What major features of a business are important for understanding the role of information systems? To achieve operational excellence. To develop new products and services. To attain customer intimacy and service. To improve decision-making. To achieve competitive advantages. To ensure survival.
Define a business and describe the major business functions. A business is a formal organization whose aim is to produce products or provide services for a profit. The type of business and organizational setup determines the major business functions. Production will need to be developed; the requirement for machinery and people will be set. Next will need some sort of marketing and sales group, to make and keep track of sales. Then a finance and accounting group to track all expenses. Lastly, an HR department will hire, recruit, and train the work force.
Define business processes and describe the role they play in organizations. The actual steps and tasks that describe how work is organized in a business are called business processes. They define how business tasks are performed and refer to unique ways work, information, and knowledge are coordinated in a specific organization. Many business processes are tied specific functional area. Like mentioned above the manufacturing and production group will assemble the product, check quality and producing a bill of materials. The Sales and marketing group identify customers promote the product and sell it. The finance and accounting will pay creditors, create financial statements, and manage cash accounts. Human resources hire employees, evaluate job performance, and help employees enroll in benefit plans. All have a functional role in the entire business.
Identify and describe the different levels in a business firm and their information needs. A typical firm will also have different systems supporting the decision-making