Premium Essay

Information System Dissertation

In:

Submitted By ennydeed
Words 18031
Pages 73
Information Systems Dissertation

The Impact of Cloud Computing on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

Word Count: 12,497

Abstract
In recent years a new computing paradigm has emerged: Cloud Computing. Whilst there seem to be an endless number of definitions for this new term, including one by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that is nearly 800 words long, nobody seems to be able to settle on a true characterisation of the subject matter.

In its simplest form cloud computing can be described as IT-as-a-service. Instead of building your own IT infrastructure to host databases or software, a third party hosts them on their own servers. Companies have access to their data and software over the internet (which in most diagrams is depicted as a cloud). However, is this new paradigm simply a new term for something we are already doing or is it truly going to change the future of IT as we know it?

This dissertation investigates the phenomenon commonly known as cloud computing, focussing closely on its impact on small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s), and ultimately attempts to assess the future of cloud computing.

The research throughout this paper is based solely on secondary research. No primary research into the topic area has been made. In order to gain a broad view and understanding of the topic various existing papers and studies, on the topic of cloud computing and technology adoption within SME’s, have been studied and critiqued.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 2 Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Acronyms

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

History of Dss

...Information Systems researchers, academicians and technologists have built and investigated computerized Decision Support Systems (DSS) for approximately 40 years. This article chronicles and explores the developments related to building and deploying DSS. The journey begins with building model-driven DSS in the late 1960s, theory developments in the 1970s, and implementation of financial planning systems, spreadsheet-based DSS and Group DSS in the early and mid 1980s. Data warehouses, Executive Information Systems, OLAP and Business Intelligence evolved in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Finally, the chronicle ends with knowledge-driven DSS and the implementation of Web-based DSS beginning in the mid-1990s. The field of computerized decision support is expanding to use new technologies and to create new applications. In the 1960s, researchers began systematically studying the use of computerized quantitative models to assist in decision making and planning (Raymond, 1966; Turban, 1967; Urban, 1967, Holt and Huber, 1969). Ferguson and Jones (1969) reported the first experimental study using a computer aided decision system. They investigated a production scheduling application running on an IBM 7094. In retrospect, a major historical turning point was Michael S. Scott Morton's (1967) dissertation field research at Harvard University. Scott Morton’s study involved building, implementing and then testing an interactive, model-driven management decision system. Fellow Harvard Ph...

Words: 334 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Does User Involvement in Information System Development Influence Positive Organisational Change Toward the System?

...involvement in information system development influence positive organisational change toward the system? This document has been prepared for reading by anyone interested in information systems and how users involvement can influence change to organisation. By Nybor Yam8 April 2013 | Introduction Information systems play a core role in business today by enabling the organisation to function effectively and efficiently. Despite applying best practices, controlled procedures and methodology’s it is quoted that two out of three IT projects will fail which is often associated with a lack of attention to the softer management practices such as culture change, organisation development and user involvement (Coombs, Doherty, Clarke 2001, Maguire, Redman 2007, Nelson, 2007). Today’s organisations must strive for systems that are technically sound, fulfil all user’s needs and provide quality results. With organisations relying more heavily on information systems to perform many of its business processes the information systems should be integrated within the organisation’s culture as well as supporting work practices (Maguire, Redman, 2007). Involving end users in the information systems development process is one approach that is much supported by a variety of literature. While it is generally accepted within literature that user involvement in information systems development does improve the prospects of the users accepting the system therefore enhancing system success,...

Words: 2193 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Thesis for College

...Creating a management system for customer information for ... https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/.../Thesis%20Timo%20Aho.pdf?... by T Aho - ‎2012 - ‎Related articles The purpose of this thesis project was to find and create a better solution for handling ... for example, of names, preferred shoe sizes and address information. During this project, it was decided that a customer information system will to be cre-. Thesis Proposal For Management Information Systems Free ... www.termpaperwarehouse.com/.../thesis...management-information-syste... Free Essays on Thesis Proposal For Management Information Systems for students. Use our papers to help you with yours 1 - 20. [PDF]Web-based Information System for Land Management www.ucalgary.ca/engo_webdocs/MR/05.20223.LimanMao.pdf by L Mao - ‎2005 - ‎Cited by 1 - ‎Related articles Web-based Information System for Land Management .... 1.5 THESIS STRUCTURE. ..... Figure 4.7: Sample of Attribute Tables of Web-GIS Prototype System . [PDF]Developing effective hospital management information ... ro.ecu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2411&context=theses by C Bain - ‎2014 - ‎Related articles Oct 5, 2014 - The central contention of this thesis is that the current ecosystem models in the information ... This research seeks to highlight an example of ... hospital management information system environment, using the technology. [PDF]Thesis Management System for Industrial Partner ... - IS MU is.muni.cz/th/374278/fi_b/thesis-text...

Words: 525 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Computer Information System Brief

...Computer Information System Brief ACC/542 Computer Information System Brief Kudler Fine Foods operates in La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas California providing gourmet meats, cheese, produce, wine, and deserts to the community. Kudler Fine Foods offers its customers a selection of fine foods from around the world as the company takes pride in providing the finest epicurean delights. During the review of Kudler Fine Foods determined the company’s needs to strengthen accounting practices and fix the technological weaknesses found with the technology and computer systems. This brief will discuss the key business and accounting information needs; strengths and weaknesses of Kudler’s current computer system and technology use; explain the opportunities Kudler has in terms of technology and provide suggestions; and evaluate the threats that Kudler may encounter with the current systems. Computer System Kudler Fine Foods success depends on the systems three stores have in place. As each store sells meat, bakes goods, produce, cheese, wine, and dairy products, the computer system must allow managers and employees of the company to track inventory, sales, spoilage, and consumer purchasing trends. The current computer system in each store is accessible 24 hours a day, and the owner is responsible for training the employees to ensure each employee understands the daily operating system. The decision to have the owner train the employees serves as a strength because...

Words: 1288 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Introduction to Information Systems

...Introduction • Information system is a system that uses the resources of people, hardware, software and communication technology to perform input, processing, output, storage, and control activities that convert data resources into information products. • It can also be referred to as a set of interrelated components that collect or retrieve, process, store, and distribute information to support decision making and control in an organization. • Components of information systems include: People resources (specialists and end – users); Hardware (computers etc); Software (programs and procedures); Data resources (databases, model bases, knowledge bases); Communications systems and; Information products (management reports, business documents etc.). • From a business perspective, information systems are part of a series of value-adding activities (value chain) for acquiring, transforming, and distributing information that managers can use to improve decision making, enhance organizational performance (processes), and ultimately increase firm profitability. • Value chain is series of activities a company performs to achieve its goal by adding values when each activity proceeds from one stage to the next one. • Value chain analysis is examination of the value chain of an enterprise to ascertain how much and at which stage value is added to its goods and/or services, and how it can be increased to enhance the competitive advantage through product differentiation. • The value...

Words: 610 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Bis 220

...Record Store Table of Contents Intro I Information Systems Table II Conclusion III Intro The Hot Red Record Store offers thousands of music records. The record store sales records written by songwriters from all over the country and we specialize in rare record hits that are hard to find. Consumers come to our store when they are unable to locate a record. Not only do we offer thousands of music records, but our consumers also have the ability to record and download music to any electronic device such as an Ipod, Iphone, or Laptop. In order for the business to operate in a smooth operating manner, increase profits from record sales, and stay ahead of competitors we utilize different types of information systems that support the record store in the following functional areas: • Management Information System • Office Automation System • Transaction Processing System • Functional Area Information Systems • Increasing and Retaining the record stores’ budge Information Systems Table |TYPE |FUNCTION |EXAMPLE | |Management Information Systems |Produces reports that are summarized from transaction data |Drafts reports on total sales from...

Words: 337 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Networking

...Evolution of Information Systems (Relevant to AAT Examination Paper 8: Principles of Auditing and Management Information Systems) David Chow FCCA, FCPA, CPA (Practising) This article discusses the evolution of information systems, levels of management decision-making and information systems that enhance the value of information. Students are encouraged to understand the reasons for the development of an information system and its replacement; these will help you identify the benefits and limitations of each type of information system. From EDP to MIS Until the 1960s, the role of most information systems was simple. They were mainly used for electronic data processing (EDP),purposes such as transactions processing, record-keeping and accounting. EDP is often defined as the use of computers in recording, classifying, manipulating, and summarizing data. It is also called transaction processing systems (TPS), automatic data processing, or information processing. Transaction processing systems – these process data resulting from business transactions, update operational databases, and produce business documents. Examples: sales and inventory processing and accounting systems. In the 1960s, another role was added to the use of computers: the processing of data into useful informative reports. The concept of management information systems (MIS) was born. This new role focused on developing business applications that provided managerial end users with predefined management reports that...

Words: 1529 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Computer Information System

...COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEM BRIEF-KUDLER FINE FOODS Kudler Fine Foods expresses on their website that they “will go to extensive lengths to assure that Kudler Fine Foods is the purveyor of choice for customers aspiring to purchase the finest epicurean delights”. This information lets our company know that we are working with a company that is ready and able to take that next step into the 21st century when it comes to technology and accomplishing any business goals. Kudler Fine Foods, as our client, has asked how computer systems might be more effectively integrated to meet their business needs and improve their accounting operations. In the following brief, our company will attempt to give suggestions on making Kudler Fine Food’s information system more successful for their business and accounting operations. IDENTIFYING BUISNESS AND ACCOUNTING NEEDS Kudler Fine Foods seems to have the internet site set up very well. It allows the customers to see what the company has to offer as well as give them important contact information on where the product is sold, and how to get it. One need as far as the customer’s base is concerned is maybe reaching out to more paying customers. Kudler Fine Foods are searchable through the world wide net and that also means that they can receive profits from all parts of the world. As far as addressing business needs, an internet site where products can be purchased would be greatly beneficial. When it comes to the Kudler’s intranet...

Words: 1086 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

None

...Information Systems Selecting and acquiring an information system Information systems that are available now days are anticipated for improving the organizations goals and work tasks for everyone involved including the stakeholders, they play a huge part in the systems their selves. For most organizations the challenges of information systems can be somewhat hectic, so being that it is vital that an organization choose the proper information system according to their facility in helping them to achieve the goals that may have set up for accomplishing. The process for selecting and acquiring an information system is first, having everyone within the company to come together to be part of the decision making in establish a strategic plan of action. Secondly, research and become aware and alert of the new technology the company is planning on using. Third, if all is in favor of the decision conduct and identify an analysis of the workflow and system which was selected, after this is when the implementation process should take place knowing it would probably take a bit of time to put together so all staff of different organizations if so are strongly involved. Lastly, review and evaluate the system selected and that it is the right decision for the company, continue to follow up with the progression of the project. Some organizations actually take their time constantly looking and analyzing, while others just sometimes be quick to choose, not thinking of long-term progress...

Words: 694 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Managing Information

...MANAGING INFORMATION – CRITICAL EVALUATION OF RELEVANT ISSUES MODULE: MANAGING INFORMATION Table of Contents Sr. no. Contents Page no. 1. Introduction............................................................................................3 2. Definition of Information Systems...........................................................3 3. Information System as an Organizational and Management Solution.........3 4. Information Manager and Information System..........................................4 5. Environmental and Industrial Analysis.....................................................4 6. Recommended Information Systems for a Medium Sized Accountancy and Management Consultancy Firm........................................................5 6.1. Management Information System.............................................................5 6.2. Decision Support System..........................................................................6 6.3. Knowledge Management System..............................................................6 6.4. Transaction Support System.....................................................................6 6. Evaluation of Organizational, Technical and Management Aspects of the Information Systems Used.................................

Words: 3918 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Business

...Information Systems and Software Application BIS/219 April 25, 2012 Abstract Information Systems and Software Application There are many types of information systems and software applications that an organization uses to run their businesses. Today, organization uses the information systems and software applications to broaden their horizons and allow their businesses to function at its full capacity. For example, human resources use the software applications to manage employees, were accounting uses the software applications to help manage the company finances and other applications that help manage the company on day-to-day operations. Every organization has a different agenda and specific duties they must perform. The information systems and software applications helps the organization to run a successful business in todays, environment and help manage every aspect of their business affairs. Also, it will help determined how well a business is doing and which direction the business is going. Business that takes the opportunity to seek investment in this type of software can help take accurate inventory of the company. Three major organizational departments that help run a company is human resources, marketing, and accounting. Human resources gather the information that relates to the employees and the company they uses the information system and software applications to help maintain the company, such as hiring, employees...

Words: 746 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

History of Ais

...History Initially, accounting information systems were predominantly developed “in-house” as legacy systems. Such solutions were difficult to develop and expensive to maintain. Today, accounting information systems are more commonly sold as prebuilt software packages from vendors such as Microsoft, Sage Group, SAP and Oracle where it is configured and customized to match the organization’s business processes. As the need for connectivity and consolidation between other business systems increased, accounting information systems were merged with larger, more centralized systems known as enterprise resource planning (ERP). Before, with separate applications to manage different business functions, organizations had to develop complex interfaces for the systems to communicate with each other. In ERP, a system such as accounting information system is built as a module integrated into a suite of applications that can include manufacturing, supply chain, human resources. These modules are integrated together and are able to access the same data and execute complex business processes. With the ubiquity of ERP for businesses, the term “accounting information system” has become much less about pure accounting (financial or managerial) and more about tracking processes across all domains of business. [edit]Software architecture of a modern AIS A modern AIS typically follows a multitier architecture separating the presentation to the user, application processing and data management...

Words: 2186 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

The Paper

...Manufacturing From: Anthony Goodeill, Project Manager Organization Name: Consulting One Solutions Introduction In response to your request the team has analyzed your HR system integration with existing tools to create a single integrated application. The development team has taken advantage of a more sophisticated information systems technology. The development team has determined that Riordan Manufacturing has developed from a small plastics research and development firm to an international plastics manufacturing corporation. Riordan carries the contracts of over 30 customers of varying size, including the Department of Defense. Therefore, due to this growth the development team will show you how we have created the business requirement definitions for the development of your HR system that will support the objective of establishing a single integrated application by using more sophisticated information systems technology. Project Initiation & Approach Riordan Manufacturing has a requirement for making the HR system into a single integrated application by using more sophisticated information systems technology. Initially management looked at the current system to determine it short-comings and what technology is currently being used. After looking at the current system, the development team called a meeting to determine the scope, mission and process of communication and documentation standards. Therefore, the development team will determine the...

Words: 1100 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sr-Rm-022

...state-of-the-art information system technology being used in the Human Resources department. To obtain these objective several pieces of information will be gathered using current employees as well as the system being used. A few different face to face interviews will be conducted with the HR department as well as surveys and questionnaires. There are several key stakeholders that will need to be gone to first in order to gather key requirements from. Upper management would be a good starting point being that all direction comes from the top. The current HR department themselves would be the next stop on the list to gather information from on the current system. Most recent employees hired vs. ones hired a while ago could be beneficial to compare best practice with how the HRIS tracks all the: * Personal information (such as name, address, marital status, birth date, etc.) * Pay rate * Personal exemptions for tax purposes * Hire date * Seniority date (which is sometimes different than the hire date) * Organizational information (department for budget purposes, manager's name, etc.) * Vacation hours (for non-exempt employees) (Riordan Manufacturing, 2012) All key stakeholders have a say in how this integration of the new HR system affects them and their job. It is important to find out what works efficiently versus what does not make sense to have in the new system. Stakeholders can bring multiple perspectives into the system analysis and design...

Words: 1136 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Information System

...Contents Information Systems Proposal Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 Information Systems 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Objective… Explain the different types of information systems available to businesses.   * Processing Payroll   * Point-of-sale Terminal   * Microsoft Office   * Report of sales for individual customers   * Electronic commerce To operate a successful business one must know and understand the information technology aspects, which enhances the daily operations of the business. Small businesses are at a disadvantage and must seek ways to expand and become viable.   “Strategic Information Systems provide a competitive advantage by helping an organization implement its strategic goals and increase its performance and productivity” (R. Kelly Rainer Jr., Casey G. Cegielski, 2011). There are six reasons why information systems are so important for businesses today and they include:   * Operational excellence -   Businesses improve the efficiency of their operations in order to achieve higher profitability.   * New products, services, and business models -   Business models describe how a company produces, delivers, and sells a product or service to create wealth.   * Customer and supplier intimacy - When businesses serve its customers well, the customers usually return and purchase more. This allows businesses to engage its suppliers, which enables the suppliers to provide vital input.   * Improved decision making - Information system made it...

Words: 264 - Pages: 2