Read Me First

Week One

Introduction

INFORMATION SYSTEMS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN ALMOST EVERY ORGANIZATION TODAY. THE AMOUNT OF WORK THAT MUST BE DONE REQUIRES ASSISTANCE THAT COMPUTER SYSTEMS CAN PROVIDE. THEY COVER INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FUNCTIONS IN THE ENTERPRISE. INTERNAL SYSTEMS INCLUDE PAYROLL, ACCOUNTING, AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT. EXTERNAL SYSTEMS COVER AREAS SUCH AS SALES, MARKETING, AND WEBSITES. SOME SYSTEMS SPAN BOTH AREAS, MANAGING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARTS OF THE RELATED FUNCTIONS.

Some information systems are visible parts of an organization’s operations, but others lie under the surface. The latter types provide vital services, but may not be as visible to users.

This week in relationship to the course and the program

THIS WEEK STARTS WITH AN OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS. YOU WILL EXAMINE THEIR COMPONENT PARTS AND THE DIFFERENT ROLES THEY FILL IN THE ENTERPRISE. YOU WILL ALSO LOOK AT HOW THEY ENHANCE THE MODERN ENTERPRISE AND ENABLE NEW BREAKTHROUGHS WITH THE CAPABILITIES THOSE SYSTEMS PROVIDE.

Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials

READ THE CHAPTERS AND BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE WAYS INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENABLE THE MODERN WORK WORLD. LINK WHAT YOU READ TO YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A USER OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS. UNDERSTANDING THE INTEGRAL ROLE OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE MODERN ENTERPRISE CAN HELP YOU UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THEM MORE EFFECTIVELY IN THE FUTURE.

Keep your eyes open for systems that began as optional enhancements, but later were so useful that they became a requirement of any enterprise that could use their functionality. You will investigate this concept more deeply in the coming weeks.

Some questions to ask as you hone your critical thinking

AS YOU READ THE CHAPTERS, THINK ABOUT THE SPECIFIC HIGHLIGHTED ROLES. ASK YOURSELF HOW EFFECTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS ARE IN THOSE ROLES. HOW DID THEY TRANSFORM THE BUSINESS THAT USED THEM? WHAT AREAS REMAIN FOR IMPROVEMENT? WHAT ROLES CAN YOU THINK OF FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS THAT WERE NOT COVERED IN THE READINGS?

Summary

BY THE END OF THE WEEK, YOU WILL HAVE A REASONABLY EFFECTIVE UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT MAKES UP THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS USE EVERY DAY AND THE WIDE RANGE OF ROLES THEY FILL. THE MATERIAL COVERS SOME KEY EXAMPLES OF HOW MODERN ENTERPRISES USE THESE SYSTEMS. YOUR VIEW WILL BE AT THE HIGHER LEVEL, BUT THAT SHOULD HELP YOU PREPARE FOR THE MATERIAL IN THE COMING WEEKS.
Week Two

Introduction

INFORMATION IS THE FIRST PART OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR A REASON. THIS WEEK YOU WILL LOOK AT THE ROLE INFORMATION PLAYS IN THE MODERN ENTERPRISE, ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS. UNDERSTANDING THE INFORMATION USED BY DIFFERENT PARTS OF AN ENTERPRISE IS A KEY PART OF ENABLING THAT ORGANIZATION TO CONTROL AND PROTECT THE VALUABLE INFORMATION IT USES.

This week in relationship to the course and the program

THIS WEEK, YOU WILL LOOK AT INFORMATION FLOWS, FOCUSING ON SPECIFIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS THAT ENABLE THEIR USE. YOU WILL ALSO REVIEW SOME SECURITY CONCERNS ABOUT HANDLING INFORMATION AND THE ETHICAL CHOICES USERS FACE IN THE MODERN WORLD, WHERE INFORMATION CAN BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE SYSTEMS PROCESSING IT. INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT IN THE MODERN BUSINESS WORLD, AND ORGANIZATIONS MUST USE AND EFFECTIVELY PROTECT IT WITH THEIR SYSTEMS.

Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials

READ THE CHAPTERS THIS WEEK AND THINK ABOUT HOW INFORMATION FLOWS ALL AROUND US. CONSIDER THE VALUE OF THE INFORMATION AND CONSIDER HOW SYSTEMS CAN BRING IT TO OUR FINGERTIPS AND HELP US PROTECT IT. THINK ABOUT THE LEGAL AND MORAL ASPECTS OF THE ETHICAL CHOICES THAT MAY ARISE WHEN USING INFORMATION.

Some questions to ask as you hone your critical thinking

AS YOU READ THE CHAPTERS, CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF THE INFORMATION YOU USE EACH DAY. HOW IS IT PUT INTO SYSTEMS? HOW DOES IT COME OUT? WHAT VALUE DOES IT HOLD? IS IT ALWAYS PROTECTED AS MUCH AS IT SHOULD BE? WHAT WAYS COULD IT BE MISUSED? HOW CAN ORGANIZATIONS DESIGN THEIR SYSTEMS TO HELP LIMIT MISUSE? WHAT ETHICAL CHOICES WILL YOU FACE WHEN YOU USE INFORMATION?

Summary

INFORMATION IS A KEY PART OF THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS YOU USE. SUCH SYSTEMS WOULD NOT HAVE MUCH VALUE IF THEY DID NOT ASSIST IN THE GATHERING, PROCESSING, AND USE OF INFORMATION. YOU MUST PROPERLY TRACK ITS USE AND ENSURE INDIVIDUALS KNOW SAFE AND ETHICAL WAYS TO USE THE INFORMATION THEY COME ACROSS EACH DAY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT CUSTOMERS, THEIR FELLOW WORKERS, AND FUTURE ORGANIZATION PLANS.
Week Three

Introduction

THE INTERNET HAS DRAMATICALLY CHANGED THE FACE OF THE BUSINESS WORLD. ORGANIZATIONS ARE INTERCONNECTED TO A GREAT EXTENT, WHICH MAKES MORE USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE PRACTICES AVAILABLE. ENABLING INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF MAKING THEM USEFUL.

Mobile computing is also becoming mainstream; systems and data are everywhere, from laptop computers to smartphones. Each provides more ways to get more done and integrate information systems into all parts of our lives.

This week in relationship to the course and the program

THIS WEEK COVERS HOW THE INTERNET AND MOBILE COMPUTING HAVE AFFECTED THE WORLD AND THE ROLE INFORMATION SYSTEMS HAVE PLAYED IN THAT PROCESS. NEW TECHNOLOGIES OFTEN BEGIN BY PROVIDING AN EXTRA BOOST FOR THOSE WHO ADOPT THEM, BUT CAN QUICKLY BECOME A VITAL NECESSITY AS THEIR FEATURES BECOME A NECESSARY PART OF THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE.

Mobile computing is still fairly new, even though it has been around for a few years. Mobile computing is rapidly changing things in many ways, just as the availability of the Internet did. There will be other technologies that may have a similar effect, but you can never completely predict what the next big breakthrough will be.

Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials

THINK ABOUT THE CHANGE BROUGHT BY THE INTERNET. LOOK AT HOW INFORMATION SYSTEMS HAVE ADAPTED TO THE INTERNET AND WHICH POPULAR SYSTEMS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE PRIOR TO ITS WIDESPREAD USE. CONSIDER HOW MOBILE COMPUTING IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE PUSHING THE WAYS ORGANIZATIONS OPERATE. THINK OF THE GOOD AND BAD PARTS OF THIS SHIFT, AND CONSIDER HOW ORGANIZATIONS CAN PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE FUTURE.

Some questions to ask as you hone your critical thinking

AS YOU READ THE CHAPTERS THIS WEEK, FIND THE KEY ELEMENTS THAT ALLOWED THE CHANGES IN MODERN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. ARE ALL THE BREAKTHROUGHS OBVIOUS OR ARE THERE SOME THAT ENABLE CHANGE IN MORE SUBTLE WAYS? WHAT EFFECT HAS THE INTERNET HAD ON TRADITIONAL BUSINESS? HOW CAN BUSINESSES USE INFORMATION SYSTEMS TO ADAPT TO THE INTERNET? WHAT WILL BE THE ROLE OF MOBILE COMPUTING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS? WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLOIT AND WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS TO AVOID?

Summary

THE INTERNET HAS HAD A DRAMATIC EFFECT ON ORGANIZATIONS AND THE SYSTEMS THEY USE. FEW SYSTEMS CAN EXIST COMPLETELY APART FROM IT, THOUGH PROTECTING THOSE SYSTEMS AND THE INFORMATION THEY USE IS IMPORTANT. MOBILE COMPUTING PROMISES TO DISRUPT TRADITIONAL WAYS OF DOING BUSINESS, BUT THE CHANGES MAY BRING INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY RATHER THAN INTRODUCING NEW PROCESSES. WHATEVER HAPPENS, INFORMATION SYSTEMS ARE CERTAIN TO BE A BIG PART OF FUTURE CHANGE AND AN IMPORTANT WAY OF ADAPTING TO IT.

Week Four

Introduction

THIS WEEK BEGINS WITH A DISCUSSION OF HOW INFORMATION SYSTEMS HAVE PERMEATED ALMOST EVERY AREA OF THE MODERN ENTERPRISE. NO ORGANIZATION CAN AFFORD TO IGNORE THEM IF IT WANTS TO STAY PRODUCTIVE AND COMPETITIVE IN THE MODERN WORLD.

However, information systems are not an end to themselves. Instead, they must be carefully designed to meet valid business needs. Some of those needs may not be apparent when a system is first conceived, but it is vitally important that their development is driven by a strong business need, not wishful thinking or a general fascination with technology.

This week in relationship to the course and the program

THIS WEEK FOCUSES ON THE SPECIFIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS USED IN ORGANIZATIONS. THIS WAS COVERED BRIEFLY EARLY ON IN THE COURSE, BUT THIS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS SPECIFIC USES. BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS MUST DRIVE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT. BECOMING INFATUATED WITH TECHNOLOGY AND WASTING RESOURCES ON DEVELOPING A POORLY CONCEIVED SYSTEM IS FAR TOO EASY. SURPRISE HITS DO HAPPEN, BUT MOST SUCCESSFUL SYSTEMS MEET A BUSINESS REQUIREMENT THAT IS KNOWN IN ADVANCE.

Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials

READ THE CHAPTERS THIS WEEK AND THINK ABOUT THE SPECIFIC KINDS OF SYSTEMS ORGANIZATIONS USE TODAY. DEVELOP A MENTAL PICTURE OF THE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONAL PARTS SUCH SYSTEMS CAN IMPROVE AND REFLECT ON HOW THEY INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER TO ADD VALUE TO AN ENTERPRISE. CONSIDER THE ROLE BUSINESS NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS PLAYED IN DEVELOPING EACH KIND OF SYSTEM.

Some questions to ask as you hone your critical thinking

AS YOU READ THE CHAPTERS THIS WEEK, ASK YOURSELF HOW DIFFERENT KINDS OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS CAME ABOUT. WHAT WERE THE BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS DRIVING THE DEVELOPMENT OF EACH ONE? HOW MANY SYSTEMS WERE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT A CLEAR DRIVER? HOW CAN ORGANIZATIONS FACTOR IN BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS AND STAY FLEXIBLE THROUGH CHANGING TECHNOLOGY?

Summary

INFORMATION SYSTEMS HAVE PENETRATED ALMOST EVERY PART OF THE BUSINESS, NONPROFIT, AND GOVERNMENT REALM. THE DAY WHEN A MANUAL PROCESS CAN BE AS EFFICIENT AS A WELL-DESIGNED INFORMATION SYSTEM IS OVER IN ALMOST EVERY SECTOR. PEOPLE STILL PLAY A KEY ROLE, BUT THEY ARE ENABLED BY SYSTEMS WITH FUNCTIONALITY THAT LETS THEM TO DO THEIR JOB EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY. THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN DRIVEN BY A TRUE BUSINESS NEED, EVEN IF THAT NEED ONLY BECAME KNOWN AS THE SYSTEM ENABLED A NEW, EFFECTIVE WAY OF DOING THINGS.

Week Five

Introduction

ACQUIRING AND MANAGING INFORMATION SYSTEMS CAN TAKE SIGNIFICANT FOCUSED TIME, EFFORT, AND MONEY. INFORMATION SYSTEMS DO NOT BUILD THEMSELVES; ORGANIZATIONS MUST FIND THE BEST BALANCE BETWEEN BUILDING THEIR OWN SYSTEMS, BUYING THEM FROM ANOTHER SOURCE, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH METHODS.

Acquiring the system is only the first part of the process. Effective system use requires that systems receive regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently and meet valid business needs. Ongoing maintenance is as important as the initial acquisition, if not more so.

Organizational strategic planning means considering the information systems organizations need before such systems are acquired. Some systems may help the planning process, though the focus should be on designing systems that will be needed in a few years so the organization can prepare and acquire them over time.

This week in relationship to the course and the program

THE WEEK CONCLUDES THE COURSE BY FOCUSING ON THE PRACTICAL ELEMENTS OF ACQUIRING AND MANAGING INFORMATION SYSTEMS. MANY PEOPLE DO NOT REALIZE THAT PURCHASING A NEW INFORMATION SYSTEM CAN BE LIKE GETTING A NEW PET. THE TIME INVESTIGATING THE PURCHASE AND PRICE OF THE SYSTEM IS ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE TOTAL TIME AND MONEY INVESTMENT REQUIRED TO KEEP THE SYSTEM OPERATING OPTIMALLY AFTER IT IS ACQUIRED.

Remember, systems can play a role in the organization’s strategic direction; those who successfully use information systems will keep them in mind as they plan for their future business needs.

Hints for a reading strategy of the assigned materials

THINK ABOUT HOW INFORMATION SYSTEMS YOU READ ABOUT THIS WEEK WERE ACQUIRED AND MANAGED. LOOK AT THE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS ORGANIZATIONS MUST KEEP IN MIND IN BOTH PARTS OF THE PROCESS. ALSO, CONSIDER THE ROLE PLANNING FOR FUTURE INFORMATION SYSTEM NEEDS CAN PLAY IN AN ORGANIZATION’S OVERALL STRATEGIC PLANNING EFFORTS AND CONSIDER HOW SOME INFORMATION SYSTEMS CAN ENABLE THAT PLANNING.

Some questions to ask as you hone your critical thinking

AS YOU READ THE CHAPTERS THIS WEEK, ASK YOURSELF WHAT THE KEY ELEMENTS ARE FOR ACQUIRING INFORMATION SYSTEMS. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND? WHAT FACTORS PLAY A ROLE IN THE DECISION TO BUILD OR BUY A NEW OR REVISED SYSTEM? WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS IN MANAGING THESE SYSTEMS? WHAT ROLE SHOULD THOSE ISSUES PLAY IN THE ACQUISITION PROCESS? HOW CAN INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENABLE AN ORGANIZATION’S STRATEGIC PLANNING EFFORTS? WHAT ROLE SHOULD PLANS FOR FUTURE INFORMATION SYSTEMS PLAY IN SUCH PLANNING?

Summary

THIS COURSE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU AN EFFECTIVE UNDERSTANDING OF HOW SYSTEMS ARE USED IN ORGANIZATIONS TODAY. YOU COVERED DIFFERENT TYPES OF SYSTEMS AND RELATED TOPICS IN PREVIOUS WEEKS. THIS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS THE FACT THAT ALL SYSTEMS MUST BE ACQUIRED AND MAINTAINED. THEY DO NOT SHOW UP AND KEEP WORKING WITHOUT A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT, BUT THEY CAN HELP MODERN AND FUTURE ORGANIZATIONS IF THEY ARE CONSIDERED IN THE ORGANIZATION’S STRATEGIC PLANNING EFFORTS.