Discussion Questions
Why is selecting computer hardware and software an important management decision? What management, organization and technology factors should be considered when selecting computer hardware and software?
Selecting computer hardware and software for the organization is an important management decision because they can affect the quality and quantity of the production. Working with faulty hardware, like old computers with defective monitors and keyboards, can cause delay in work output. Instead of computers helping the employees become more efficient, they can become the cause of not meeting the deadlines, or spending over the budget. Selecting the appropriate software to help in the workplace, like monitoring attendance and performance, documentation of files and reports, is important in deciding for the next steps to be taken in order to achieve the company’s goals. Ideally, computers which are up to date should be used, however, this might not be cost-effective. The company should know which hardware specifications and operating systems are necessary in order to run their software efficiently, and which software they will need in order to manage the company’s data and communicate within and outside of the company. Should organizations use software service providers for all their software needs? Why or why not? What management, organization, and technology factors should be considered when making this decision?

Today, it would be ideal for most organizations to use software service providers, especially when the company is large. While smaller firms can manage with a simple spreadsheet, most will need more specific software to manage their company. They should consider their business strategy and the market’s demand for the services –how they will be approaching their goals, and how necessary it is that they invest in information