Business Information Systems

Discussion All organizations deal with information from various sources such as; suppliers, customers, government, manufacturers, and others. They must be organized in such a way that they utilize this information to operate efficiently and effectively.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Business Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The role of information systems in organizations is to manage information, make effective and efficient decisions, and improve execution of organizational business processes. Information systems assists in improving business processes as they are used to increase efficiency of available processes and enable new processes capable of transforming the manner in which organizations conduct business (Rainer, 2009). This paper demonstrates understanding of information systems and how they contribute to forming competitive advantage in business. How Organizational Systems a re transforming Business and their Relationship with Globalization Information systems have transformed the world from an industrial society to a knowledge based economy. Managers today depend on information technology in running daily business operations and making strategic business decisions. As instruments of this information age, computers perform complex operations as well as daily tasks like word processing and creating spreadsheets. The speed of change has been accelerated since personal computers became a necessary feature in most computer desks; individual units became part of the networks, accompanied by more sophisticated enterprise wide networks (Laudon, 2009). Powerful desk computers enable most workforces to speed their daily work. Specialized super computer centers also enables workforce to tackle massive computational problems. Jobs or tasks that took years on a personal computer can be performed in just hours on a super computer. Businesses use super computers to i mprove inventory and production management and product design (Thierauf, 1999). Information systems have had immense impact in transforming global business. Through the internet, organizations get opportunities to collaborate on international scale. This is in addition to computers and internal networks owned by businesses. Managers in organizations are able to share information with many people worldwide as easily as with colleagues stationed at other floors in same building.Advertising Looking for term paper on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Today, the internet and the web are critical business tools that facilitate communication within organization as well as customers. The size of electronic trading blocs has improved business thus leading to expansion of global economy. Through advancement of information technology, global electronic trading has gone beyond internet retailing. Special websites suc h as e-market places facilitate electronic trade between businesses in specific industries. Why Information Systems are so Essential in Running and Managing Business Today Information systems are critical for running and managing businesses today. They are essential in the sense that they support the distribution, processing, management and evaluation of data and information. Today, information systems are traced everywhere. They impact every aspect of people’s lives. For instance, the emergence and growth of the internet as an international information resource for all businesses has meant that computers are not only the way we communicate at work, but also with our family, friends and society at large (Laudon, 2009). One of the essential recent transformations in the way businesses operate, is how much they depend on networked technology. It is commonplace now for businesses to have a website. Access of such website is through both wired and wireless networks. To access inf ormation, both customers and employees may use networked technologies such as personal computers, laptops, blackberries and mini notebooks. In today’s business environment, absence of online presence by an organization makes it difficult for it enjoys advantages of global opportunities available for business (Laudon, 2009). How Information systems Support Major Business Functions and how they affect Business careers Information systems assist organizations to support their business processes. As businesses involve varying business processes, they need varying levels of software and support. Business information systems are sometimes specific to an area or groups of individuals. At other instances, offer services to the organization as a whole. In a functional view, business information systems are described by their business function, such as; sales and marketing, finance and accounting, manufacturing and production, and human resource (Stair, 2011). Sales and marketing is a functional area that caters for selling business products or services. The marketing function is concerned with identifying new and existing clients for organizations products and services. It also assists determine client needs or wants. Primarily, the sales function concerned with contacting clients, selling their products or services, and taking orders. It also deals with follow ups of initial sales with appropriate support and guidance. Information systems in sales and marketing function creates strategic advantage for companies through; customer management systems, online website monitoring tools, and business analytical tools. These tools are essential for better understanding of customers (Laudon, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Business Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The finance and accounting function is responsible for management of organization’s financial asse ts and managing firm’s capitalization, such as; determining new assets in stocks, bonds or other forms of debt. The function also involves maintenance of organizational financial records, such as; invoices, payments, receipts, stocks and payroll. Information systems supports financial and accounting function through establishing, building and managing of strategic products and services such as; financial advising, wealth management, risk management systems, credit services, and online financial services (Laudon, 2009). Manufacturing and production function governs production of organization’s goods and services. It is concerned with planning, development and maintenance of production infrastructure. It also deals with identifying production goals, procurement of materials, equipment and labor scheduling, and making of final products. Information systems aid this function by developing manufacturing and production systems that assist organization to compete by; reducing supply chain costs, increasing quality and enabling the firm to design and introduce new products in the firm (Laudon, 2009). The human resource function deals with management of company’s workforce. The human resource information systems support activities such as employee records, payroll, and training and skill programs. Information systems support this function by providing information and communication capabilities that reduce the cost of managing employees; organizing jobs, and work assignments to reduce operational costs. This gives an organization a strategic edge (Laudon, 2009).. How a Four-Step Method for Business Problem-Solving Helps in Solving Information System Relations Problem The four-step method for business problem solving assists in solving information system relations problems; as it includes generation of new ideas using creative computer software. Solving information relations problem requires a process exhibited in the four step method for business pr oblem –solving. The four steps involved in this method include; generation, evaluation, validation and establishment of boundaries (Thierauf, 1999). Generation is the most significant step in problem search. It involves probing of potential problems that might have an impact to the organization. It assists search for future problems as well. Once the problems are identified and analyzed, it provides a need to evaluate the cause and effect relationships of each problem and its possible effects on the organization currently.Advertising Looking for term paper on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The evaluation step reviews the problem uncovered in the generation stage for managerial concern, aided by cost benefit analysis. It also uses creative computer software to generate new ways to evaluate future organizational problems. Validation step builds on evaluation of the problem. Actual problems are selected at this stage for managerial concern currently and in future. Validation for problem solving is generally supported by cost benefit analysis and related organization’s essential success factors if necessary. The fourth step involves establishment of boundaries. Completion of problem validation necessitates definition of each problem within its boundaries (Thierauf, 1999) Conclusion Information systems have transformed the globe from industrial society to an knowledge-based economy. Organizational managers today depend on information technology for everything from conducting daily business operations to executing strategic business decisions. As tools of this inform ation age, computers perform complex operations as well as daily tasks like word processing and creating spreadsheets. Through the use of information systems, for instance, orders can be placed by clients from their own homes, payment can be taken and suppliers can be notified about which products to produce and where to ship them. All this can be done online through the internet, thus, enhancing efficiency in existing process of placing order. Reference List Laudon, K., Laudon, J. (2009). Essentials of Management Information Systems. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers. Rainer, R., Cegielsky, G. (2009). Introduction to Information Systems. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. Stair, R., Reynolds, G. (2011). Principles of Information Systems. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers. Thierauf, R. (1999). Knowledge Management Systems for Business. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group. This term paper on Business Information Systems was written and submitted by user Trevon Trujillo to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tips for Posture - Dont Sit on Your Wallet

Tips for Posture - Don't Sit on Your Wallet Heres an ergonomic tip to immediately improve your posture and alleviate nagging back pain. We are taught from an early age that wallets go in your back pocket. Thats a bad, bad thing. Its almost as if the clothing designers are in cahoots with the wallet manufacturers to make sure thats where they go. The only problem is that a wallet in your back pocket hurts your posture and can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. Standing up the back pocket is a fine place to stow your wallet. But when you sit down you start an avalanche of body mechanic problems. When one cheek is higher than the other you end up twisting the pelvis. This is bad enough but it doesnt stop there. The spine becomes misaligned. Then your shoulders slump. And you really start to hurt after that. The healthiest option is to move that wallet to your front pocket. If you must keep your wallet in your back pocket you should remove it before you sit down. Maybe even get one of those snazzy wallets with the chain so you dont forget it. You should also keep your wallet as thin as possible. Even when it is in your front pocket a smaller wallet will be a benefit.

Strategic Management in IKEA Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Strategic Management in IKEA - Case Study Example Businesses usually define their goals and objectives through mission statement and vision that are imprinted on the organizations product. According to Knapp (1999, p.75)3, mission and vision statements generally represent the purpose of the organization which is evident in the present case study of IKEA where IKEA's mission is to Whereas the vision is to provide better everyday life to all and IKEA formulates its strategies based on the mission and vision which aims to provide better life by offering its products at lower cost than in the market. Austin and Pinkleton (2006, p.19)4 mentions that mission statement sets out strategic focus for accomplishing long term outcome and vision conveys the long term ideal which is evident in IKEA's scenario. Further vision shares the organizations values that are intended to support their mission. The seriousness of offering products at low cost is also seen its corporate values where the organization recruits employees who share the values developed by IKEA of togetherness, cost consciousness, respect and simplicity. The mission, vision and values are interrelated to each other as each one is developed by other and helps the organization the long term goal as in case of IKEA to provide better life to all by providing low cost products in the industry duly integrating w ith the values that promotes the involvement of customers in product designing. IKEA has been able to achieve considerable success strongly because of its values and it is essential that the values imbibed in the market for IKEA should be pampered and the organization should continue to operate in the same way as it has done until now generating good revenue and garnering customer appreciation from all over the world. 1 (b) Difference between company's resources and capabilities According to Grant (2005, p.145) the strategy of any business is concerned with utilizing the firm's resources to improve and increase the capabilities to grab the opportunities arising in the external environment. However both, resources and capabilities play vital role in the development of the organization and to identify their importance, they are distinguished hereunder with special reference to IKEA. Resources Capabilities It is the productive asset owned by the firm like tangible and intangible like financial, infrastructural, knowledge and human resource, etc.

Child Care Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Child Care - Research Paper Example In such a way, understanding the importance of a manager’s role and the means by which he/she can impact upon the stakeholders in the workforce is an issue of the utmost importance if a further degree of utility is to be expected from a domestic workforce. Luckily, the past several years has noted a dramatic increase with respect to the overall level of scholarship with regards to this particular topic. Special attention has always been on the effect of culture on the interactions between employees and the employer (Adler and Zhu, 2005). Nevertheless, gaps remain on the reasons of the disparities as observed in the relationships between the employee and the employer. This research therefore undertakes an intensive review of the available literature concerning the topic and the finding from the other studies in explaining the motivation of diverse employees within the realm of child-care and/or early education. It is worth noting that manager of a diverse workforce also finds t heir task defined with regards offering training to the employees for the skills and expertise already acquired while previously working. High task readiness implies that the staff are well prepared to attend to tasks as assigned through acquired skills and knowledge while a low task readiness imply that they lack the necessary skills to handle the tasks assigned. It is the hope of this author that such a unit of analysis will be useful in helping the reader to come to a more profound understanding with regards to the approach, best practices, and motivational theories that should be engaged/utilized as a function of seeking to leverage further integration between functional expertise and work flexibility. Introduction One might be tempted to assume that the impact that a given manager may have with regards to the motivation of employees at the local level of education might be rather small. However, this is the opposite of what can be observed. Due to the fact that the cultural dis similarity, that is so oftentimes represented, is primarily impacted upon by the norms and mores of culture that are created as a process of maturity and development in a particular society; this has been deemed by many researchers, including this analysis, to be of the highest importance in helping to constrain and define the term. Although it is true that a host of factors impact upon the level and extent to which individuals within positions of leadership can interact with those under their purview, it is the factor of employee motivation that is of the most specific interest to this particular analysis. Moreover, due to the fact that the topic in and of itself is extraordinarily broad, the research will attempt to approach it from the perspective the way in which work flexibility and the appreciations surrounding diversity can be applied to the many different theories of motivation; theories that have thus far helped to define the way in which managers and leaders integrate with their respective stakeholders within any firm, organization, or institution. Literature review Most opinions are

The Lottery Essay Example for Free

The Lottery Essay The Lottery by Shirley Jackson is a short story about a small town and their unique summer tradition. This stories thematic element is conformity and rebellion, showing a clash between two well-articulated positions in which a rebel, on principle, confronts and struggles with established authority (Abacarian and Klotz, 289). Jacksons short story caught my attention through her suspenseful structural technique, and incorporation of a serious, seemingly absurd, event in a nonchalant manner. Mr. Summers, who devotes his time to running civic activities, runs this event very year on June 27th. The children are always the first to assemble, innocent to the severity of the event that is about to occur. The head of the household each picks a piece of paper out of a black box, and keeps it sealed until everyone has picked. At the same time all of the men open their papers, and whoevers family has the paper with the black dot has been selected. This year, it was the Hutchinson family. Now, the paper with the dot is placed back in the box along with more blank slips to equal the amount of people in the family. They each pick, and the person who picks the lack dot is the winner, who then gets stoned by the town. Until the very end of the short story the reader is very much unaware of the situation and why this lottery is taking place, which is one reason I picked this story. Suspense in a story is one of my favorite elements and always keeps me wanting to read in order to find out what happens. Through most of the story Jackson shows the town quite cheerful and happy, but she begins to hint towards a dramatic event with statements such as a sudden hush fell on the crowd Oackson,342), l wish theyd hurry. I wish theyd hurry Oackson, 343), and a long pause, a breathless pause Oackson, 343). Once I realized what the point of the lottery is, I quickly thought back through the story and realized how apathetic she was towards this event. Throughout the course of the story, Jackson showed many of the characters acting very casual and carefree, even though one of their towns members was about to be stoned. I liked the way Jackson incorporated the idea of stones with the children in the beginning of the story. This makes the reader originally question its relevance and shows the innocence of youth. She then follows later with the elderly man stating that he had been at these lotteries for seventy-seven years, which showed the town being used to the tradition and show normal it was to the society, and how it only negatively affects the person who won and their family. The characters discuss how many towns have gotten rid of this tradition, and Old Man Warner states Nothing but trouble in that,, Old Man Warner said stoutly. Pack of young fools0ackson, 342). This displays the theme of conformity and rebellion, since the younger generations want to get rid of the tradition, and the older enerations with more power over the society believe it is for the best. Even the death of an individual in their town they say is necessary and tradition, which I found astonishing. oliday atmosphere, which concludes with a horrific event. The holiday atmosphere is used to diminish the immortality of the event, but the author successfully uses the happiness to add suspense to the tradition and add a dark twist to the severity of it all. Overall, the suspense positively adds to the structure of the story and the casual aspect of the stoning and death of a citizen follows the theme of conformity and rebellion.

Galileo Gallilei :: essays research papers

Galileo Galilei was born on February 15, 1564, in Pisa, Italy. Galileo was the first of seven children of Vincenzio Galilei, a trader and Giula Ammannati, an upper-class woman who married below her class. When Galileo was a young boy, his father moved the family moved to Florence. Galileo moved into a nearby monastery with the intentions of becoming a monk, but he left the monastery when he was 15 because his father disapproved of his son becoming a monk. In November of 1581, Vincenzio Galilei had Galileo enrolled in the University of Pisa School of Medicine because he wanted his son to become a doctor to carry on the family fortune. Vincenzio thought that Galileo should be able to provide for the family when he died, and his sister would need a dowry soon. Galileo had other plans, and in early 1583 he began spending his time with the mathematics professors instead of the medical ones. When his father learned of this, he was furious and traveled 60 miles from Florence to Pisa just to confront his son with the knowledge that he had been "neglecting his studies." The grand duke’s mathematician intervened and persuaded Vincenzio to allow Galileo to study mathematics on the condition that after one year, all of Galileo’s support would be cut off and he was on his own. In the spring of 1585, Galileo skipped his final exams and left the university without a degree. He began finding work as a math tutor. In November of 1589, Galileo found a position as a professor of mathematics at the university of Pisa, the same one he had left without a degree four years before. Galileo was a brilliant teacher, but his radical ways of thinking and open criticism of Aristotle’s teachings were not acceptable to the other professors at the university. They felt that he was too radical and that his teachings were not suitable. In 1592, his three-year contract was not renewed. 1n 1592, he landed a job teaching mathematics at the University of Padua with the help of some aristocratic friends. After his father’s death, Galileo supported many relatives (including his brother Michelangelo and his family) and the sum of money he earned as a professor was not nearly enough. He began to tutor on the side to make extra money, including Prince Cosimo, the son of Grand Duchess Christine of Tuscany, which helped Galileo with some of his financial problems.

My First Child

I walked through the doors of Moses Taylor hospital, In Scranton, Pennsylvania. I was feeling apprehensive and uneasy, as I found myself at the nurses' station of labor and delivery. Once I was finished with registration, I followed a nurse into the dusty rose and moss green room, where I would be staying until the much anticipated arrival of my child. I tried to keep myself occupied by watching television, reading, and doing crossword puzzles, but nothing could have kept me from feeling the excruciating pain of labor.The eagerness to have this all over and done with, was definitely not helping with the anxiety I was feeling during that process. After 22 grueling and strenuous hours of being stuck In a bed, and three different shifts of nurses, I finally met my daughter. Friday morning, at 4:mama, the sky was dark and cloudy, and the moment I had been anxiously awaiting for nine and a half long months, was here at last. Everyone in the room got very quiet as my child entered the wor ld. I was very confused as to why I had not heard any sounds coming from her and it began to worry me. The moment I heard her cry, I new everything was going to be okay. Oh! She Is absolutely breath-taking,† I exclaimed as Dry. Reedy placed the Innocent child on my chest. Just as I said that, a tiny hand reached up and touched my face. I braced myself against the back of the bed; I could hardly contain my excitement as I held my daughter in my arms for the very first time. I could smell the sweet, inviting aroma and feel the velvety softness of her skin. Nothing in life had prepared me for the overwhelming love I felt at that moment. I looked over at my child's father; while fighting back the Inevitable tears of Joy that ere making their way Into my eyes, and I stated. Frank, look at how perfect she SSL Look at her tiny little nose. † I can still remember the first time I set eyes on her. She was naked, and glistening with the slimy waters of birth. As the nurse removed her from my arms, to clean and weigh her, I could not take my eyes off my little miracle. The instant I saw her, I knew the name we had chosen would fit her beautifully. The nurse, wearing arctic white Nikkei sneakers and soft pink scrubs with a cute little Winnie the Pooh pattern on them, handed my daughter back to me. She was wrapped In an Ivory blanket, with baby blue and cherry red Infant foot prints on It.Nurse Lori began filling out my child's vital statistics, â€Å"She is seven pounds and fifteen ounces and 20 inches long. Have you decided on a name for her yet? † â€Å"Aubrey. † I answered. â€Å"Aubrey Grace. † Lori commented, â€Å"What a great name for such a beautiful child. Congratulations! † â€Å"Thank you,† I replied. The next few hours were filled with visitors coming to welcome Aubrey Into the world. Aubrey met her aunts, uncles, grandparents, and Godparents all in the course of a day. Aubrey started getting over-whelmed with all of the commotion around her. WA! † cried Aubrey, as she let out this tiny little cry. I tried to console her as best as I could, and eventually found that she was hungry. I quickly grabbed the bottle of Gerber formula for her. As I held my tiny bundle of Joy in my arms, I could see a lonesome tear run down my mother's cheek. When I knew exactly why my mother was crying. They were not tears filled with sadness, but were tears of Joy. My mother helped me through so much in my life, and I never understood the love she had for me until I finally had a child of my own.