Value Chain

Within an organization, one must develop a sense of understanding the organization’s value chain; the value chain, being a series of activities that provide a value to their products or services.  In this instance, we are talking about a service; buying and selling of used Compact Discs to students.  The value chain that is created within this service is as follows:

The first three parts of the value chain are Raw Materials, Inbound Logistics/Inbound Tracking Systems, and Warehouse and Storage. These are part of what is referred to as “Upstream Management”. The raw materials that are necessary for this service to exist come from various sources.  The Compact Discs themselves being provided by sellers is the top material needed for this venture.  This could be either brought directly to the company or shipped. Also needed, would be the cases in which the compact discs are kept to prevent damage to the “CD” itself.  These materials are combined to create the finished product for consumers.   The next activity within the value chain is Inbound Logistics.  Inbound Logistics consists of the ability to track your materials that are incoming to the organization. Within inbound logistics, we are able to receive the CD’s from the seller, and categorize them by genres and artists, for effective storage purposes and efficient distribution of items to the consumers.  This would be an inventory. Within the warehouse and storage step of the value chain, we are devising methods that provide us with most effective and efficient ways possible to store materials.  We will be able to identify the proper items a consumer has ordered and in a timely manner collect these items from the warehouse and ship them within an allotted time frame to the consumer for their use. 

                The fourth part of the value chain is production/process control systems. In this instance, I believe the task is blended more into upcoming sections such as marketing and sales, since we are reselling used CD’s that have already been produced. There is another option that could be added in production. Perhaps, we could put packages together of certain singers, genres, or years, and sell them as a package. This could help inventory if they wanted to push certain items, and may in return, produce more revenue.

                The final four parts of the value chain are part of what is known as “Downstream Management”. They are: Finished Product Storage, Outbound Logistics, Marketing and Sales, and Customer Service. The finished product storage is where the CD’s are housed, and ready to be included in an order, for sale. The outbound logistics would be the shipping method, unless they are sold in person. The marketing and sales aspect would be the advertising and how the sales are made. This could be done in person on campus, but would most likely be more productive to have an online aspect of advertising on websites, and social networks. An online presence would also provide the tools to makes sales both buying, and selling. Finally is the customer service aspect. This would be in case there were any issues with the sale. This could include anything from not receiving an item or receiving a damaged item, to billing errors, or credit card disputes.

                In conclusion, a value chain is an extremely important tool, which can be used in the success of a company. There are many ways to improve it as a company and technology evolve.

** Please note that I found this question somewhat difficult because the example in the book was exclusively about a manufacturing company, which makes the value chain easier to describe in the eight stages, rather than the resale of a CD.

Hardware/Software Assignment

There are many types of hardware and software that may be used to allow a small company to extend the use of information systems into the mobile regime at work. Fortunately for this assignment (hopefully), I use many of them at my own job, and so instead of giving basic definitions, I will use some of my actual personal examples. I work for a staffing firm in New York City. We use many different hardware and software programs throughout the day.

One of the main Software as a Solution (SaaS) that we use is from a parent company called VCG. One of the main parts of the SaaS is called StaffSuite. StaffSuite is fully integrated staffing software that streamlines your temporary staffing or full-service staffing operation to increase productivity, control costs and improve margins. {1} We can run almost any type of report imaginable with the data that is input daily. We have availability from being able to run specific revenue and performance reports, to having instant access to information from anyone that registers on our website, to performing all aspect of billing and invoicing, including both accounts payable, and receivable.

Another part of our SaaS is called VCG Timekeeper. VCG TimeKeeper is a Web-based timesheet application integrated with VCG’s StaffSuite staffing software. TimeKeeper streamlines the entire timesheet data entry and approval process, saving time and improving payroll/billing efficiency. {2} Anyone with access to the internet, can access this website and input their days and hours each week. Once they submit their hours, an email is then sent to their manager, who can then either, approve, deny, or modify the person’s submitted hours. I then get reports of all hours and gather, organize, and compute them for payroll.

Another software used is for our payroll, called Paychex.  Paychex, Inc. is a payroll and human resource service company serves approximately 572,000 businesses in the US. {3} I input all of the personal information for each employee (name, address, social security number, etc.), as well as their tax information and dependants. I then put in each employee’s pay rate and hours and submit the final report online. In as little time as the next day, I can have live checks delivered, or direct deposits made.  

An example of a hardware that we use is called Blackberry. BlackBerry is a line of mobile-email and smartphone developed and designed by Canadian company Research In Motion (RIM) since 1999. {4}

Everyone that works in the office, (not the outsourced employees), has a BlackBerry. This is our main form of communicationoutside the office, as we speak on it, text on it, and email on it all the time.

(And I mean ALL the time, 24/7 that dang thing goes off………)

{1} “StaffSuite” definition: http://www.vcgsoftware.com/products.asp

{2} “Timekeeper” definition: http://www.vcgsoftware.com/products-vcg_timekeeper.asp

{3} “Paychex”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paychex

{4} “BlackBerry”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry

Reply

Re: Hardware/Software Assignment by Joseph Fazio - Friday, 15 July 2011, 11:50 PM

Although I mostly described the Service as a Software (SaaS), these are part of an Application software. (StaffSuite, Paychex) Another type of Application software is called an application service provider (ASP). This is where  a company provides software support and the computer hardware from the user's facilities over a network. (phone and internet lines) A propietary software is a one of a kind software designed for a specific company that uses is. (Company websites) An off the shelf software is one that is mass produced to address common needs of businesses or individuals. (Turbo Tax and Intuit.

Query Tables

https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315891000000006057&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=6bd22767f54b58f06f9d800d66afcd63&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
The first query I created shows the customers of the west sales that are greater than $2000. I also adjusted to show the sales in descending order of sales amounts.
Formula =
select"Customer Name","Product Category","Region","Sales" from "Sales" where "Sales">2000 and "Region" = 'West'
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315891000000006169&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=55764c81f2b75685fa06418d11c95dab&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&DATATYPESYMBOL=false&REMTOOLBAR=true
The second query I created shows the customers of the east sales that are greater than $2000. I also adjusted to show the sales in descending order of sales amounts.
Formula = 
select"Customer Name","Product Category","Region","Sales" from "Sales" where "Sales">2000 and "Region" =  'East'
The results showed that although there a higher average amount spent by the east, there were far more customer in the west (that had the minimum $2000 quota).

The graph that I made may not look as fancy as I had hoped but I edited in such detail that would only show east and west, as well as made it so it only took into the number of sales of over $2000.
https://reports.zoho.com/ZDBDataSheetView.cc?OBJID=315891000000004005&STANDALONE=true&privatelink=967e1a127979305d3a0d25f084042fca&ZDB_THEME_NAME=blue&REMTOOLBAR=true&INCLUDETITLE=true&INCLUDEDESC=true

Robotics – Advantages/Disadvantages

Robotics – Advantages/Disadvantages

Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, structural disposition, manufacture and application of robots. {1} Robotics are often used for tasks that require a high degree of precision, or are tedious or hazardous for human beings. {2} Contemporary robotics combines both high precision machine capabilities and sophisticated controlling software. There are both advantages and disadvantages of robotics, which is the focus of my report.

There are many advantages of Robotics, mostly due to automation. Automation has dramatically altered factories across the globe. {3} Modern industrial robots offer multiple advantages. As technology has evolved, robotics have become more “user friendly”, affordable, and “intelligent”, than ever before. Robotics are able to perform applications with greater accuracy, precision and consistency, than there human counterparts. The product quality and quantity improves because of these increases.  Another benefit to robotics is that workers no longer have to endure certain hazardous tasks. Robots handle toxic substances, repetitive and detail-driven jobs, and lift, carry and select products without tiring or stopping. Robots have prevented many accidents and waste, which of course saves a company both time and money. In terms of money, robotics do not have human emotions or problems. The tasks will not be delayed in getting performed due to having commuter traffic, sick children, or a party to attend (just random examples of reasons people miss or are late for work). Also, robotics do not get weak or tired, thus there is an increase in productivity and manufacturing departments are able to cut costs. Of course proper care and maintenance needs to be taken care of the robotics, but there is not a fatigue factor, as with human workers.

There are also some disadvantages to Robotics. The initial investment can be quite costly. The cost should be calculated in light of a business' financial budget. {4} Regular maintenance needs can have a financial toll as well. There is also a newer area of expertise that needs to be learned, in how to use, monitor, and protect the equipment. Many workers that used to do what the Robotics now perform, have switched jobs to learning how to operate and observe them. Depending on the particular Robotics used, this can be a costly training, both in time and financing. Also, all though many dangerous jobs are now performed by Robotics, there have been concerns that the operators could still be in some type of hazard, whether it be from the products themselves, or the equipment used. By Robotics not having human emotion, they are automatic, and would not necessarily respond to an appropriate situation if there was danger or an emergency. Finally, although Robotics have made many jobs faster, and more accurate and productive, there surely have been many jobs that were lost, due to them being automated.

In conclusion, one can see that Robotics have many advantages, but there definitely are some obvious disadvantages as well. As time and technology continue to fly by, we need to use the benefits as much as possible, without succumbing to the consequences of them. There needs to be a fine tuned balance.

{1} http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotics

{2} Fundamentals of Information Systems, by Ralph Stair Edition 6E, page 323.

{3} http://www.used-robots.com/robot-education.php?page=benefits+of+industrial+robots

{4} http://www.robots.com/blog.php?tag=112

DSS

Decision Support System (DSS) is a computer based system of information which aids organizations and businesses with analytical decisions. {1} The almost infinite variables, coupled with the effect that actions cause upon the variables, in life and business, must be thoroughly analyzed. The human mind, in its own limited capacity, cannot service the elaborate series of deductions and decisions that must be accounted for on this level.

Although research has been conducted with respect to “decision making” since the 1950’s, the most substantive discoveries took place in the late 1980’s when a number of decision making protocols, including EIS, GDSS and ODSS developed from a single user DSS. Today there are multiple taxonomies within DSS, each having three fundamentally similar components; a database, model and interface.

The benefits of Decision Support Systems have displayed themselves in multiple environments. {2} Most prominently DSS has been used in military, business, engineering and medicine. The precision with which DSS are able to convey practical solutions to situations in which there is limited information available for an unaided mind is a striking benefit. In medicine, for example, DSS’s have proven to enhance clinical performance as it relates to drug dosing and preventative care. In military operations, multiple outcome targeted operations benefit from mitigation of human cognitive deficiencies by integrating various sources of information, providing intelligent access to relevant knowledge, and aiding the process of structuring decisions and operations.

Clearly, the benefits and support of DSS in our society is indisputable. However, there are still obstacles which DSS faces. The “human component” that incorporates sensory elements and non-logical evaluation, or idiosyncratic thinking, is still lacking in DSS. For example, although drug dosage performance has improved with the use of DSS, there has been no evidence of its benefit in diagnosis. Similarly, patient outcomes, strongly dependent on diagnosis, have been insufficiently studied.

The future of DSS relies heavily on an armada of new tools and technologies which include artificial intelligence techniques, intelligent agents, and the World Wide Web. Over the next decade DSS research and use will focus on teams, workgroups and decentralized structure.{4} Perhaps, some of the modalities, particularly AI, will account for some of the human element of functioning that sways the decision process, one way or another, and currently may account for some of the flaws in DSS (i.e. medical diagnoses). In addition, the scope of DSS will continue to expand into the “global village” as geographic boundaries become less relevant to information, decision making, and add a new camaraderie, as well as a new set of competitive elements in our world.

{1} “Decision Support System”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_support_system

{2} http://www.pitt.edu/~druzdzel/abstracts/dss.html

{3} http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/280/15/1339.short

{4} http://cstl-hcb.semo.edu/eom/iebmdssrwweb.PDF

Electronic Business - Banking

Electronic Business – Banking

Several other classmates have reported on Electronic Business, so at the Professor’s request for more specific topics, I have focused on banking, in the electronic business world. I would think the term would be called “e-banking” or “ebanking”, but I could not locate that term anywhere in the text book or in definitions online. (Did I coin a term?;)

Online banking (or Internet banking) allows customers to conduct financial transactions on a secure website operated by their retail or virtual bank, credit union or building society. {1} Online banking has become a common tool for both business and personal use. It is difficult to believe that only a few short years ago, one would have to go to an actual bank to make certain transactions. Now, there are very few transactions that would require one to physically go to a bank. There are even certain types of accounts that are exclusively for online use (I stumbled upon the following on the Bank of America website, and is where I did find the word “ebanking”.)  eBanking is for customers who like to use self-service options. With eBanking, you can avoid the monthly fee by using self-service options (such as ATMs and Online Banking) for all of your deposits and withdrawals, and by choosing to receive account statements electronically through Online Banking instead of getting a paper statement. {2} This type of account can have a detriment, as it continued explaining that there is an $8.95 monthly service fee, if there is any assistance (deposit, withdrawal, etc) from a bank teller.

In the last several years, the number of households that use online banking has increased dramatically, and apparently will continue to soar. Overall, the number of households paying bills online is slated to jump 5.4 percent from 48 million this year to 63 million by 2014, according to another report from research firm Forrester. {3} Most consumers (and businesses) use online banking for checking their balances, transfer funds among different accounts (or different banks), and paying bills. The use of online banking is a huge benefit to banks because “customers tend to stay with the bank longer, have higher cash balances, and use more of the bank’s products and services.” {4)

Another area of electronic business of banking has emerged called mobile banking. Mobile banking is a term used for performing balance checks, account transactions, payments, credit applications and other banking transactions through a mobile device such as a mobile phone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). {5} This has become a modern convenience for me personally, as I use it for both work and personal use. To think that no too long ago, to pay bills, I would have to write a check, then mail it, and wait for it to clear. Now most bills can either be paid instantly, or in one business day. This obviously helps getting bills paid on time as well, since there was always a concern that by the time the post office delivered it, and it would be posted to the account, it would be before the due date. Now, I usually know exactly when it will clear and post to the account that I am paying, as well as when the funds will be deducted from my bank account.

In conclusion, one can see that online banking is expanding, and will likely continue to expand in the fast paced high tech world we live in today. I do not see going back to a time, when we would need to write checks for most bills, or regularly wait in line inside a branch, or at a drive-thru to personally deal with a teller at a bank. With so many modern conveniences in life, I ask why do most I deal with, both personally and professionally, claim to have less free time than ever before?

{1} “Online Banking”:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_banking

{2} http://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/checksave/index.cfm?template=check_eBanking

{3} http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10265409-92.html

{4} Fundamentals of Information Systems, by Ralph Stair. Edition 6E, page 226.

{5} “Mobile Banking”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_banking

Personal and Professional Advice and Support - Examples

Personal and Professional Advice and Support - Examples

Under the “umbrella” of internet and web applications, is a sub-section called “Personal and Professional Advice and Support”. There are many different types of information presented online, in seemingly all areas of life (and beyond;). Two examples are websites with specific aims, one is for medical information called WebMD (www.webMD.com), and and another (started with) information about getting married called The Knot (www.theknot.com).

WebMD is an American corporation which provides health information services. It is primarily known for its public Internet site, which has information regarding health and health care, including a symptom checklist, pharmacy information, drug information, blogs of physicians with specific topics and a place to store personal medical information.{1} I have used WebMD, and though the information can be helpful, I find it often to be quite generic. A headache can mean many many things. I have also had situations, in which friends and family members seemingly became hypochondriac, for they would see a symptom they may have, and believe it may be something of an extremely more serious condition or disease, that may have the same or similar symptom. However, the success of WebMD would be difficult to challenge. According to comScore Media Metrix, WebMD Health is the leading health portal. {2} For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010: Revenue increased 22% to $168.5 million for the fourth quarter, compared to $138.1 million in the prior year period. {3}

The Knot is a media company that publishes multi-media content for couples who are planning weddings. {4} After reviewing their website (for the first time), it has all things relevant for a wedding. Everything from destinations, invitations, clothing, cakes, vows, and music, are part of the vast amount of information that they offer. The Knot has had much success over the years, and in June of this year (2011), changed it’s name to XO Group, Inc. Since launching in 1996, XO Group Inc. has gained dominant market share in the wedding space with the top two wedding websites, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com, and launched the #1 website for newlyweds, TheNest.com, and the fastest-growing website devoted to pregnancy and first-time parents, TheBump.com.{5}

As one can see, there is a lot of useful information on the internet, specializing in personal and professional advice and support. WedMD is a great example for medical information, and The Knot (now XO Group Inc.) is a great example for information about getting married.

(I hope to try the latter in the not too distant future ;)

{1} “WebMD”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_MD

{2} http://www.sramanamitra.com/2007/08/21/web-30-online-health-part-2/

{3} http://investor.shareholder.com/wbmd/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=552196&CompanyID=WBMD

{4} “The Knot” company: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Knot_(company)

{5} http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/newsheadlines.aspx?symbol=XOXO&selected=XOXO

The Benefits of Cloud Computing

There are many incentives in favor, of cloud computing, some of them include: improved logistics, environmental benefits, and economic incentives.

As the distinction between “face to face” and “virtual” communication becomes more obscured, by the seamlessly never-ending introduction of new technology, cloud computing promises to support, and integrate, these various modalities of communication. The ability to share common “air space” with multiple devices, and access data from any of them, creates a streamlined environment for users, both businesses and individuals. The basic premise of cloud computing is to use multiple server computers, via a digital network, to unify data resources.

It would seem that the more gadgets we become accustomed to relying on in our day to day affairs, the more complicated life would get. And yet, the concept of cloud computing offers a reasonable and accessible solution to this chaos. The metaphoric concept of the “cloud” originates from the schematic drawing originally associated with telephonic networking. {1}

It did not take long for “big business” to get involved, thus evolving communication methods at a rapid face. The development of cloud computing, to a large extent, can be attributed to Amazon. Faced with the reality that much of  their potential server space was sitting idle, awaiting unexpected surges in traffic. {2}

In addition to the logistical benefits of operating in a cloud environment, there are substantial environmental benefits as well. Namely, the reduced use of energy as described in a new study by ATT sponsored Verdantix. {3} As a result, carbon emissions could drop considerably. To the naïve reader, who might see this newfound, environmentally friendly, way of operating as a gift from “big business”, look no further than the “bottom line”. As it turns out, companies using cloud computing could benefit to the tune of $12.3 billion off their energy costs.

There are many economic incentives for cloud computing. For instance, it can provide huge cost savings and greater efficiency in large areas of the public sector including hospitals and healthcare (especially to provide information and technologies in remote or poorer locations), education (especially for e-learning) and the activity of government agencies with periodic spikes in usage. {4} These would seem to me, to be obvious benefial, as there are so many problems and obstacles in today’s world, especially when it comes to healthcare and education.

In conclusion, there are many benefits of cloud computing, and in many different areas. From a logistical standpoint, to an environmental outlook, and also a economic windfall, cloud computing shows there are a vast spread of benefits, in many areas of business…and life.

{1} “Cloud Computing”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing#Characteristics

{2} “Amazon Web Service”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Web_Services

{3} http://gigaom.com/cleantech/cloud-computing-could-lead-to-billions-in-energy-savings/

{4} http://wallstreetpit.com/17682-the-economics-of-cloud-computing

Hardware/Software Assignment

There are many types of hardware and software that may be used to allow a small company to extend the use of information systems into the mobile regime at work. Fortunately for this assignment (hopefully), I use many of them at my own job, and so instead of giving basic definitions, I will use some of my actual personal examples. I work for a staffing firm in New York City. We use many different hardware and software programs throughout the day.

One of the main Software as a Solution (SaaS) that we use is from a parent company called VCG. One of the main parts of the SaaS is called StaffSuite. StaffSuite is fully integrated staffing software that streamlines your temporary staffing or full-service staffing operation to increase productivity, control costs and improve margins. {1} We can run almost any type of report imaginable with the data that is input daily. We have availability from being able to run specific revenue and performance reports, to having instant access to information from anyone that registers on our website, to performing all aspect of billing and invoicing, including both accounts payable, and receivable.

Another part of our SaaS is called VCG Timekeeper. VCG TimeKeeper is a Web-based timesheet application integrated with VCG’s StaffSuite staffing software. TimeKeeper streamlines the entire timesheet data entry and approval process, saving time and improving payroll/billing efficiency. {2} Anyone with access to the internet, can access this website and input their days and hours each week. Once they submit their hours, an email is then sent to their manager, who can then either, approve, deny, or modify the person’s submitted hours. I then get reports of all hours and gather, organize, and compute them for payroll.

Another software used is for our payroll, called Paychex.  Paychex, Inc. is a payroll and human resource service company serves approximately 572,000 businesses in the US. {3} I input all of the personal information for each employee (name, address, social security number, etc.), as well as their tax information and dependants. I then put in each employee’s pay rate and hours and submit the final report online. In as little time as the next day, I can have live checks delivered, or direct deposits made.  

An example of a hardware that we use is called Blackberry. BlackBerry is a line of mobile-email and smartphone developed and designed by Canadian company Research In Motion (RIM) since 1999. {4}

Everyone that works in the office, (not the outsourced employees), has a BlackBerry. This is our main form of communicationoutside the office, as we speak on it, text on it, and email on it all the time.

(And I mean ALL the time, 24/7 that dang thing goes off………)

{1} “StaffSuite” definition: http://www.vcgsoftware.com/products.asp

{2} “Timekeeper” definition: http://www.vcgsoftware.com/products-vcg_timekeeper.asp

{3} “Paychex”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paychex

{4} “BlackBerry”: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry

Information System - Paychex

An information system is any combination of information technology and people's activities using that technology to support operations (and) management. {1} There are four main parts to an Information System. They are: Input, Processing, Output, and Feedback.

      Although the textbook did use a payroll example, I will elaborate that, as well as use a specific example, since this is part of my actual job. My company outsources our payroll to a company called “Paychex”, who tout themselves as “The Trusted Payroll Provider for Small & Mid Sized Businesses”. {2}

     The “input” is the gathering and capturing of raw data. This is where I gather all the approved timesheets from different company sources, to confirm each employees hours. The processing is where I input the information into the Paychex website, being sure of wages, hours, tax deductions, as well as personal information, such as an employee’s name, address, and social security numbers. Next is the output. This is where the direct deposits are distributed, as well as “live” checks printed. Finally, is the feedback stage, where I get the reports and totals for other accounting functions, as well if any corrections that may have to take place.

     As an added point of interest, Paychex has expanded to doing more than just payroll. They also now have added Human Resources Services, Health Benefits, and Retirement Savings. They are publicly traded on NASDAQ with the trading symbol PAYX. They closed today at $30.96/share. Their 52 week low is $24.65, and their 52 week high is $33.91.{3}

{1} “Information System” - Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_system

{2} “Paychex” – http://www.paychex.com/msn/paychexcorepayroll.aspx?WT.sp=b826KEY&mkwid=euNSf9YTC&pcrid=651777715&WT.srch=1&mm_campaign=07ce1fe39d81670ba28d73d17ddd0f8a&keyword=paychex

{3} “PAYX” MarketWatch - http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/payx/historical

Monitoring Social Networks

Monitoring Social Networks has quickly become a booming business, that many companies are convinced, they should not be without. The mains goals are to monitor the "pulse" of what people are saying about their company (and others), or their goods and/or services. It is also used for tracking publicity (both good and bad), so they may act, if needed.

     In social networks such as facebook or twitter, people often see what others, many they may know and trust, are saying about companies and products. Their actions and/or purchases may be altered by what they see posted on social netwoks. Therefore, I think it would be a very important benefit to hire a company that specically monitors, what is being said about my company.

    For example, if I opened a restaurant in a new town, I would want to see what people are saying about my restauant. There are many choices of where to go to dinner,and people often use social networks to get other people's opinions. If many people stated that one place was great, and another was terrible, I would hope (and ensure;) that my restaurant was the one people were raving about. 

     However, if there was a negative issue or complaint, that was made aware to me by a social monitoring network, I could possibly act to diffuse or correct the situation, before it got any worse.

Quiz Results and Analysis

I am not even sure if I am supposed this write this here, but I need somewhere to vent, so why not my blog? For the quiz yesterday, I felt prepared for it. I have taken an online course in the past, and am familiar with the fine line drawn between having enough time to get it completed successfully, and not being given time to use other sources. That being said, I never even got to look at questions 15-19, so when there were 30 seconds left I simply clicked true for all of them. Unfortuantely 4 out of the 5 were false (which seems odd in itself). I am somewhat comforted by the fact that there is a curve, and my score was slightly higher than the average, but I am by far my own biggest critic. The questions were not all so simple as 2 +2 = 4 that there was less than a minute to answer each questions in time. Some of the questions especially the questions about Porter, took some time to decipher the different answers. Anyway, I am now off to work until 7pm and have this frustration overwhelming me. As far as I am concerned out of the 30 available points that I actually attempted, I received 24, which is 80%, regardless of what "the system" tells me. Unfortuantely, that is not what is showing up as my grade.

Analyzing Value of an Information System

Information systems are an integral part of any company or organization that want to be successful.  In business the ability to be successful is dependent on multiple variables, but one being the most important is how successful your systems are run to provide the company with an accurate dissection of its business practices. Using information systems will help a company to realize its potential strengths and opportunities within the realm of business.  One such system, Management Information Systems, which combines the use of the organizations people, procedures, methods, and practices and uses the information provided from those components to help provide the organization an accurate picture of its business practices. 

The components of management information systems all play an integral part of an organizations success.  For an organization to be able to utilize the components to help create an accurate picture they must be able collect, manipulate, store, and disseminate data in order to meet their objectives and goals.  Within Management Information Systems, the use of the people is usually ones greatest tool in being able to collect data and information to input into the information system process. The value of an organization’s people helps to paint a clear picture of what is occurring inside an organization based upon their people’s knowledge of the business and training upon which they received.  

The procedures, methods, and practices of an organization can help one to gage the effectiveness of the business in meeting its objectives and goals.  The use of the information can be input into a system that can then process the information based upon parameters used to obtain one’s objectives or goals.  After the input of information is processed it is then able to provide the outputs for which the organization is able to better assess itself and make the necessary changes for the betterment of the organization.  After the changes are made, the company is able to gain feedback from many different areas such as, management, employees, suppliers, customers, benefactors, etc.  The use of this feedback helps to fuel the cycle of information systems and helps an organization to better assess itself constantly and be able to adapt to the ever changing world of business.