Zoho Spreadsheet

T2.3 - Hardware and Software

Hardware such as mobile phones, specificallywith  their new large screens, allow users to read email, search the web, and preform online tasks that would normally be limited to the office. For example, I am able to record my hours onto a time sheet for work online, on my cell phone, regardless of where I am. Mobile devices like large screen PDAs and cell phones allow workers to record hours, answer work related emails, and preform other duties while out of the office. A real world example of the use of this hardware can easily be found taking any form of public transportation into New York City in the morning. Many businessmen and women choose to get a head start on their days work using their PDAs and cell phones while riding to work.

Furthermore, software such as Windows Mobile is featured on Dell, HP, Motorola, Palm, and Apple devices, as well as other smartphones and PDAs. (1) Windows mobile can be used with both touch screens, and standard devices, and allows for normal cellular capabilities, as well as internet based activities. In addition, Windows mobile features handwriting recognition and secure internet connection capabilities. Furthermore, Windows Mobile supports many useful business “Apps”. For example, the mDigger application allows the user to choose what format in which they will receive information from commonly updated sites such as blogs actomatically (RSS). Furthermore, apps such as PIM Backup can be used to back up important information, data, and documents stored on a mobile device. (2) Windows Mobile and its supported applications could all help to mobilize the information systems of a small company by allowing employees to use their mobile phones for many of the things that can be done on a laptop or office computer.

Yet another mobile operating system that has become extremely popular lately is the Android Operating system, created by Linux, Google, and the Open Handset Alliance. (3) Interestingly, the Andorid operating system features a web browsing systems (a combination of Webkit and Google Chrome) that scored a 93/100 on the ACID3 test. Furthermore, this operating system features file sharing capabilities, hands free capabilities, and contact sharing. (4) Many of these features would be useful in mobilizing the information systems of a small company. Not only would the companies online systems be available on the mobile device, but employees could also send and receive files and reports, use their mobile device while driving or engaging in any other activity that would require hands free communication, and share contacts amongst themselves.

1. http://www.webopedia.com/quick_ref/mobile_OS.asp
2. http://www.cio.com/article/195800/Seven_Fantastic_Free_Windows_Mobile_Apps
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%28operating_system%29

T1.3

T1.3 – Discussion Question #3 (pg. 50)

3. You have decided to open an internet site to buy and sell used music CDs to other students. Describe the value chain for your new business.

The Value Chain for my new CD business would start with Upstream Management. Initially, the Value Chain would begin with the purchase and acquisition of Raw Materials. In this case, the raw materials needed would be used music CDs. These could be acquired from a variety of sources. Next, I would need to find a way to transport the raw materials (CDs) to my warehouse or storage facility (inbound logistics). Shipping methods could include crate transportation, U.S. Mail, truck transportation, and more. The last step in Upstream management would be to store my raw materials, CDs, in a building or warehouse, and organize them appropriately. The production stage of my Value Chain has already been accomplished by a manufacturing company, that created the CDs initially. Finally, the Downstream Management portion of my company would include finding and locating the CDs purchased in my warehouse (finished product storage), shipping the CDs to their purchaser/final destination (outbound logistics), and marketing and sales - to process and facilitate transactions, promote business, and advertise. Finally, the last element of Downstream Management, customer support, would be the final element of my value chain, and would serve to address any problems that arose for my customers after the purchase of their used CDs. At any stage in the value chain, Information systems could be employed to increase efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness, thus increasing the “value” of goods as perceived by the customer.

T1.4

Information Systems Task T1.4

According to the Wikipedia article “Systems Theory”, systems theory can be defined as “an interdisciplinary theory about the nature of complex systems in nature, society, and science, and is a framework by which one can investigate and/or describe any group of objects that work together to produce some result.” (1) I agree with this definition and find it especially interesting because it emphasizes the point that systems theory not only applies to business and production, but many other aspects of the world we live in. Therefore, even for students like myself, who are not business majors but are taking this class either to fulfill an elective requirement or simply gain credit, can still apply the theories learned in the class to their own fields of study. In addition, applying systems theory to other disciplines can help students unfamiliar with business related concepts understand systems theory in contexts with which they are familiar.

Systems theory explains that individual parts can work together to form a whole that can achieve a goal or result more quickly and efficiently than parts working individually. Systems can be found in almost every area of study. However, in our course, Information Systems and their value to business and production operations are obviously emphasized. Information systems, according to both our course text and Wikipedia, are usually composed of a combination of “people, procedures, data, software, and hardware.” (2) In the Wikipedia article, “Information Systems (Discipline)”, the authors define information systems as being “implemented within an organization for the purpose of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of that organization.” (3) The authors go on to state that “Capabilities of the information system and characteristics of the organization, its work systems, its people, and its development and implementation methodologies together determine the extent to which that purpose is achieved.” (4) Thus, an information system can be useful in many stages of the “Value Chain”, from Upstream Management, such as inbound logistics and transportation, raw materials purchase, and raw materials storage, to production, and to Downstream Management, such as finished product storage, customer service, marketing, and deliveries and outbound logistics.

In different stages of the Value Chain, and different companies with varying needs, goals, and purposes, there are information systems specifically designed to improve efficiency and efficacy. In order to meet the needs of each element of the value chain, and various companies, there are many different types of information systems. For example, within the field of Information systems there are TPSs, DSSs, EISs, MISs, and OASs - also known as Transaction Processing Systems, Decision Support Systems, Expert Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Office Automation Systems. (5) Each system has unique features, applications, and values within businesses.

Take for example, Transaction Processing Systems, or TPSs . Transaction Processing Systems have been employed since the 1970s and serve to organize several different sub-operations in order to preform transaction, such as buying an Ipod, with speed and convenience. (6) Transaction Processing systems coordinate several individual accounting operations (crediting the sellers account, and debiting the buyers personal banking account, for example) in order to complete a translation that will either succeed, or fail if one or more element in the systems fails or experiences an error. (7) Returning to the example of buying an Ipod, we can apply this example and information system to both the purchasing of the item, and its production. In the production of the Ipod itself, Transaction Processing Systems could have been used when Apple purchased it's land or buildings, paid bills such as utility bills, employee salary expenses, and other accounts payable, and bought equipment, raw materials, and other supplies. On the other hand, Transaction Processing Systems can also be used in the purchase of the materials created, in this case, an Apple Ipod. The customer could use a variety of methods, such as online purchase, or credit or debit card swipe in store, to automatically subtract funds from their personal banking account, and add that amount to Apple's account. Thus, TPSs can be used to increase efficiency in both Upstream, and Downstream management, and also affect production as a result of the necessity of purchased raw materials, buildings, land, equipment, employee salaries, and utilities to arrive at this element (Production) of the Value Chain.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems_%28discipline%29
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems_%28discipline%29
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_systems_%28discipline%29
5. http://www.bettscomputers.com/fivetypesofinformationsystems.htm
6. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-transaction-processing.htm
7. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-transaction-processing.htm
   
   Reply to another students work:
   
   

   I really liked how you compared value chaining and systems theory to the study of the human body and how individual organs work together to maintain homeostasis. This comparison helped me to better understand Information Systems by applying the same theory to another discipline entirely.

   
   
   

W1P1

       According to our textbook, the “Value Chain” of a manufacturing company includes the purchasing of raw materials, inbound logistics, warehouse and storage, production, finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service (Stair 26). The first three elements of the value chain - raw materials, inbound logistics, and warehouse and storage - are considered to be in the “upstream management” category (Stair 26). The last four elements - finished product storage, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service – are considered to be a part of “downstream management”(Stair 26). All of these elements of the “Value chain” can be aided and made more efficient and productive by the strategic use of information systems.

       For example, a MIS could be useful in several stages of the Value chain. MISs help to increase efficiency in everyday operations, and are composed of people, procedures, software, databases, and information providing devices (Stair 19). MISs most often support marketing, production, and finance divisions of a company, and are linked through a common database that contains data from the TPS, or transaction processing system, defined in our book as “an organized collection of people, procedures, software, databases, and devices used to record completed business transactions (Stair 436, 19). In the “Upstream Management” potion of the Value Chain, MISs could be used to provide reports that could be used to improve the efficiency of inbound logistics and transportation, and assist with inventory of raw materials and storage organization. Furthermore, MISs can assist in gathering and reporting data regarding process control systems in the production of goods, and provide decision-makers with reports that allow them to make efficient and informed decisions. Finally, MISs can assist downstream management by producing reports and summaries regarding the storage, shipping, distribution, sales, and customer service that allow management to increase efficiency and provide information for the making of logical decisions.

About Me:

1. What is your major?

My major is in History, with a minor in Anthropology

2. What operating system do you have on your computer?

I have Vista on my computer.

3. Do you have a right to upgrade the software on your computer?

Yes, I believe so.

4. What Internet and computer related courses have you already taken and what are your usual activities on the Internet (Facebook, email, chats, etc.)?

At the Community College I previously attended, I took a course called "Internet Literacy". I also use facebook, gmail, moodle, and sometimes skype on a regular basis.

5. Have you taken online courses before?

Yes, many. I took a full summer of online courses at Ramapo this summer, and most of my courses this semester have had an online component. In addition, at the community college where I got my associates degree, I complete about half of my coursework online.

6. Do you have MS Office on your computer? If yes, which version?

Unfortunately, no. My computer only came with a trial version of MS office, and so I downloaded openoffice (shareware, I believe?) which has the capability to save in various file formats included MS word.

7. Add anything you want about your computer-related interests, skills, job projects, etc. that might help the instructor and students understand your computer/Internet skills and interests better.

My computer related interests are limited to practical functions, such as email and networking, but I would also be interested in learning about advertising over the world wide web and creating simple web pages/publically viewable calenders.

NOTE: There were approximately 15 replies to this post, which can be accessed on the moodle class page.