business Contact Details
Pictures of previous events held (for social marketing purposes)
A Feed-back Forum
An ‘Upcoming Events’ Blog
The form of marketing e will use is B2C.
Our Website Applications will be;
Portals
Blogs
Social Networks
Monday, September 22, 2008
Chapter 6: E-Business and E-commerce
Section 6.1
1. Define e-commerce and distinguish it from e-business.
Electronic Commerce: describes the process of buying, selling, transferring or exchanging products, services or information via computer networks through the internet.
B-Business: includes the buying and selling of goods and services, as well as collaborating with business partners, conducting e-learning and conducting electronic transactions with the public sector.
2. Distinguish among B2C, B2B, C2C and B2E electronic commerce.
Business 2 Consumer: the sellers are the organisation and the buyers are the consumers
Business 2 Business: both the seller and the buyer are the business organisation
Consumer 2 Consumer: an individual sells products or services to other individuals
Business 2 Employee: the business uses electronic commerce internally to provide information and services to its employees.
3. List some benefits and limitations of e-commerce.
The benefits of e-commerce include:
- National and international markets are easily penetrated and more accessible
- Lowers the costs of marketing, processing and distributing information among networks worldwide.
- Increased customer access to the products and services through the internet. They can compare prices, and the availability of the product
- Ability to easily and conveniently deliver information, services and products to people in cities, rural areas and in developing nations.
The limitations of e-commerce include:
- Slowed the growth and acceptance of products and services
- Lack of universally accepted standards of security telecommunications and is expensive.
- Insecure, and lacks an amount of critical sellers and buyers.
Section 6.2
1. List the major issues relating to e-tailing.
E-Tailing is the direct sale of products and services through electronic shop fronts or electronic malls, usually designed around an electronic catalogue format and/or auctions.
The issues of e-tailing include:
- Channel conflict: they sell directly to customers on line and have the potential to alienate the distributors and other intermediaries of the organisation.
- Price and resource allocation: the greater influence of logistics services provided by the online services. This can contribute to the fact that the companies multichannel and therefore increase expenditure.
- Order fulfilment: when a company takes orders from customers it must perform the actitivites in a quick amount of time. The expectations of customers wanting these products in fast time can make it difficult for the organisation to carry these effectively and efficiently
2. What are spamming, permission marketing and viral marketing?
Spamming is the indiscriminate distribution of electronic advertisements without the permission of the receiver.
Permission marketing asks consumers to give their permission to voluntarily accept online advertising and emails.
Viral marketing online word of mouth marketing. The effect of this marketing is the fact that people forward messages on to people suggesting that they should “check it out”.
Section 6.4
1. List the various electronic payment mechanisms.
Electronic payments systems enable the consumer to pay for goods and services electronically, rather than writing a cheque or using other payment methods.
The types of electronic payment mechanisms include:
- E-checks
- E-credit
- Virtual, single-use credit card number
- Purchasing cards
- Electronic cash
- Loyalty cards
2. What are micropayments?
Micropayments are small payments for a few dollars or less
Section 6.5
1. List some ethical issues in EC.
Some of the ethical issues of the E-commerce include:
- Threats to privacy
- Issue of tracking which take the forms of cookies that raise privacy consernc.
- Compromising employees privacy which may eliminate the need for some of the firms employees
2. List the major legal issues of EC.
Some of the legal issues of E-commerce include:
- Greater chance of dishonesty and fraudulent undertakings
- Creation of virtual banks that take persons information, money and other crimes like embezzlement
- Cyber squatting
- Intellectual property- trademarks, patents, brand
1. Define e-commerce and distinguish it from e-business.
Electronic Commerce: describes the process of buying, selling, transferring or exchanging products, services or information via computer networks through the internet.
B-Business: includes the buying and selling of goods and services, as well as collaborating with business partners, conducting e-learning and conducting electronic transactions with the public sector.
2. Distinguish among B2C, B2B, C2C and B2E electronic commerce.
Business 2 Consumer: the sellers are the organisation and the buyers are the consumers
Business 2 Business: both the seller and the buyer are the business organisation
Consumer 2 Consumer: an individual sells products or services to other individuals
Business 2 Employee: the business uses electronic commerce internally to provide information and services to its employees.
3. List some benefits and limitations of e-commerce.
The benefits of e-commerce include:
- National and international markets are easily penetrated and more accessible
- Lowers the costs of marketing, processing and distributing information among networks worldwide.
- Increased customer access to the products and services through the internet. They can compare prices, and the availability of the product
- Ability to easily and conveniently deliver information, services and products to people in cities, rural areas and in developing nations.
The limitations of e-commerce include:
- Slowed the growth and acceptance of products and services
- Lack of universally accepted standards of security telecommunications and is expensive.
- Insecure, and lacks an amount of critical sellers and buyers.
Section 6.2
1. List the major issues relating to e-tailing.
E-Tailing is the direct sale of products and services through electronic shop fronts or electronic malls, usually designed around an electronic catalogue format and/or auctions.
The issues of e-tailing include:
- Channel conflict: they sell directly to customers on line and have the potential to alienate the distributors and other intermediaries of the organisation.
- Price and resource allocation: the greater influence of logistics services provided by the online services. This can contribute to the fact that the companies multichannel and therefore increase expenditure.
- Order fulfilment: when a company takes orders from customers it must perform the actitivites in a quick amount of time. The expectations of customers wanting these products in fast time can make it difficult for the organisation to carry these effectively and efficiently
2. What are spamming, permission marketing and viral marketing?
Spamming is the indiscriminate distribution of electronic advertisements without the permission of the receiver.
Permission marketing asks consumers to give their permission to voluntarily accept online advertising and emails.
Viral marketing online word of mouth marketing. The effect of this marketing is the fact that people forward messages on to people suggesting that they should “check it out”.
Section 6.4
1. List the various electronic payment mechanisms.
Electronic payments systems enable the consumer to pay for goods and services electronically, rather than writing a cheque or using other payment methods.
The types of electronic payment mechanisms include:
- E-checks
- E-credit
- Virtual, single-use credit card number
- Purchasing cards
- Electronic cash
- Loyalty cards
2. What are micropayments?
Micropayments are small payments for a few dollars or less
Section 6.5
1. List some ethical issues in EC.
Some of the ethical issues of the E-commerce include:
- Threats to privacy
- Issue of tracking which take the forms of cookies that raise privacy consernc.
- Compromising employees privacy which may eliminate the need for some of the firms employees
2. List the major legal issues of EC.
Some of the legal issues of E-commerce include:
- Greater chance of dishonesty and fraudulent undertakings
- Creation of virtual banks that take persons information, money and other crimes like embezzlement
- Cyber squatting
- Intellectual property- trademarks, patents, brand
Chapter 5: Network Applications
1. Describe the three network applications that we discussed in this section and the tools and technologies that support each one.
Enterprise Networks incorporate the backbone of the firms information systems. It enables the firm access to high-speed central networks to which smaller networks (LAN and WAN) are connected to one another. This allows the firm to have increased access to information for business decision making and other functions of the business.
WAN are networks that cover a large area, increasing the information that is available to the organisation
LAN networks are those over a small geographical area, restricting the access of the business to other resources of other firms . It keeps the documents created by the firm secure to no one else has access to them.
2. What are the business conditions that are leading to the increased importance of videoconferencing?
The conditions that leading to the increased importance of videoconferencing are:
- Globalisation and international business operations: more personnel are operating overseas and meetings can be conducted over the internet with ease. This allows face-to-face communications
- Participants can see one person in numerous locations
- enables a telepresence of the persons to be involved in the business meeting or conferences
- It is a real time application that allows companies to bridge time and space to make business decisions and include other persons in the decision making process.
Section 5.2
1. Describe the underlying technologies, applications and types of Web sites that comprise Web 2.0.
The Web2.0 is a loose collection of information technologies and applications and the websites that use them. It is a global, Web-based platform that uses many applications to publish information on the Web. This type of Web encourages the use of social and interactive applications that affirms collaboration and experiential approaches. The underlying concept of this is the fact that the internet has become more personally reflective and subjective to the information and data that is produced by persons.
2. Describe the function of Web services.
Some of the technologies, applications and websites that comprise Web2.0 include:
- AJAX: allows a proportion of the Web pages to reload with fresh, up to date information. This speeds up the response process and increases user satisfaction.
- Tagging: is a word associated with a piece of information. This tagging process allows information to be interconnected in multiple networks.
- Blogs: are an interactive method that allows personal experiences and thoughts to be posted on the internet. This is a source of information that is open to the public. In marketing sense, it has been used to display satisfaction or dissatisfaction of a particular product or service.
- Wiki: is a personal post of changes or additions to other materials on the internet. This has allowed for the source of information to be formulated by a number of additional values, increasing the accuracy of the information.
- Podcasts: is a digital audio file that can be distributed over the internet that is playable on the computer.
- Videocasts: Has the same capabilities of a podcast but instead of an audio file, it displays a digital video file
- Social networking sites: allows users to upload and publish personal information about themselves in the form of text, audio, pictures, videos. Example of these websites include, MySpace, Facebook
- Mashups: are applications that mix and match content from other information sources over the internet, creating a new form of information or content.
3. Describe the function of service-oriented architectures.
Service orientated architectures is an IT architecture that makes it possible to construct business applications using Web services.
Tech Guide 4: Basics of Telecommunications and Networks
1. Compare and contrast the main wired communications channels ? (Ethernet & Fibre Optic)
The main telecommunications channels used to produce telecommunication and networked between people include Ethernet and fibre optic channels.
An Ethernet is a common local area network protocol. This connects two or more devices together within a local geographical region. An example of this is connecting the telecommunications system within an office building. Most firms use Ethernet which provides high data transmission speeds.
A fibre optic channel is a cable filled with glass filaments that transmit information by light pulses. They have an extremely high bandwidth, allowing the transference of information to be quick with little cost to the business. It has the capabilities of connecting many wide area networks together.
2. Describe the two technologies that enable users to send high-volume data over any network. (ISDN & ADSL)
The two technologies that enable users to send vast amount of information over a network include the following:
a. ISDN (integrated services digital network) is an international telephone standard for network access that allows users to transfer the voice, video, image and other related data simultaneously. This allows the user to transfer high-volume data quickly, inexpensively and accurately over a network, worldwide or within local networks.
b. ADSL (Digital subscriber lines) provides high-speed, digital data transmission over telephone lines.
1. What are the main business reasons for using networks?
The main reasons businesses use networks are:
- Networked computer systems enable organisations to be more flexible and they can be proactive in changing or establishing contingency plans for the changing nature of the business environment.
- Allows the business to share hardware, computer applications and data across the entirety of the firm
- Enables all employees to work for the company across the vast geographic regions of the country.
- Ability of the business to share documents, ideas and innovative plans of the organisation
- Networks are imperative in the value chain connecting the business to the consumer
2. What is the difference between LANs and WANs?
A LAN is a Local Area Network which connects two or more limited geographical regions together. For example it can be a building, so as to allow the organisation to communicate with one another sharing documents and other business information. It has file server which contain powerful microprocessors with large amounts of hard drives to allow easy access by the firm.
A WAN is a Wide Area Network is a network area that covers large geographical areas, and connects multiple LAN. WAN’s are usually provided by phone companies which are afforded large capacities of processing units and have multiple channels to transmit information’s across a worldwide network.
1. What is a network protocol?
A network protocol is computing devices that are connected to various network accesses and to share data. A network protocol is a common set of rules that enable users to communicate with one another. These rules establish how information and other transmissions will be used across a network.
2. Describe TCP/IP protocol.
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is a file transfer that sends large amounts of information ensuring that it is not corrupted due to the differences in computer compatibility. This is the overall internet protocol, allowing information to be connected from various websites to be presented into locations.
1. Describe the various ways that you can connect to the Internet?
The various ways you can connect to the internet include:
- Accessing the internet from a LAN
- Opening an account with an internet service provider that allows your computer to be connected to the internet with a fee.
- Telephone providers allow internet access
- Network access points
- Wireless internet connections available anywhere, anytime
- Internet kiosks have been established in public places like libraries so users can access the internet
- Mobile phone connects of the internet through FTTH
2. Describe the parts of an Internet address.
An internet address is assigned an internet protocol that identifies the address with the website. It consists of numbers in four parts, separated by dots.
A domain name system allows the name of the site to be easily remembered by those using them. They are formulated from a mixture of names, dots which are read from right to left.
The top level domain is the right most part of the internet name that indicates what type of website it is. For example, education signified by .edu
1. What are the roles of browsers?
Browsers are software applications through which users access the web. Browsers provide a graphical front end that enable users to point and click their way across the internet, ‘surfing’ for information and other resources to collect information. An example of a browser is Google.
2. Describe the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
The internet is a global network of computers that use a common communications protocol. The IP establishes rules that allow information to be sent and received from one machine to another, one network to another. The World Wide Web is an application system that stores, retrieves, formats and displays information posted by a variety of sources through a web browser.
The main telecommunications channels used to produce telecommunication and networked between people include Ethernet and fibre optic channels.
An Ethernet is a common local area network protocol. This connects two or more devices together within a local geographical region. An example of this is connecting the telecommunications system within an office building. Most firms use Ethernet which provides high data transmission speeds.
A fibre optic channel is a cable filled with glass filaments that transmit information by light pulses. They have an extremely high bandwidth, allowing the transference of information to be quick with little cost to the business. It has the capabilities of connecting many wide area networks together.
2. Describe the two technologies that enable users to send high-volume data over any network. (ISDN & ADSL)
The two technologies that enable users to send vast amount of information over a network include the following:
a. ISDN (integrated services digital network) is an international telephone standard for network access that allows users to transfer the voice, video, image and other related data simultaneously. This allows the user to transfer high-volume data quickly, inexpensively and accurately over a network, worldwide or within local networks.
b. ADSL (Digital subscriber lines) provides high-speed, digital data transmission over telephone lines.
1. What are the main business reasons for using networks?
The main reasons businesses use networks are:
- Networked computer systems enable organisations to be more flexible and they can be proactive in changing or establishing contingency plans for the changing nature of the business environment.
- Allows the business to share hardware, computer applications and data across the entirety of the firm
- Enables all employees to work for the company across the vast geographic regions of the country.
- Ability of the business to share documents, ideas and innovative plans of the organisation
- Networks are imperative in the value chain connecting the business to the consumer
2. What is the difference between LANs and WANs?
A LAN is a Local Area Network which connects two or more limited geographical regions together. For example it can be a building, so as to allow the organisation to communicate with one another sharing documents and other business information. It has file server which contain powerful microprocessors with large amounts of hard drives to allow easy access by the firm.
A WAN is a Wide Area Network is a network area that covers large geographical areas, and connects multiple LAN. WAN’s are usually provided by phone companies which are afforded large capacities of processing units and have multiple channels to transmit information’s across a worldwide network.
1. What is a network protocol?
A network protocol is computing devices that are connected to various network accesses and to share data. A network protocol is a common set of rules that enable users to communicate with one another. These rules establish how information and other transmissions will be used across a network.
2. Describe TCP/IP protocol.
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol is a file transfer that sends large amounts of information ensuring that it is not corrupted due to the differences in computer compatibility. This is the overall internet protocol, allowing information to be connected from various websites to be presented into locations.
1. Describe the various ways that you can connect to the Internet?
The various ways you can connect to the internet include:
- Accessing the internet from a LAN
- Opening an account with an internet service provider that allows your computer to be connected to the internet with a fee.
- Telephone providers allow internet access
- Network access points
- Wireless internet connections available anywhere, anytime
- Internet kiosks have been established in public places like libraries so users can access the internet
- Mobile phone connects of the internet through FTTH
2. Describe the parts of an Internet address.
An internet address is assigned an internet protocol that identifies the address with the website. It consists of numbers in four parts, separated by dots.
A domain name system allows the name of the site to be easily remembered by those using them. They are formulated from a mixture of names, dots which are read from right to left.
The top level domain is the right most part of the internet name that indicates what type of website it is. For example, education signified by .edu
1. What are the roles of browsers?
Browsers are software applications through which users access the web. Browsers provide a graphical front end that enable users to point and click their way across the internet, ‘surfing’ for information and other resources to collect information. An example of a browser is Google.
2. Describe the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?
The internet is a global network of computers that use a common communications protocol. The IP establishes rules that allow information to be sent and received from one machine to another, one network to another. The World Wide Web is an application system that stores, retrieves, formats and displays information posted by a variety of sources through a web browser.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Chapter 4: Data and Knowledge Managment
1. What are some of the difficulties in managing data?
Some of the difficulties with managing data include:
* the sheer amount of data available, on different things, at different times, from a variety of sources.
* different people collect data contributing to duplication of data and information in a business
* Data collection methods are different and vary, contributing to the replication of data.
* different sources of data-overseas, internal, external and personal.
* New sources of data as technology advances. This has created information available on blogsites and other interactive means eg: podcasts.
* Data decays over time
* data integrity, redundancy, validity and quality can be under or overestimated which creates error and bias.
2. What are the various sources for data?
Some of the sources where data comes from include:
* internal- corporate directors, corporate studies
* personal- data developed from thoughts, feelings, experiences, opinions, knowledge
* External- government databases like Census, other corporation databases
3. What is a primary key and a secondary key?
A primary key is the identifier field or attribute that uniquely identifies a record.
Secondary key are identifier fields or attributes that have some identifying information, but typically does not identify the file with complete accuracy.
4. What is an entity and a relationship?
An entity is a person, place, thing, or event about which information is maintained in a record.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of relational databases?
Relational databases are a collection of tables which allows the accessibility of data to be gained from a variety of sources without having to reorganise the database.
Some of the advantages of a relational database include:
* sorts data into a concept into commonalities recording records and attributes
* Joins data that is related and shows the relationships among them
* Provides great flexibility of the data to be used by the user
* end users can access needed data quickly and easily via Web browsers
Some of the disadvantages of a relational database include:
* Larger size databases can confuse and muddle information gathered by the user
* depending upon the size of the data, it can slow down the processing time of retrieving data.
* People in one department might be reluctant to share data with other departments as they have been the ones who have contributed to the collaboration of the data.
6. What is knowledge management?
Knowledge management involves a process that helps organisations identify, select, organise, disseminate, transfer and apply information that is in the organisations memory and that exists in the organisation in an unstructured way.
7. What is the difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge?
Tacit knowledge is the subjective and experiential learning of a person or a group of persons that can be applied to management and decision making. Some examples of this type of knowledge include: intellectual property, know-how, expertise.
Explicit knowledge is a more objective, rational and technical type of knowledge. This knowledge is applied to business decision making in respect to ensuring that the strategies and objectives of the business are adequate reflections of valid data.
Chapter 3: Ethics, Privacy and Information Security
1. Provide an IT example that relates to the ethical issues for the ideas of privacy, accuracy, property, and accessibility.
An issue that deals with all of the above mentioned areas is the copying of software. With the capabilities of the internet it allows many people to download free programs that have been copied by sources. Replication of software without paying the owner is a violation of many copyright laws. This has severe ramification for software vendors as it can lead to losses in profitability and competitiveness.
2. What are the 5 general types of IT threats? Provide an example for each one
The 5 general types if IT threats include:
*Unintentional acts (such as human error) are those act that have no intent to change the data but lead to the most invalidity of security.
*Natural disasters (such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes etc) that cause major destruction to data and information systems of the organisations.
*technical failure (such as problems with hard ware or soft ware) that can disrupt the organisation as the Information System can be disrupted for periods which means that the organisation is unproductive until the computers are restored.
*management failures (such as funding or lack of leadership) affect the security of the information.
*deliberate acts (such as theft of information) are deliberate acts that consist of stealing property, extortion, stealing of clientele or a employers identity.
3. Describe/discuss three types of software attack and a problem that may result from them
Three types of software attacks and the problems resulting from them:
1. Spyware: collects personal information from its users without their consent or them even knowing about the theft of identity. This can result in many of the users setting being changed so they can’t access it, the loss of personal and company information that can be used for fraudulent means.
2. Virus: is a program that affects the computers operating capacity by infecting it with programs that destroy information and other information technology assets, belonging to the business. This leads to the destruction of computer files, information, data and other assets that have the potential to spread to other computers by emails or by other communicative means.
3. Phishing: is the fraudulent means of obtaining personal details and other sensitive materials which are collected by false emails sent to the user. The user then in turn sends them back the information that they requested. They masquerade as a legitimate company for example a bank, acquiring the user’s details and accessing there financial details, identity and so forth. The issues that this has for businesses are the fact that personal and confidential business information can be stolen.
4. Describe the four major types of security controls in relation to protecting information systems.
The four major types of security controls include:
1. Physical controls: prevent unauthorized individuals from getting access to a company’s facilities. They are the physical objects in place that prevent break in’s and theft. Some examples of these modes of controls include fences, surveillance cameras, alarm systems etc.
2. Access controls: restrict unauthorised individuals from using information resources through two forms: authentication and authorisation. These enable a code or some other form of technical recognition of the persons details that correspond with a particular biometric characteristic. Some examples of this form include, voice recognition, retina scans etc.
3. Communications controls: controls secure the movement of data across networks that protect the movement of confidential information through the mediums of firewalls, vulnerability management and encryptions.
4. Application controls: are security countermeasures that protect specific applications protecting the three mains areas of input, processing and output controls.
5. What is information system auditing?
Information auditing is the process of analysing and ensuring that the current methods implemented which aims to protect the business from intrusion and security are effective. It gives methods for improvements and contingency plans that can be used if something does penetrate the security of the organisationAuditing is executed through:
Auditing through the computer
Auditing around the computer
Auditing with the computer
6. What is the difference between authentication and authorization and why are they important to e-Commerce/give an example of their relevance to e-Commerce
Authentication and authorisation is an access control that restricts certain people from accessing information resources. Authentication involves a process that determines the identity of the person requiring access. Authorisation involves a process that determines which actions, rights, or privileges the person has, based on verified identity. The difference between the two is that one identifies and the other verifies the information given by a user/person of the organisation.
Authentication and authorisation is important to ecommerce as technology is an integral part of business. As the technology has developed so too does the protection mechanisms to ensure that the information and other assets of the business are protected. They restrict information to only the people that were intended to actually gain access to it. An example of this is passwords for people who are members of the organisation and they can therefore access amounts of information that they are allowed.
An issue that deals with all of the above mentioned areas is the copying of software. With the capabilities of the internet it allows many people to download free programs that have been copied by sources. Replication of software without paying the owner is a violation of many copyright laws. This has severe ramification for software vendors as it can lead to losses in profitability and competitiveness.
2. What are the 5 general types of IT threats? Provide an example for each one
The 5 general types if IT threats include:
*Unintentional acts (such as human error) are those act that have no intent to change the data but lead to the most invalidity of security.
*Natural disasters (such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes etc) that cause major destruction to data and information systems of the organisations.
*technical failure (such as problems with hard ware or soft ware) that can disrupt the organisation as the Information System can be disrupted for periods which means that the organisation is unproductive until the computers are restored.
*management failures (such as funding or lack of leadership) affect the security of the information.
*deliberate acts (such as theft of information) are deliberate acts that consist of stealing property, extortion, stealing of clientele or a employers identity.
3. Describe/discuss three types of software attack and a problem that may result from them
Three types of software attacks and the problems resulting from them:
1. Spyware: collects personal information from its users without their consent or them even knowing about the theft of identity. This can result in many of the users setting being changed so they can’t access it, the loss of personal and company information that can be used for fraudulent means.
2. Virus: is a program that affects the computers operating capacity by infecting it with programs that destroy information and other information technology assets, belonging to the business. This leads to the destruction of computer files, information, data and other assets that have the potential to spread to other computers by emails or by other communicative means.
3. Phishing: is the fraudulent means of obtaining personal details and other sensitive materials which are collected by false emails sent to the user. The user then in turn sends them back the information that they requested. They masquerade as a legitimate company for example a bank, acquiring the user’s details and accessing there financial details, identity and so forth. The issues that this has for businesses are the fact that personal and confidential business information can be stolen.
4. Describe the four major types of security controls in relation to protecting information systems.
The four major types of security controls include:
1. Physical controls: prevent unauthorized individuals from getting access to a company’s facilities. They are the physical objects in place that prevent break in’s and theft. Some examples of these modes of controls include fences, surveillance cameras, alarm systems etc.
2. Access controls: restrict unauthorised individuals from using information resources through two forms: authentication and authorisation. These enable a code or some other form of technical recognition of the persons details that correspond with a particular biometric characteristic. Some examples of this form include, voice recognition, retina scans etc.
3. Communications controls: controls secure the movement of data across networks that protect the movement of confidential information through the mediums of firewalls, vulnerability management and encryptions.
4. Application controls: are security countermeasures that protect specific applications protecting the three mains areas of input, processing and output controls.
5. What is information system auditing?
Information auditing is the process of analysing and ensuring that the current methods implemented which aims to protect the business from intrusion and security are effective. It gives methods for improvements and contingency plans that can be used if something does penetrate the security of the organisationAuditing is executed through:
Auditing through the computer
Auditing around the computer
Auditing with the computer
6. What is the difference between authentication and authorization and why are they important to e-Commerce/give an example of their relevance to e-Commerce
Authentication and authorisation is an access control that restricts certain people from accessing information resources. Authentication involves a process that determines the identity of the person requiring access. Authorisation involves a process that determines which actions, rights, or privileges the person has, based on verified identity. The difference between the two is that one identifies and the other verifies the information given by a user/person of the organisation.
Authentication and authorisation is important to ecommerce as technology is an integral part of business. As the technology has developed so too does the protection mechanisms to ensure that the information and other assets of the business are protected. They restrict information to only the people that were intended to actually gain access to it. An example of this is passwords for people who are members of the organisation and they can therefore access amounts of information that they are allowed.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tech Quide 2: Application Software
1. What are the main differences/distinction between systems software an application software?
Systems software is a set of instructions that acts as an intermediary between the applications and hardware of the computer. It provides processing activities and functionality to the users of the program.
Application software provides for specific and accurate instruction for tasks and applies certain needs to that tasks.
2. What are the 2 main types of systems software
The two main types of systems software includes:
i. Systems Control Programs use an operating system that supervises the operations of the computer. Some of the tasks this operating system uses scheduling of input and output processors. Other functions of the operating software include multithreading, multitasking, virtual memory and social interfaces.
ii. System Support Program is software that supports the operations, management and IT components sustain the services of the organisation.
3. what is the difference between proprietary and open source software? What considerations should be made when a business selects either software
Proprietary software is a software application that is developed in-house specific to the organisations structure, employment relations, finance and accounting and general administrative functions that are licensed by a vendor.
Open Source software is available to download for no cost and is able to be developed and added to by the organisation.
The considerations that need to be taken into consideration are in the upkeep and maintenance of the product in relation to the IT of the overall organisation. Although the open source software is at no cost and is capable of being added to, there are not distinct personnel that can monitor the IT department. As a result it will have to subcontract to a third party. In the case of Proprietary software it is developed specifically for the organisation and is supported by the IT department if any errors occur.
4. what are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses and organisations?
Some of the legal implications that are involved in acquiring software in business include:
* issues of inellectual property=copyrights, patents, trademarks, company secrets can all be affected in the acquisition of software
*counterfeit products and not acquiring proper licensing of software
* copyright and piracy of products which is a criminal offence if the organisation does not go about ensuirng that the products are ligitmate . personnel of the organisation could be liable to pay damages, hefty fines or imprisonment.
* legislative and statutory instruments like the Fair Trading Act deal with the rights and obligation of the directors and other members of the organisation to abide by.
5. What is meant by SaaS? Name some examples of software.
Software as a service is a method of delivering software over the internet. This has encouraged many users of the internet to take advantage of software that is not owned by the user and is inexpensive. Some examples of SaaS include:
-facebook
- myspace
-youtube
Systems software is a set of instructions that acts as an intermediary between the applications and hardware of the computer. It provides processing activities and functionality to the users of the program.
Application software provides for specific and accurate instruction for tasks and applies certain needs to that tasks.
2. What are the 2 main types of systems software
The two main types of systems software includes:
i. Systems Control Programs use an operating system that supervises the operations of the computer. Some of the tasks this operating system uses scheduling of input and output processors. Other functions of the operating software include multithreading, multitasking, virtual memory and social interfaces.
ii. System Support Program is software that supports the operations, management and IT components sustain the services of the organisation.
3. what is the difference between proprietary and open source software? What considerations should be made when a business selects either software
Proprietary software is a software application that is developed in-house specific to the organisations structure, employment relations, finance and accounting and general administrative functions that are licensed by a vendor.
Open Source software is available to download for no cost and is able to be developed and added to by the organisation.
The considerations that need to be taken into consideration are in the upkeep and maintenance of the product in relation to the IT of the overall organisation. Although the open source software is at no cost and is capable of being added to, there are not distinct personnel that can monitor the IT department. As a result it will have to subcontract to a third party. In the case of Proprietary software it is developed specifically for the organisation and is supported by the IT department if any errors occur.
4. what are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses and organisations?
Some of the legal implications that are involved in acquiring software in business include:
* issues of inellectual property=copyrights, patents, trademarks, company secrets can all be affected in the acquisition of software
*counterfeit products and not acquiring proper licensing of software
* copyright and piracy of products which is a criminal offence if the organisation does not go about ensuirng that the products are ligitmate . personnel of the organisation could be liable to pay damages, hefty fines or imprisonment.
* legislative and statutory instruments like the Fair Trading Act deal with the rights and obligation of the directors and other members of the organisation to abide by.
5. What is meant by SaaS? Name some examples of software.
Software as a service is a method of delivering software over the internet. This has encouraged many users of the internet to take advantage of software that is not owned by the user and is inexpensive. Some examples of SaaS include:
- myspace
-youtube
Tech Guide 1: Computer Hardware
1. What is computer hardware and what are the main hardware components?
Hardware is the physical equipment that is used for the computer system in a business or organisation. The major hardware components include:
a) the Computer Processing Unit: is where the data is manipulated and takes control of the tasks performed by the IT components.
b) Primary Storage: stores the organisations data temporarily
c) Secondary Storage: stores data and information for future uses and it is located in the internal CPU
d) Input technologies: accept data and other sources of information and converts them into a format understood by the computer
e) Output Technology: presents information and data that can be understood by people.
f) Communication technology: provide a flow of information/data from networks, to the Central processing unit and then gives it to other CPU computer networks.
2. What is Moore’s Law/what does it mean in relation to computers.
Moore’s law stemmed form a prediction made in 1965 that the complexity of the microprocessor would double every two years. This has increased the overall speed and performance of computers. This prediction is considerably accurate and the following changes have been made:
- transistors have miniaturised
- physical layers of the chips have become smaller to make the computer as efficient and pragmatic as possible
- change in materials used to improve the conductivity of the chip with the flow of electricity
- additional processors on chips
- Impact of cost with the price of computers being a relatively inexpensive modern commodity in the modern world.
3. In basic terms, describe how a microprocessor functions
A microprocessor consists of millions of microscopic transistors embedded on a circuit. The control unit assesses the actions of a program, decodes them and flows the data to various components including the registers, caches, primary and secondary storage and the output devices. The ALU then makes the mathematical formulas. The formulas then precede to the resistors where information is stored in the primary or secondary storage units.
4. What factors determine the speed of the microprocessor?
The processing speed of the microprocessor is based on:
the clockspeed which is a preset speed which times the activities of the chips usually measured in megahertz or gigahertz.
Word length is the number of bits that the CPU can process within 1 machine cycle
Bus width is the size of the paths of data by the electricl impulses. The wider the bus width the faster the computer is at processing information and carrying out tasks.
Transistor number: the more transistors placed on the chip the faster the speed of processing as the data and information has a shorter distance to travel among the transistors
5. What are the four main types of primary storage?
The four main types of primary storage are:
the register- it has a limited capacity to store instructions and data before and after processing
Random Access Memory (RAM): is the component that stores the software program and minimal amounts for processing. It is volatile and it can loose its contents if the power to the computer is lost. There are 2 forms of RAM
i. dyamic
ii. static
Cache memory: is a high speed memory that allows computers to temporarily store blocks of data and a processor that rapidly finds the data.
Read Only Memory (ROM): is non volatile so it retains instructions and acts as a safeguard. The read only memory cannot be change by the user of the computer and its only read by the computer.
6. What are the main types of secondary storage
Secondary storage holds data for an extended amount of time. Some of the characteristics of this data includes: it is non volatile, takes time to retrieve data and is inexpensive in comparison to primary storage. The main types of secondary data include:
Magnetic Media: magnetic tape is a cassette or cartridge holding large amounts of data. However it takes time retrieving the data as the large capabilities of data that can be held on it.
Hard drive is a fixed, mass storage device that is most commonly used for there efficiency in cost, speed and its storage capacity.
Optical Storage device: reads and holds data via lasers and magnetism, holding large amounts of data. Some forms of optical storage devices includes: holographic memory, DVD and CD’s
Flash memory devices: have the capability of holding and storing data that can be easily erased. They are non volatile and come in many of the latest cameras, computers, laptops etc.
Eneterprise Storage System: is an independent, external system that provides a large amounts of information, high degree of availability and protects from a loss of data
7. How does primary storage differ from secondary storage in terms of speed, cost and capacity?
Primary storage is particular to the general hardware of the computer and its basic storage capabilities. It is expensive to upgrade and the more information placed on the primary storage can affect the processing speed of the computer and therefore affecting the overall performance of tasks.
Secondary storage is external devices that extended the memory capacity a computer can hold and doesn’t affect the processing speed of the computer. In the present these forms of storage are relatively inexpensive, erasing unwanted files and information and are reprogrammable.
Primary storage differs from secondary storage in terms of speed cost and capacity.
8. What are enterprise storage systems?
Enterprise storage systems is an is an independent, external system that provides a large amounts of information, high degree of availability and protects from a loss of data. The types of Enterprise Storage Systems include:
Redundant Arrays of Independent Discs: is a standard storage device with multiple microcontrollers that duplicates data ensuring that no data is lost or ruined.
Storage Area Network: is the architecture for building networks that allow for data to be accessed from a variety of sources and servers.
Network Attached Storage: provides the storage of files to users who access the device over a network and is likened to a general file server.
9. Distinguish between human data input and source data automation.
Human data input requires an element of the human factor in entering data into relevant processes eg: key boards, touchscreens etc.
Source data automation devices input require minimal human input. This form allows for greater efficiency, reduces errors and mistakes and allows for easier sorting of data.
Hardware is the physical equipment that is used for the computer system in a business or organisation. The major hardware components include:
a) the Computer Processing Unit: is where the data is manipulated and takes control of the tasks performed by the IT components.
b) Primary Storage: stores the organisations data temporarily
c) Secondary Storage: stores data and information for future uses and it is located in the internal CPU
d) Input technologies: accept data and other sources of information and converts them into a format understood by the computer
e) Output Technology: presents information and data that can be understood by people.
f) Communication technology: provide a flow of information/data from networks, to the Central processing unit and then gives it to other CPU computer networks.
2. What is Moore’s Law/what does it mean in relation to computers.
Moore’s law stemmed form a prediction made in 1965 that the complexity of the microprocessor would double every two years. This has increased the overall speed and performance of computers. This prediction is considerably accurate and the following changes have been made:
- transistors have miniaturised
- physical layers of the chips have become smaller to make the computer as efficient and pragmatic as possible
- change in materials used to improve the conductivity of the chip with the flow of electricity
- additional processors on chips
- Impact of cost with the price of computers being a relatively inexpensive modern commodity in the modern world.
3. In basic terms, describe how a microprocessor functions
A microprocessor consists of millions of microscopic transistors embedded on a circuit. The control unit assesses the actions of a program, decodes them and flows the data to various components including the registers, caches, primary and secondary storage and the output devices. The ALU then makes the mathematical formulas. The formulas then precede to the resistors where information is stored in the primary or secondary storage units.
4. What factors determine the speed of the microprocessor?
The processing speed of the microprocessor is based on:
the clockspeed which is a preset speed which times the activities of the chips usually measured in megahertz or gigahertz.
Word length is the number of bits that the CPU can process within 1 machine cycle
Bus width is the size of the paths of data by the electricl impulses. The wider the bus width the faster the computer is at processing information and carrying out tasks.
Transistor number: the more transistors placed on the chip the faster the speed of processing as the data and information has a shorter distance to travel among the transistors
5. What are the four main types of primary storage?
The four main types of primary storage are:
the register- it has a limited capacity to store instructions and data before and after processing
Random Access Memory (RAM): is the component that stores the software program and minimal amounts for processing. It is volatile and it can loose its contents if the power to the computer is lost. There are 2 forms of RAM
i. dyamic
ii. static
Cache memory: is a high speed memory that allows computers to temporarily store blocks of data and a processor that rapidly finds the data.
Read Only Memory (ROM): is non volatile so it retains instructions and acts as a safeguard. The read only memory cannot be change by the user of the computer and its only read by the computer.
6. What are the main types of secondary storage
Secondary storage holds data for an extended amount of time. Some of the characteristics of this data includes: it is non volatile, takes time to retrieve data and is inexpensive in comparison to primary storage. The main types of secondary data include:
Magnetic Media: magnetic tape is a cassette or cartridge holding large amounts of data. However it takes time retrieving the data as the large capabilities of data that can be held on it.
Hard drive is a fixed, mass storage device that is most commonly used for there efficiency in cost, speed and its storage capacity.
Optical Storage device: reads and holds data via lasers and magnetism, holding large amounts of data. Some forms of optical storage devices includes: holographic memory, DVD and CD’s
Flash memory devices: have the capability of holding and storing data that can be easily erased. They are non volatile and come in many of the latest cameras, computers, laptops etc.
Eneterprise Storage System: is an independent, external system that provides a large amounts of information, high degree of availability and protects from a loss of data
7. How does primary storage differ from secondary storage in terms of speed, cost and capacity?
Primary storage is particular to the general hardware of the computer and its basic storage capabilities. It is expensive to upgrade and the more information placed on the primary storage can affect the processing speed of the computer and therefore affecting the overall performance of tasks.
Secondary storage is external devices that extended the memory capacity a computer can hold and doesn’t affect the processing speed of the computer. In the present these forms of storage are relatively inexpensive, erasing unwanted files and information and are reprogrammable.
Primary storage differs from secondary storage in terms of speed cost and capacity.
8. What are enterprise storage systems?
Enterprise storage systems is an is an independent, external system that provides a large amounts of information, high degree of availability and protects from a loss of data. The types of Enterprise Storage Systems include:
Redundant Arrays of Independent Discs: is a standard storage device with multiple microcontrollers that duplicates data ensuring that no data is lost or ruined.
Storage Area Network: is the architecture for building networks that allow for data to be accessed from a variety of sources and servers.
Network Attached Storage: provides the storage of files to users who access the device over a network and is likened to a general file server.
9. Distinguish between human data input and source data automation.
Human data input requires an element of the human factor in entering data into relevant processes eg: key boards, touchscreens etc.
Source data automation devices input require minimal human input. This form allows for greater efficiency, reduces errors and mistakes and allows for easier sorting of data.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Chapter 2: Information Systems: Concepts and Management
1.What is the difference between an application and a computer based information systems?
An application is a computer program which is used to support a specific task or business process. A Computer-based Information System is an information system that uses computer technology to perform a task or tasks. They are interrelated as they are both applications designed for specofoc purpose eg: MYOB for accounting and financing processes, Word for general business usage and Excel for data entry and collection. It is also a support tool that helps the intentions of the business/organisation.
2. What are strategic Information Systems?
A strategic Information system is a system that allows an organisation to gain a competitive advantage by supporting its gaols, plans and objectives which inherently increases productivity.
3. According to Porter, What are the five forces that could endanger a firms position in its industry or marketplace?
Porter's model demonstrates the importance of IT in the operation of the business to maintain a competitive advantage. The 5 competive forces that could endanger the firms position include the following:
1. the threat of new competitor's entering the market
2. the bargaining power of suppliers
3. the bargaining powers of the customers
4. the threat of substitute products or services
5. rivalries among exisiting firms in the industry.
4. In relation to Porter's value chain model, what is meant by primary activities and supportactivites, and how does IT support these activities?
Porter's value chain model identifies strategies to provide specific activities a company/ business can use to gain a competitive adavantage through the impact of the organisations IT.
Primary Activities: are those which specifically realte to the production and distribution of a good. these include:
1. Inputs
2. Operations eg: manufacturing and testing the product for suitability and quality
3. Storage and distribution
4. Marketing and sales
5. Services
Support activites do not add value to the product but contributes to the competitive advantage through supporting the primary activites and include:
1. Infrastructure
2. HR Management
3. R&D
4. Procurement
5. Discuss the logic of building information systems in accordance with the organisational structure.
McKinsey's strategy of building information system in accordance with the organisational structure which include the following:
a) Strategy- what will the business do?
b) Structure-Who is going to do a particular task?
c) Systems- What system will be used?
d) Skills- What knowledge, skills and experience will be needed?
e) Staff- Who will be suitable for operating and supporting the business.
6. How has the internet affected each of the five forces in Porter's competitive forces model
Porter's competitive forces include:
* cost leadership strategy in which the organisation aims to produce products at the lowest cost possible in the market
*differentiation strategy exploits the organisations uniqueness about its products and services. As such this differentiation can lead to a competitive advantage.
*Innovation strategy allows for new designs, features, products that set the business to have a competitive advantage.
*Operational effectiveness strategy is an internal strategy which establishes a new way of doing business eg: a new operating procedure that produces higher productivity.
*Customer-Orientation Strategy establishes ways in which to appraised the needs and demands of the customer eg: B2C marketing and relationships.
An application is a computer program which is used to support a specific task or business process. A Computer-based Information System is an information system that uses computer technology to perform a task or tasks. They are interrelated as they are both applications designed for specofoc purpose eg: MYOB for accounting and financing processes, Word for general business usage and Excel for data entry and collection. It is also a support tool that helps the intentions of the business/organisation.
2. What are strategic Information Systems?
A strategic Information system is a system that allows an organisation to gain a competitive advantage by supporting its gaols, plans and objectives which inherently increases productivity.
3. According to Porter, What are the five forces that could endanger a firms position in its industry or marketplace?
Porter's model demonstrates the importance of IT in the operation of the business to maintain a competitive advantage. The 5 competive forces that could endanger the firms position include the following:
1. the threat of new competitor's entering the market
2. the bargaining power of suppliers
3. the bargaining powers of the customers
4. the threat of substitute products or services
5. rivalries among exisiting firms in the industry.
4. In relation to Porter's value chain model, what is meant by primary activities and supportactivites, and how does IT support these activities?
Porter's value chain model identifies strategies to provide specific activities a company/ business can use to gain a competitive adavantage through the impact of the organisations IT.
Primary Activities: are those which specifically realte to the production and distribution of a good. these include:
1. Inputs
2. Operations eg: manufacturing and testing the product for suitability and quality
3. Storage and distribution
4. Marketing and sales
5. Services
Support activites do not add value to the product but contributes to the competitive advantage through supporting the primary activites and include:
1. Infrastructure
2. HR Management
3. R&D
4. Procurement
5. Discuss the logic of building information systems in accordance with the organisational structure.
McKinsey's strategy of building information system in accordance with the organisational structure which include the following:
a) Strategy- what will the business do?
b) Structure-Who is going to do a particular task?
c) Systems- What system will be used?
d) Skills- What knowledge, skills and experience will be needed?
e) Staff- Who will be suitable for operating and supporting the business.
6. How has the internet affected each of the five forces in Porter's competitive forces model
Porter's competitive forces include:
* cost leadership strategy in which the organisation aims to produce products at the lowest cost possible in the market
*differentiation strategy exploits the organisations uniqueness about its products and services. As such this differentiation can lead to a competitive advantage.
*Innovation strategy allows for new designs, features, products that set the business to have a competitive advantage.
*Operational effectiveness strategy is an internal strategy which establishes a new way of doing business eg: a new operating procedure that produces higher productivity.
*Customer-Orientation Strategy establishes ways in which to appraised the needs and demands of the customer eg: B2C marketing and relationships.
4 What are/discuss some of the common, IT oriented organisational responses to theses pressures?
IT has attempted to respond to such pressure through the implementation of the following organisational strategies. These include the following:
* Strategic systems: the planning which gives the business direction as to the goals they wish to achieve to secure a competitive advantage.
*Customer focus: many business have used the internet to access a market that has an endless supply of customers. As such goods and services advertised on websites, allows for businesses to acquire marketshare and profits. IT has allowed customer details to be remebered through personalising a sign-in and an account that keeps a record of customer tastes, pattern of consumption etc.
*Made to Order and Mass Customisation: through high demand of products accessible online has allowed products to be made as required, cutting down inventory costs and unused materials. Technology has also stepped in where the human element of the business (personnel operating machinery) have been cut out and have been replaced by mechanisation and robotics., which allows for mass production of goods to be down efficently.
*E-business and E-commerce: has contributed to the way people interact, operate and function within a business. Examples of this include emailing systems, faxes, telephone calls etc to communicate among businesses.
5. How are IT architecture and IT infrastructure interrelated.
IT architecture is a high-level map or plan of the information assests of the organisation which intergrates the overall organisation and the indeividual user.
IT infrastructure are the phyical feature of the organisation including IT components and IT management which supports the business.
They are itnerrelated as they work together achieving the goals and objectives of the business and how the physical requirements of IT will support, tailor and execute these needs to suit the operations of a business.
6. Is the Internet an infrastructure, and architecture or an application program? or something else. Why?
The Internet is all threee of these: an infrastructure, and architecture and an application program. Each of these elements work together to achieve the plans first established by the architecture, put into the infrastructure and to be an applicable program to help execute the duties of the business.
IT has attempted to respond to such pressure through the implementation of the following organisational strategies. These include the following:
* Strategic systems: the planning which gives the business direction as to the goals they wish to achieve to secure a competitive advantage.
*Customer focus: many business have used the internet to access a market that has an endless supply of customers. As such goods and services advertised on websites, allows for businesses to acquire marketshare and profits. IT has allowed customer details to be remebered through personalising a sign-in and an account that keeps a record of customer tastes, pattern of consumption etc.
*Made to Order and Mass Customisation: through high demand of products accessible online has allowed products to be made as required, cutting down inventory costs and unused materials. Technology has also stepped in where the human element of the business (personnel operating machinery) have been cut out and have been replaced by mechanisation and robotics., which allows for mass production of goods to be down efficently.
*E-business and E-commerce: has contributed to the way people interact, operate and function within a business. Examples of this include emailing systems, faxes, telephone calls etc to communicate among businesses.
5. How are IT architecture and IT infrastructure interrelated.
IT architecture is a high-level map or plan of the information assests of the organisation which intergrates the overall organisation and the indeividual user.
IT infrastructure are the phyical feature of the organisation including IT components and IT management which supports the business.
They are itnerrelated as they work together achieving the goals and objectives of the business and how the physical requirements of IT will support, tailor and execute these needs to suit the operations of a business.
6. Is the Internet an infrastructure, and architecture or an application program? or something else. Why?
The Internet is all threee of these: an infrastructure, and architecture and an application program. Each of these elements work together to achieve the plans first established by the architecture, put into the infrastructure and to be an applicable program to help execute the duties of the business.
Chapter 1: The Modern organisation in the Global, Web-based Environment
1. What Are the Characteristics of the modern global environment?
Globalisation which has paved way for the integration and interdependance of the social, political, technological, ecomonic and cultural aspects of the business environment. these elements allow for the business environment to be supported and driven by the effects of technology. The informatuion resources of the internet and other technology has allowed the business environment to be information and knowledge intensive, interconnecting businesses worldwide at easy convenience.
2. What is meant by a web-based, global platform, what does it provide, and how has it affected business?
A global web-based platform is respresented by the internet which allows for integration, connection and collaborative computing over an application that is reached by individuals or businesses anywhere, anytime at their personal convenience in real time. it has affected business activities in the following ways:
* finite information, service and entertainment is present at a click of a button at indivdual personal convenience
*integration of knowledge from people around the world from experiences, knowledge and from a variety of sources
* produces the opportunity to sell goods and services
operates without regard to physical distance of geographic regions, time and language barriers.
These few point mentioned above have allowed business to be conducted at anytime, at any place. Businesses can arrange meetings, schedules, plans and other activities with relative ease, at a cheap cost and almost instantaneously. the powers of the internet allows the time difference not to be a factor in reaching as such operations have shrunk communication methods bringing the world closer together.
3. What are the main pressures that characterise the modern global business environment?
A combination of business pressures in the modern business world have affected, either detrimentally or positively the operations of a business. In using IT it can support and respond to these effects reducing and minimising there impact on the organisation. Some of these characteristics of the modern business world include:
* Market pressures which encourage the economy building strong competition, changing the nature of the workforce and has given more market power to consumers increasing availability and a pool of options to obtain products if they are unavailable.
* Technology pressures have encouraged the mortality of products to become obsolete in order to innovate and introduce more superior products. IT has allowed for innovative designs of programs to cushion and support the adverse effects of external forces. Accelerated technology has also reduced the life expectancy of products with constant new IT resources eg: laptops, computers, mobile phones etc.
*Information overload. The powers of the internet has increased the availability of knowledge and as such has been collected through a collaboration of primary and secondary sources.
*Political/Social/Legal pressures. Cybercafe's have extended the availability of the internet at places that have high people traffic. Businesses have had an increased social responsibility from which the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) has emerged to keep children in touch with the resources of the internet.
Governments have also attempted to regulate the internet through protecting privacy. IT has helped in creating security systems protecting employee information, maintained confidentiality of procedures and finances and strengthen software.
Globalisation which has paved way for the integration and interdependance of the social, political, technological, ecomonic and cultural aspects of the business environment. these elements allow for the business environment to be supported and driven by the effects of technology. The informatuion resources of the internet and other technology has allowed the business environment to be information and knowledge intensive, interconnecting businesses worldwide at easy convenience.
2. What is meant by a web-based, global platform, what does it provide, and how has it affected business?
A global web-based platform is respresented by the internet which allows for integration, connection and collaborative computing over an application that is reached by individuals or businesses anywhere, anytime at their personal convenience in real time. it has affected business activities in the following ways:
* finite information, service and entertainment is present at a click of a button at indivdual personal convenience
*integration of knowledge from people around the world from experiences, knowledge and from a variety of sources
* produces the opportunity to sell goods and services
operates without regard to physical distance of geographic regions, time and language barriers.
These few point mentioned above have allowed business to be conducted at anytime, at any place. Businesses can arrange meetings, schedules, plans and other activities with relative ease, at a cheap cost and almost instantaneously. the powers of the internet allows the time difference not to be a factor in reaching as such operations have shrunk communication methods bringing the world closer together.
3. What are the main pressures that characterise the modern global business environment?
A combination of business pressures in the modern business world have affected, either detrimentally or positively the operations of a business. In using IT it can support and respond to these effects reducing and minimising there impact on the organisation. Some of these characteristics of the modern business world include:
* Market pressures which encourage the economy building strong competition, changing the nature of the workforce and has given more market power to consumers increasing availability and a pool of options to obtain products if they are unavailable.
* Technology pressures have encouraged the mortality of products to become obsolete in order to innovate and introduce more superior products. IT has allowed for innovative designs of programs to cushion and support the adverse effects of external forces. Accelerated technology has also reduced the life expectancy of products with constant new IT resources eg: laptops, computers, mobile phones etc.
*Information overload. The powers of the internet has increased the availability of knowledge and as such has been collected through a collaboration of primary and secondary sources.
*Political/Social/Legal pressures. Cybercafe's have extended the availability of the internet at places that have high people traffic. Businesses have had an increased social responsibility from which the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) has emerged to keep children in touch with the resources of the internet.
Governments have also attempted to regulate the internet through protecting privacy. IT has helped in creating security systems protecting employee information, maintained confidentiality of procedures and finances and strengthen software.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Starting a business
Company Name: The Hangover
What the company does: Events management, social planning
Departments: Accounting / IT / HR / Marketing
Company Strategy: The aim of our company is to provide quality service to clients through
the provision of "gnarly" social events.
Further Information: The company is to be run solely as an e-business, operating through the social networks . Through these we intend to create a network of teenagers
(between the ages of 18-25) in order to organise and promote various parties. The company will first organise a venue and entertainment for a night, with the event having a prescribed entrance fee. In a separate arrangement with the holders of the venue, we will negotiate a percentage of the door takings.
What the company does: Events management, social planning
Departments: Accounting / IT / HR / Marketing
Company Strategy: The aim of our company is to provide quality service to clients through
the provision of "gnarly" social events.
Further Information: The company is to be run solely as an e-business, operating through the social networks . Through these we intend to create a network of teenagers
(between the ages of 18-25) in order to organise and promote various parties. The company will first organise a venue and entertainment for a night, with the event having a prescribed entrance fee. In a separate arrangement with the holders of the venue, we will negotiate a percentage of the door takings.
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