Information system strategy assignment

Information system strategy assignment Introduction Information systems could be defined as systems for processing and managing information, generally computer-based. IS, as it could be called, is also a serviceable group within an organisation that manages the operations and development of the businesss information and possible transactions. So information system strategy (ISS) could be explained as a method that brings into line information technology priorities with business strategies and defines the approach to take to achieve those business objectives. Since the mid 80s, researchers and business specialists have carried out many studies and produced number of theories in feeding the world of business and may be the field of strategic studies in particular. Nowadays, those theories are counted as the support and basics of any business strategy to be adopted by any organisation. Experts in the field of strategic management, such as Michael Porter and also Michael Earl, are both considered to be among the most influential experts in that area. Through a series of writings, Porter influenced a shift in the focus of the literature on strategies from strategic planning to strategic management. Earls publications also resulted in establishing a range of concepts and frameworks that were created to assist strategic planners in coming up with plans to build and sustain competitive advantage. Michael Porter developed the original theories of the famous strategic approaches that include â€Å"The 5 forces†, â€Å"The 3 generic strategies for competitiveness† and â€Å"The value chain model†. On the other hand, Michael Earl established the â€Å"Multiple methodology†. The Digital Era Digital era has been used as a term since the late 1980s. It carried the shift of transfer from a traditional industry to an industry based on the transactions of information and data through technological methods. Many old aged views of strategy are getting thrown out the window in the digital era, however, some solid views are still being found as the base of strategic thinking in the world of business. In a survey it was found that fast pace of developing e-business application only few businesses did take their time in developing their strategy properly or plan new initiatives (Wilder, 1999). We are experiencing a world that is continuously changing, where companies are being re-established and may be deregulated. New systems and ecommerce functions are providing management with a one off opportunity to rearrange the business rules and change the ways of business forever (Corcoran, 1999). In the world of todays nature of e-business transactions, strategy is being considered to be vital than ever. Yet, many organisations are still not properly cooping with the environment of todays business. These companies look as if they are frightened rabbits caught in the headlights of an oncoming car (Chattel, 1998). It is considered to be important for businesses in the digital era to familiarise themselves with factors that will put them on steady steps throughout competition and run successfully. Businesses should realise that it is possible and easier nowadays to target customers and to customise products to the requirements (needs and wants) of the customer. Also comprehend the fact of being first is seen as more important than producing it well. Businesses should also realise that communication methods have opened up new opportunities for transaction and increased access to customers. For example, television adverts, radio stations, mobile SMS, emails and internet blogs. Todays electronic applications are providing 24hours a day, 7 days a week access to businesses in anytime and from anywhere in the world. These factors have been the short term methods for new business opportunities, but in the long term, there will be a little chance of success without a clearly defined business and IT st rategy. The traditional approaches in ISS Porters five forces model studies the forces that take part in an organisation and illustrates how IS can construct barriers and give competitive frame. Porter defines the competition of the organisation in the relation to the industry where high level of rivalry guides to low level of profits. The threats from new entrants are considered as the heights of the barriers in place to obstruct them and outline the profitability of the industry. Whereas threats from substitutes is the threat by others in copying the product so the margin for the definite profit decreases and consumers are more settled to change. The bargaining power of buyers counts on the price of the product and the influence or the pressure the customer possesses. Likewise the power of the suppliers is resolute by the price the consumer wants the product and how much they are willing to pay or able to spend. Another ISS traditional approach is Porters 3 generic strategies. Porters generic strategies outline methods of achieving above standard performance. To create competitive advantage for an organisation Porter identified three generic strategies: focus and niche, cost leadership and differentiation. The suitable generic strategy will result in positioning the business to empower its strengths and guard against the unfavourable effects of the five forces. The focus or niche strategy was to find a gap in the market where a select product would fit in and do well. For example, the customised cars market, which makes the cars unique and leads in creating a niche for high class and therefore attracting big spending customers. Cost leadership involves having low level profit margins and selling big number of units of a product. Where differentiation, as its called, is when a business produces or provides something totally different from any other businesses in the industry. Michael Porter also discussed that the actions that are available to be taken can be recognised by the adoption of the Value Chain Model. This model, or approach, concentrates internally within an organisation and was expanded as a systematic ground for analysing all the performance that a company carry out and how they cooperate. The value chain approach outlines that products go through several roles in an organisation, where maximising the value adding activities while minimising those that do not add value should be the objective. A different traditional approach from a different scholar, Michael Earl, believes IS Methodology helps businesses meet their objectives fully for the reason that IS methodology is not on internal but external or outward looking. Earl established a multiple methodology with three approaches for business strategy: bottom up, top down and inside out. A bottom up approach takes into consideration the current system, afterwards investigates it for possible gaps, which can be achieved by adopting SWOT analysis. This approach outlines the current condition of the company and what does it want to achieve in the upcoming. The top down considers the organisation from a structural point of view bring into line IS with the business strategy of the organisation through studying the Critical Success Factors (CSF). CSFs are explained through interviews, debates and current policies. And finally, the inside out approach studies different methods to carry research and business through new technologi es that is done by observing the organisation in order to gain competitive advantage. The Traditional approaches in ISS Vs The Digital Era Strategy configuration is considered to be even more challenging in the digital era, not only because of the involvement of the developing objective, but also because of the disadvantages of practising a cleared and defined strategy in a digital industry. Under the influence of the developing era during the last decade, traditional approaches in strategies have became more and more subject of critique. The appearing of the Internet, for example, and other electronic applications has noticeably affected almost all industries. Considering that Porters theories were based on the economic situation in the late eighties. This phase was characterised by cyclical developments, strong competition and stable market structure. Porters approaches looks at the analysis of the current situation related to suppliers, customers and competitors. Strengthening the position itself within the five forces model has developed competitive advantage. Therefore, models in that era are unable to analyse or explain the dynamic changes in the digital era, which do have the power to change all industries. However, the analysis of industrial structures when employing Porters five forces model can serve as an analytical framework for outlining the distribution of resources and choice of business. This model can be adopted in the digital era and also provide a framework for employing new technologies as the internet, also as opportunities to businesses related in the direction of creating value for customers and gaining competitive advantage. Tackling the validity of Porters Five Forces could be analysed as each force by its own. The power of rivalry is assessed when knowing that the characteristics of developed technology, such as the internet, is the access to large numbers of customers, lower costs in operational or functional fields, simplicity of entry into the market, the prospective for adding value to customers, therefore gain competitive advantage. It is vital to outline that progressing competitiveness could be done by offering customers unique values and products, where it is not easy to keep the advantage gained because of the simulation of business forms, processes and technologies. Within regards to the second force, the threat of new entrants that may appear in an industry, digital methods and means has reduced barriers to entry of new businesses in the market because of the cut in numbers of employees and lower costs for required physical property. Companies that run on the internet through economies of s cale can usually prevent new entry of other firms. When a company reaches critical mass and realises the influence of network externalities, can then powerfully compete with companies that have only entered the market, due to the already built relationships with clients or customers and their loyalty. The threat of substitute goods or services is vast for ease of the entry process into the digital market. Customers can simply get on hold of information about other similar products and compare the different specifications of each product and get to a decision if the original product can be substituted at reasonable means with other alternatives and also can be done easily. Internet empowers the bargaining power of customers. They now do not face any obstacles when seeking any information on quality, price or even detailed specifications. In addition, the existence of the web sites that offers price comparison of products and services, so that the procedure of obtaining information in the digital era has become much easier. The fifth and last force within the five forces model is the bargaining power of suppliers. Where internet enjoys both negative and positive factors on the fifth force of the model, which is the bargaining power of suppliers. It is considered that the bargaining power of suppliers tend to provide easiness to customers to approach essential information related to prices, products and markets which limited bargaining power of suppliers. Another negative factor around involving the internet that affected the bargaining power of suppliers is the ease of entry into virtual markets that leads to an increase in competition. Suppliers are able to increase their power by applying a special procedure for supply and be well-known in or working on increasing the quality of their goods or services. The positive factor is that suppliers through technology methods and especially the internet can easily access a large number of customer and other businesses as well. And again, the internet gets rid of any possible intermediaries, which means that if suppliers were serving in the industrial sectors, the ability of intermediaries in influencing customers are reduced to a minimum. Within regards to the Value chain model, the American guru has clearly outlined in one of his publications â€Å"Strategy and the Internet† that information technology has a penetrative effect on the value chain. The outstanding advantage of the internet is the ability to link an activity with others and making data widely available with both, the company and suppliers, customers and channels. Many of the most important applications of the internet in the value chain involve moving physical activities online, while others involve making physical activities more cost effective. To notice how these technological developments will eventually affect the value chain, some historical view is enlightening. The influence of the internet in the value chain should be kept in perspective. While internet purposes have an essential impact on the quality of activities and on the cost, they are not the main influences. Traditional factors such as the skills of personnel, process technology and investments in physical assets also play important roles. The internet is a turning point is some terms, but many traditional sources of competitive advantage remain secure (Porter, 2001). The co-author of â€Å"Unleashing the Killer App: Digital Strategies for Market Dominance† highlights that those traditional approaches are not valid anymore. Larry Downes originated three new forces that require a new strategic framework: deregulation, globalisation and digitalisation. Deregulation happens when governments influence decreases several industries like communications and banking, which are fed by the new opportunities of information technology, firms in these industries were forced to restructure their businesses and to seek for other alternatives. Where globalisation is related to the developments of distribution and communications that have allowed almost all businesses to sell and buy globally. It could be added here, that networked and global markets need new requirements on organisations strategies. And so positioning themselves as quality leaders or price leaders, like Porter suggests in his Generic Strategies model, is not enough any more. Finally, digit alisation is explained as the influence of information technology develops, all stakeholders within a market will have access to even more information. Downes arguments are considered to be convincing. Where deregulation, globalisation and digitalisation have become powerful forces during the past years, but Porters models hardly ever took them into consideration. Todays markets are strongly affected by technological developments especially in information technology. Therefore, it is not beneficial to develop a strategy exclusively on the basis of Porters models. Downes concludes that the job of information technology is the main difference between the traditional strategy approaches and the digital era, which is the new world of the new forces. Where the traditional economy used information technology as an instrument for applying change, today information technology had become the vital factor for change. Conclusion Critique of Porter, by Downes, implies that Porters models concentrates too much on the economic conditions of their era of origin. Therefore, their practicality is restricted under change and developed conditions. It should be added too that Downes new forces are created from the economic conditions of their own era as well. Possibly within the next decades, they will tend to loose their importance due to other developments that took place in that future. In summary, Michael Porters approaches do not have the impact they used to have any more. Nevertheless, that doesnt mean that Porters theories became invalid. What has to be done is to apply them with the knowledge of their limitations in mind and to use them as a part of a larger framework of theories and techniques. This approach, however, is advisable for the application of every business model, brand new or old, from Porter or from somebody else, and in every economy.

Industrialize or Perish

â€Å"Industrialize or Perish† Industries refer to units that are engaged in the business activity of converting raw materials or semi-finished goods into finished or final goods, which are then made available to the final consumers. For any economy to flourish industrialization is very essential. Industries act as major accelerators of economic development in a country. There are many advantages of having a good industrial system functioning in a country. Especially in a developing country like India, Industries are of utmost importance.They provide the vast population with better employment opportunities, better standard of living, better supply of goods and services and so on. However, in a vast country like India it is important that the functioning of these industries be monitored. Here comes the need for a strong and efficient Industrial Policy. In order to see to that the industries function in the desired manner it is essential that these industries be kept under obser vation and also the government works on the functioning of these industries. Industrial Policy is an important document which lays a wide canvas and sets the tone for implementing promotional and regulatory roles of the government. † – K. Aswathappa Thus, it is clear from the above definition that an Industrial Policy lays down a definite framework that governs and monitors the functioning of the industries in a country. It is essential to understand the importance or reasons behind having a strong and efficient Industrial Policy in any country: a. Balanced Development of industries b. Meet National Priorities c. Regulate Expansion of Private Industries d. Prevent Concentration of Wealth in Few Hands e.Monitor Foreign Trade Three Major Industrial Policies in India: There have been three major industrial policies in the Indian Industrial context. The first was Industrial Policy Resolution of 1948. This resolution soon after the independence focused on accepting the role of both private and public sector units in the country, role of small and cottage industries and also remarked that the small and cottage industries are major employing industrial units. This resolution also divided the industries into four categories – Industries where state had monopolies, mixed sector, the field of government control and the field of private enterprise.This resolution did not give much importance for the welcoming of foreign capital. Second important industrial policy was Industrial Policy of 1956. This policy focused on accelerating the rate of economic growth and speeding of industrialization, importance of public sectors, prevent monopolies and reducing income disparities. This policy was highly criticized for giving importance for the development of public sector units rather than the private enterprises. Third and the most important is the Industrial Policy of 1991. This year is also called as the year of economic reforms in India.This marked the majo r shift of the Indian Economy from closed to open economy. Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization was introduced in the economy in order to encourage competition in the economy. This policy focused on the following spheres Abolishing Industrial Licensing, Encouraging Foreign investment and foreign trade agreements, reducing the importance of public sector units and liberalizing the restrictions on the working of industries. Recent Developments in Industrial Policy: Change is inevitable and nothing can escape change. So are the industrial sector and the industrial policy.Over the years the industrial policy has gone through many changes and developments. Some of the recent developments in Industrial sector Policy are as follows: a. Liberalization: The Industrial Policy of earlier years focused more on stringent rules and regulation. The tariff policies, trade regulations etc were strict and prevented the development of industries. This policy was used in order to protect som e industries. However, now after the reforms in 1991 the scenario has completely changed. The economy is now more liberal in terms of tariff and foreign trade rules.This has increased the investment in certain sectors and has also increased the overall national income. Liberalization has also enabled the economy to be self sufficient. This will reduce the dependence of the domestic economy on foreign economy. b. Globalization: Today the Indian market is merged with the global market. This has increased the competition for domestic industries leading to better quality goods, efficient working of the organization and also reduced prices. Globalization has added on more jobs for the citizens within the country.Now global markets have made it possible for the consumers to choose from a wide variety of products. It also increases the foreign trade of the country. c. Reduced Role of Public Sector: The role of public sector over the years has reduced. Due to this there is a reduction in hi ndrances such as Bureaucracy and Red-Tapism. Thus, the reduced role of public sector has certainly helped the economy to grow and develop efficiently and effectively. This has also reduced the burden on the government budgets. Also, many sick units have now been converted into private enterprises.Thus, this has also increased the revenue of the country. d. De-licensing: There was a license raj before the introduction of the 1991 reforms. Now the economy is relived of this. The government in order to encourage investment has abolished the compulsory licensing for all industries except a few that are strategic and defense related and which seek governmental supervision. De-licensing is the major change that has improved the total investment in the economy. Larger investment means better services and better supply of goods. Also, de-licensing has increased the scope for more and more industrial units to be set up. . Foreign Technological Agreements: In recent times there has been a gre at importance given for foreign technological agreements. Due to import of foreign technology into the country the efficiency of the domestic industries have improved. Also, this has helped the domestic companies flourish not only within the geographical boundaries of a country but also globally. f. Consumer is King: Due to the increase in competition for domestic industries the consumers have been benefited a lot. The consumers have a vast range of products to choose from and also globalization has put a stop for the expansion of Monopolies. . Autonomy to Private Sector: Over the years there has been many measures adopted in order to give more autonomy for private enterprises. Some of the measures are disinvestment, privatization, etc. h. Importance of Small Scale Industries: The importance of the small and cottage industries are highlighted in all the industrial policy resolutions. The small scale industries are encouraged for the numerous benefits they provide the economy with su ch as, employment, increase in the national income, increase in exports, etc. i.Importance of Information Technology: In recent years the importance of IT sector has increased tremendously. This has led to flourishing of Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPOs). Thus, these were some of the recent development or trends in the Industrial Policy of India. Reference: 1. Essentials of Business Environment – K. Aswathappa 2. en. wikipedia. org 3. Study on Industrial Policy and Services – European Commission 4. What is the importance of industries to our country? – Saptarshi Dutta (PreserveArticles. com)

Application Of Social Work At The Millennium Summit

APPLICATION TO SOCIAL WORK In September of 2000 at the Millennium Summit world leaders gathered to adopt the UN Millennium Declaration that focused on changing their nations to reduce extreme poverty by the year 2015. The goals they declared are called the Millennium Development Goals. These goals address income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion. They promote gender-equality, education and environmental sustainability (†¦..). Goals 3, 4 and 5 all address in one way or another why we should care about adolescent pregnancy. Goal 3 is focused to Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment, its goals are directly: eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015. Goal 4 is directed towards reducing child mortality by: reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate. 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Paradaise Lost by John Milton Essay - 1299 Words

PART ONE: John Milton is the greatest poet of all time. Oddly enough, he wanted to be as great as Homer or Virgil and be remembered like they were. Milton had this thing called Photographic Memory, so he remembered everything he had ever read. He even spends six straight years just reading every book he could get his hands on. However, he ended up becoming blind because when he did read the only lighting he had was candle light so he literally read his eyes out. Yet, this was before he could do something great, so he rounded up his daughters and he had him write down an epic poem he had written in his head. This poem his daughters penciled down for him is known as Paradise Lost, a poem about the story of Adam and Eve from the Bible. The†¦show more content†¦Some say that they should start another war, while others want to make a heaven out of hell and remain at peace. All that they knew is that they didn’t want to go back to Heaven because they felt it was, â€Å"Better to re ign in Hell, than Serve in Heav’n† (Book 1, pg. 12, lines 263). Another option that was brought up was when they heard the news of a new planet that God had created, Earth that has been inhabited with humans. Satan immediately wants to check this place out, so he flies off to Eden. All of these events are a part of Theodicy starting with how God had banished Satan and his followers because they had rebelled against him making this action of his justifiable. This draws to the conclusion that if people do bad deeds, there will be consequences. However this still doesn’t answer the question on why good people are sometimes punished with disease and illnesses. Another key part of theodicy from Paradise Lost is explained in the events that happen in the Garden of Eden. This is the place on Earth that has just been created by God. It contains every single animal in pairs as well as Adam and Eve, the first humans ever to exist. Adam was created before Eve and desired a partner, so God made Eve out of one of Adam’s ribs. They tend garden and are given eternal life; yet, there’s a catch, they must not under any circumstances eat from the Tree of Knowledge or the Tree of Life. Mitchell validates this observation, â€Å"To replaceShow MoreRelatedParadaise Lost by John Milton Essay750 Words   |  3 PagesEve in the Garden of Eden The most important characters in the epic poem, â€Å"Paradise Lost†, are Satan and Eve. These two characters are most responsible for the development and progression of events within the poem. Satan is the main figure throughout the vast majority of the plot. â€Å"Paradise Lost† follows Satan’s ultimately successful attempt to destroy God’s perfect creation, humanity, by forcing Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. In creating humanity, God set expectations and put in placeRead MoreParadaise Lost by John Milton and The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighierie1821 Words   |  8 PagesIt has been commonly accepted that John Milton is acquainted with Dante Alighieri who has a great influence on Milton’s epic Paradise Lost. The significance of The Divine Comedy for Milton lies especially in Dante’s Inferno and Purgatorio. Scholars1 have quoted plentiful echoes of Dante throughout Milton’s works, and have compared these two great poet s for centuries. In the 19th century Mary Shelley employed a cluster of images and ideas from Milton’s Paradise Lost (especially from Book Ten) in Frankenstein