School of Science, Information Technology & Engineering
ITECH6503 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYTEMS
Week 3
I Visit Apples' site for the iPad and the Amazon.com site for the Kindle. Review the features and specifications of each device. Then answer the following questions:

1. How powerful is the iPad? How useful is it for reading books, newspapers or magazines, for surfing the Web, and for watching video? Can you identify any shortcomings of the device?

2. Compare the capabilities of the Kindle to the iPad. Which is a better device for reading books? Explain your answer.

3. Would you like to use an iPad or Kindle for the books you use in your college courses or read for pleasure instead of traditional print publications? Why or why not?

II Porter’s competitive forces model helps companies develop competitive strategies using information systems. In this context answer the following questions:

1. Define Porter’s competitive forces model and explain how it works.

2. Describe what the competitive forces model explains about competitive advantage.

3. List and describe four competitive strategies enabled by information systems that firms can pursue.

4. Describe how information systems can support each of these competitive strategies and give examples.

5. Explain why aligning IT with business objectives is essential for strategic use of systems.

III Discussion Questions

1. It has been said that there is no such thing as a sustainable competitive advantage. Do you agree? Why or why not? 2. It has been said that the advantage that leading-edge retailers such as Dell and Wal-Mart have over their competition isn’t technology; it’s their management. Do you agree? Why or why not?

3. What are some of the issues to consider in determining whether the Internet would provide your business with a