This week on PC World online, an article about the new Windows 7 spoke of the Archos tablet. I tend to like new technologies and platforms as they come to mainstream. The tablets as a whole are pretty cool in my opinion. The Archos is a slim touch screen tablet for internet browsing. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. it has all the fixings, USB and now has Windows 7. Archos 9 is powered by an Intel Atom Z515 processors clocked at 1.2 GHz and runs with 1GB of DDR2 RAM.
Keeping consistent with its PMP siblings, the Archos 9 has an audio and video output (VGA), two stereo speakers and can easily place Skype calls with its integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and microphone. An optical trackpad and an on-screen keyboard can be used for navigation and data input. It will likely cost around $650 which is pricy for internet usage but may very well replace the bulky laptop for lots of users.
I think that for my own needs at this point a tablet is not necessary and I would rather take $300 and purchase an iPhone. I still could have a touch-screen device for internet browsing, given the OS may not be as good, screen not as big, and system processor not as fast. All decisions have trade-offs. The phone allows calling and music, but you probably could do voice over IP on the tablet and download music as well. It is a bit larger but should sell quite well.
Sources: Ionescu, Daniel. (2009). Windows 7 Powers Archos Internet Tablet. PC World. Source Sources: Spring, Tom. (2009). Google's Best Easter Eggs and Hoaxes. PC World. s: Spring, Tom. (2009). Google's Best Easter
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Case Study Ch. 15: Nestle Tries for an All-for-One Global Strategy
2. What type of global business and systems strategy did Nestle adopt? Was this strategy appropriate for Nestlé’s business model?
Nestle adopted a global business and systems strategy which was the GLOBE. This type of strategy known’s as global business excellence was set to harmonize processes, standardize data, and standardize systems. These applied to all of Nestles worldwide systems and users. The same process for making sales commitments, factory production, billing customers, and compiling management reports along with financials.
As far as this system being appropriate for Nestle business model I think that it was. Having a strong standardized process on a global scale is imperative to smooth running operations. A company the size of Nestle needed a better way to track and rely on global transactions and information handling. The GLOBE project helped facilitate this and ensure a global standardized process.
3. What management, organization, and technology challenges did Nestle have to deal with to standardize its business processes and systems?
In order to standardize Nestlé’s business processes and systems the implementation of the GLOBE system occurred. The GLOBE was set out to accomplish just this task of a centrally standardized operational format. The challenges faced by Nestle in the transition to the GLOBE system were on many levels. They faced challenges with budgeting, needed cooperation, no shortcuts could be taken, took a long time. The greatest challenges were no technical in fact hey were personal. The global nature also caused challenges due to different laws, currencies, languages, and cultures.
4. What strategies did nestle management use to deal with these challenges? How successful were these strategies? Explain your answer.
Nestle management attempted to deal with challenges facing the implementation of GLOBE by having each business unit name a GLOBE manager and give them the feeling or responsibility, accountability, and decision-making power. This gave the individual unit s a sense of being present in the process. Each country had a data manager as well. It seems that these managerial challenges were overcome because the company continued to implement GLOBE over the next few years. I think they did a nice job under the circumstances.
I think that this case study with nestle is a great example of a company thinking ahead. They recognized potential shortcomings in the company’s IS and took the steps necessary to fix them. Even though this was quite an undertaking, the management did a good job and they stayed focused and the hard work paid off.
Sources: Management Information Systems Managing the Digital Firm, tenth edition. pgs. 624-627. Laudon, Kenneth C.
Nestle adopted a global business and systems strategy which was the GLOBE. This type of strategy known’s as global business excellence was set to harmonize processes, standardize data, and standardize systems. These applied to all of Nestles worldwide systems and users. The same process for making sales commitments, factory production, billing customers, and compiling management reports along with financials.
As far as this system being appropriate for Nestle business model I think that it was. Having a strong standardized process on a global scale is imperative to smooth running operations. A company the size of Nestle needed a better way to track and rely on global transactions and information handling. The GLOBE project helped facilitate this and ensure a global standardized process.
3. What management, organization, and technology challenges did Nestle have to deal with to standardize its business processes and systems?
In order to standardize Nestlé’s business processes and systems the implementation of the GLOBE system occurred. The GLOBE was set out to accomplish just this task of a centrally standardized operational format. The challenges faced by Nestle in the transition to the GLOBE system were on many levels. They faced challenges with budgeting, needed cooperation, no shortcuts could be taken, took a long time. The greatest challenges were no technical in fact hey were personal. The global nature also caused challenges due to different laws, currencies, languages, and cultures.
4. What strategies did nestle management use to deal with these challenges? How successful were these strategies? Explain your answer.
Nestle management attempted to deal with challenges facing the implementation of GLOBE by having each business unit name a GLOBE manager and give them the feeling or responsibility, accountability, and decision-making power. This gave the individual unit s a sense of being present in the process. Each country had a data manager as well. It seems that these managerial challenges were overcome because the company continued to implement GLOBE over the next few years. I think they did a nice job under the circumstances.
I think that this case study with nestle is a great example of a company thinking ahead. They recognized potential shortcomings in the company’s IS and took the steps necessary to fix them. Even though this was quite an undertaking, the management did a good job and they stayed focused and the hard work paid off.
Sources: Management Information Systems Managing the Digital Firm, tenth edition. pgs. 624-627. Laudon, Kenneth C.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Article: E3 2009 Picks and Pans
This week an article on PC World online reported on the E3 show. E3 is a gaming and tech show that is annually held where companies such as Microsoft and Sony display there hottest new technologies and games for the upcoming year. It is a time to show off what they have been keeping quiet for the past year. It typically reveals some cool new features of the gaming world, let’s see….
Lately we have been haring about the human computer interface. Well Microsoft has the natal coming out which is a controller free system which recognizes body gestures as controls. Now that is really cool, it probably will cost a lot at first but I probably will get one. Sony is coming out with a new 3-D technology for its gaming experiences and Nintendo is launching new versions of its best sellers.
I do enjoy playing video games from time to time nowadays; it is a nice escape from reality. I used to play a lot more but the nature of my lifestyle now is too busy to get involved with a regular videogame schedule. I am amazed though at how far videogames have come in the last ten years and what the future is looking like, the prospects of a completely virtual gaming experience are very good. I can’t wait to see what the gamin experience will be like ten years from now..
Then there is the question of ethics which someone brought up the other night. In regards to the premise that we may be able to not contribute to society if we can live in a virtual world, but I think this is not likely. We will still need electricity, food, water and the like but it may decrease the violence in the world, it may make people less confrontational, it may turn to be beneficial if we market it in a good way. It could be the new learning paradigm with great software for people of all ages, who knows…..
Sources: Peckham, Matt. (2009). E3 Picks and Pans. PC World.
Lately we have been haring about the human computer interface. Well Microsoft has the natal coming out which is a controller free system which recognizes body gestures as controls. Now that is really cool, it probably will cost a lot at first but I probably will get one. Sony is coming out with a new 3-D technology for its gaming experiences and Nintendo is launching new versions of its best sellers.
I do enjoy playing video games from time to time nowadays; it is a nice escape from reality. I used to play a lot more but the nature of my lifestyle now is too busy to get involved with a regular videogame schedule. I am amazed though at how far videogames have come in the last ten years and what the future is looking like, the prospects of a completely virtual gaming experience are very good. I can’t wait to see what the gamin experience will be like ten years from now..
Then there is the question of ethics which someone brought up the other night. In regards to the premise that we may be able to not contribute to society if we can live in a virtual world, but I think this is not likely. We will still need electricity, food, water and the like but it may decrease the violence in the world, it may make people less confrontational, it may turn to be beneficial if we market it in a good way. It could be the new learning paradigm with great software for people of all ages, who knows…..
Sources: Peckham, Matt. (2009). E3 Picks and Pans. PC World.
Ch. 14 Case Study: What Went Wrong with Maine's New Medicaid System?
1. How important are information systems for Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services? Analyze the impact of its faulty Medicaid claims processing system.
Information systems are very important for Maine’s Department if Health and Human Services. Over 260,000 residents depend on this service. Information systems themselves are very important to the storage of private information. The transfer of information and dealing with all the specifics of codes regarding the laws and systems implemented by the government. Over 100,000 Medicaid claims per week must be managed by these information systems, they are crucial to the organization.
The impact of its faulty Medicaid claims processing system was vast. Millions of dollars of claims were withheld due to system error. The system was holding back approving claims and with it came over 300,000 frozen claims in the first two months. The system would send checks to doctors for the entire amount billed versus the Medicaid amount. In total this mishap cost the state 30 million dollars.
2. Evaluate the risks of the Medicaid claims processing system project and key risk factors.
The risks of the Medicaid claims processing system project were due to many factors. One of which was a lack of expertise from the contracting companies hired by the state. The other issues were lack of preparedness and security systems created for the software. This resulted in costs to the state and much inconvenience to many people. The risks involved with health care information systems are very serious. Confidential information must kept safe, billings and services rendered must be accurate and truthful, and payments must be accounted for and supplied by the state for the persons on Medicaid.
5. If you were in charge of managing this project, what else would you have done differently to increase chances for success?
If I were in charge of managing this project, in addition I would have attempted to increase the chances for success by hiring consultants from well-known high profile organizations whom have experience in such systems. I would communicate with other states and see how they have implemented their systems and what security measures they have in place. I would do all that I can to ensure the likelihood of success and in the case of a faulty system, I would have measures in place to fix the issues as soon as possible.
Sources: Management Information Systems Managing the Digital Firm, tenth edition. pgs. 589-591. Laudon, Kenneth C.
Information systems are very important for Maine’s Department if Health and Human Services. Over 260,000 residents depend on this service. Information systems themselves are very important to the storage of private information. The transfer of information and dealing with all the specifics of codes regarding the laws and systems implemented by the government. Over 100,000 Medicaid claims per week must be managed by these information systems, they are crucial to the organization.
The impact of its faulty Medicaid claims processing system was vast. Millions of dollars of claims were withheld due to system error. The system was holding back approving claims and with it came over 300,000 frozen claims in the first two months. The system would send checks to doctors for the entire amount billed versus the Medicaid amount. In total this mishap cost the state 30 million dollars.
2. Evaluate the risks of the Medicaid claims processing system project and key risk factors.
The risks of the Medicaid claims processing system project were due to many factors. One of which was a lack of expertise from the contracting companies hired by the state. The other issues were lack of preparedness and security systems created for the software. This resulted in costs to the state and much inconvenience to many people. The risks involved with health care information systems are very serious. Confidential information must kept safe, billings and services rendered must be accurate and truthful, and payments must be accounted for and supplied by the state for the persons on Medicaid.
5. If you were in charge of managing this project, what else would you have done differently to increase chances for success?
If I were in charge of managing this project, in addition I would have attempted to increase the chances for success by hiring consultants from well-known high profile organizations whom have experience in such systems. I would communicate with other states and see how they have implemented their systems and what security measures they have in place. I would do all that I can to ensure the likelihood of success and in the case of a faulty system, I would have measures in place to fix the issues as soon as possible.
Sources: Management Information Systems Managing the Digital Firm, tenth edition. pgs. 589-591. Laudon, Kenneth C.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Article: Is This The Next Iphone?
This week an article about a new smart phone coming out was very interesting. In today’s technological world, we are able to do so many things from our cell phones. The wireless internet capabilities, navigations, endless iphone applications and great cameras all combine to offer very powerful tools. Rumors have it that the new iphone will have Apple or Mac OS 3.0 and many new touch screen capabilities. A new autofocus function along with a compass offer more functions to the already amazing iphone.
I personally do not have an iphone. I looked into a while back as I am a member of AT&T wireless. Yet I was not eligible for an upgrade so the phone itself would costs over $300 for the smaller hard drive. I think that this is a bit ridiculous. If I am a member I should be able to switch phones within AT&T at any time. The other factors affecting my decision not to get an iphone are necessity and cost.
I have a razor and am pleased with it, the reception is good, and the phone is fine aesthetically. I do not need the internet on my phone or an endless barrage of apps. I think it is a bit excessive. I only have a $50 or so monthly payment as of now. The minimum increase would be to $75 a month I believe. The cost of the phone, combined with a higher monthly bill, and excessive luxuries which are not needed all combined together are more than enough to keep me from the iphone.
Undoubtedly I will inevitable give in and purchase a smart phone, most likely some new edition of the iphone. The time I do so, I will likely need it for work or some other function and will not worry about the monthly bill. I do find it amazing however how much power we have at our fingertips with these brand new technologies. Mobile computing and communication has changed so much over the past years and will continue to do so as the market is huge and still growing in certain areas of the world. The future should be exciting….
Sources: Suarez, Paul. (2009). Is This The Next Iphone? PC World.
I personally do not have an iphone. I looked into a while back as I am a member of AT&T wireless. Yet I was not eligible for an upgrade so the phone itself would costs over $300 for the smaller hard drive. I think that this is a bit ridiculous. If I am a member I should be able to switch phones within AT&T at any time. The other factors affecting my decision not to get an iphone are necessity and cost.
I have a razor and am pleased with it, the reception is good, and the phone is fine aesthetically. I do not need the internet on my phone or an endless barrage of apps. I think it is a bit excessive. I only have a $50 or so monthly payment as of now. The minimum increase would be to $75 a month I believe. The cost of the phone, combined with a higher monthly bill, and excessive luxuries which are not needed all combined together are more than enough to keep me from the iphone.
Undoubtedly I will inevitable give in and purchase a smart phone, most likely some new edition of the iphone. The time I do so, I will likely need it for work or some other function and will not worry about the monthly bill. I do find it amazing however how much power we have at our fingertips with these brand new technologies. Mobile computing and communication has changed so much over the past years and will continue to do so as the market is huge and still growing in certain areas of the world. The future should be exciting….
Sources: Suarez, Paul. (2009). Is This The Next Iphone? PC World.
Case Study: Can Information Systems Make Your Doctor Better?
1. What problems are hospitals and physicians encountering in diagnosing diseases and prescribing medications? What management, organization, and technology factors are responsible for these problems?
Hospitals and doctors are encountering problems in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing drugs. These problems include: using drugs improperly which cause adverse reactions, inappropriate drugs, poor handwriting, memory lapses, fatigue, distractions and to much volume. The factors responsible for this problem are poor management of information and lack of good technology to handle all this information.
2. Are CPOE and DDS systems appropriate solutions? Why or why not? What management, technology, and organization issues are involved in the use of these systems?
CPOE and DDS systems are not necessarily good systems for these environments. They must be adapted to the needs of the clinic and users must be properly trained in the operation of the systems. They are expensive systems with good theoretical application it is just a matter of time and resources to properly implement them. When using these systems good management of information is vital. The technology platforms can be user friendly after training.
3. What obstacles prevent computer systems from improving the medical industry? How can these obstacles be removed?
The obstacles that prevent computer systems from improving the medical system are that the human discretion will always be needed for diagnoses and treatment. Insurance policies also may inhibit the proper application of these systems. Digital patient record systems are not common enough yet either. To remove any obstacles the medical industry as a whole, that being insurance companies, clinics, and patients alike must implement changes to help facilitate these computerized programs to function at maximum capacity.
Sources: Management Information Systems Managing the Digital Firm, tenth edition. pgs. 505-507. Laudon, Kenneth C.
Hospitals and doctors are encountering problems in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing drugs. These problems include: using drugs improperly which cause adverse reactions, inappropriate drugs, poor handwriting, memory lapses, fatigue, distractions and to much volume. The factors responsible for this problem are poor management of information and lack of good technology to handle all this information.
2. Are CPOE and DDS systems appropriate solutions? Why or why not? What management, technology, and organization issues are involved in the use of these systems?
CPOE and DDS systems are not necessarily good systems for these environments. They must be adapted to the needs of the clinic and users must be properly trained in the operation of the systems. They are expensive systems with good theoretical application it is just a matter of time and resources to properly implement them. When using these systems good management of information is vital. The technology platforms can be user friendly after training.
3. What obstacles prevent computer systems from improving the medical industry? How can these obstacles be removed?
The obstacles that prevent computer systems from improving the medical system are that the human discretion will always be needed for diagnoses and treatment. Insurance policies also may inhibit the proper application of these systems. Digital patient record systems are not common enough yet either. To remove any obstacles the medical industry as a whole, that being insurance companies, clinics, and patients alike must implement changes to help facilitate these computerized programs to function at maximum capacity.
Sources: Management Information Systems Managing the Digital Firm, tenth edition. pgs. 505-507. Laudon, Kenneth C.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Article Review: Six Smart Ways to Grow Small Business IT
A very interesting and appropriate article from PC World talks about how to improve and develop good IT infrastructure in small businesses. I thought this subject matter is especially appropriate as we are in an entrepreneurial class simultaneously with our IS/IT class. The article focused on how as a company grows its IT must grow as well. An analogy to clothing on a child was drawn to a firm’s IT. Imagine a large adult in infants clothing, t simply would not work. This happens to larger companies and it can cause a lot of time, money, and energy to fix and upgrade IT that is needed.
The author suggests that your need to change IT will occur a lot sooner than most expect. He suggests making sure that your small business budget has enough space for IT. He suggests budgeting approximately 10%-15% of salary per employee for IT each year. This seems a bit high and I would have to believe this depends on the type of company we are referring to, yet I am not the expert.
Planning your IT future is emphasized by the author. Small businesses can end up with to many different types of systems. Another trend for small businesses is to replace systems with new ones as opposed to updating or modifying the current hardware’s. The next recommendation is to make IT part of management. This step helps ensure good timing and cost structure from the owner to the employees. Taking care of basics is another issues important to small business IT. A hierarchy of needs can be used here, with information security as one of the priorities.
Choosing vendors wisely is crucial to small businesses in the early stages. A key to success, vendors and suppliers must be efficient and reliable. Continue learning is essential to success of any business. Finally the author offers us that a combination of enterprise IT and small business advantages one can ensure that a growing business is prepared for success.
I think this article offers owners of small businesses a good path for beginning to think about their IT. In today’s business world, IT is becoming evermore crucial and part of daily operations. The transfer of information, protecting information, and communicating within various sites all need to be managed by good IT systems. By taking a proactive approach to ensuring IT stability and preparedness one can begin to mitigate some of the risks of issues associated with information systems and business operations.
Sources: Widman, Jake. (2009). Six Smart Ways to Grow Small Business IT. PC World.
The author suggests that your need to change IT will occur a lot sooner than most expect. He suggests making sure that your small business budget has enough space for IT. He suggests budgeting approximately 10%-15% of salary per employee for IT each year. This seems a bit high and I would have to believe this depends on the type of company we are referring to, yet I am not the expert.
Planning your IT future is emphasized by the author. Small businesses can end up with to many different types of systems. Another trend for small businesses is to replace systems with new ones as opposed to updating or modifying the current hardware’s. The next recommendation is to make IT part of management. This step helps ensure good timing and cost structure from the owner to the employees. Taking care of basics is another issues important to small business IT. A hierarchy of needs can be used here, with information security as one of the priorities.
Choosing vendors wisely is crucial to small businesses in the early stages. A key to success, vendors and suppliers must be efficient and reliable. Continue learning is essential to success of any business. Finally the author offers us that a combination of enterprise IT and small business advantages one can ensure that a growing business is prepared for success.
I think this article offers owners of small businesses a good path for beginning to think about their IT. In today’s business world, IT is becoming evermore crucial and part of daily operations. The transfer of information, protecting information, and communicating within various sites all need to be managed by good IT systems. By taking a proactive approach to ensuring IT stability and preparedness one can begin to mitigate some of the risks of issues associated with information systems and business operations.
Sources: Widman, Jake. (2009). Six Smart Ways to Grow Small Business IT. PC World.
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